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January 4, 2013
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
PRELACY FREEWAY AND STREET SIGNS INSTALLED
We are pleased to announce that thanks to the efforts of the H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Executive Council, and Prelacy
Real Property Committee, in late December of 2012 freeway and surface street
signs were installed directing faithful to the Prelacy building.
Signs have been posted on the 210 Freeway East and West at the
Lowell and La Tuna Canyon exits, and also near the intersections of Honolulu
and Lowell and Honolulu and La Tuna Canyon.
The Prelate, Councils, and Committee members express their
appreciation to Assemblymember Charles Calderon and L.A. County Supervisor
Michael Antonovich for their assistance in this endeavor. "We convey our
thanks and gratitude to Assemblymember Calderon and Supervisor Antonovich
for their support in facilitating the installment of the signs directing our
faithful to our headquarters. We treasure their genuine friendship and
continued support of our endeavors and mission, and we look forward to
continuing this relationship in the New Year and in the years to come",
stated the Prelate.
PRELATE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DIVINE LITURGY
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ENCINO
On Sunday, January 6th, the Glorious Birth and Theophany of our Lord
Jesus Christ will be ceremoniously celebrated with Divine Liturgy and the
blessing of water symbolizing the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River.
The Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and
conduct the blessing of water at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
Catholicosate Seminary Dean H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, who
will be in Los Angeles during this time, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and
deliver the sermon at St. Mary's Church in Glendale.
On Saturday, January 5th, Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy will be
celebrated in Prelacy Churches, followed by the lighting of the candles
service (Jrakalooyots).
The Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at
St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
On the morning of Monday, January 7, Christmas memorial day services
will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills "Hall of Liberty" and Forest
Lawn Glendale "Church of the Recessional", beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Prelate will preside over the service at Hollywood Hills Forest
Lawn.
CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE AND BLESSING OF WATER
AT GLENDALE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
In celebration of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ, on Friday, January 4, 2013, morning service was held and the
blessing of water ceremony was conducted at Glendale Memorial Hospital.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, led the prayer
service, conducted the blessing of water, and conveyed his New Year and
Christmas blessings and well wishes. St. Mary's Church Pastors assisted in
the service.
Upon their arrival, the Prelate and St. Mary's Church Pastors were
greeted by Mr. Jack Ivie, President of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health
Center, and led to the auditorium for the service.
Among the guests in attendance were Glendale City officials,
hospital Board of Directors members, including Mr. Sarkis Ourfalian,
Armenian and non-Armenians members of the administration, staff, and
volunteers. Executive Council member Dr. Dikran Babikian was also present.
During the service, the Prelate explained the meaning of the
blessing of water, which symbolizes the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
River. His Eminence also explained that in the Armenian Church Holy Chrism
is used to bless the water. Guests listened intently as the Prelate
interestingly gave a history of the Holy Chrism explaining that every time a
new batch is prepared, the remaining portion of the previous oil is poured
in with the new, a procedure which has been followed for generations, thus
the holy oil always contains small amounts from the original oil blessed
over 1700 years ago by St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Mr. Jack Ivie thanked the Prelate for this annual service and also
for his explanation of the ceremony, stating that he has attended Armenian
Christmas service in the past but was not aware of the history behind the
traditions.
The Prelate and Pastors distributed the blessed water to the guests,
after which they were hosted to a reception by the Board and administration.
CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT ARARAT HOME
It has become a beautiful tradition within the Western Prelacy for
clergy to visit Ararat Home at the start of each New Year to convey their
New Year blessings and spread Christmas joy and tidings to the
administration and residents.
Continuing this tradition, on the morning of Wednesday, January 2nd,
2013, Christmas service was held at Ararat Home in Mission Hills led by the
Prelate, and with the participation of clergy members.
The service began at 10:00 a.m. at the nursing facility dining room
with the Prelate conveying his blessings and wishes for a happy New Year to
the residents. Following the singing of hymns dedicated to the Nativity and
Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prelate conducted the blessing of
water, bread, and salt. Residents were then offered Holy Communion.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Sheen Chapel beginning at 10:30
a.m. St. Mary's Church Pastor Rev. Gomidas Torossian celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Holy Communion was offered to the
faithful, after which the Prelate presided over the blessing of water.
The Prelate and clergy were then hosted to a luncheon by the
administration.
PRELATE CONVEYS NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS
WELL WISHES
In mid-December, the Prelate sent congratulatory letters to His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Diocesan
Archbishops, leaders of Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches, Oriental
Orthodox and Maronite Churches, Consul Generals of Armenia and Lebanon,
Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan, Pastors and Boards of Trustees,
conveying his blessings and well wishes on the threshold of the New Year and
Feast of the Birth and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his letter the Prelate noted, "Today in this ever-increasing
chaotic and unstable world filled with economic crises and conflicts,
mankind is more than ever in need of the good tidings of love, hope, peace,
and harmony revealed centuries ago in that humble manger in Bethlehem. The
Birth of our Savior heralded that at the heart of the world is One Who has
boundless love and compassion for all who suffer, and as faithful
Christians, we will draw strength from the promise of peace in the message
of the angels and continue to be messengers of those good tidings and strive
for a world that is just and peaceful. With these sentiments and with the
promise to embody the message of the Birth of our Lord in our lives, we
welcome a New Year and celebrate the "Great and Marvelous Mystery" of the
Nativity as we join the angels of that first Christmas and proclaim in
unison, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward
men."
The Prelate also received letters of good wishes from Clergy and
dignitaries.
PRELATE ATTENDS CHRISTMAS RECEPTIONS
At the start of the New Year, a number of our sister organizations
are hosting Christmas gatherings to celebrate the upcoming Feast of the
Nativity and Theophany of our Lord.
On Wednesday, January 2nd, the Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr.
Ardak Demirjian, attended a reception hosted by the Armenian Relief
Society-Western Region Executive and conveyed his New Year and Christmas
blessings and well wishes. On this occasion, the Prelate presented the ARS
member with newly published color illustrated copies of the Lords' Prayer.
On Thursday, January 3rd, the Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr.
Gomidas Torossian, attended a reception organized by Homenetmen Western
Region Executive at their center in Glendale and conveyed his blessings and
well wishes. The Prelate also presented Homenetmen members with copies of
the Lords' Prayer.
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
PRELACY FREEWAY AND STREET SIGNS INSTALLED
We are pleased to announce that thanks to the efforts of the H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Executive Council, and Prelacy
Real Property Committee, in late December of 2012 freeway and surface street
signs were installed directing faithful to the Prelacy building.
Signs have been posted on the 210 Freeway East and West at the
Lowell and La Tuna Canyon exits, and also near the intersections of Honolulu
and Lowell and Honolulu and La Tuna Canyon.
The Prelate, Councils, and Committee members express their
appreciation to Assemblymember Charles Calderon and L.A. County Supervisor
Michael Antonovich for their assistance in this endeavor. "We convey our
thanks and gratitude to Assemblymember Calderon and Supervisor Antonovich
for their support in facilitating the installment of the signs directing our
faithful to our headquarters. We treasure their genuine friendship and
continued support of our endeavors and mission, and we look forward to
continuing this relationship in the New Year and in the years to come",
stated the Prelate.
PRELATE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DIVINE LITURGY
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ENCINO
On Sunday, January 6th, the Glorious Birth and Theophany of our Lord
Jesus Christ will be ceremoniously celebrated with Divine Liturgy and the
blessing of water symbolizing the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River.
The Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and
conduct the blessing of water at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
Catholicosate Seminary Dean H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, who
will be in Los Angeles during this time, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and
deliver the sermon at St. Mary's Church in Glendale.
On Saturday, January 5th, Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy will be
celebrated in Prelacy Churches, followed by the lighting of the candles
service (Jrakalooyots).
The Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at
St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
On the morning of Monday, January 7, Christmas memorial day services
will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills "Hall of Liberty" and Forest
Lawn Glendale "Church of the Recessional", beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Prelate will preside over the service at Hollywood Hills Forest
Lawn.
CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE AND BLESSING OF WATER
AT GLENDALE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
In celebration of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ, on Friday, January 4, 2013, morning service was held and the
blessing of water ceremony was conducted at Glendale Memorial Hospital.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, led the prayer
service, conducted the blessing of water, and conveyed his New Year and
Christmas blessings and well wishes. St. Mary's Church Pastors assisted in
the service.
Upon their arrival, the Prelate and St. Mary's Church Pastors were
greeted by Mr. Jack Ivie, President of Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health
Center, and led to the auditorium for the service.
Among the guests in attendance were Glendale City officials,
hospital Board of Directors members, including Mr. Sarkis Ourfalian,
Armenian and non-Armenians members of the administration, staff, and
volunteers. Executive Council member Dr. Dikran Babikian was also present.
During the service, the Prelate explained the meaning of the
blessing of water, which symbolizes the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
River. His Eminence also explained that in the Armenian Church Holy Chrism
is used to bless the water. Guests listened intently as the Prelate
interestingly gave a history of the Holy Chrism explaining that every time a
new batch is prepared, the remaining portion of the previous oil is poured
in with the new, a procedure which has been followed for generations, thus
the holy oil always contains small amounts from the original oil blessed
over 1700 years ago by St. Gregory the Illuminator.
Mr. Jack Ivie thanked the Prelate for this annual service and also
for his explanation of the ceremony, stating that he has attended Armenian
Christmas service in the past but was not aware of the history behind the
traditions.
The Prelate and Pastors distributed the blessed water to the guests,
after which they were hosted to a reception by the Board and administration.
CHRISTMAS SERVICE AT ARARAT HOME
It has become a beautiful tradition within the Western Prelacy for
clergy to visit Ararat Home at the start of each New Year to convey their
New Year blessings and spread Christmas joy and tidings to the
administration and residents.
Continuing this tradition, on the morning of Wednesday, January 2nd,
2013, Christmas service was held at Ararat Home in Mission Hills led by the
Prelate, and with the participation of clergy members.
The service began at 10:00 a.m. at the nursing facility dining room
with the Prelate conveying his blessings and wishes for a happy New Year to
the residents. Following the singing of hymns dedicated to the Nativity and
Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prelate conducted the blessing of
water, bread, and salt. Residents were then offered Holy Communion.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Sheen Chapel beginning at 10:30
a.m. St. Mary's Church Pastor Rev. Gomidas Torossian celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Holy Communion was offered to the
faithful, after which the Prelate presided over the blessing of water.
The Prelate and clergy were then hosted to a luncheon by the
administration.
PRELATE CONVEYS NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS
WELL WISHES
In mid-December, the Prelate sent congratulatory letters to His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Diocesan
Archbishops, leaders of Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches, Oriental
Orthodox and Maronite Churches, Consul Generals of Armenia and Lebanon,
Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan, Pastors and Boards of Trustees,
conveying his blessings and well wishes on the threshold of the New Year and
Feast of the Birth and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In his letter the Prelate noted, "Today in this ever-increasing
chaotic and unstable world filled with economic crises and conflicts,
mankind is more than ever in need of the good tidings of love, hope, peace,
and harmony revealed centuries ago in that humble manger in Bethlehem. The
Birth of our Savior heralded that at the heart of the world is One Who has
boundless love and compassion for all who suffer, and as faithful
Christians, we will draw strength from the promise of peace in the message
of the angels and continue to be messengers of those good tidings and strive
for a world that is just and peaceful. With these sentiments and with the
promise to embody the message of the Birth of our Lord in our lives, we
welcome a New Year and celebrate the "Great and Marvelous Mystery" of the
Nativity as we join the angels of that first Christmas and proclaim in
unison, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward
men."
The Prelate also received letters of good wishes from Clergy and
dignitaries.
PRELATE ATTENDS CHRISTMAS RECEPTIONS
At the start of the New Year, a number of our sister organizations
are hosting Christmas gatherings to celebrate the upcoming Feast of the
Nativity and Theophany of our Lord.
On Wednesday, January 2nd, the Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr.
Ardak Demirjian, attended a reception hosted by the Armenian Relief
Society-Western Region Executive and conveyed his New Year and Christmas
blessings and well wishes. On this occasion, the Prelate presented the ARS
member with newly published color illustrated copies of the Lords' Prayer.
On Thursday, January 3rd, the Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr.
Gomidas Torossian, attended a reception organized by Homenetmen Western
Region Executive at their center in Glendale and conveyed his blessings and
well wishes. The Prelate also presented Homenetmen members with copies of
the Lords' Prayer.