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May 17, 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
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN INAUGURATION OF
`NEW CILICIA' VILLAGE IN ARTSAKH
On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, returned to Los Angeles from a mission in Armenia and Artsakh. The
Prelate first participated in the meeting of the Canonization Committee at
Holy Etchmiadzin, from where he headed to Artsakh for the official opening
of the `New Cilicia' village sponsored by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
The `New Cilicia' project was implemented by the joint efforts of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the government of the Republic of
Nagorno-Karabakh to build single residence homes, a kindergarten, medical
center, community center, and a church in the Martakert Province to
repopulate the strategically important region.
The first phase included the renovation of the existing elementary
school, the drawing of the village blueprint, which was ratified by the
government, and the building of the first ten homes in late 2012. The homes
were presented to families of martyred soldiers and young couples selected
by the government. In the meantime, construction and renovations continue
on 32 existing homes, which is expected to be completed in the coming few
months.
The Catholicosate of Cilicia delegation, comprised of the Prelate,
H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Prelate of Tehran), H.E. Bishop Papken
Tcharian (Prelate of Isfahan),Mr. Ara Demirjian and Mr. Vahe Yacoubian
(Central Executive members), Mr. Edward Babakhanians (Chairman of the Tehran
Prelacy Executive Council), and Mr. Khatchig Dedeyan (Catholicosate
Chancellor), arrived in Artsakh on Friday, May 10.
On the morning of Saturday, May 11, the delegation met with Artsakh
President Bako Sahakyan and Primate H.E. Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, and
firstly conveyed the blessings and well wishes of H.H. Catholicos Aram I.
State-church ties, socioeconomic situation in Artsakh and regional trends
were the focus of the meeting. President Sahakyan expressed his gratitude to
His Holiness for the close relations that exist between the Catholicosate
and the Republic of Artsakh, as evidenced by the building of the `New
Cilicia' village, and invited His Holiness to visit Artsakh and personally
bless the citizens. The President wished that the `New Cilicia' village
becomes the symbol of collaboration between Artsakh and the Diaspora,
stressing the importance of the Diaspora's support in similar repopulation
efforts. President Sahakyan also underlined the vital role of the Armenian
Apostolic Church in preserving Armenian national identity in the Diaspora,
noting that the church has had a great contribution in strengthening and
expanding ties with the Motherland. Both sides emphasized the need for
continuous deepening the state-church interrelations, considering it among
the most important bases of the Motherland-Diaspora unshakable unity.
Accompanied by Artsakh Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, the
delegation then headed to the `New Cilicia' village, where they were greeted
and welcomed by Minister of Agriculture Karen Shahramanyan, Head of
Martakert Province Regional Administration Vladik Khachatryan, `New
Ghazanchi' village head, elementary school principal, and `New Cilicia'
residents.
The inauguration of the village began with a special prayer led by
the Prelates, followed by the reading of letter of blessing of Catholicos
Aram I, in which His Holiness stated that Artsakh gained independence owing
to the collective faith, strong will, and blood of our people. Gaining
independence takes sacrifice, but maintaining and strengthening independence
and democracy takes even greater sacrifice and collective efforts, stated
our Pontiff. A mighty and prosperous Artsakh is a pan-Armenian
responsibility, and it is with knowledge and purpose that the Catholicosate
of Cilicia undertook this project with its Prelacies; we will continue to
lend our unwavering support to Artsakh, concluded the letter of His
Holiness.
In his address, Prime Minister Harutyunyan explained the historical
significance of the region designated for the `New Cilicia' repopulation
project. The New Ghazanchi region, explained the Prime Minister, was one of
the major theatres of the war and played a significant role in the Artsakh
army's victory. The Prime Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Prelacies of the Holy See of Cilicia for
their sponsorship of this important effort.
Remarks were also delivered by Head of Martakert Province Regional
Administration Vladik Khachatryan, the school principal, and Minister of
Agriculture Karen Shahramanyan. Mr. Shahramanyan presented the upcoming
phases of the project, which includes the building of 29 new homes and the
completion of the renovation of 32 existing homes.
The breaking ground and blessing of the foundation for the new homes
followed, construction on which will begin immediately. The delegation then
had the opportunity to visit the new homes to congratulate and bless the
families on this joyous occasion.
PRELATE TO CONSECRATE SACRED PAINTINGS AND STAINED GLASS AT ST. GARABED
CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS
On Sunday, May 19, the Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy,
deliver the sermon, and consecrate sacred paintings and stained glass
windows at St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas. The Church construction was
completed in April, and St. Garabed was consecrated by the Prelate on April
13 and 14.
Following the service, the Prelate will preside over the unveiling
of "The Surviving Mother" monument in the Church courtyard. The monument,
donated by Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Doris Deratzou, was erected in memory of
Armenian mothers who survived the Armenian Genocide and created our new
generation in America and around the world. The unveiling ceremony is
organized by the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas and
sponsored by the ARS Las Vegas "Shoushi" Chapter. It will feature a dance
performance by young students of "Armenian Dancers of Las Vegas". A
luncheon organized by the ARS will follow at "Koujakian" Hall.
ENROLLMENT BEGINS AT BIKFAYA SEMINARY
FOR 2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Dean of the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, has announced that enrollment has begun for the
2013-2014 academic year, and continues until May 27. The Seminary accept
students who have completed the 6th grade; older students in high school and
college may apply as well.
The new academic year begins on Monday, October 14, 2013.
This year, special summer classes are also being offered
particularly for students from Syria and nearby countries, however the
classes are open to new enrollees as well. Interested individuals must be
in Bikfaya by July 1st to participate in the program.
For more information please contact the Dean at 03-486943, 04-980060
or [email protected].
MESROBIAN AND MINASSIAN STUDENTS VISIT THE PRELACY
On Thursday, May 16, 2013, fifth grade students from Armenian
Mesrobian and Ari Guiragos Minassian Schools visited the Prelacy where they
met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy, and
became familiarized with activities of the Prelacy.
The visit began with a prayer service at the "St. Dertad and St.
Ashkhen" Chapel led by the Prelate, who was joined by Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, after which the students presented
the Prelate with mementos. Minassian School students had prepared a prayer
book with prayers they had written, which they presented to His Eminence.
The visit continued at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall
where the students performed a cultural program of songs, recitations, and
prayers they had written for their mothers.
Minassian School alumna and former student of the Prelate, Arda
Arjian, who with their fiancé had come to see His Eminence, was invited to
participate in the visit and to share her memories of her time at the
school. Ms. Arjian told the students that when she was their age the
Prelate was the Pastor of Forty Martyrs Church and was her religion teacher,
spoke highly of the friendships she formed while at the school which
continue and remain strong, and urged the students to understand the value
of their school years and enjoy their time as students of Armenian schools.
The Prelate commended Ms. Arjian for her remarks and especially
appreciated her eloquent expression in Armenian, and also commended the
students for their prayers dedicated to their mothers. Speaking on the
importance of prayer, the Prelate asked the students to pray also for their
teachers.
The program concluded with the benediction by the Prelate and the
Cilician anthem sung by the students, and the students headed back to their
schools after receiving a tour and further information on the endeavors of
the Prelacy.
CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING ARMENIAN GRADUATES
The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) each
year honors outstanding Armenian students graduating from the Glendale
Unified School District.
This year's reception, the 17th annual, was held on Tuesday, May 14
at the Glendale Adult Recreation Center.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian represented the Prelate. Executive
Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and member Ms. Ani Mgrdichian-Garikian
were also in attendance, as well as Executive Council representative to
CASPS Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian, St. Mary's Church Board of Trustees
members, and GUSD members.
Fr. Muron conveyed the Prelate's blessings and well wishes, and read
the Prelate's message to the students. CASPS Chair Mr. Rouben Gourjian gave
an overview of the event and the overall mission of CASPS. Mrs. Rima
Boghossian congratulated the students and commended the members of CASPS for
this initiative.
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
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN INAUGURATION OF
`NEW CILICIA' VILLAGE IN ARTSAKH
On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, returned to Los Angeles from a mission in Armenia and Artsakh. The
Prelate first participated in the meeting of the Canonization Committee at
Holy Etchmiadzin, from where he headed to Artsakh for the official opening
of the `New Cilicia' village sponsored by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
The `New Cilicia' project was implemented by the joint efforts of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the government of the Republic of
Nagorno-Karabakh to build single residence homes, a kindergarten, medical
center, community center, and a church in the Martakert Province to
repopulate the strategically important region.
The first phase included the renovation of the existing elementary
school, the drawing of the village blueprint, which was ratified by the
government, and the building of the first ten homes in late 2012. The homes
were presented to families of martyred soldiers and young couples selected
by the government. In the meantime, construction and renovations continue
on 32 existing homes, which is expected to be completed in the coming few
months.
The Catholicosate of Cilicia delegation, comprised of the Prelate,
H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Prelate of Tehran), H.E. Bishop Papken
Tcharian (Prelate of Isfahan),Mr. Ara Demirjian and Mr. Vahe Yacoubian
(Central Executive members), Mr. Edward Babakhanians (Chairman of the Tehran
Prelacy Executive Council), and Mr. Khatchig Dedeyan (Catholicosate
Chancellor), arrived in Artsakh on Friday, May 10.
On the morning of Saturday, May 11, the delegation met with Artsakh
President Bako Sahakyan and Primate H.E. Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, and
firstly conveyed the blessings and well wishes of H.H. Catholicos Aram I.
State-church ties, socioeconomic situation in Artsakh and regional trends
were the focus of the meeting. President Sahakyan expressed his gratitude to
His Holiness for the close relations that exist between the Catholicosate
and the Republic of Artsakh, as evidenced by the building of the `New
Cilicia' village, and invited His Holiness to visit Artsakh and personally
bless the citizens. The President wished that the `New Cilicia' village
becomes the symbol of collaboration between Artsakh and the Diaspora,
stressing the importance of the Diaspora's support in similar repopulation
efforts. President Sahakyan also underlined the vital role of the Armenian
Apostolic Church in preserving Armenian national identity in the Diaspora,
noting that the church has had a great contribution in strengthening and
expanding ties with the Motherland. Both sides emphasized the need for
continuous deepening the state-church interrelations, considering it among
the most important bases of the Motherland-Diaspora unshakable unity.
Accompanied by Artsakh Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, the
delegation then headed to the `New Cilicia' village, where they were greeted
and welcomed by Minister of Agriculture Karen Shahramanyan, Head of
Martakert Province Regional Administration Vladik Khachatryan, `New
Ghazanchi' village head, elementary school principal, and `New Cilicia'
residents.
The inauguration of the village began with a special prayer led by
the Prelates, followed by the reading of letter of blessing of Catholicos
Aram I, in which His Holiness stated that Artsakh gained independence owing
to the collective faith, strong will, and blood of our people. Gaining
independence takes sacrifice, but maintaining and strengthening independence
and democracy takes even greater sacrifice and collective efforts, stated
our Pontiff. A mighty and prosperous Artsakh is a pan-Armenian
responsibility, and it is with knowledge and purpose that the Catholicosate
of Cilicia undertook this project with its Prelacies; we will continue to
lend our unwavering support to Artsakh, concluded the letter of His
Holiness.
In his address, Prime Minister Harutyunyan explained the historical
significance of the region designated for the `New Cilicia' repopulation
project. The New Ghazanchi region, explained the Prime Minister, was one of
the major theatres of the war and played a significant role in the Artsakh
army's victory. The Prime Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Prelacies of the Holy See of Cilicia for
their sponsorship of this important effort.
Remarks were also delivered by Head of Martakert Province Regional
Administration Vladik Khachatryan, the school principal, and Minister of
Agriculture Karen Shahramanyan. Mr. Shahramanyan presented the upcoming
phases of the project, which includes the building of 29 new homes and the
completion of the renovation of 32 existing homes.
The breaking ground and blessing of the foundation for the new homes
followed, construction on which will begin immediately. The delegation then
had the opportunity to visit the new homes to congratulate and bless the
families on this joyous occasion.
PRELATE TO CONSECRATE SACRED PAINTINGS AND STAINED GLASS AT ST. GARABED
CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS
On Sunday, May 19, the Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy,
deliver the sermon, and consecrate sacred paintings and stained glass
windows at St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas. The Church construction was
completed in April, and St. Garabed was consecrated by the Prelate on April
13 and 14.
Following the service, the Prelate will preside over the unveiling
of "The Surviving Mother" monument in the Church courtyard. The monument,
donated by Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Doris Deratzou, was erected in memory of
Armenian mothers who survived the Armenian Genocide and created our new
generation in America and around the world. The unveiling ceremony is
organized by the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas and
sponsored by the ARS Las Vegas "Shoushi" Chapter. It will feature a dance
performance by young students of "Armenian Dancers of Las Vegas". A
luncheon organized by the ARS will follow at "Koujakian" Hall.
ENROLLMENT BEGINS AT BIKFAYA SEMINARY
FOR 2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Dean of the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, has announced that enrollment has begun for the
2013-2014 academic year, and continues until May 27. The Seminary accept
students who have completed the 6th grade; older students in high school and
college may apply as well.
The new academic year begins on Monday, October 14, 2013.
This year, special summer classes are also being offered
particularly for students from Syria and nearby countries, however the
classes are open to new enrollees as well. Interested individuals must be
in Bikfaya by July 1st to participate in the program.
For more information please contact the Dean at 03-486943, 04-980060
or [email protected].
MESROBIAN AND MINASSIAN STUDENTS VISIT THE PRELACY
On Thursday, May 16, 2013, fifth grade students from Armenian
Mesrobian and Ari Guiragos Minassian Schools visited the Prelacy where they
met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy, and
became familiarized with activities of the Prelacy.
The visit began with a prayer service at the "St. Dertad and St.
Ashkhen" Chapel led by the Prelate, who was joined by Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, after which the students presented
the Prelate with mementos. Minassian School students had prepared a prayer
book with prayers they had written, which they presented to His Eminence.
The visit continued at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall
where the students performed a cultural program of songs, recitations, and
prayers they had written for their mothers.
Minassian School alumna and former student of the Prelate, Arda
Arjian, who with their fiancé had come to see His Eminence, was invited to
participate in the visit and to share her memories of her time at the
school. Ms. Arjian told the students that when she was their age the
Prelate was the Pastor of Forty Martyrs Church and was her religion teacher,
spoke highly of the friendships she formed while at the school which
continue and remain strong, and urged the students to understand the value
of their school years and enjoy their time as students of Armenian schools.
The Prelate commended Ms. Arjian for her remarks and especially
appreciated her eloquent expression in Armenian, and also commended the
students for their prayers dedicated to their mothers. Speaking on the
importance of prayer, the Prelate asked the students to pray also for their
teachers.
The program concluded with the benediction by the Prelate and the
Cilician anthem sung by the students, and the students headed back to their
schools after receiving a tour and further information on the endeavors of
the Prelacy.
CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING ARMENIAN GRADUATES
The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) each
year honors outstanding Armenian students graduating from the Glendale
Unified School District.
This year's reception, the 17th annual, was held on Tuesday, May 14
at the Glendale Adult Recreation Center.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian represented the Prelate. Executive
Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and member Ms. Ani Mgrdichian-Garikian
were also in attendance, as well as Executive Council representative to
CASPS Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian, St. Mary's Church Board of Trustees
members, and GUSD members.
Fr. Muron conveyed the Prelate's blessings and well wishes, and read
the Prelate's message to the students. CASPS Chair Mr. Rouben Gourjian gave
an overview of the event and the overall mission of CASPS. Mrs. Rima
Boghossian congratulated the students and commended the members of CASPS for
this initiative.