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October 18, 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 TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
On Sunday, October 20, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St.
Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF OUR HOLY TRANSLATORS
October is traditionally designated Armenian Culture Month, a time
when we celebrate the enduring legacy of our Holy Translators, Catholicos
Sahag, St. Mesrob Mashdots, King Vramshabouh, Movses Khorenatsi, Yeghishe,
St. Gregory of Nareg, St. Nerses the Gracious, and many others who brought
about a cultural awakening and enlightenment and gave Armenia its national
character.
Each year on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Translators and
Armenian Culture Month, Forty Martyrs Church and Ari Guiragos Minassian
School of Orange County host a book fair to honor our translator
forefathers.
This year's book fair was held on Sunday, October 13.
The day began with Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who also delivered the sermon. Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian assisted at the altar. A.G. Minassian
School students attended Divine Liturgy.
In his message on the legacy of our holy translators, the Prelate
noted that the fifth century is described as the Golden Age in our nation's
history essentially because of the invention of the Armenian alphabet and
the translation of the Bible and other important works into Armenian. The
work of the translators began in the fifth century but was continued for
centuries by their students and others they inspired, and their
contributions went beyond the realm of Armenian literature and culture.
They contributed to the overall enrichment of our language with the creation
of new words, and they translated important scholarly works of which the
originals are lost and only the Armenian versions remain today. Thus,
stated the Prelate, the work of our translators was of great value not only
for the Armenian people, but for civilization as a whole.
Referring to the parable of the poor widow's offering in the day's
Gospel reading from Mark, the Prelate noted that just as the poor widow put
all that she had in the temple's treasury, so too did our translators put
all that they had in our nation's treasury. Their extensive endeavors
required a tremendous amount of dedication and sacrifices. They gave their
all, heart and soul, to their work, for which we owe them an enormous debt
of gratitude, said His Eminence.
In conclusion, the Prelate commended the Pastor, Board of Trustees,
and AG Minassian School administration and PTO for keeping the tradition of
the book fair alive, through which the priceless contributions of our holy
translators are honored and celebrated centuries later.
Following the service, His Eminence headed to "Gugasian" Hall in a
procession to conduct the opening of the book fair.
In her welcoming remarks, AG Minassian School Principal Mrs. Kohar
Zaher highlighted the value of Armenian culture in the hearts and minds of
Armenian youth, and reaffirmed the faithfulness of AG Minassian School
towards the Armenian book and literature. She then invited the Prelate for
the official opening of the fair.
His Eminence once again commended the organizers and stressed the
great importance of preserving our religious and national heritage and
passing them down to coming generations.
The cultural program featured songs and recitations performed by AG
Minassian School students in homage to the legacy of our translators, as
well as performances by Greg Hosharian and Kevork Rosdomian on traditional
Armenian instruments.
EVE OF THE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
On Friday, October 11, the Feast of the Holy Translators was also
celebrated at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood with evening service
(nakhadonag). The Prelate presided over the service, in which Prelacy
clergy members and deacons participated. Executive Council members Dr.
Navasart Kazazian and Dr. Misak Barsamian were among the faithful in
attendance.
In his message, the Prelate exalted the priceless contributions of
our holy translators and the responsibility each of us bears in preserving
and promoting the Armenian language, literature, traditions, and culture
they bequeathed to the Armenian people centuries ago. Highlighting
specifically the role of St. Mesrob Mashdots, the Prelate pointed out that
in addition to inventing the Armenian alphabet and his translating
endeavors, Mesrob Mashdots also continued the mission of St. Gregory the
Illuminator by preaching to the people. In fact, he was so revered and
admired that he was welcomed by the Armenian people in the same manner that
Moses by welcomed by the Jewish people when he descended from Mt. Sinai with
the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments.
A reception organized by the parish Ladies Guild followed at
"Karapetian" Hall. Following the invocation by the Prelate, Parish Pastor
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian announced that this was the first time that
the Feast of the Holy Translators was being celebrated at St. Garabed
Church, and on this special occasion, ARS Los Angeles "Mayr" Chapter member
Mrs. Hasmig Kelejian had made a memento for the Prelate, a reproduction of
the Prelacy headquarters, which she and Chapter members presented to His
Eminence.
The Prelate thanked Mrs. Kelejian for the beautiful gift and
conveyed his blessings to the ARS "Mayr" Chapter members and the Ladies
Guild for the warm reception.
PRELACY SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTORS AND TEACHERS ATTEND ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
SEMINAR
Prelacy Sunday School directors and teachers were invited to the
annual Sunday School seminar, which was held on Saturday, October 12, 2013,
from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm, at the "Dikran and Zarouhi Der Ghazarian" Hall at
the Western Prelacy. The conference was held under the auspices of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of
clergy and over 35 Sunday School teachers.
The main theme of the meeting was "How to conquer challenges Sunday
School students face in the 21st century". The day began with lunch. The
seminar convened with the invocation by the Prelate, followed by the Sunday
School Anthem and opening remarks by Sunday School Board Co-Chair Mr. Raffi
Torossian.
The first speaker was Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who spoke on "The
Holy Bible and the Armenian Church within the Sunday School". He stated, "It
is important in this day and age especially to feature the Bible and the
Church in the upbringing of our youth". The second speaker was Mrs. Maral
Bedevian, who is the Director of the Sunday School at the North Hollywood
Church. She spoke about innovative ways in which teachers can teach,
focusing on the necessity of using the Power Point program. The final
speaker was Deacon Khatchig Shannakian, who spoke about "Christian ethics
and the challenges the youth face in the 21st century". He noted,
"Christian ethics does not resemble various other types of ethics, due to
the fact that Christian ethics is based on the Bible and the teachings of
Jesus Christ". He also noted that Sunday School teachers are at the
forefront for teaching Christian ethics to the students and becoming second
parents to the students.
The lectures were followed by hymnal teachings which were conducted
by Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian.
Thereafter, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian spoke to the teachers about
the nature of their mission in the Church as Sunday School teachers. He also
spoke about the seminar, stating; "As Sunday School teachers, today was a
full day of self reflection, in which we came together to review our faith,
with regards to the faith of the 5th century Holy Translators". He then
invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
The Prelate began his remarks by commending the speakers and the
teachers for their participating in the seminar. He stated, "Let us close
the seminar by keeping in mind that today is the Feast of the Holy
Translators and if we understand the lyrics of the hymn "Vork Zartaretsin",
we will realize that the Holy Translators made great sacrifices in keeping
the Christian faith and traditions alive". His Eminence concluded by stating
that the Holy Translators brought life to the teachings of God through the
translation of the Holy Bible, and that we must live our lives as God wants
us to live and steer clear of the many influences around us which can stray
us away from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Prelate then presented each
teacher with a gifts of educational and literary values, Mr. Garo
Bedrosian's three latest books, Feasts of the Armenian Church and National
Traditions (Armenian and English versions), and Journey to the Armenian
Heritage.
The seminar concluded with the benediction by the Prelate and the
Cilician anthem, after which the participants attended a spiritually
uplifting evening service held at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel.
PRELATE WELCOMES HAMAZKAYIN SOS SARGSYAN
STATE THEATER COMPANY MEMBERS
On Wednesday, October 16, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed members of the Hamazkayin Sos Sargsyan State
Theater Company from Armenia, led by Vartan Lazarian and accompanied by
Hamazkayin Western U.S. Regional Executive members. The troupe was invited
to Los Angeles by the Hamakzayin Western Region Executive for a five day
festival of Armenian theater in celebration of the 85th anniversary of
Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society. Archpriest Fr. Nareg
Pehlivanian joined the Prelate in the meeting.
The Prelate welcomed the guests to Los Angeles, first expressing
condolences on the recent passing of their famed artistic director and State
Theater Company founder Sos Sargsyan. His Eminence also wished them success
in their performances over the five-day festival and for the influence and
legacy of Sos Sargsyan to endure forevermore.
The guests gave an overview on the founding of the State Theater
Company and its successes since, stating that in the 1991, while Armenia was
in turbulent state, Sos Sargsyan founded the theater company with the main
purpose of contributing to the rebuilding of Armenia through the arts. The
troupe, which is composed mainly of youth, continued to grow under the
leadership and guidance of its founder, and was reorganized in the year
2000. The guests also elaborated on the four pieces they will perform at
the festival, discussed theater life in Armenia and challenges they have
faced and overcome, and the continued advancement of the State Theater
Company, which since 2003 has been under the auspices of the government.
They also reported that two years ago the government allotted the group land
where they will build a new theater.
The Prelate wished them success in all their performances, commended
the Hamazkayin Western Region for this initiative, and wished them continued
successes in years to come.
In conclusion, the Prelate recited a requiem prayer for the soul of
Sos Sargsyan, and noted that during his recent trip to Armenia to
participate in the Bishops' Synod, he had the opportunity to pay his
respects at the viewing of Sos Sarsgyan and express condolences to his
family.
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT 13TH ANNUAL
GERALD AND MARK GOLF CLASSIC
On Monday, October 14, the 13th annual Gerald and Mark Golf Classic
hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hank and Rita Khachaturian was held at The Peninsula
Golf and Country Club in San Mateo.
This annual event held in memory of the Khachaturian's sons, Gerald
and Mark, benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Foundation for Cardiac
Research, and other charities.
The Prelate attended the Awards Dinner and delivered the invocation.
His Eminence thanked the Khachaturian family for their efforts in organizing
this event year after year in memory of their beloved sons Gerald and Mark,
and for their ongoing and generous support of life-changing charities. The
Prelate offered a prayer to the Lord for the souls of Gerald and Mark to
rest in peace in His heavenly sanctuary, and for God to bless the
Khachaturian family with health, happiness, and prosperity, and reward them
according to His holy will for their goodwill and benevolence to society.
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 TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
On Sunday, October 20, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St.
Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF OUR HOLY TRANSLATORS
October is traditionally designated Armenian Culture Month, a time
when we celebrate the enduring legacy of our Holy Translators, Catholicos
Sahag, St. Mesrob Mashdots, King Vramshabouh, Movses Khorenatsi, Yeghishe,
St. Gregory of Nareg, St. Nerses the Gracious, and many others who brought
about a cultural awakening and enlightenment and gave Armenia its national
character.
Each year on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Translators and
Armenian Culture Month, Forty Martyrs Church and Ari Guiragos Minassian
School of Orange County host a book fair to honor our translator
forefathers.
This year's book fair was held on Sunday, October 13.
The day began with Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who also delivered the sermon. Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian assisted at the altar. A.G. Minassian
School students attended Divine Liturgy.
In his message on the legacy of our holy translators, the Prelate
noted that the fifth century is described as the Golden Age in our nation's
history essentially because of the invention of the Armenian alphabet and
the translation of the Bible and other important works into Armenian. The
work of the translators began in the fifth century but was continued for
centuries by their students and others they inspired, and their
contributions went beyond the realm of Armenian literature and culture.
They contributed to the overall enrichment of our language with the creation
of new words, and they translated important scholarly works of which the
originals are lost and only the Armenian versions remain today. Thus,
stated the Prelate, the work of our translators was of great value not only
for the Armenian people, but for civilization as a whole.
Referring to the parable of the poor widow's offering in the day's
Gospel reading from Mark, the Prelate noted that just as the poor widow put
all that she had in the temple's treasury, so too did our translators put
all that they had in our nation's treasury. Their extensive endeavors
required a tremendous amount of dedication and sacrifices. They gave their
all, heart and soul, to their work, for which we owe them an enormous debt
of gratitude, said His Eminence.
In conclusion, the Prelate commended the Pastor, Board of Trustees,
and AG Minassian School administration and PTO for keeping the tradition of
the book fair alive, through which the priceless contributions of our holy
translators are honored and celebrated centuries later.
Following the service, His Eminence headed to "Gugasian" Hall in a
procession to conduct the opening of the book fair.
In her welcoming remarks, AG Minassian School Principal Mrs. Kohar
Zaher highlighted the value of Armenian culture in the hearts and minds of
Armenian youth, and reaffirmed the faithfulness of AG Minassian School
towards the Armenian book and literature. She then invited the Prelate for
the official opening of the fair.
His Eminence once again commended the organizers and stressed the
great importance of preserving our religious and national heritage and
passing them down to coming generations.
The cultural program featured songs and recitations performed by AG
Minassian School students in homage to the legacy of our translators, as
well as performances by Greg Hosharian and Kevork Rosdomian on traditional
Armenian instruments.
EVE OF THE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS
On Friday, October 11, the Feast of the Holy Translators was also
celebrated at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood with evening service
(nakhadonag). The Prelate presided over the service, in which Prelacy
clergy members and deacons participated. Executive Council members Dr.
Navasart Kazazian and Dr. Misak Barsamian were among the faithful in
attendance.
In his message, the Prelate exalted the priceless contributions of
our holy translators and the responsibility each of us bears in preserving
and promoting the Armenian language, literature, traditions, and culture
they bequeathed to the Armenian people centuries ago. Highlighting
specifically the role of St. Mesrob Mashdots, the Prelate pointed out that
in addition to inventing the Armenian alphabet and his translating
endeavors, Mesrob Mashdots also continued the mission of St. Gregory the
Illuminator by preaching to the people. In fact, he was so revered and
admired that he was welcomed by the Armenian people in the same manner that
Moses by welcomed by the Jewish people when he descended from Mt. Sinai with
the tablets bearing the Ten Commandments.
A reception organized by the parish Ladies Guild followed at
"Karapetian" Hall. Following the invocation by the Prelate, Parish Pastor
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian announced that this was the first time that
the Feast of the Holy Translators was being celebrated at St. Garabed
Church, and on this special occasion, ARS Los Angeles "Mayr" Chapter member
Mrs. Hasmig Kelejian had made a memento for the Prelate, a reproduction of
the Prelacy headquarters, which she and Chapter members presented to His
Eminence.
The Prelate thanked Mrs. Kelejian for the beautiful gift and
conveyed his blessings to the ARS "Mayr" Chapter members and the Ladies
Guild for the warm reception.
PRELACY SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTORS AND TEACHERS ATTEND ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
SEMINAR
Prelacy Sunday School directors and teachers were invited to the
annual Sunday School seminar, which was held on Saturday, October 12, 2013,
from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm, at the "Dikran and Zarouhi Der Ghazarian" Hall at
the Western Prelacy. The conference was held under the auspices of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of
clergy and over 35 Sunday School teachers.
The main theme of the meeting was "How to conquer challenges Sunday
School students face in the 21st century". The day began with lunch. The
seminar convened with the invocation by the Prelate, followed by the Sunday
School Anthem and opening remarks by Sunday School Board Co-Chair Mr. Raffi
Torossian.
The first speaker was Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who spoke on "The
Holy Bible and the Armenian Church within the Sunday School". He stated, "It
is important in this day and age especially to feature the Bible and the
Church in the upbringing of our youth". The second speaker was Mrs. Maral
Bedevian, who is the Director of the Sunday School at the North Hollywood
Church. She spoke about innovative ways in which teachers can teach,
focusing on the necessity of using the Power Point program. The final
speaker was Deacon Khatchig Shannakian, who spoke about "Christian ethics
and the challenges the youth face in the 21st century". He noted,
"Christian ethics does not resemble various other types of ethics, due to
the fact that Christian ethics is based on the Bible and the teachings of
Jesus Christ". He also noted that Sunday School teachers are at the
forefront for teaching Christian ethics to the students and becoming second
parents to the students.
The lectures were followed by hymnal teachings which were conducted
by Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian.
Thereafter, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian spoke to the teachers about
the nature of their mission in the Church as Sunday School teachers. He also
spoke about the seminar, stating; "As Sunday School teachers, today was a
full day of self reflection, in which we came together to review our faith,
with regards to the faith of the 5th century Holy Translators". He then
invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
The Prelate began his remarks by commending the speakers and the
teachers for their participating in the seminar. He stated, "Let us close
the seminar by keeping in mind that today is the Feast of the Holy
Translators and if we understand the lyrics of the hymn "Vork Zartaretsin",
we will realize that the Holy Translators made great sacrifices in keeping
the Christian faith and traditions alive". His Eminence concluded by stating
that the Holy Translators brought life to the teachings of God through the
translation of the Holy Bible, and that we must live our lives as God wants
us to live and steer clear of the many influences around us which can stray
us away from the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Prelate then presented each
teacher with a gifts of educational and literary values, Mr. Garo
Bedrosian's three latest books, Feasts of the Armenian Church and National
Traditions (Armenian and English versions), and Journey to the Armenian
Heritage.
The seminar concluded with the benediction by the Prelate and the
Cilician anthem, after which the participants attended a spiritually
uplifting evening service held at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel.
PRELATE WELCOMES HAMAZKAYIN SOS SARGSYAN
STATE THEATER COMPANY MEMBERS
On Wednesday, October 16, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed members of the Hamazkayin Sos Sargsyan State
Theater Company from Armenia, led by Vartan Lazarian and accompanied by
Hamazkayin Western U.S. Regional Executive members. The troupe was invited
to Los Angeles by the Hamakzayin Western Region Executive for a five day
festival of Armenian theater in celebration of the 85th anniversary of
Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society. Archpriest Fr. Nareg
Pehlivanian joined the Prelate in the meeting.
The Prelate welcomed the guests to Los Angeles, first expressing
condolences on the recent passing of their famed artistic director and State
Theater Company founder Sos Sargsyan. His Eminence also wished them success
in their performances over the five-day festival and for the influence and
legacy of Sos Sargsyan to endure forevermore.
The guests gave an overview on the founding of the State Theater
Company and its successes since, stating that in the 1991, while Armenia was
in turbulent state, Sos Sargsyan founded the theater company with the main
purpose of contributing to the rebuilding of Armenia through the arts. The
troupe, which is composed mainly of youth, continued to grow under the
leadership and guidance of its founder, and was reorganized in the year
2000. The guests also elaborated on the four pieces they will perform at
the festival, discussed theater life in Armenia and challenges they have
faced and overcome, and the continued advancement of the State Theater
Company, which since 2003 has been under the auspices of the government.
They also reported that two years ago the government allotted the group land
where they will build a new theater.
The Prelate wished them success in all their performances, commended
the Hamazkayin Western Region for this initiative, and wished them continued
successes in years to come.
In conclusion, the Prelate recited a requiem prayer for the soul of
Sos Sargsyan, and noted that during his recent trip to Armenia to
participate in the Bishops' Synod, he had the opportunity to pay his
respects at the viewing of Sos Sarsgyan and express condolences to his
family.
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT 13TH ANNUAL
GERALD AND MARK GOLF CLASSIC
On Monday, October 14, the 13th annual Gerald and Mark Golf Classic
hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hank and Rita Khachaturian was held at The Peninsula
Golf and Country Club in San Mateo.
This annual event held in memory of the Khachaturian's sons, Gerald
and Mark, benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Foundation for Cardiac
Research, and other charities.
The Prelate attended the Awards Dinner and delivered the invocation.
His Eminence thanked the Khachaturian family for their efforts in organizing
this event year after year in memory of their beloved sons Gerald and Mark,
and for their ongoing and generous support of life-changing charities. The
Prelate offered a prayer to the Lord for the souls of Gerald and Mark to
rest in peace in His heavenly sanctuary, and for God to bless the
Khachaturian family with health, happiness, and prosperity, and reward them
according to His holy will for their goodwill and benevolence to society.