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February 21, 2014
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
REQUIEM FOR A.R.S. MEMBERS TO BE HELD
IN PRELACY CHURCHES
- REQUIEM FOR LT. GURGEN MARGARYAN AND SUMGAIT MASSACRES
By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and in coordination with the Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive, the
last Sunday of each February is designated ARS Remembrance Day, when requiem
is held in all Prelacy Churches for departed ARS members and benefactors
This year's requiem service will be held on Sunday, February 23,
2014.
The Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy and requiem, and will
deliver the sermon Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello.
On this day, requiem will also be offered for the soul of Lt. Gurgen
Margaryan on the 10th anniversary of his murder, and for the victims of the
Sumgait, Baku, and Maragha massacres.
We urge our faithful parishioners to join us in paying tribute to
the memory of ARS servants, Lt. Gurgen Margaryan, and the victims of the
Sumgait, Baku, and Maragha Massacres.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at the Colorado parish.
***
SPECIAL SERVICES TO BE HELD ON THE FEASTS OF GHEVONTIANTS AND VARTANANTS
On February 25 and February 27, the Armenian Church will observe two
important feasts, Ghevontiants and Vartanants, commemorating the sacrifices
of our beloved saints for our faith and our nation.
On Tuesday, February 25th, the Feast of Ghevontiants will be
observed at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County with morning service, the
annual Ghevontiants clergy conference, and Divine Liturgy, presided over by
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation
of clergy members.
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with morning service. The clergy
conference will convene in the afternoon and conclude at 6:00 p.m. The day
will also include a visit to Ari Guiragos Minassian School where the Prelate
will convey his message to the students, who will present a Vartanants
program.
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m., after which a
reception organized by the Board of Trustees will be held at Gugasian Hall.
On Thursday, February 27th, in celebration of the Feast of
Vartanants, morning services will be held at Prelacy Churches.
In the evening, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Sarkis
Church in Pasadena, presided over by the Prelate and with the participation
of clergy members. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian will celebrate Divine Liturgy
and deliver the sermon.
The service begins at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude with the singing
of special songs and hymns designated for this feast.
***
NAME DAY CELEBRATION OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH
OF PASADENA
Over the weekend of February 15, 2014, the Feast of St. Sarkis,
which is also the name day of St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena, was celebrated
with a number of services, culminating on Sunday, February 16, with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and the blessing of madagh.
The name-day celebration began on Friday, February 14, with Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan's blessing of the salt to be used for the
madagh, after which the madagh preparation began.
On Saturday evening, the eve of the feast was commemorated with an
evening service conducted by Fr. Boghos.
On Sunday morning Divine Liturgy began with the procession of the
Prelate into the church as the choir sang the "Hrashapar" hymn. His
Eminence was assisted at the altar by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan and Rev. Fr.
Armen Melkonian, who is visiting our Prelacy.
Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate congratulated and
commended the church family on their name-day celebration and greeted the
faithful, among them church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan
Kitsinian and family members.
The message of the Prelate's sermon was the words of St. Sarkis,
that "when you are reinforced in faith and by the Holy Spirit, no force can
overcome you, because triumph is for the good and the righteous, and
ultimate triumph and glory belong to God".
His Eminence spoke of the life of St. Sarkis, his staunch faith and
martyrdom, and invited the faithful to become strengthened in their faith in
the example of St. Sarkis and to put aside our own self interests in our
service to Him. The Prelate also reminded the faithful how St. Sarkis, his
son Mardiros, and their fourteen companions endured untold torture with
illuminated spirits and unwavering faith. No matter the circumstances in
our lives, we must always look for the good and remain faithful servants of
our Lord Jesus Christ Who came to this earth to reveal that He is "the way,
the truth, and the life," stated the Prelate and concluded his sermon with
the following prayer; "O Lord, during the course of our lives we are faced
with all kinds of challenges and tribulations, but we will never falter in
our faith because we trust in Your dominion, mercy, and righteousness, and
we beseech You, through the intercession of our beloved saint, to release us
from our afflictions and grant peace to our lives and to the world,
especially to our brothers and sisters in Syria. May Your peace be with
them, granting them patience in the struggles they endure."
The blessing of madagh and requiem service followed, in which H.E.
Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, former Prelate of the Prelacy of Aleppo,
participated. Requiem prayers were offered for the souls of the first
parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Antreassian, Board of Trustees members,
Delegates, and church and community servants.
The services concluded with the Cilician and Pontifical anthems in
the church main entrance.
A lunch reception followed at "Andon Andonian" Hall presided over by
the Prelate and with the participation of Archbishop Souren Kataroyan,
priests, Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Board of Trustees
members, Delegates, and church benefactors, sponsors.
After the blessing of tables by the Prelate, remarks were delivered
by Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Hagop Avedikian, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan,
Hrag Kitsinian, youngest child of the Kitsinian family, Mr. Sarkis
Kitsinian, and Mrs. Rima Boghossian, all congratulating the community on
this joyous occasion.
The Prelate again congratulated and commended the parish community,
wishing them continued successes in their service. The celebration came to
a close with the Prelate's benediction.
***
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
THE WESTERN PRELACY
Upon the recommendation of the Representatives Assembly and the
invitation of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the
Executive Council, last year a committee was launched within the Western
Prelacy to focus on the revitalization and preservation of the Armenian
language in the United States of America. The committee held its first
meeting on May 1, 2013.
During subsequent meetings, the committee concurred that the use of
the Armenian language, both oral and written, is in decline in Armenian
communities of the Western United States. Maintaining that language
vitality is essential to the sustainability of Armenian culture and identity
in a Diasporic context, the committee embarked on strategic planning
sessions to propose a plan for intervention and revitalization.
Accordingly, the committee began to evaluate the root causes of this
problem based on available research results and statistics, and to create a
plan of action with a clear vision, mission, and strategic goals for
spearheading a decentralized language revitalization program. Partnerships
with schools, churches, organizations, political parties, media and
interested individuals will be central to the program's success.
The Prelate and Executive Council are pleased to announce that the
committee will continue its mission as a standing body under the auspices of
the Western Prelacy, as the "Armenian Language Revitalization Committee".
The committee is comprised of the following members: Dr. Haroutiun
Armenian, Dr. Hagop Gulludjian, Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian, Mr. Jora
Manoucherian, Mr. Vazken Madenlian, Dr. Talar Chahinian-Mahroukian, Dr.
Vahram Shemmassian, Dr. Hasmig Baran, and Dr. Rubina Peroomian.
We are confident that this committee will expertly carry out this
endeavor and in collaboration with community organizations, educational
institutions, and media members will expand this undertaking to a
pan-Armenian cause.
***
GLENDALE ADVENTIST PRESIDENT KEVIN ROBERTS
VISITS THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, Glendale Adventist President Kevin
Roberts paid his first visit to the Prelacy where he was welcomed by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Rev. Fr. Vazken
Atmajian.
The cordial visit offered the opportunity for the Prelate and Mr.
Roberts to discuss general community issues, the services offered by
Glendale Adventist, and long-time collaboration between the two
institutions.
Mr. Roberts expressed appreciation for the Prelate's interest in the
hospital's services, and conveyed thanks for the Prelacy's care and support
towards the hospital, for the spiritual services provided by the Prelacy and
its church within the community, clergy visits to the hospital, and the
long-standing tradition of the annual grape-blessing.
The Prelate and guest also exchanged ideas to expand collaborative
efforts. At the conclusion of the visit the Prelate presented Mr. Roberts
guest with a memento.
From: Baghdasarian
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
REQUIEM FOR A.R.S. MEMBERS TO BE HELD
IN PRELACY CHURCHES
- REQUIEM FOR LT. GURGEN MARGARYAN AND SUMGAIT MASSACRES
By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and in coordination with the Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive, the
last Sunday of each February is designated ARS Remembrance Day, when requiem
is held in all Prelacy Churches for departed ARS members and benefactors
This year's requiem service will be held on Sunday, February 23,
2014.
The Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy and requiem, and will
deliver the sermon Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello.
On this day, requiem will also be offered for the soul of Lt. Gurgen
Margaryan on the 10th anniversary of his murder, and for the victims of the
Sumgait, Baku, and Maragha massacres.
We urge our faithful parishioners to join us in paying tribute to
the memory of ARS servants, Lt. Gurgen Margaryan, and the victims of the
Sumgait, Baku, and Maragha Massacres.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at the Colorado parish.
***
SPECIAL SERVICES TO BE HELD ON THE FEASTS OF GHEVONTIANTS AND VARTANANTS
On February 25 and February 27, the Armenian Church will observe two
important feasts, Ghevontiants and Vartanants, commemorating the sacrifices
of our beloved saints for our faith and our nation.
On Tuesday, February 25th, the Feast of Ghevontiants will be
observed at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County with morning service, the
annual Ghevontiants clergy conference, and Divine Liturgy, presided over by
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation
of clergy members.
The day begins at 11:00 a.m. with morning service. The clergy
conference will convene in the afternoon and conclude at 6:00 p.m. The day
will also include a visit to Ari Guiragos Minassian School where the Prelate
will convey his message to the students, who will present a Vartanants
program.
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m., after which a
reception organized by the Board of Trustees will be held at Gugasian Hall.
On Thursday, February 27th, in celebration of the Feast of
Vartanants, morning services will be held at Prelacy Churches.
In the evening, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Sarkis
Church in Pasadena, presided over by the Prelate and with the participation
of clergy members. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian will celebrate Divine Liturgy
and deliver the sermon.
The service begins at 7:00 p.m. and will conclude with the singing
of special songs and hymns designated for this feast.
***
NAME DAY CELEBRATION OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH
OF PASADENA
Over the weekend of February 15, 2014, the Feast of St. Sarkis,
which is also the name day of St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena, was celebrated
with a number of services, culminating on Sunday, February 16, with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and the blessing of madagh.
The name-day celebration began on Friday, February 14, with Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan's blessing of the salt to be used for the
madagh, after which the madagh preparation began.
On Saturday evening, the eve of the feast was commemorated with an
evening service conducted by Fr. Boghos.
On Sunday morning Divine Liturgy began with the procession of the
Prelate into the church as the choir sang the "Hrashapar" hymn. His
Eminence was assisted at the altar by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan and Rev. Fr.
Armen Melkonian, who is visiting our Prelacy.
Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate congratulated and
commended the church family on their name-day celebration and greeted the
faithful, among them church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan
Kitsinian and family members.
The message of the Prelate's sermon was the words of St. Sarkis,
that "when you are reinforced in faith and by the Holy Spirit, no force can
overcome you, because triumph is for the good and the righteous, and
ultimate triumph and glory belong to God".
His Eminence spoke of the life of St. Sarkis, his staunch faith and
martyrdom, and invited the faithful to become strengthened in their faith in
the example of St. Sarkis and to put aside our own self interests in our
service to Him. The Prelate also reminded the faithful how St. Sarkis, his
son Mardiros, and their fourteen companions endured untold torture with
illuminated spirits and unwavering faith. No matter the circumstances in
our lives, we must always look for the good and remain faithful servants of
our Lord Jesus Christ Who came to this earth to reveal that He is "the way,
the truth, and the life," stated the Prelate and concluded his sermon with
the following prayer; "O Lord, during the course of our lives we are faced
with all kinds of challenges and tribulations, but we will never falter in
our faith because we trust in Your dominion, mercy, and righteousness, and
we beseech You, through the intercession of our beloved saint, to release us
from our afflictions and grant peace to our lives and to the world,
especially to our brothers and sisters in Syria. May Your peace be with
them, granting them patience in the struggles they endure."
The blessing of madagh and requiem service followed, in which H.E.
Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, former Prelate of the Prelacy of Aleppo,
participated. Requiem prayers were offered for the souls of the first
parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Antreassian, Board of Trustees members,
Delegates, and church and community servants.
The services concluded with the Cilician and Pontifical anthems in
the church main entrance.
A lunch reception followed at "Andon Andonian" Hall presided over by
the Prelate and with the participation of Archbishop Souren Kataroyan,
priests, Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Board of Trustees
members, Delegates, and church benefactors, sponsors.
After the blessing of tables by the Prelate, remarks were delivered
by Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Hagop Avedikian, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan,
Hrag Kitsinian, youngest child of the Kitsinian family, Mr. Sarkis
Kitsinian, and Mrs. Rima Boghossian, all congratulating the community on
this joyous occasion.
The Prelate again congratulated and commended the parish community,
wishing them continued successes in their service. The celebration came to
a close with the Prelate's benediction.
***
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
THE WESTERN PRELACY
Upon the recommendation of the Representatives Assembly and the
invitation of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the
Executive Council, last year a committee was launched within the Western
Prelacy to focus on the revitalization and preservation of the Armenian
language in the United States of America. The committee held its first
meeting on May 1, 2013.
During subsequent meetings, the committee concurred that the use of
the Armenian language, both oral and written, is in decline in Armenian
communities of the Western United States. Maintaining that language
vitality is essential to the sustainability of Armenian culture and identity
in a Diasporic context, the committee embarked on strategic planning
sessions to propose a plan for intervention and revitalization.
Accordingly, the committee began to evaluate the root causes of this
problem based on available research results and statistics, and to create a
plan of action with a clear vision, mission, and strategic goals for
spearheading a decentralized language revitalization program. Partnerships
with schools, churches, organizations, political parties, media and
interested individuals will be central to the program's success.
The Prelate and Executive Council are pleased to announce that the
committee will continue its mission as a standing body under the auspices of
the Western Prelacy, as the "Armenian Language Revitalization Committee".
The committee is comprised of the following members: Dr. Haroutiun
Armenian, Dr. Hagop Gulludjian, Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian, Mr. Jora
Manoucherian, Mr. Vazken Madenlian, Dr. Talar Chahinian-Mahroukian, Dr.
Vahram Shemmassian, Dr. Hasmig Baran, and Dr. Rubina Peroomian.
We are confident that this committee will expertly carry out this
endeavor and in collaboration with community organizations, educational
institutions, and media members will expand this undertaking to a
pan-Armenian cause.
***
GLENDALE ADVENTIST PRESIDENT KEVIN ROBERTS
VISITS THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, Glendale Adventist President Kevin
Roberts paid his first visit to the Prelacy where he was welcomed by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Rev. Fr. Vazken
Atmajian.
The cordial visit offered the opportunity for the Prelate and Mr.
Roberts to discuss general community issues, the services offered by
Glendale Adventist, and long-time collaboration between the two
institutions.
Mr. Roberts expressed appreciation for the Prelate's interest in the
hospital's services, and conveyed thanks for the Prelacy's care and support
towards the hospital, for the spiritual services provided by the Prelacy and
its church within the community, clergy visits to the hospital, and the
long-standing tradition of the annual grape-blessing.
The Prelate and guest also exchanged ideas to expand collaborative
efforts. At the conclusion of the visit the Prelate presented Mr. Roberts
guest with a memento.
From: Baghdasarian