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May 2, 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
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IN FRESNO
Sunday, May 4, 2014, is the third Sunday of Easter, also known as
Sunday of the World Church or Green Sunday.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will be visiting the
Fresno parish community this weekend. On Sunday, the Prelate will preside
over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity Church.
Following the service, the Prelate will attend the Mother's Day
luncheon organized by the ARS "Sophia" Chapter.
***
AMBASSADOR JAMES WARLICK VISITS THE PRELACY
On Friday, May 2nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
welcomed the visit of Ambassador James Warlick, U.S. State Department
Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, who was appointed by Secretary of State
John Kerry to help resolve issues relating to Artsakh. Executive Council
member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian and ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Tereza
Yerimyan joined in the meeting.
The Prelate thanked the honored guest for his meetings and dialogue
with the Armenian community, and commended his objectivity and commitment to
truth. His Eminence expressed concern about the destruction of Armenian
churches, cemeteries, and other treasured ancient sites, thus erasing
Armenian identity from where Armenians have lived for centuries.
The Ambassador agreed that the destruction of property is troubling,
and that steps must be taken to preserve cultural heritage. As for the
Artsakh conflict settlement, he stated that though it is a very difficult
issue, he is hopeful that with real negotiations there can be a resolution
of status and security issues, and affirmed his committment to achieving
lasting peace and stability.
The Prelate thanked the Ambassador for his efforts, and added that
the Diaspora has concerns and expectations which must be taken into
consideration as well. As a token of appreciation for his visit, His
Eminence presented Ambassador Warlick with Hrair "Hawk" Khatcherian's photo
book "Yergir 2 Yergir: A Journey to Historic Armenia" and "From the Book of
One Thousand Tales: Stories of Armenia and Her People 1892-1922", a book by
Diana Apcar, who was Armenia's Honorary Consul General to Japan during the
first Armenian Republic and also the first Armenian woman diplomat and first
woman diplomat in the 20th century.
On Thursday, May 1st, the Prelate attended a reception and private
briefing with the Ambassador, hosted by the ANCA-WR at the ACF headquarters
in Glendale.
***
MEETING OF PASTORS AND BOARDS OF TRUSTEES
DIVANS AT THE PRELACY
By the invitation of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and the Executive Council, on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2014,
Pastors and Boards of Trustees divans gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie
Der Ghazarian" Hall for an advisory meeting.
In his welcoming remarks, the Prelate emphasized the importance of
mutual respect and cooperation for the smooth and efficient execution of
endeavors.
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian greeted the parish
representatives and commended the objective of the meeting.
Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian welcomed and thanked
the members for their participation and input.
Executive Council member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian and Mr. Vahe Tavlian,
gave a presentation on insurance matters, followed by Council members Dr.
Dikran Babikian and Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian who spoke on matters relating
to parish membership meetings and financial accounting respectively.
Guests received further information during a question and answer
session. The meeting came to a close with the Prelate's benediction and
blessings and "Cilicia".
***
PILIBOS SCHOOL 11TH GRADE STUDENTS VISIT THE PRELACY
On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, the Prelate welcomed the visit of Rose
and Alex Pilibos School 11th grade students, who were accompanied by their
teachers. The Prelate was joined by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and Archpriest
Fr. Vicken Vassilian.
The visit began with prayer at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen"
Chapel. The students joined in the recitation of the "Lord's Prayer", after
which the Prelate and clergy sung and the Easter hymn and offered a prayer.
The visit continued at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall
with a cultural program presented by the students.
The program opened with remarks delivered by Armenian Department
Chair Kevork Sarkissian who expressed gratitude to the Prelate for the warm
welcome and for his care and guidance.
Armenian teacher Tamar Tufenkjian-Seraydarian served as the Master
of Ceremonies.
The students presented a rich cultural program of songs,
recitations, and performances on the piano, guitar, shvi, and flute, after
which the MC invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
In his address to the students, the Prelate reflected on the recent
celebration of Easter and commemoration of April 24, stressing that the
Armenian people live by the hope and faith of Christ's Resurrection, a
reality which gives us the strength to endure and overcome all types of
hardship. He commended the students for their participation in a number of
community-wide Genocide commemorations the week prior, and for the moving
program they presented dedicated to the memory of our martyrs. His Eminence
explained also the plan of canonizing Armenian Genocide martyrs. In
conclusion, he wished the students a safe and enlightening trip on their
forthcoming visit to Armenia and Artsakh.
The program came to a close with the Prelate's blessings and
benediction, and a beautiful rendition of "Cilicia" performed by the
students with their accompanying instruments.
The students then had the opportunity to tour the headquarters and
become familiarized with the Prelacy's departments and endeavors.
***
PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AT
THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD PARISH
On Sunday, April 27, 2014, the first Sunday after Easter, in keeping
with annual tradition the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered
the sermon at the Armenian Apostolic Church of North Hollywood.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian
participated in the service.
Prior to the sermon, the Prelate first conveyed his Easter blessings
to the faithful. He then delivered his message of the meaning of the day's
designation as New Sunday, also called Second Easter, or the Sunday of
Thomas. The Prelate reflected on how the disciples were filled with new and
added joy when the Risen Christ appeared to them on many occasions after His
Glorious Resurrection. As for the Thomas, His Eminence stated Thomas did
not falter in his faith, but like his fellow disciples, he too wanted to
encounter the Risen Christ himself rather than hear from others, and to
experience the joy they were experiencing. That is why he wanted to
personally see and touch the wounds of Jesus. And when he did touch Jesus,
Christ touched his heart and souls, and he experienced a new level of joy.
In conclusion, the Prelate invited the faithful to be transformed with new
life and new joy by the Lord's Resurrection and His triumph over death, and
to experience a Second Easter as did the disciples upon seeing our Risen
Lord.
His Eminence then presided over the requiem service. By the request
of the ARF "Papken Siuni" Gomideh, ARS "Meghri" Chapter, and Homenetmen
"Javakhk
Chapter, prayers were offered for the souls of Armenian Genocide martyrs.
And in all Prelacy Churches, on this day requiem prayers were offered in
memory of all Board of Trustees members, Delegates, and church servants of
the Prelacy. The service came to a close with "Cilicia" and the Armenian
national anthem.
A luncheon organized by the Board of Trustees and hosted by the
local ARF, ARS, and Homenetmen chapters followed at the church hall. Board
of Trustees Chairman Mr. Harut Tarpinian welcomed the guests and conveyed
gratitude to the Prelate for being with the community. A cultural program
of poetry and songs followed, after which Fr. Muron addressed the gathering,
also thanking His Eminence for his paternal care and guidance.
The Prelate commended the efforts of the Board of Trustees and the
support of the faithful community, and advised for practical steps to be
implemented to ensure that the parish flourishes and is able to provide the
community with its own church in the near future.
***
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN PASADENA ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL GROUND BLESSING
On Sunday, April 27, 2014, the ground blessing of the Pasadena
Armenian Genocide Memorial was held at Memorial Park with the participation
of over 700 community members, among them clergy, elected officials,
students, and representatives of community organizations. The Prelate
participated in the ceremony. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos
Tinkjian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, and
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan.
The program began with welcoming remarks by former California State
Assembly member and Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee Board
member Anthony Portantino, who thanked the clergy leaders for their presence
and for conducting the ceremony. With the singing of the "Today He is
Risen" Easter hymn, the clergy proceeded to the site of the memorial where
the blessing ceremony began with Psalms and Gospel readings. After blessing
and consecrating the site and the soil brought from Armenia, the Prelate
added the Armenian soil to the foundation.
At the conclusion of the ground blessing, the Prelate delivered his
message, stating that the ceremony was a moving and also empowering one for
the Armenian nation, because "the fact that there are over 200 hundred
Armenian Genocide monuments in over forty countries, and that we are
standing here today for the ground blessing of a new monument in the
Diaspora, almost a century later, sends a resounding message to Turkey that
they failed in annihilating the Armenian people, and that they will
ultimately fail in their denialist campaign". His Eminence reaffirmed that
as the descendents of Genocide victims and survivors, we will never forget
what our ancestors endured, that generation after generation we will keep
their memory alive, remind the world of our history, and purse our rightful
demands. In conclusion, the Prelate conveyed gratitude to the Pasadena City
Council for their unanimous approval of the project, and to the Memorial
Committee and sponsors for their hard work and support, and expressed hope
that the memorial will serve "as an everlasting reminder of our history, a
symbol of our resilience, and of the triumph of justice, truth, and
goodness."
The event continued with a program emceed by Judge Dikran Tevrizian.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES VERY REV. FR. TATOUL ANOUSHIAN
On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, the Prelate welcomed to the Prelacy
Very Rev. Fr. Tatoul Anoushian, a member of the Patriarchate of
Constantinople and Religious Council Chair, who is in the U.S. by the
invitation of the Organization of Istanbul Armenians.
The Prelate and guest had a cordial visit during which they
discussed a number of issues of mutual concern, especially the situation of
the Armenians of Kessab who have found refuge in the Vakef village.
His Eminence also inquired about the health of Patriarch Mesrob
Mutafyan and conveyed his well wishes to Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram
Atesyan. The Prelate wished Fr. Tatoul continued success in his service and
bid him a safe return.
***
CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING ARMENIAN STUDENTS
On Thursday, May 1st, the Committee for Armenian Students in Public
Schools (CASPS) held its 8th annual reception honoring outstanding Armenian
students from LAUSD.
At this year's event, 200 9th to 12th grade students were honored
for their achievements.
The Prelate attended and conveyed his blessings and well wishes to
the students. Executive Council member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian was also in
attendance.
His Eminence congratulated the students and wished them continued
successes in their educational lives. He also reminded them to always be
grateful to God for His many blessings, for His care and protection, for
blessing them with parents who love and support them unconditionally,
teachers who encourage and inspire them, and for the members of CASPS who
devote their time and efforts to provide them with all the necessary
resources to succeed.
***
PRELATE ATTENDS SARF HYE-AID 3 CONCERT
On Tuesday, April 29, the community gathered at Alex Theatre in
Glendale to support the HyeAid 3 benefit concert organized by the Syrian
Armenian Relief Fund to support the needs of Kessab Armenians.
The Prelate attended and encouraged this important undertaking. He
was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian. Executive Council members also
attended.
From the initial days of the Kessab crisis, our Prelacy has lent its
utmost financial and moral support to our compatriots, as it continues to do
for our community in Aleppo.
***
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE VARTAN GHARPETIAN VISITS THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Glendale City Council candidate Vartan
Gharpetian paid a courtesy visit to the Prelacy to receive the blessings of
the Prelate. Executive Council member Dr. Navasart Kazazian joined the
Prelate in the meeting, and Mr. Gharpetian was accompanied by Glendale ANC
Chairman Berdj Karapetian.
Mr. Gharpetian has been active in the community for many years. He
is currently one of five candidates running for the Council seat vacated by
Rafi Manoukian when he was elected City Treasurer last year. The special
election will be held on June 3, 2014.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES REPRESENTATIVE OF
"HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - ARMENIA"
On Tuesday, April 29, the Prelate welcomed the visit of "Habitat for
Humanity - Armenia" Resource Development Manager, Ms. Seda Arzumanyan, who
has traveled from Armenia to present to the Diaspora community the
organization's latest proposed project. Executive Council member Dr.
Navasart Kazazian joined in the meeting.
Ms. Arzumanyan presented an overview of the project, which is the
revitalization of war-affected communities in the Tavush region by improving
housing conditions and energy efficiency.
The Prelate commended the organization's mission and the service of
its members, and stated that he would call on the community to lend their
support to this important project.
Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian non-profit
organization that seeks to eliminate poverty by providing safe and
affordable housing, home renovations, water and sanitation facilities,
energy efficiency, and more.
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 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IN FRESNO
Sunday, May 4, 2014, is the third Sunday of Easter, also known as
Sunday of the World Church or Green Sunday.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will be visiting the
Fresno parish community this weekend. On Sunday, the Prelate will preside
over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity Church.
Following the service, the Prelate will attend the Mother's Day
luncheon organized by the ARS "Sophia" Chapter.
***
AMBASSADOR JAMES WARLICK VISITS THE PRELACY
On Friday, May 2nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
welcomed the visit of Ambassador James Warlick, U.S. State Department
Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, who was appointed by Secretary of State
John Kerry to help resolve issues relating to Artsakh. Executive Council
member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian and ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Tereza
Yerimyan joined in the meeting.
The Prelate thanked the honored guest for his meetings and dialogue
with the Armenian community, and commended his objectivity and commitment to
truth. His Eminence expressed concern about the destruction of Armenian
churches, cemeteries, and other treasured ancient sites, thus erasing
Armenian identity from where Armenians have lived for centuries.
The Ambassador agreed that the destruction of property is troubling,
and that steps must be taken to preserve cultural heritage. As for the
Artsakh conflict settlement, he stated that though it is a very difficult
issue, he is hopeful that with real negotiations there can be a resolution
of status and security issues, and affirmed his committment to achieving
lasting peace and stability.
The Prelate thanked the Ambassador for his efforts, and added that
the Diaspora has concerns and expectations which must be taken into
consideration as well. As a token of appreciation for his visit, His
Eminence presented Ambassador Warlick with Hrair "Hawk" Khatcherian's photo
book "Yergir 2 Yergir: A Journey to Historic Armenia" and "From the Book of
One Thousand Tales: Stories of Armenia and Her People 1892-1922", a book by
Diana Apcar, who was Armenia's Honorary Consul General to Japan during the
first Armenian Republic and also the first Armenian woman diplomat and first
woman diplomat in the 20th century.
On Thursday, May 1st, the Prelate attended a reception and private
briefing with the Ambassador, hosted by the ANCA-WR at the ACF headquarters
in Glendale.
***
MEETING OF PASTORS AND BOARDS OF TRUSTEES
DIVANS AT THE PRELACY
By the invitation of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and the Executive Council, on the evening of Wednesday, April 30, 2014,
Pastors and Boards of Trustees divans gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie
Der Ghazarian" Hall for an advisory meeting.
In his welcoming remarks, the Prelate emphasized the importance of
mutual respect and cooperation for the smooth and efficient execution of
endeavors.
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian greeted the parish
representatives and commended the objective of the meeting.
Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian welcomed and thanked
the members for their participation and input.
Executive Council member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian and Mr. Vahe Tavlian,
gave a presentation on insurance matters, followed by Council members Dr.
Dikran Babikian and Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian who spoke on matters relating
to parish membership meetings and financial accounting respectively.
Guests received further information during a question and answer
session. The meeting came to a close with the Prelate's benediction and
blessings and "Cilicia".
***
PILIBOS SCHOOL 11TH GRADE STUDENTS VISIT THE PRELACY
On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, the Prelate welcomed the visit of Rose
and Alex Pilibos School 11th grade students, who were accompanied by their
teachers. The Prelate was joined by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and Archpriest
Fr. Vicken Vassilian.
The visit began with prayer at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen"
Chapel. The students joined in the recitation of the "Lord's Prayer", after
which the Prelate and clergy sung and the Easter hymn and offered a prayer.
The visit continued at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall
with a cultural program presented by the students.
The program opened with remarks delivered by Armenian Department
Chair Kevork Sarkissian who expressed gratitude to the Prelate for the warm
welcome and for his care and guidance.
Armenian teacher Tamar Tufenkjian-Seraydarian served as the Master
of Ceremonies.
The students presented a rich cultural program of songs,
recitations, and performances on the piano, guitar, shvi, and flute, after
which the MC invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
In his address to the students, the Prelate reflected on the recent
celebration of Easter and commemoration of April 24, stressing that the
Armenian people live by the hope and faith of Christ's Resurrection, a
reality which gives us the strength to endure and overcome all types of
hardship. He commended the students for their participation in a number of
community-wide Genocide commemorations the week prior, and for the moving
program they presented dedicated to the memory of our martyrs. His Eminence
explained also the plan of canonizing Armenian Genocide martyrs. In
conclusion, he wished the students a safe and enlightening trip on their
forthcoming visit to Armenia and Artsakh.
The program came to a close with the Prelate's blessings and
benediction, and a beautiful rendition of "Cilicia" performed by the
students with their accompanying instruments.
The students then had the opportunity to tour the headquarters and
become familiarized with the Prelacy's departments and endeavors.
***
PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AT
THE NORTH HOLLYWOOD PARISH
On Sunday, April 27, 2014, the first Sunday after Easter, in keeping
with annual tradition the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered
the sermon at the Armenian Apostolic Church of North Hollywood.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian
participated in the service.
Prior to the sermon, the Prelate first conveyed his Easter blessings
to the faithful. He then delivered his message of the meaning of the day's
designation as New Sunday, also called Second Easter, or the Sunday of
Thomas. The Prelate reflected on how the disciples were filled with new and
added joy when the Risen Christ appeared to them on many occasions after His
Glorious Resurrection. As for the Thomas, His Eminence stated Thomas did
not falter in his faith, but like his fellow disciples, he too wanted to
encounter the Risen Christ himself rather than hear from others, and to
experience the joy they were experiencing. That is why he wanted to
personally see and touch the wounds of Jesus. And when he did touch Jesus,
Christ touched his heart and souls, and he experienced a new level of joy.
In conclusion, the Prelate invited the faithful to be transformed with new
life and new joy by the Lord's Resurrection and His triumph over death, and
to experience a Second Easter as did the disciples upon seeing our Risen
Lord.
His Eminence then presided over the requiem service. By the request
of the ARF "Papken Siuni" Gomideh, ARS "Meghri" Chapter, and Homenetmen
"Javakhk
Chapter, prayers were offered for the souls of Armenian Genocide martyrs.
And in all Prelacy Churches, on this day requiem prayers were offered in
memory of all Board of Trustees members, Delegates, and church servants of
the Prelacy. The service came to a close with "Cilicia" and the Armenian
national anthem.
A luncheon organized by the Board of Trustees and hosted by the
local ARF, ARS, and Homenetmen chapters followed at the church hall. Board
of Trustees Chairman Mr. Harut Tarpinian welcomed the guests and conveyed
gratitude to the Prelate for being with the community. A cultural program
of poetry and songs followed, after which Fr. Muron addressed the gathering,
also thanking His Eminence for his paternal care and guidance.
The Prelate commended the efforts of the Board of Trustees and the
support of the faithful community, and advised for practical steps to be
implemented to ensure that the parish flourishes and is able to provide the
community with its own church in the near future.
***
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN PASADENA ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL GROUND BLESSING
On Sunday, April 27, 2014, the ground blessing of the Pasadena
Armenian Genocide Memorial was held at Memorial Park with the participation
of over 700 community members, among them clergy, elected officials,
students, and representatives of community organizations. The Prelate
participated in the ceremony. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos
Tinkjian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, and
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan.
The program began with welcoming remarks by former California State
Assembly member and Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee Board
member Anthony Portantino, who thanked the clergy leaders for their presence
and for conducting the ceremony. With the singing of the "Today He is
Risen" Easter hymn, the clergy proceeded to the site of the memorial where
the blessing ceremony began with Psalms and Gospel readings. After blessing
and consecrating the site and the soil brought from Armenia, the Prelate
added the Armenian soil to the foundation.
At the conclusion of the ground blessing, the Prelate delivered his
message, stating that the ceremony was a moving and also empowering one for
the Armenian nation, because "the fact that there are over 200 hundred
Armenian Genocide monuments in over forty countries, and that we are
standing here today for the ground blessing of a new monument in the
Diaspora, almost a century later, sends a resounding message to Turkey that
they failed in annihilating the Armenian people, and that they will
ultimately fail in their denialist campaign". His Eminence reaffirmed that
as the descendents of Genocide victims and survivors, we will never forget
what our ancestors endured, that generation after generation we will keep
their memory alive, remind the world of our history, and purse our rightful
demands. In conclusion, the Prelate conveyed gratitude to the Pasadena City
Council for their unanimous approval of the project, and to the Memorial
Committee and sponsors for their hard work and support, and expressed hope
that the memorial will serve "as an everlasting reminder of our history, a
symbol of our resilience, and of the triumph of justice, truth, and
goodness."
The event continued with a program emceed by Judge Dikran Tevrizian.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES VERY REV. FR. TATOUL ANOUSHIAN
On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, the Prelate welcomed to the Prelacy
Very Rev. Fr. Tatoul Anoushian, a member of the Patriarchate of
Constantinople and Religious Council Chair, who is in the U.S. by the
invitation of the Organization of Istanbul Armenians.
The Prelate and guest had a cordial visit during which they
discussed a number of issues of mutual concern, especially the situation of
the Armenians of Kessab who have found refuge in the Vakef village.
His Eminence also inquired about the health of Patriarch Mesrob
Mutafyan and conveyed his well wishes to Patriarchal Vicar Archbishop Aram
Atesyan. The Prelate wished Fr. Tatoul continued success in his service and
bid him a safe return.
***
CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING ARMENIAN STUDENTS
On Thursday, May 1st, the Committee for Armenian Students in Public
Schools (CASPS) held its 8th annual reception honoring outstanding Armenian
students from LAUSD.
At this year's event, 200 9th to 12th grade students were honored
for their achievements.
The Prelate attended and conveyed his blessings and well wishes to
the students. Executive Council member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian was also in
attendance.
His Eminence congratulated the students and wished them continued
successes in their educational lives. He also reminded them to always be
grateful to God for His many blessings, for His care and protection, for
blessing them with parents who love and support them unconditionally,
teachers who encourage and inspire them, and for the members of CASPS who
devote their time and efforts to provide them with all the necessary
resources to succeed.
***
PRELATE ATTENDS SARF HYE-AID 3 CONCERT
On Tuesday, April 29, the community gathered at Alex Theatre in
Glendale to support the HyeAid 3 benefit concert organized by the Syrian
Armenian Relief Fund to support the needs of Kessab Armenians.
The Prelate attended and encouraged this important undertaking. He
was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian. Executive Council members also
attended.
From the initial days of the Kessab crisis, our Prelacy has lent its
utmost financial and moral support to our compatriots, as it continues to do
for our community in Aleppo.
***
GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE VARTAN GHARPETIAN VISITS THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Glendale City Council candidate Vartan
Gharpetian paid a courtesy visit to the Prelacy to receive the blessings of
the Prelate. Executive Council member Dr. Navasart Kazazian joined the
Prelate in the meeting, and Mr. Gharpetian was accompanied by Glendale ANC
Chairman Berdj Karapetian.
Mr. Gharpetian has been active in the community for many years. He
is currently one of five candidates running for the Council seat vacated by
Rafi Manoukian when he was elected City Treasurer last year. The special
election will be held on June 3, 2014.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES REPRESENTATIVE OF
"HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - ARMENIA"
On Tuesday, April 29, the Prelate welcomed the visit of "Habitat for
Humanity - Armenia" Resource Development Manager, Ms. Seda Arzumanyan, who
has traveled from Armenia to present to the Diaspora community the
organization's latest proposed project. Executive Council member Dr.
Navasart Kazazian joined in the meeting.
Ms. Arzumanyan presented an overview of the project, which is the
revitalization of war-affected communities in the Tavush region by improving
housing conditions and energy efficiency.
The Prelate commended the organization's mission and the service of
its members, and stated that he would call on the community to lend their
support to this important project.
Habitat for Humanity International is a Christian non-profit
organization that seeks to eliminate poverty by providing safe and
affordable housing, home renovations, water and sanitation facilities,
energy efficiency, and more.