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October 31, 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
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION
OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF FRESNO
This weekend, Holy Trinity Church of Fresno will celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the consecration of the Church. The celebration will begin on
Saturday, November 1, 2014, with a gala banquet presided over by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. On Sunday, the Prelate will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity. His
Eminence will be accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and Deacon Khatchig
Shannakian. Executive Council members will participate in the weekend's
festivities.
By the invitation of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of
the San Joaquin Valley, on Sunday afternoon, the Prelate will participate in
the groundbreaking ceremony of the Armenian Genocide Memorial to be
constructed at the Fresno State campus.
***
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH OF ENCINO
CELEBRATES 51 YEARS OF SERVICE
On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Holy Martyrs Church of Encino was
filled beyond capacity as the community had come together for the 51st
anniversary of the consecration of the Church, which was celebrated with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and blessing of madagh. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the services and delivered his message to
the parish community. Among the faithful in attendance were Executive
Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, delegates, community representatives,
Sunday School and Ferrahian 8th grade students.
The Prelate thanked the Lord for the day and extended his greetings
to the gathering of church, school, and organizational members,
congratulating them on the special occasion and wishing them many more
anniversary celebrations to come. His Eminence reminded them that the
church is a body of believers and the altar is the light radiating faith,
hope, and love to the community. He noted that requiem prayers would be
offered later in the service in memory of all departed church servants,
adding, "Let their faith and pledge of service inspire you all today". Next
the Prelate turned this attention to the day's feast, the Discovery of the
Holy Cross, the message of which, he stated, is summarized beautifully by
the words of the feast's hymn, "Source of Life (Genats Payd), un-concealable
treasure which the Jews attempted to conceal, revealed by the Empress; let
us worship". His Eminence gave some background information on the feast,
explaining that the Cross was discovered in the year 326 by the efforts of
the Empress Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The excavation
led to the discovery of three Crosses, and it was only when a recently
deceased young man came to life on one of them, that it was revealed as the
True Cross.
With the True Cross, said the Prelate, what was formerly a symbol of
death was transformed into the symbol of life, and all who believed lived a
new and enlightened life. Citing from the day's Scripture reading, he
reiterated that there are those for whom the preaching of the Cross is
foolishness, but to us believers he said, it is the power of God. People
today strive to meet societal standards for success and well-being. They are
plagued by worry and fears and seek comfort in worldly things. We must seek
the comfort of the eternal kingdom instead, said the Prelate, because our
lives become enriched when we enrich our souls. Addressing the parents
specifically, he recognized the great sacrifices they make to provide a good
life for their children, but he urged them to place as much effort on the
spiritual nourishment of their children.
"Today, let us be renewed by the message of the Cross as the path to
salvation. Let us surrender our troubles and place our utmost faith and
trust in the power of the Cross. Let us be renewed also in our adherence to
our religious and national values and guide our children to develop into
good Christians and Armenians and our capable leaders of tomorrow", advised
the Prelate, and concluded by calling on all to embrace the responsibilities
entrusted to each one of them as children of the Armenian church and nation
and to serve for the progress of both in the with the vision of "the church
builders, laborers, and all who served and now rest in the heavenly abode".
Later in the service, on behalf of the parish community, Rev. Fr.
Razmig Khatchadourian expressed gratitude to the Prelate for presiding over
the celebration, thanked all of the day's sponsors for their donations in
memory of loved ones, and thanked the Ladies Guild for preparing the madagh.
Following the requiem service, the Prelate was escorted by a
procession through the courtyard, where Homenetmen scouts were standing at
attention, to Avedissian Hall for the blessing of madagh. The Prelate
delivered the benediction, and the day's celebration came to a close with
Cilicia and the Armenian National Anthem.
***
PRELATE CONGRATULATES HONORARY CONSUL BERJ APKARIAN
The Republic of Armenia recently established an Honorary Consulate
in Fresno, the first in the United States. On Monday, October 20, the Office
of the Honorary Consul officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and
banquet. Mr. Berj Apkarian, Board member of Holy Trinity Church, was
appointed Honorary Consul by Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward
Nalbandian. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ambassador of the
Republic of Armenia in the United States Tigran Sargsyan, Consul General of
the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles Sergey Sarkisov, Deputy Prime
Minister of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh Artur Aghabekyan, Permanent
Representative of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh to the United States
Robert Avetisyan, church and leaders.
The Prelate sent a congratulatory letter to the Honorary Consul, a
long-time Prelacy member and supporter, which was read by Rev. Fr. Vahan
Gosdanian. "We were delighted to hear of your appointment as Honorary Consul
of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno. We congratulate you on this great
honor and wish you all the best in your new responsibilities. With your
extensive service to our national life, within the Fresno Armenian
community, at Holy Trinity Church as a deacon, delegate, and board member,
and beyond, we are confident that you will bring your valuable input and
contributions to the advancement of the new Consulate's mission, just as you
have contributed to the endeavors of our Prelacy and of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia," read the letter.
***
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT
ARMENIAN BAR ASSOCIATION RECEPTION
On the evening of Wednesday, October 29, the Armenian Bar
Association Annual Judges' Night reception was held at Phoenicia Restaurant
in Glendale, honoring Judges David S. Wesley, Kevin C. Brazile, and Ashley
Tabaddor.
The Prelate attended and delivered the invocation. He congratulated
the worthy service of the guardians of the justice system and prayed for God
to guide them in their duty to uphold the law of the land and serve with
justice and integrity. He blessed the members of the Armenian Bar
Association and all our legal professionals, asking for God's guidance in
their daily pursuit of justice so that they may serve with honor and good
conscience.
The Prelate also had the opportunity to meet with Sheriff candidate
Jim McDonnell and convey his well wishes on the upcoming election.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
"ARMENIAN AMERICAN ORPHANS CHRISTMAS FUND"
On Thursday, October 30, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy representatives of the
Armenian American Orphans Christmas Fund, who had come to personally thank
the Prelate for participating in their 15th anniversary Telethon held on
September 21 and to discuss their future projects.
The guests, Founder and President Mr. Ovanes Balayan, and board
members Mr. Tomik Alexanian and Ms. Nune Avetisyan, spoke of the
organization's mission of providing for needy children in cities and
villages across Armenia.
The Prelate highly commended Mr. Balayan's initiative in
establishing the benevolent organization years ago and the dedicated service
of all the members who contribute to its charitable endeavors. The Prelate
presented mementos to the guests and wished them continued successes in
their mission.
The visit also afforded the opportunity to converse about the
Armenian Genocide centennial and commemorations being organized for the
occasion. The Prelate noted that in commemoration of this solemn
anniversary, on July 19, 2015, His Holiness Aram I will conduct the blessing
of Muron at the Genocide memorial in Bikfaya, for which Armenians from
around the world will gather as pilgrims to be part of the historic event.
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
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSECRATION
OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF FRESNO
This weekend, Holy Trinity Church of Fresno will celebrate the 100th
anniversary of the consecration of the Church. The celebration will begin on
Saturday, November 1, 2014, with a gala banquet presided over by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. On Sunday, the Prelate will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity. His
Eminence will be accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and Deacon Khatchig
Shannakian. Executive Council members will participate in the weekend's
festivities.
By the invitation of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of
the San Joaquin Valley, on Sunday afternoon, the Prelate will participate in
the groundbreaking ceremony of the Armenian Genocide Memorial to be
constructed at the Fresno State campus.
***
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH OF ENCINO
CELEBRATES 51 YEARS OF SERVICE
On Sunday, October 26, 2014, Holy Martyrs Church of Encino was
filled beyond capacity as the community had come together for the 51st
anniversary of the consecration of the Church, which was celebrated with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and blessing of madagh. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the services and delivered his message to
the parish community. Among the faithful in attendance were Executive
Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, delegates, community representatives,
Sunday School and Ferrahian 8th grade students.
The Prelate thanked the Lord for the day and extended his greetings
to the gathering of church, school, and organizational members,
congratulating them on the special occasion and wishing them many more
anniversary celebrations to come. His Eminence reminded them that the
church is a body of believers and the altar is the light radiating faith,
hope, and love to the community. He noted that requiem prayers would be
offered later in the service in memory of all departed church servants,
adding, "Let their faith and pledge of service inspire you all today". Next
the Prelate turned this attention to the day's feast, the Discovery of the
Holy Cross, the message of which, he stated, is summarized beautifully by
the words of the feast's hymn, "Source of Life (Genats Payd), un-concealable
treasure which the Jews attempted to conceal, revealed by the Empress; let
us worship". His Eminence gave some background information on the feast,
explaining that the Cross was discovered in the year 326 by the efforts of
the Empress Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The excavation
led to the discovery of three Crosses, and it was only when a recently
deceased young man came to life on one of them, that it was revealed as the
True Cross.
With the True Cross, said the Prelate, what was formerly a symbol of
death was transformed into the symbol of life, and all who believed lived a
new and enlightened life. Citing from the day's Scripture reading, he
reiterated that there are those for whom the preaching of the Cross is
foolishness, but to us believers he said, it is the power of God. People
today strive to meet societal standards for success and well-being. They are
plagued by worry and fears and seek comfort in worldly things. We must seek
the comfort of the eternal kingdom instead, said the Prelate, because our
lives become enriched when we enrich our souls. Addressing the parents
specifically, he recognized the great sacrifices they make to provide a good
life for their children, but he urged them to place as much effort on the
spiritual nourishment of their children.
"Today, let us be renewed by the message of the Cross as the path to
salvation. Let us surrender our troubles and place our utmost faith and
trust in the power of the Cross. Let us be renewed also in our adherence to
our religious and national values and guide our children to develop into
good Christians and Armenians and our capable leaders of tomorrow", advised
the Prelate, and concluded by calling on all to embrace the responsibilities
entrusted to each one of them as children of the Armenian church and nation
and to serve for the progress of both in the with the vision of "the church
builders, laborers, and all who served and now rest in the heavenly abode".
Later in the service, on behalf of the parish community, Rev. Fr.
Razmig Khatchadourian expressed gratitude to the Prelate for presiding over
the celebration, thanked all of the day's sponsors for their donations in
memory of loved ones, and thanked the Ladies Guild for preparing the madagh.
Following the requiem service, the Prelate was escorted by a
procession through the courtyard, where Homenetmen scouts were standing at
attention, to Avedissian Hall for the blessing of madagh. The Prelate
delivered the benediction, and the day's celebration came to a close with
Cilicia and the Armenian National Anthem.
***
PRELATE CONGRATULATES HONORARY CONSUL BERJ APKARIAN
The Republic of Armenia recently established an Honorary Consulate
in Fresno, the first in the United States. On Monday, October 20, the Office
of the Honorary Consul officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and
banquet. Mr. Berj Apkarian, Board member of Holy Trinity Church, was
appointed Honorary Consul by Armenia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward
Nalbandian. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Ambassador of the
Republic of Armenia in the United States Tigran Sargsyan, Consul General of
the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles Sergey Sarkisov, Deputy Prime
Minister of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh Artur Aghabekyan, Permanent
Representative of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh to the United States
Robert Avetisyan, church and leaders.
The Prelate sent a congratulatory letter to the Honorary Consul, a
long-time Prelacy member and supporter, which was read by Rev. Fr. Vahan
Gosdanian. "We were delighted to hear of your appointment as Honorary Consul
of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno. We congratulate you on this great
honor and wish you all the best in your new responsibilities. With your
extensive service to our national life, within the Fresno Armenian
community, at Holy Trinity Church as a deacon, delegate, and board member,
and beyond, we are confident that you will bring your valuable input and
contributions to the advancement of the new Consulate's mission, just as you
have contributed to the endeavors of our Prelacy and of the Catholicosate of
Cilicia," read the letter.
***
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT
ARMENIAN BAR ASSOCIATION RECEPTION
On the evening of Wednesday, October 29, the Armenian Bar
Association Annual Judges' Night reception was held at Phoenicia Restaurant
in Glendale, honoring Judges David S. Wesley, Kevin C. Brazile, and Ashley
Tabaddor.
The Prelate attended and delivered the invocation. He congratulated
the worthy service of the guardians of the justice system and prayed for God
to guide them in their duty to uphold the law of the land and serve with
justice and integrity. He blessed the members of the Armenian Bar
Association and all our legal professionals, asking for God's guidance in
their daily pursuit of justice so that they may serve with honor and good
conscience.
The Prelate also had the opportunity to meet with Sheriff candidate
Jim McDonnell and convey his well wishes on the upcoming election.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
"ARMENIAN AMERICAN ORPHANS CHRISTMAS FUND"
On Thursday, October 30, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy representatives of the
Armenian American Orphans Christmas Fund, who had come to personally thank
the Prelate for participating in their 15th anniversary Telethon held on
September 21 and to discuss their future projects.
The guests, Founder and President Mr. Ovanes Balayan, and board
members Mr. Tomik Alexanian and Ms. Nune Avetisyan, spoke of the
organization's mission of providing for needy children in cities and
villages across Armenia.
The Prelate highly commended Mr. Balayan's initiative in
establishing the benevolent organization years ago and the dedicated service
of all the members who contribute to its charitable endeavors. The Prelate
presented mementos to the guests and wished them continued successes in
their mission.
The visit also afforded the opportunity to converse about the
Armenian Genocide centennial and commemorations being organized for the
occasion. The Prelate noted that in commemoration of this solemn
anniversary, on July 19, 2015, His Holiness Aram I will conduct the blessing
of Muron at the Genocide memorial in Bikfaya, for which Armenians from
around the world will gather as pilgrims to be part of the historic event.