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April 23, 2015
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
1.5 MILLION MARTYRS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
CANONIZED INTO THE SAINTHOOD
Thursday, April 23, 2015 will forever remain a historic and
unforgettable day in the life of the Armenian people as on this day, His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, conducted the canonization
ceremony of our 1.5 million martyrs of the Armenian Genocide at the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The ceremony began with the procession and encompassed the reading
of the Vgayapanootyoon of the Martyrs, hymns, canonization of the martyrs as
saints and the proclamation of April 24 as a day of "Commemoration of the
Holy Martyrs, who were massacred during the Armenian Genocide for their
faith and for their fatherland," Scripture readings, unveiling and anointing
of sacred pictures, blessing and censing of the relics of the martyrs, hymn
dedicated the Holy Martyrs of the Genocide, and sermons.
The ceremony concluded at the symbolic hour of 7:15 p.m. (19:15)
Yerevan time, at which time church bells throughout Armenia and in Armenian
Churches worldwide rang 100 times, including within our Prelacy Churches.
***
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
Sunday, April 26, 2015 is the fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Red
Sunday. H.E. It is also the first Divine Liturgy that will be celebrated
following the canonization of our martyrs.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over
Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena and deliver his sermon on
the historic canonization ceremony.
***
CLERGY CONFERENCE HELD AHEAD OF
THE 43RD REPRESENTATIVES ASSEMBLY
On Tuesday, April 21, 2015, the annual clergy conference in
preparation for the upcoming 43rd Representatives Assembly was held at Holy
Martyrs Church in Encino presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of all Prelacy Clergy.
The day began with a prayer service, during which the Prelate
delivered his meditation dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial.
Through the passage from Hebrews 10:19-36, the Prelate called upon the
clergy to heed the words of the Apostle, especially during this special time
as we prepare for the canonization of the Armenian Genocide martyrs, and to
follow in the example of our martyrs who put aside earthly riches and
received the reward of heavenly treasures.
The conference convened with the invocation by the Prelate. The
first session was dedicated to the review of the Religious Council annual
report to be presented at the Representatives Assembly and to the
coordination of various Genocide centennial commemorations in which the
Prelate and clergy members will participate.
The second session began with a lecture by Dr. Ida Karayan, who
spoke on the importance of pre-marital counseling, particularly for today's
young couples, in an effort to prevent disputes and misunderstandings in the
future. Clergy members participated in the discussion and shared their
thoughts based on personal experiences. The Prelate offered his guidance and
suggestions in the matter and how to implement them in the future.
The next session was dedicated to the review and drafting of the
schedule of upcoming events and ceremonies was. The election of clergy
delegates to the Representatives Assembly also took place. Religious Council
Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian thanked the clergy for the productive
meeting and invited the Prelate to deliver the closing message.
The Prelate first commended the day's fruitful proceedings. His
Eminence spoke of the mission of our clergy as it relates to the
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide centennial and the canonization of
our martyrs, which opens up a new page in our history he said, and concluded
by stressing that clergy have a duty to fulfill their noble mission with
utmost dedication and a great sense of responsibility.
The day came to a close with the Prelate's benediction followed by
the hymn "Disciples of Christ".
***
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN INAUGURATION OF HONORARY CONSULATE IN LAS VEGAS AND
GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
The weekend of April 18, 2015 will live on as a memorable one for
the Armenian community of Las Vegas and beyond, featuring the inauguration
of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia, the unveiling of a
Genocide memorial plaque at the UNLV campus, and Episcopal Divine Liturgy
celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
On Saturday afternoon the Prelate participated in the inauguration
of the Honorary Consulate. The program featured welcoming remarks,
introduction of official guests, and presentation of certificates to the
newly appointed Honorary Consul Mr. Adroushan Armenian. Following the
ribbon-cutting ceremony, clergy leaders conducted the blessing of the office
and of salt and bread. Dignitaries and state and local officials attended
the ceremony, including Nevada State Treasurer Dan Schwartz, Henderson Mayor
Andy Hafen, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Joe Heck, Assembly members
Ellen Spiegel, Victoria Seaman, and Victoria Dooling, Consul General Sergey
Sarkisov, Consul Levon Minasyan, Honorary Consul of Fresno Berj Apkarian,
and representatives from the ARF Central Committee members and Armenian
organizations.
The unveiling of the plaque at the UNLV campus dedicated to the
survivors of the Armenian Genocide followed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The
plaque was sponsored by the Tarkanian family in memory of the late UNLV
basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian. A cultural program followed at the Student
Union Hall, organized by the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas
and the Las Vegas Armenian Genocide Centennial Education Subcommittee. Both
events were sponsored by the UNLV History Department.
In the evening, Honorary Consul Adroushan Armenian and his wife Nora
hosted a dinner at the Trinidad Ballroom of the Tropicana Hotel in honor of
visiting dignitaries and Las Vegas Consular Corp. The dinner was held under
the auspices of His Excellency Ambassador Tigran Sargsyan and His Excellency
Consul General Sergey Sarkisov, and under the patronage of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate. Welcoming remarks were conveyed by Mr. Armenian's daughters Hera
and Carnie. The Prelate delivered the invocation and his message. His
Eminence congratulated Mr. Armenian, with whom he has a friendship dating
back twenty-five years, and commended his diligent and dedicated service
over that time. His Eminence highlighted Mr. Armenian's fundamental role in
the re-establishment of the Las Vegas parish community and in the
construction of St. Garabed Church and Cultural Center, for which he was
awarded the Prelacy "St. Dertad" medal, and wished his continued successes
in his varied endeavors.
Remarks were conveyed by Consul General Sergey Sarkisov, Honorary
Consul Berj Apkarian, and Honorary Consul Adroushan Armenian. Proclamations
were presented by public officials. The evening also featured a dance
performance by the Armenian Dance Academy of Las Vegas.
On the morning of Sunday, April 19, the Prelate celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church. Parish Pastor Rev.
Fr Arsen Kassabian and former parish pastor Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian
assisted at the altar. Prior to beginning his sermon, His Eminence gave
thanks to God for the opportunity to share in the historic weekend and to
join the parish community on the third Sunday of Easter, Green Sunday, which
symbolizes rebirth, a fitting coincidence, he said, as we remember our
martyrs and the rebirth of our nation as well as renew our pledge to
continue our fight for justice. The Prelate recalled that the consecration
of the church was also conducted on Green Sunday two years before, and
joyfully stated that hereafter the consecration anniversary of St. Garabed
Church will be celebrated on Green Sunday.
The Prelate's message focused on the rebirth of Christ's disciples
following His Resurrection. Having seen the Risen Christ, the disciples were
revitalized with new life, one of unyielding faith, unending hope, and
unwavering courage. They established the Christian Church and fearlessly set
out to spread His Word and His Light to the world, and in doing so, brought
new life to the masses. Those who accepted the Gospel were transformed with
the promise of everlasting life, and the world also was forever changed with
the blossoming and flourishing of Christianity.
His Eminence emphasized that our forefathers became among the first
members of the new Church, they adapted and gave it a unique Armenian
identity and worked hard to develop and strengthen it, and it is the duty of
all of us here today to follow in their footsteps and strive to keep our
Church strong and flourishing for centuries more, stressed the Prelate. One
hundred years ago, 1.5 million of our innocent ancestors walked their own
path to the Golgotha of Der Zor for love and defense of the Armenian faith
and identity. Turkey set out to obliterate the Armenian people from the map,
but they ultimately failed, for armed with the indestructible faith and hope
of the Resurrection, the Armenian nation was reborn from the ashes of the
Genocide. We overcame, we rebuilt, we thrived, and we will triumph, for the
truth always prevails, said the Prelate. His Eminence also noted that as of
April 23, our tearful requiem prayers for our martyrs will be replaced by
prayers of intercession as they become canonized into the sainthood and
dwell in eternal blessedness in the presence of God. "Today, the spirit of
our martyrs calls on us to remember and keep their memory alive eternally,
to remind the world of what they endured and of our just cause, and to keep
demanding that which is rightfully ours. A new day is coming for the
Armenian people," stressed the Prelate.
Yesterday was also the start of a new day for this community, said
the Prelate, and once again congratulated Honorary Consul Adroushan Armenian
on his new assignment and wished him utmost success. "This community
underwent a tremendous rebirth just a few years ago, and today we rejoice at
how far you've come and continue to flourish. At this historic juncture of
the Armenian Genocide Centennial, let us take this opportunity today to
pledge that we will continue to serve our Lord and the Armenian Apostolic
Church with the same faith and spirit of our forefathers, and let us vow
that we will continue our struggle undeterred until justice is served. May
this be a day of new life, new faith, and rebirth for us individually, for
our families, communities, and for the Armenian nation as a whole,"
concluded the Prelate.
At the conclusion of his sermon, His Eminence conducted the washing
and consecration of a cross-stone, which on April 24 will be used a
cornerstone for the Armenian Genocide monument to be constructed at Sunset
Park.
***
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY GENOCIDE
COMMEMORATION
On Monday, April 20, 2015 over 600 Armenian-Americans from across
California, among them large numbers of youth and students from Prelacy
Schools, gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento for the
annual ANCA-WR Advocacy Day. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
participated in the day's events and delivered the invocation at the
California State Assembly session dedicated to the commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian.
The day began with a press conference at the California State Museum
highlighting the exhibit on Armenians which runs until August. Among the
items on display are religious and national relics on loan from our Prelacy.
The Genocide commemorations in the State Legislature followed.
The Prelate delivered the invocation on the Assembly floor stating,
"As our history continues to be denied and refuted by modern-day Turkey and
its allies, we are grateful for friends and supporters such as those in the
California State Legislature who designate this time each year to pay
tribute to our martyrs and raise awareness of the truth of the Armenian
Genocide and our just cause." His Eminence offered a prayer for our martyrs
and for all victims of genocide as well as for those subjected to similar
atrocities today adding, "May there come a time when all the peoples of the
world can live amongst one another in peace, as brothers and sisters of one
and the same human family." The Prelate beseeched the Lord for strength,
perseverance, and patience as we continue our struggle for universal
recognition and justice, concluding, "We owe it to our martyrs to keep their
legacy alive and we owe it to all victims and survivors of genocide, so that
history does not keep repeating itself."
Both the Senate and Assembly on this occasion unanimously passed AJR
2 recognizing the Armenian Genocide and calling on President Obama to do the
same. The day concluded with a reception and program on the Capitol Lawn
hosted by members of the Armenian Caucus, Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian,
Katcho Achadjian, and Scott Wilk.
***
UNVEILING OF PASADENA ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL
By the invitation of the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial
Committee and partner organizations, on Saturday, April 18, 2015 over 1500
people gathered at Memorial Park in Pasadena to witness the unveiling of the
Armenian Genocide Memorial. The monument stands sixteen feet tall in the
shape of a tripod. Every 21 seconds a drop of water will fall from within
the monument, 1.5 million drops annually for each victim of the Armenian
Genocide.
Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian
participated in the ceremony on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate. Among the participating dignitaries were
Congresswoman Judy Chu, former Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Los
Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard,
and others.
The Prelate was on a pastoral visit to the Las Vegas parish
community at the time. In April of 2014 His Eminence presided over the
ground-blessing ceremony and in January of this year over the commencement
of construction.
***
PRELATE PRESENTED WITH CITY OF INGLEWOOD PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed Inglewood City Council member Ralph Franklin, who had come
to the Prelacy to present His Eminence with a proclamation by the City of
Inglewood declaring April 24, 2015 as a day of remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915-1923. The Councilmember was accompanied by friend of the
Prelacy Mr. Kevork Karajerjian and his sons Ara and Apo, who work closely
with the Inglewood City Council.
The Prelate welcomed Councilmember Franklin and saluted the
proclamation as yet another step in the direction of truth and justice. His
Eminence noted that he was in Sacramento on Monday when the California State
Senate and Assembly passed AJR 2 recognizing the Armenian Genocide and
calling on President Obama to do the same. The Prelate stressed the
importance of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide not just for the Armenian
people but for all people, for it is a matter of truth and justice.
***
PRELATE REPRESENTED AT CITY HALL
RELIGIOUS PLURALISM EVENT
In commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the
Rwanda Genocide, on the morning of Tuesday, April 21, L.A. City
Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell hosted a special event at City Hall which
brought together faith and civic leaders in support of religious pluralism
and against persecution and hate.
The event began with a unity prayer at City Hall Rotunda, and was
followed by the presentation of a formal resolution in Council Chamber
titled "Standing for Religious Pluralism."
Archdeacon Manuk Chulyan participated in the service on behalf of
the Prelate.
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
1.5 MILLION MARTYRS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
CANONIZED INTO THE SAINTHOOD
Thursday, April 23, 2015 will forever remain a historic and
unforgettable day in the life of the Armenian people as on this day, His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, conducted the canonization
ceremony of our 1.5 million martyrs of the Armenian Genocide at the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The ceremony began with the procession and encompassed the reading
of the Vgayapanootyoon of the Martyrs, hymns, canonization of the martyrs as
saints and the proclamation of April 24 as a day of "Commemoration of the
Holy Martyrs, who were massacred during the Armenian Genocide for their
faith and for their fatherland," Scripture readings, unveiling and anointing
of sacred pictures, blessing and censing of the relics of the martyrs, hymn
dedicated the Holy Martyrs of the Genocide, and sermons.
The ceremony concluded at the symbolic hour of 7:15 p.m. (19:15)
Yerevan time, at which time church bells throughout Armenia and in Armenian
Churches worldwide rang 100 times, including within our Prelacy Churches.
***
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
Sunday, April 26, 2015 is the fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Red
Sunday. H.E. It is also the first Divine Liturgy that will be celebrated
following the canonization of our martyrs.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over
Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena and deliver his sermon on
the historic canonization ceremony.
***
CLERGY CONFERENCE HELD AHEAD OF
THE 43RD REPRESENTATIVES ASSEMBLY
On Tuesday, April 21, 2015, the annual clergy conference in
preparation for the upcoming 43rd Representatives Assembly was held at Holy
Martyrs Church in Encino presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of all Prelacy Clergy.
The day began with a prayer service, during which the Prelate
delivered his meditation dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial.
Through the passage from Hebrews 10:19-36, the Prelate called upon the
clergy to heed the words of the Apostle, especially during this special time
as we prepare for the canonization of the Armenian Genocide martyrs, and to
follow in the example of our martyrs who put aside earthly riches and
received the reward of heavenly treasures.
The conference convened with the invocation by the Prelate. The
first session was dedicated to the review of the Religious Council annual
report to be presented at the Representatives Assembly and to the
coordination of various Genocide centennial commemorations in which the
Prelate and clergy members will participate.
The second session began with a lecture by Dr. Ida Karayan, who
spoke on the importance of pre-marital counseling, particularly for today's
young couples, in an effort to prevent disputes and misunderstandings in the
future. Clergy members participated in the discussion and shared their
thoughts based on personal experiences. The Prelate offered his guidance and
suggestions in the matter and how to implement them in the future.
The next session was dedicated to the review and drafting of the
schedule of upcoming events and ceremonies was. The election of clergy
delegates to the Representatives Assembly also took place. Religious Council
Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian thanked the clergy for the productive
meeting and invited the Prelate to deliver the closing message.
The Prelate first commended the day's fruitful proceedings. His
Eminence spoke of the mission of our clergy as it relates to the
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide centennial and the canonization of
our martyrs, which opens up a new page in our history he said, and concluded
by stressing that clergy have a duty to fulfill their noble mission with
utmost dedication and a great sense of responsibility.
The day came to a close with the Prelate's benediction followed by
the hymn "Disciples of Christ".
***
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN INAUGURATION OF HONORARY CONSULATE IN LAS VEGAS AND
GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
The weekend of April 18, 2015 will live on as a memorable one for
the Armenian community of Las Vegas and beyond, featuring the inauguration
of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia, the unveiling of a
Genocide memorial plaque at the UNLV campus, and Episcopal Divine Liturgy
celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
On Saturday afternoon the Prelate participated in the inauguration
of the Honorary Consulate. The program featured welcoming remarks,
introduction of official guests, and presentation of certificates to the
newly appointed Honorary Consul Mr. Adroushan Armenian. Following the
ribbon-cutting ceremony, clergy leaders conducted the blessing of the office
and of salt and bread. Dignitaries and state and local officials attended
the ceremony, including Nevada State Treasurer Dan Schwartz, Henderson Mayor
Andy Hafen, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congressman Joe Heck, Assembly members
Ellen Spiegel, Victoria Seaman, and Victoria Dooling, Consul General Sergey
Sarkisov, Consul Levon Minasyan, Honorary Consul of Fresno Berj Apkarian,
and representatives from the ARF Central Committee members and Armenian
organizations.
The unveiling of the plaque at the UNLV campus dedicated to the
survivors of the Armenian Genocide followed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The
plaque was sponsored by the Tarkanian family in memory of the late UNLV
basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian. A cultural program followed at the Student
Union Hall, organized by the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas
and the Las Vegas Armenian Genocide Centennial Education Subcommittee. Both
events were sponsored by the UNLV History Department.
In the evening, Honorary Consul Adroushan Armenian and his wife Nora
hosted a dinner at the Trinidad Ballroom of the Tropicana Hotel in honor of
visiting dignitaries and Las Vegas Consular Corp. The dinner was held under
the auspices of His Excellency Ambassador Tigran Sargsyan and His Excellency
Consul General Sergey Sarkisov, and under the patronage of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate. Welcoming remarks were conveyed by Mr. Armenian's daughters Hera
and Carnie. The Prelate delivered the invocation and his message. His
Eminence congratulated Mr. Armenian, with whom he has a friendship dating
back twenty-five years, and commended his diligent and dedicated service
over that time. His Eminence highlighted Mr. Armenian's fundamental role in
the re-establishment of the Las Vegas parish community and in the
construction of St. Garabed Church and Cultural Center, for which he was
awarded the Prelacy "St. Dertad" medal, and wished his continued successes
in his varied endeavors.
Remarks were conveyed by Consul General Sergey Sarkisov, Honorary
Consul Berj Apkarian, and Honorary Consul Adroushan Armenian. Proclamations
were presented by public officials. The evening also featured a dance
performance by the Armenian Dance Academy of Las Vegas.
On the morning of Sunday, April 19, the Prelate celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church. Parish Pastor Rev.
Fr Arsen Kassabian and former parish pastor Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian
assisted at the altar. Prior to beginning his sermon, His Eminence gave
thanks to God for the opportunity to share in the historic weekend and to
join the parish community on the third Sunday of Easter, Green Sunday, which
symbolizes rebirth, a fitting coincidence, he said, as we remember our
martyrs and the rebirth of our nation as well as renew our pledge to
continue our fight for justice. The Prelate recalled that the consecration
of the church was also conducted on Green Sunday two years before, and
joyfully stated that hereafter the consecration anniversary of St. Garabed
Church will be celebrated on Green Sunday.
The Prelate's message focused on the rebirth of Christ's disciples
following His Resurrection. Having seen the Risen Christ, the disciples were
revitalized with new life, one of unyielding faith, unending hope, and
unwavering courage. They established the Christian Church and fearlessly set
out to spread His Word and His Light to the world, and in doing so, brought
new life to the masses. Those who accepted the Gospel were transformed with
the promise of everlasting life, and the world also was forever changed with
the blossoming and flourishing of Christianity.
His Eminence emphasized that our forefathers became among the first
members of the new Church, they adapted and gave it a unique Armenian
identity and worked hard to develop and strengthen it, and it is the duty of
all of us here today to follow in their footsteps and strive to keep our
Church strong and flourishing for centuries more, stressed the Prelate. One
hundred years ago, 1.5 million of our innocent ancestors walked their own
path to the Golgotha of Der Zor for love and defense of the Armenian faith
and identity. Turkey set out to obliterate the Armenian people from the map,
but they ultimately failed, for armed with the indestructible faith and hope
of the Resurrection, the Armenian nation was reborn from the ashes of the
Genocide. We overcame, we rebuilt, we thrived, and we will triumph, for the
truth always prevails, said the Prelate. His Eminence also noted that as of
April 23, our tearful requiem prayers for our martyrs will be replaced by
prayers of intercession as they become canonized into the sainthood and
dwell in eternal blessedness in the presence of God. "Today, the spirit of
our martyrs calls on us to remember and keep their memory alive eternally,
to remind the world of what they endured and of our just cause, and to keep
demanding that which is rightfully ours. A new day is coming for the
Armenian people," stressed the Prelate.
Yesterday was also the start of a new day for this community, said
the Prelate, and once again congratulated Honorary Consul Adroushan Armenian
on his new assignment and wished him utmost success. "This community
underwent a tremendous rebirth just a few years ago, and today we rejoice at
how far you've come and continue to flourish. At this historic juncture of
the Armenian Genocide Centennial, let us take this opportunity today to
pledge that we will continue to serve our Lord and the Armenian Apostolic
Church with the same faith and spirit of our forefathers, and let us vow
that we will continue our struggle undeterred until justice is served. May
this be a day of new life, new faith, and rebirth for us individually, for
our families, communities, and for the Armenian nation as a whole,"
concluded the Prelate.
At the conclusion of his sermon, His Eminence conducted the washing
and consecration of a cross-stone, which on April 24 will be used a
cornerstone for the Armenian Genocide monument to be constructed at Sunset
Park.
***
PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY GENOCIDE
COMMEMORATION
On Monday, April 20, 2015 over 600 Armenian-Americans from across
California, among them large numbers of youth and students from Prelacy
Schools, gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento for the
annual ANCA-WR Advocacy Day. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
participated in the day's events and delivered the invocation at the
California State Assembly session dedicated to the commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian.
The day began with a press conference at the California State Museum
highlighting the exhibit on Armenians which runs until August. Among the
items on display are religious and national relics on loan from our Prelacy.
The Genocide commemorations in the State Legislature followed.
The Prelate delivered the invocation on the Assembly floor stating,
"As our history continues to be denied and refuted by modern-day Turkey and
its allies, we are grateful for friends and supporters such as those in the
California State Legislature who designate this time each year to pay
tribute to our martyrs and raise awareness of the truth of the Armenian
Genocide and our just cause." His Eminence offered a prayer for our martyrs
and for all victims of genocide as well as for those subjected to similar
atrocities today adding, "May there come a time when all the peoples of the
world can live amongst one another in peace, as brothers and sisters of one
and the same human family." The Prelate beseeched the Lord for strength,
perseverance, and patience as we continue our struggle for universal
recognition and justice, concluding, "We owe it to our martyrs to keep their
legacy alive and we owe it to all victims and survivors of genocide, so that
history does not keep repeating itself."
Both the Senate and Assembly on this occasion unanimously passed AJR
2 recognizing the Armenian Genocide and calling on President Obama to do the
same. The day concluded with a reception and program on the Capitol Lawn
hosted by members of the Armenian Caucus, Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian,
Katcho Achadjian, and Scott Wilk.
***
UNVEILING OF PASADENA ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL
By the invitation of the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial
Committee and partner organizations, on Saturday, April 18, 2015 over 1500
people gathered at Memorial Park in Pasadena to witness the unveiling of the
Armenian Genocide Memorial. The monument stands sixteen feet tall in the
shape of a tripod. Every 21 seconds a drop of water will fall from within
the monument, 1.5 million drops annually for each victim of the Armenian
Genocide.
Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian
participated in the ceremony on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate. Among the participating dignitaries were
Congresswoman Judy Chu, former Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Los
Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard,
and others.
The Prelate was on a pastoral visit to the Las Vegas parish
community at the time. In April of 2014 His Eminence presided over the
ground-blessing ceremony and in January of this year over the commencement
of construction.
***
PRELATE PRESENTED WITH CITY OF INGLEWOOD PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
On Wednesday, April 22, 2015 H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed Inglewood City Council member Ralph Franklin, who had come
to the Prelacy to present His Eminence with a proclamation by the City of
Inglewood declaring April 24, 2015 as a day of remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915-1923. The Councilmember was accompanied by friend of the
Prelacy Mr. Kevork Karajerjian and his sons Ara and Apo, who work closely
with the Inglewood City Council.
The Prelate welcomed Councilmember Franklin and saluted the
proclamation as yet another step in the direction of truth and justice. His
Eminence noted that he was in Sacramento on Monday when the California State
Senate and Assembly passed AJR 2 recognizing the Armenian Genocide and
calling on President Obama to do the same. The Prelate stressed the
importance of acknowledging the Armenian Genocide not just for the Armenian
people but for all people, for it is a matter of truth and justice.
***
PRELATE REPRESENTED AT CITY HALL
RELIGIOUS PLURALISM EVENT
In commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and the
Rwanda Genocide, on the morning of Tuesday, April 21, L.A. City
Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell hosted a special event at City Hall which
brought together faith and civic leaders in support of religious pluralism
and against persecution and hate.
The event began with a unity prayer at City Hall Rotunda, and was
followed by the presentation of a formal resolution in Council Chamber
titled "Standing for Religious Pluralism."
Archdeacon Manuk Chulyan participated in the service on behalf of
the Prelate.