Western Diocese

For the Greater Los Angeles area Armenian community it was a gratifying occasion, when on March 2, 2007 in the evening at the 48th Annual Fernando Award hosted a Special Recognition Dinner in honor of Justice Armand Arabian who was awarded with the Fernando Award of 2006 as an appreciation for his Civic accomplishments.

            It is important to note that Justice Arabian and his wife Nancy have been rendering dedicated services to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.  They are benefactors of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Western Diocese and one of the Godfathers of the Cathedral.  As an appreciation of his contributions to the Mother See, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians has bestowed upon Justice Arabian the Medal of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

            His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate was one of the invited guests who delivered the following Invocation.

            "Almighty God, we lift up the prayers of our hearts to you to thank you for blessing us all with the real vision to enrich our spiritual lives in the service of humanity.

            Tonight we celebrate the life of Justice Armand Arabian and more especially the auspicious occasion of the bestowing of the Fernando Award upon him in recognition of his Civic Accomplishments.

            We ask you, O'Lord to bless us all with the gift of serving humanity.  Teach us to recognize and to use every opportunity of service and guide us to be givers without counting the rewards, workers without seeking rest, servants without expecting compensation, all with the awareness that we are doing your will.

            Bless, O'Lord, this food which is being presented to us to use and us to thy service and make us ever mindful of the needs of others.

            Help us to appreciate your blessings more fully and to realize that all good things come from you.

            Bless O Lord, this gathering and especially the Fernando Award Foundation and especially this year's recipient Justice Armand Arabian.

            May this event inspire us all to pursue higher moral values in the service of our community and for the glory of God.  Amen."

            A wonderful program was presented following the dinner.  A video presentation took place in Tribute of Justice Armand Arabian, after which, Mr. Arabian was presented the 2006 Fernando Award who responded expressing his gratitude to the Fernando Award Foundation for awarding this honor since 1959 and will continue to do so. Following the closing remarks a musical program was presented.