Western Diocese News

Primate to Represent Armenian Church at Lambeth Conference

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On July 22, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, will depart Los Angeles for London, for the Lambeth Conference, representing His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. The Lambeth Conference takes place every ten years. The Primate will return on July 30^th. The Divan of the Western Diocese will provide you with more details about the Lambeth Conference upon return of His Eminence from London.

Deacons with Assignment

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

During the past five years, ordinations of deacons and acolytes have increased significantly – especially among our younger generation – as a testimony to the bright future of the church in the western regions of the United States.

The service rendered by all deacons and acolytes are equally pleasing to the Lord and the Church. However, we find it necessary to provide a list of Deacons who have been entrusted with important responsibilities by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in the Western Diocese. We would like to begin with Dn. Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian who has served the Western Diocese in various capacities for many years, namely, serving as a member of Gevorgian Spiritual Council of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Diocesan and Parish Councils, and Chair of the Diocesan Council. He currently serves at St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, California.

Dn. Akop Iskenian	California Retirement Home, Fresno
Dn. Arsen Hayrapetyan	Priesthood candidate/student; Armenian Church – Santa Clarita
Dn. Matthew Ash	Priesthood candidate/student – soon to be attending St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle (NY)
Dn. Barlow Der Mugrdechian	Former Chair of the Diocesan Council; St. Paul Armenian Church – Fresno, California
Dn. Kevork Parseghian	Assistant to Parish Priest; Parish Council Chair; Armenian Church – Portland, Oregon
Dn. Heros Yeghiayan	Armenian Church – Reno, Nevada
Dn. Hagop Ajemian	Representative to the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood
Dn. Stepan Gozumian	Choral Director of the Khachadourian Choir
Dn. Yeghia Jendian	Archivist
Dn. Steve Adams	Diocesan Bylaws Review Committee member
Dn. Ara Dakessian	Pilgrimage manager
Dn. Kerop Artenian	Gevorkian Theological Seminary graduate; Sanahin Institution
Dn. Hamlet Mehrabian	Gevorkian Theological Seminary graduate; Sanahin Institution Board member
Dn. Rayan Tallalian	Priesthood candidate/student at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle (NY)
Dn. Grigor Avagyan	Priesthood candidate/Student; soon to be attending Claremont School of Theological
Dn. Hovnan Vardanyan	Priesthood candidate/Student; soon to be attending Claremont School of Theological
Dn. Tigran Garibjanian	Glendale Memorial Hospital Chaplin
Dn. Haig Digranian	Priesthood candidate/student at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle (NY)
Sub-Dn. Martin Zakarian	Priesthood candidate/Student; soon to be attending Claremont School of Theological
Dn. Richard Charshafian	Armenian Church –Northern Sierra Region
Dn. Adis Bedrosian	Parish Priest Assistant – Ararat Home
Dn. Sarkis Elainjian	Parish Priest Assistant; Armenian Church – Ventura County
Dn. Razmik Sarkisian	Priesthood candidate/student
Dn. Ari Demiral	Liturgical publication manager

Armenian Cultural Foundation Annual Reception/Fundraising

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church – Hollywood, will represent His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the annual reception of the Armenian Cultural Foundation held in Beverly Wilshire Hotel, on July 27, 2008.

Primate's Visits to Summer Camp 2008

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will pay pastoral visits to the Summer Camp 2008 during the three weekly segments of this year’s program on July 21^st, August 1^st, and 4^th:

Summer Camp Program 1^st Week: July 20-26, 2008

Summer Camp Program 2^nd Week: July 27-August 2

Summer Camp Program 3^rd Week: August 3-9

Sanahin Institute Seminar

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

A series of lectures on a variety of spiritual topics were held during the Sanahin Institute Seminar on July 17-19, 2008, at Aldersgate Retreat Center in Pacific Palisades, California. Ms. Zar Der Mugrdechian, Dn. Grigor Avagyan, Mashdots Jobanian, Debbie Derderian, and Fr. Arshag Aivazian presented their lectures on the following themes: ‘prayer and spirituality,’ ‘five major feast days of the Armenian Church,’ The Armenian Church and the Book of Revelation,’ ‘Teaching techniques for high school students,’ and ‘comparative religions.’ In the last segment of the seminar, the participants watched “Understanding Our Divine Liturgy” DVD, produced by St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem, California. A discussion ensued following the DVD presentation.

The Sanahin Institute was formed by the initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

100th Anniversary of William Saroyan Was Marked at Western Diocese

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On July 13, 2008, the 100^th Anniversary of one of the foremost American writers of the 20^th century William Saroyan, organized by Armenian-American Association, was held at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Western Diocese.

Dr. Arshag Gazanjian offered the opening remarks. Ms. Lilit Keheyan served as the moderator for this event. The program for the evening included musical interludes performed by Professor Levon Abrahamian. Sargis Vahagn was the featured speaker.

Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Western Diocese, representing the Primate, offered the closing remarks for the evening. Former pastor of William Saroyan from the Armenian Church in Fresno, Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian, was also present during this100^th Anniversary event at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex.

Inaugural Delegates Assembly for the Pan Armenian Church Youth Organization Was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Under the direction and with the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the meetings of the inaugural International Assembly for the Pan Armenian Church Youth Organization (Pan ACYO) was held from 10 - 11 July 2008 in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The purpose of the Pan ACYO is to unite Armenian youth from around the world around the center of their spiritual faith, the Armenian Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pan ACYO provided them with the opportunity to learn more of their homeland and the Mother Church in order to work jointly for the benefit of the nation. 34 Dioceses and Pastorates of the Armenian Church were represented by 140 young men and women delegates. Representatives of 20 youth organizations and over one hundred pilgrims attended the meetings as observers.

The assembly was opened by His Holiness Karekin II who delivered his Pontifical blessings and message. Welcoming speeches were delivered by the Executive Director of the assembly His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and by Mr. Karen Petrosian, Chairman of the interim Governing Body.

During the two-day assembly, the delegates established and approved the overall mission of the ACYO and the governing policies and procedures, and elected a governing body from among the delegates. Group discussions were held on various topics.

On 12 July, the assembly delegates and the pilgrims visited the Memorial to the Armenian Genocide and museum at Tsitsernakaberd and made a pilgrimage to St. Mesrop Mashots Church in Oshakan.

On 13 July young men and women visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where they participated in celebration of the Divine Liturgy and received holy communion. The guest celebrant of the Divine Liturgy was His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Following the conclusion of services, the pilgrims toured the grounds and Headquarters of the Armenian Church and learned more of their Armenian spiritual heritage.

Over the next several days the delegates and observers participated in pilgrimages to historical churches and monasteries throughout Armenia.

Inaugural Assembly of the Pan Armenian Church Youth Organization in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services Jul 11, 2008

On July 10, under the presidency and with the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the inaugural world assembly of the Armenian Church Youth Organization convened in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The venue for the meetings was the newly renovated concert hall of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary.

More than 130 young men and women, representing 35 dioceses and pastorates of the worldwide Armenian Church, participated in this first assembly aimed at approving the new constitution for the Pan Armenian Church Youth Organization (Pan ACYO).

The delegates greeted the entrance of the Armenian Pontiff as he entered the hall and the assembly opened with the Lord’s Prayer. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Karen Petrosian, Chairman of the Interim Central Council for the Pan ACYO.

Representatives from the dioceses of Armenia, Asia, Australia, South America, North America and Europe, as well as the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, delivered introductory remarks expressing their love and gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians and their commitment to their efforts to unite Armenian youth from around the world with the goal of serving our Lord Jesus Christ through the Armenian Church and enriching their Armenian cultural and national values through their presence and participation in the life of the homeland.

In his address to the delegates, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and coordinator of the inaugural assembly, stressed that the establishment today of the Pan ACYO is an imperative in our contemporary lives – one that was identified by His Holiness Karekin II years ago when he initiated this effort. His Eminence stated that this assembly is the culmination of years of thought and work, and is the reply of faithful sons and daughters of the Armenian Church to the call made by the Catholicos of All Armenians for the youth to unite in Holy Etchmiadzin.

Abp. Derderian stated, "The inaugural assembly of delegates of the Armenian Church Youth Organization opens a new page in the history of our Holy Church. The purpose of the Pan ACYO is to lead Armenian young people to God, to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, to the homeland and to a life filled with faith and Christian morals. The purpose and the mission of the youth organization is to help Armenian young people establish their life in dialogue with God and on paths leading to our Savior. The result of our efforts will be the creation and prosperity of the Armenian family. The path will be to transform our homeland and Holy Etchmiadzin into the starting point of our life and the Armenian family into the anchor of our existence." His Eminence concluded his comments and thereafter invited the Pontiff of All Armenians to address the delegates and offer his blessings.

His Holiness Karekin II blessed the gathered delegates and the creation of the Pan ACYO with these words of encouragement and challenge: "‘The Armenian Church is the birthplace of our soul’ says the author. It is the guarantor of Armenian identity. It is the place where you learn to love God and to love one another. Our aim today is to unite our sons and daughters under the protective dome and walls of our Church. We wish for you to build your lives – your blessed lives – within sight of her lofty dome ascending to the heavens. We want you place the Church at the axis – at the very heart of your existence, since it is the center of our collective national life."

His Holiness continued, "…Our national identity, our culture, our spiritual life are bound with Christianity and founded on the teachings, gospel and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, they are created by Christ. If you wish to be worthy citizens of your countries; if you wish to be the worthy children of our nation, then you must live your life within the Church and with Christ."

His Holiness concluded his message by exhorting the delegates to, "Search into the mystery of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, of our Apostolic Holy Church and the homeland. See eternity within its domed halls and in its soil, and remain faithful to this sacred mystery. Live with this mystery and reinforce it within you and among your friends. With your hard work, with your devoted endeavors, with your vibrant service, you shall pass on the legacy of our ancestors to your successors and the generations which follow them."

The Catholicos of All Armenians also expressed his appreciation and commendation to Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for his efforts and dedication in preparing and organizing this inaugural assembly, as well as to the diocesan primates and pastors for contributing to the establishment of the Pan ACYO.

Second Session of the Pan-ACYO World Assembly
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services Jul 12, 2008

On July 11, the delegates to the Pan ACYO World Assembly continued their business sessions in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The delegates formed small working groups to hold discussions on various topics. They reviewed ACYO issues related to activities, dissemination of information, creation of a website, cooperation between Dioceses, budget and financing and collaboration with other youth institutions.

After the discussions, the second session was convened in the concert hall of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary. During the session, the ACYO governing policies and procedures were discussed. A working group was created and assigned a one year task of developing ACYO rules and regulations, which will be presented for confirmation to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The final task of the assembly was to create a governing body. 21 young men and women from Dioceses throughout the world were elected by the delegates to serve as members of the first Pan ACYO Governing Board.

The session concluded with a message from the Executive Secretary of the Pan ACYO, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. His message to the delegates underlined three main points: "God is the source of our life, the Armenian Church is the spirit of our life and the youth are the goal and mission of our life."

Pan-ACYO Pilgrims Partake in Celebration of Divine Liturgy in Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Divan of the Diocese, July 17, 2008

On July 13, 2008, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Mother Cathedral in special acknowledgement of the Pan-ACYO Pilgrimage to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon wherein His Eminence reflected on the significance of the Pan-ACYO movement in the life of the church. His Eminence encouraged the Pan-ACYO Delegates to become reflections of the Armenian Church in the life of the Armenian communities throughout the world.

His Holiness Karekin II Receives the Pan-ACYO Delegates

Divan of the Diocese, July 17, 2008

Upon the conclusion of the church service on Sunday, July 13, 2008, the Pan-ACYO delegates were received by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during a reception held at the Patriarchate Hall of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian offered the opening remarks, briefly outlining the overall performance of the First Pan-ACYO Delegates Assembly. His Eminence assured His Holiness of the great potentials demonstrated by the Pan-ACYO delegates and that they would carry out their new responsibilities most successfully in their communities, as the young ambassadors of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Pontiff praised the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church for his leadership and contribution to the successful organization of the First Pan-ACYO Delegates Assembly, as well as the organizing committee members and all participants.

With the blessings of His Holiness, delegates of the Pan-ACYO Inaugural Assembly departed the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, later the same day.

Primate Presides over Pan-ACYO Governing Body Meeting at Holy Etchmiadzin

Divan of the Diocese, July 17, 2008

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the Pan-ACYO Governing Body which was convened for the first time, on July 14, 2008, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Pan-ACYO Governing Body elected Mr. Garen Bedrosian as the Chair of Pan-ACYO GB.

Later that same day the Pan-ACYO Governing Board members were received and blessed by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Catholicos of All Armenians.

Inagural Pan-Armenian Church Youth Organization Meeting Underway

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Vagharshapat, Armenia - Today, marked the beginning of the historic first Pan Armenian Church Youth Organization Delegates Assembly held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and organized by the Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian. With delegates assembled from over 35 Armenian Church Dioceses throughout the world, this truly remarkable event has provided a venue for the faithful youth of the Armenian Church to unite in one voice, in praise of God, and in service to Christ's Church.

The first day's sessions provided an excellent opportunity for the delegates to meet and acquaint themselves with their brother's and sisters from the motherland of Armenia and other diasporan communities. They also had the opportunity to breakout into workgroups and brainstorm regarding the meeting's agenda items.

The Western Diocese is blessed to have 7 representatives participating in the delegates meeting, several of whom are participating in the on going Christian Youth Mission to Armenia pilgrimage, led by Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Dn. Mkrtich Ksachikyan, and Sarah Merganian. The Western Diocese Delegates include Mark Oganessian, Lilit Berberyan, Kevin Yahnian, Tamara Karakashian, and Hovig Artinian, as well as Fr. Vartan and Dn. Mkrtich.

As the 3 day meeting progresses, more information will be forthcoming.

Primate's Schedule for June 30 – July 15, 2008

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

June 30	Primate meets with ADL and AGBU central committee members
July 1	Primate meets with ARF a HSD central committee members
July 2	Primate meets with the Armenia Fund Board of Trustee; meetings with the Parish Councils of St. Sarkis and the Armenian Church of Palmdale
July 6	Temporary sanctuary – Western Diocese
July 6-15	Primate travels to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to preside over the First Pan-ACYO Delegates Assembly

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to Costa Mesa and Ordination of Sub-Deacons

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

On June 29, 2008, the faithful gathered at St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa to participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and the deliverance of the sermon offered by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, assisted by Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa.
The Primate also ordained nine young men to the rank of Sub-Diaconate in the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. The newly ordained Sub-Deacons were: Sarven Markarian, Sarven Krakesisoglu, Hovsep Kabaklian, Vahan Martirosian, Aret Aramian, Shant Barin, Arda Karakas, Garen Bal, and Alex Tashjian.