Western Diocese

October 2007 Archive

Armenian Professionals Network of Western Diocese Honor U.S. Armed Forces

October 31, 2007 — The Armenian Professionals Network of the Western Diocese under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, is proud to have Mr. Arthur Avazian, Esq. as keynote speaker at a luncheon honoring the Armenian American men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. At the event, Mr. Edward Minasian will present his new book “Musa Dagh.” The luncheon is held on Sunday, November 11, 2007, at 1:00 p.m.

Delegation from Western Diocese Visits Jimmy Carter Work Project of Habitat for Humanity in Los Angeles

October 31, 2007 — The Vicar General of the Western Diocese, the Very Reverend Father Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, accompanied by Sylva Khachiguian, Dn. Vahe Abovian and Remo Alexandri visited the 16-unit Harborside Terrace project, on Monday, October 29, 2007. President Carter also visited the site at the same day.

Primate Attends Mayoral Promotional Event for 'Darfur Now'

October 31, 2007 — The American Jewish Committee of Los Angeles had organized the promotional event, where many distinguished religious, political and community leaders participated and lauded their voice to end the genocide in Darfur.

10th Annual Western Diocese Pilgrimage to Armenia

October 31, 2007 — Join Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Pilgrimage Director since 1999, on what will be an adventure of a lifetime. During the past nine years over 200 pilgrims have traveled with us, some participating twice and even three times. All will agree that the memories will last forever.

Wiesel is Right on Genocide Recognition; Wrong on Armenians’ Quest for Justice

October 31, 2007 — The Philadelphia Jewish Voice published on October 28 an important interview with Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel. Reporter Charles Smolover asked him to comment on the fact that "some in the Jewish community are reluctant to touch this issue [congressional resolution on the Armenian Genocide] for fear of damaging Turkey’s relationship with Israel."

Mr. Arthur Avazian, Esq. of Avazian & Avazian to speak at Veteran’s Luncheon

October 26, 2007 — The Armenian Professionals Network of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derederian, Primate is proud to have Mr.

Kohar Symphony Orchestra & Choir Event

October 26, 2007 — The first concert of the Kohar Symphony Orchestra and Choir was held at the Gibson Theater in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2007. The Primate was present at the event. Kohar Symphony Orchestra & Choir is sponsored by the Katchadourian family.

Primate of Western Diocese of Armenian Church Calls on Faithful to Help Victims of Fires in California

October 26, 2007 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America has made a plea to all parishes under the jurisdiction of the Western Diocese to conduct a special ‘donation plate circulation’ in all churches of the Western Diocese on Sundays October 28th and November 4th to the benefit of the victims of the California fires in the past few days.

Banquet Honoring Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister of Armenia

October 26, 2007 — The USC Institute of Armenian Studies, on Friday, October 19, 2007, at 7:00 p.m., hosted a special banquet in honor of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the meeting and delivered remarks during this significant event.

Primate’s Pastoral visit to St. Andrews Armenian Church in Cupertino

October 26, 2007 — On Sunday, October 21, 2007, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered a sermon at St. Andrews Armenian Church in Cupertino. The Primate will ordain Sevak Yenikomshian, Andre Abrahamian, Haik Najarian and Shant Stepanian as Sub Deacons.

ACYO Retreat

October 26, 2007 — The ACYO Central Council hosted the Annual Senior Retreat on October 19-21, 2007 at Camp Hye Sierra.  This has been the 5^th Annual Senior Retreat, and the Diocese is proud to announce that over 65 ACYO members from throughout the Diocese took part in this growing staple event in the lives of our youth.

85th Anniversary Banquet for Nor Or Weekly

October 26, 2007 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and sponsored and presided over by Mr. & Mrs. Vartan & Alice Nazirian, the 85^th Anniversary Banquet of Nor Or Weekly took place at Karebian Hall of TCA Arshag Dickrannian Armenian School in Hollywood, on Sunday, October 21, 2007.

Anoushavan Abrahmian Educational Fund Banquet

October 26, 2007 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the 3^rd annual Banquet of “Anoushavan Abrahamian Educational Fund” will take place in the Kalaydjian Hall, at the Western Diocesan Headquarters, on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

CYMA to Host 1st Annual Dinner Dance!

October 26, 2007 — The CYMA executive committee is pleased to announce the date for the CYMA Dinner Dance Extravaganza. It will be held on the evening of Friday, November 30 at the Long Beach Hyatt featuring Khachig and His Band.

Kohar Symphony Orchestra & Choir Event

October 22, 2007 — The first concert of the Kohar Symphony Orchestra and Choir will be held at the Gibson Theater in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2007.

Newly formed Aresh Foundation Hold Dinner Meeting

October 22, 2007 — A group of Armenian residents of Los Angeles have formed the Aresh Foundation with the aim of assisting the Aresh district of the city of Yerevan.

Diocesan Meetings

October 22, 2007 — On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Primate presided over the Diocesan Council and Mother Church Construction Committee meetings. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian also participated in the CYMA-2008 meeting where the 2008 program details were introduced.

Primate Attends Major AGBU Annual Event

October 22, 2007 — On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Primate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator, attended the AGBU Annual Gala Banquet at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena.

Primate’s First Pastoral Visit to Ventura County

October 22, 2007 — On Sunday, October 14, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

Primate to Preside over Whittier 3rd Annual Dinner and Dance

October 22, 2007 — The first Sunday of each month, Whittier’s Armenian Church parishioners gather for their monthly celebration of Divine Liturgy. Parish Council Chairman Dr. Deacon Vahe Charkhutian has organized the exciting 3^rd annual dinner and dance.

Clergy Meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters

October 22, 2007 — On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, at 9:30 a.m., the Primate presided over the Clergy Meeting that was held in the Armen and Gloria Hampar Room  at  the Diocesan Headquarters.

Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders

October 22, 2007 — On Wednesday, October 17, 2007, the Western Diocese hosted the monthly meeting of the Council of Religious Leaders.

Primate Visits Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis, Founder of Jewish World Watch

October 22, 2007 — On Thursday afternoon, October 18, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian accompanied by the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, paid a visit to the founder of the Jewish World Watch, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis.

ECF Fundraising Event

October 22, 2007 — We gladly announce that through the admirable efforts of the Etchmiadzin Children Fund Chairlady, Gayane Tatoulian, they were once again successful in securing donations for the orphans in Etchmiadzin.

Banquet Honoring Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister of Armenia

October 22, 2007 — The USC Armenian Student Association, on Friday, October 19, 2007, at 7:00 p.

Meeting with Fresno County Supervisor Candidate Debbie Poochigian

October 22, 2007 — On Sunday, October 21, 2007, at the Ken and Cindy Norian residence, in Beverly Hills, a meeting-reception with the Fresno County Supervisor Candidate Debbie Poochigian will be held.

85th Anniversary Banquet for Nor Or Weekly

October 22, 2007 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and sponsored and presided over by Mr.

Remembrance Event: 100th Anniversary of Khrimian Hayrik’s Death

October 22, 2007 — On the occasions of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in America and the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese, a remembrance evening will be held in honor of the late Khrimian Hayrik, on the 100th anniversary of his passing.

Anoushavan Abrahmian Educational Fund Banquet

October 22, 2007 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the 3rd annual Banquet of “Anoushavan Abrahamian Educational Fund” will take place in the Kalaydjian Hall, at the Western Diocesan Headquarters, on Wednesday, October 21, 2007, beginning at 7:00 p.

“Hayordats” Choir and Dance-Troop Performance

October 22, 2007 — We inform the faithful members of the Western Diocese of the upcoming performances by the “Hayordats” Performing Art’s Troupe from Armenia. This great undertaking was the result of collaboration between the Western Diocese and AGBU, the sponsor of the program.

His Grace Bishop Aram Ateshian

October 22, 2007 — It is with spiritual contentment we inform our faithful that His Grace Bishop Aram Ateshian, a high ranking clergyman from the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey,  is visiting the Western Diocese.

Rev. Fr. Karnik Garabedian

October 22, 2007 — We are pleased to inform the Armenian faithful that Rev. Fr. Karnik Garabedian, Pastor of St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew Armenian Churches of Marseille, France,  is visiting the Western Diocese.

His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhanesian

October 22, 2007 — In the forthcoming days, the Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain, His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhanesian will depart London for Los Angeles.

Primate's Revised November Schedule

October 18, 2007 —   

Primate's Revised December Schedule

October 18, 2007 —   

Fruition of Love for Parents, Homeland and Art: Kohar Symphony Orchestra & Choir

October 17, 2007 — Currently Kohar is in the United States for an extensive east-west concert tour. The first concert will be held at the Gibson Theater in Los Angeles, on October 18, 2007.

House Committee Sides With Truth, While Bush Sides with Turkey

October 16, 2007 — The Los Angeles Times published last week a very brief, yet insightful letter to the editor. In mere twelve words, reader Daniel P. Quinn of St. Petersburg, Florida, summarized Pres. Bush’s position on the Armenian Genocide resolution: “President Bush was asked to choose between two allies: Turkey or truth.” Regrettably, Pres. Bush made the wrong choice. He chose to side with Turkey rather than the truth.

Primates October Schedule

October 12, 2007 —  

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Attended Justice Armand Arabian, Leaders in Public Service Award

October 12, 2007 — The Encino Chamber of Commerce presented the Justice Armand Arabian Leaders in Public Service Awards Luncheon, at the Hilton Woodland Hills, on Thursday, September 27, 2007. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian gave the invocation and blessed the event.

Vicar General Representes the Primate at ANC-WR Annual Banquet

October 12, 2007 — The 2007 Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region Annual Banquet was held on September 30, 2007 at the Universal Sheraton in Los Angeles. More then 700 individuals were present including many Armenian American leaders as well as public officials from California and some members of Congress.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at Diocesan Headquarters

October 12, 2007 — On Sunday, October 7, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the celebration of Divine Liturgy. Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan offered the sermon of the day. He is currently continuing his education and working at the Diocese

Primate Meets with Priesthood Candidates

October 12, 2007 — On Tuesday, October 8, 2007, the Primate had an especial meeting with the priesthood candidates/graduate students.

Bible Studies at Western Diocese

October 12, 2007 — We invite all interested individuals to join these rare and extremely interesting Bible Study classes.

Guest Clergy Visit Western Diocese

October 12, 2007 — We are pleased to inform that Rev. Fr. Karnik Garabediann, Pastor of St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew Armenian Churches of Marseille in France, will be visiting the Western Diocese. 

Primate to Preside over Whittier 3rd Annual Dinner and Dance

October 12, 2007 — The first Sunday of each month, Whittier’s Armenian Church parishioners gather for their monthly celebration of Divine Liturgy. Parish Council Chairman Dr. Deacon Vahe Charkhutian has organized the exciting 3^rd annual dinner and dance.

Primate to Attend AGBU Annual Dinner and Dance

October 12, 2007 — On Sunday, October 14, 2007, the Primate will attend AGBU Annual Dinner-Dance, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena. California Senator Joseph Simitian and Mr. Yenovk Baligian will be the honorary guests for the evening.

3rd Annual Pan North American ACYO Retreat Held in Toronto, Canada

October 11, 2007 — The 3^rd annual PNAAR retreat was held September 28-30, 2007 at Wesley Acres in Ontario, Canada.  A total of about 30 participants representing the Western, Eastern, and Canadian dioceses attended the retreat, 7 of which were from the Western Diocese.  The PNAAR retreat series began in 2005 to provide a venue for the youth of the ACYO-WD, ACYO-C, and ACYOA where they could gather to meet fellow youth and further the mission of the Armenian Church.

Primate Accompanies His Holiness Karekin II and His Entourage to East Coast

October 11, 2007 — On October 3^rd His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian accompanied his Holiness and his entourage to the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, where he was greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Voted Yes on Armenian Genocide Resolution

October 10, 2007 — Despite the escalating efforts by the Turkish lobby, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, with a vote of 27 to 21, paved the way for the Armenian Genocide Resolution to be considered at the House floor.

Congressman Adam Schiff and Evolution of Rule of Law in Armenia

October 10, 2007 — On Monday, October 8, 2007, Congressman Adam Schiff hosted and presided over an informative forum that was organized in collaboration with the Armenian National Committee, Glendale Chapter, at the Glendale Public Library.

Groundbreaking Ceremony of Mother Cathedral

October 3, 2007 — On Tuesday, October 2^nd, the Western Diocese embarked on a new era in its history when His Holiness, accompanied by His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, and other esteemed clergy from throughout the Armenian Church, presided over the Groundbreaking ceremony of the Mother Cathedral, and initiated the construction process for the eagerly awaited church.

Reception, Inauguration and Banquet At Taglyan Cultural Center

October 3, 2007 — At 5:30 pm, a reception took place at the Taglyan Cultural Center, situated adjacent to St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood. There were a number of guest clergy and public officials in attendance. The dignitaries were received and greeted by the clergy from the Diocese. Following which, His Holiness arrived and innuagurated the newly constructed Taglyan Center. A Gala Banquet followed.

His Holiness Karekin II Consecrates Main Altar in Pasadena

October 2, 2007 — The main altar of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena was consecrated by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on Monday, October 1, 2007. His Holiness Karekin II, the head of the worldwide Armenian Apostolic Church, arrived yesterday from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia.

His Holiness Meets with Community Leaders

October 2, 2007 —  

His Holiness Meets with Cardinal Roger Mahony

October 2, 2007 — In the afternoon, at 1:30, His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, met with His Holiness at the Diocesan Headquarters.

His Holiness Meets with Armenian School Students

October 1, 2007 — The procession of clergy accompanying His Holiness Karekin II entered the Kalaydjian Hall where anticipating students enthusiastically clapped in honor of His Holiness. Vehapar accompanied by the Primate and the other bishops, as well as the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Reverend Father Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, between 10:00 and 11:00 am, met with the students of the Armenian schools in the Greater Los Angeles area.