Western Diocese

May 2008 Archive

Primate’s Schedule for June 2008

May 29, 2008 — Jun. 1 - Primate celebrates Divine Liturgy and offers sermon at St. James, Sacramento; diaconate ordination; reception; the two newly ordained priests accompany the Primate

ACYO Junior Sports Weekend a True Success

May 29, 2008 — In his opening remarks Abp. Hovnan Derderian, who presided over the entirety of the weekend, said to the youth "You are the agents of change and ambassadors of Christ! With your presence and your activity the Church becomes renewed in the Spirit." Reinforcing his message during his benediction at the Awards Ceremony he said "Truly you are the source of joy and pride for your community, the purpose for which we strive to strength our Church."

Primate Pays Pastoral Visit to Fresno

May 29, 2008 — On May 25, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno.

Requiem for Fallen Herros of Sardarbad and Artsakh Was Held at Western Diocese

May 29, 2008 — This year, Armenians around the world mark the 90th anniversary of the heroic Battle of Sardarabad. With the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia has formed a special commemorative committee for the celebrations of this important historic event in the modern Armenian history.

80th Anniversary of Hovhannes Hannesian at Western Diocese

May 29, 2008 — On May 22, 2008, the 80th anniversary of Hovhannes Hannesian, founder of Shirak Publication was held at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex.

Mrs. Linda Stepanian Donates a Painting to Western Diocese

May 29, 2008 — The Primate highly praised Mrs. Stepanian for her generosity and beautiful gift to the Western Diocese.

Balekjian Family Donates an Organ to Western Diocese

May 29, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and the Diocesan Council express their heartfelt appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Garbis and Shake Balekjian for their dedication and generosity towards the Western Diocese.

Primate at Southern California Religious Leader Council

May 29, 2008 — On May 21, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, participated in the Southern California Religious Leader Council, held in the United Church of Christ in Pasadena.

WD-Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund Accepts Donations

May 29, 2008 — We strongly encourage the faithful of the Western Diocese to bring their participation to this God-pleasing work. If you are interested in contributing to this cause please make your checks payable to Western Diocese – Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund and send to: Western Diocese – Armenian Church 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504

New Projects Underway at Diocesan Summer Camp

May 29, 2008 — Mrs. Jean Barsam has recently donated $60,000 towards the construction of the Barsam Sports Court at the Diocesan Summer Camp. In addition, the Paparigian Cabin-Hill Landscaping Project – funded by the Paparigian Foundation – provides a neat and pleasant environment for the participants of the Diocesan Summer Camp Program.

Khachadourian Choir Marks 30th Anniversary in Holy Land

May 23, 2008 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, members of the Khachadourian Choir of the Mother Cathedral along with their family members marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the choir and celebrated the Holy Easter celebrations according to the Julian calendar in the Holy Land.

Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of HOVHANNES HANNESIAN

May 21, 2008 — Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Founder of SHIRAK Publication AND 55 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE HOVHANNES HANNESIAN

Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian Donates a Handwritten Mashdots and Several Other Books from 18th and 19th Centuries to Western Diocese

May 21, 2008 — The collection of the precious Armenian books donated by Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian will be kept at the library of the Western Diocese and will be available to the general public.

Primate of Western Diocese of Armenian Church Calls on Faithful to Help Victims of Burma Cyclone and China Earthquake

May 21, 2008 — 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 Sunday May 25, 2008, for the benefit of the victims of the Burma cyclone and the earthquake in China.

ANC-Burbank Holds Its 3rd Annual Banquet

May 21, 2008 — On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the Armenian National Committee of Burbank held its 3rd Annual Banquet at Arbat Banquet Hall.

Vanoush Khanamiryan’s 80th Anniversary Event

May 21, 2008 — On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the 80th Anniversary of Vanoush Khanamiryan event was held at the Hall of Glendale High School.

USC-IAS 3rd Anniversary Gala Banquet

May 21, 2008 — Mr. Edward Roski Jr., Incoming Chair of the USC Board of Tustees, in his welcoming remarks stated that the primary purposes of the USC-IAS 3rd Anniversary Gala Banquet were to pay tribute to the generous philanthropy of the Lincy Foundation and acknowledge the founders of the California Courier on its 50th anniversary.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Peter, Van Nuys; Marks 25th Anniversary of Gomidas Choir

May 21, 2008 — On Sunday, May 18, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian and several deacons assisted the Primate during the church service.

Armenia’s Ambassador to U.S. Visits Western Diocese

May 21, 2008 — His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, and His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul General in Los Agneles, paid an official visit to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America on Saturday May 17, 2008.

“Eastern Armenian for the English-Speaking World” Author Was Honored

May 21, 2008 — The Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia and the Tekeyan Cultural Association – Los Angeles Chapter – honored Dr. Dora Sakayan, author of “Eastern Armenian for the English-Speaking World,” during an event at Glendale Public Library.

Deacons’ Training at Western Diocese

May 21, 2008 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the Department of Religious Education and Youth Education of the Western Diocese has organized a special Deacons’ Training program for the acolytes, stole-bearers, and deacons throughout the Diocese.

Ordination and consecration of new priests

May 20, 2008 — The ordination and consecration will take place on May 29, 2008, at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood.

Diocese Honors Jewish World Watch Founder

May 15, 2008 — It was truly an auspicious occasion when, under banner of the Kinship of Suffering, the Armenian Community and the Jewish Community joined together to give reverence to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and Jewish Holocaust, as well as celebrate each other’s rich culture.

Friends of UCLA-ALCS Honor Dr. Arousiak Sahakyan

May 15, 2008 — The 10th Anniversary Banquet of the Friends of UCLA Armenian Language and Culture Studies was held on May 10, 2008. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian representing the Primate attended this event.

Primate Attends Mother’s Day Event

May 15, 2008 — On May 4, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended the Mother’s Day Musical Event organized by the Ladies’ Society of the La Canada Parish held at the La Canada High School Auditorium.

Primate Ordains Deacons, Acolytes and Stole-Bearers at St. Peter – Youth Center, Glendale

May 15, 2008 — The Primate ordained several gifted young men from the vibrant St. Peter Parish of Glendale to the ranks of Deaconate, Stole-Bearer and Acolyte during the Second Palm Sunday church service.

Western Diocese to Honor Rabbi Harold Schulweis of Jewish World Watch

May 12, 2008 — On Thursday, May 15th, at 7:30 p.m., the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church under the auspices of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian will host an evening honoring Rabbi Harold Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch and spiritual leader of Valley Beth Shalom.

Recent Publications by Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian

May 12, 2008 — The following five books were published by the order of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. Among them are two Armenian historiographies translated into English for the first time with introductions and annotations.

“History of the Western Diocese” Is Published

May 5, 2008 — We gladly inform the faithful that this wonderful book is available at the Diocesan Bookstore.

Celebration Marks the Beginning of Mother Cathedral Construction

May 5, 2008 — The beginning of the construction of the cathedral is the realization of years of work to design a beautiful and functional Armenian Church that meets the needs of the community and to receive full approval from all official bodies involved. Therefore, this event was truly a historical moment of celebration for the Western Diocese.

Primate Joins His Holiness Karekin II Visit to Rome

May 5, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will join the entourage of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, during the Pontiff’s visit to Rome.

81st Diocesan Assembly Elections’ Results

May 5, 2008 — Elections were held for the Diocesan Assembly, Western Diocese Endowment Fund, and the Diocesan Council

81st Diocesan Assembly

May 3, 2008 — The historic 81st Diocesan Delegates Assembly began on the morning of Friday, May 2nd under the auspices of Abp. Hovnan Derderian. The two day meeting was extremely fruitful, touching on issues important to the faithful of the Western Diocese.

Armenian Church of the Desert Accomplishment - Corrected Version

May 3, 2008 — The Diocese would like to inform the faithful that the Parish Council of the Armenian Church of the Desert is working hard to obtain the necessary permits from the city in order to begin construction of the new sanctuary. God willing, The City Council of Rancho Mirage will be considering the matter in the near future. Please note that in a previous version of this communique, it was stated in error that the permits had already been obtained.

Armenian Church of Portland Purchases Property for New Church

May 2, 2008 — Diocesan Council, under the presidency of the Primate, in their meeting confirmed the purchase of the property.

Mother Cathedral Construction Contract Signed at Western Diocese

May 2, 2008 — On Friday, May 02, 2008, at 8:00 AM, the Diocesan Council convened for a meeting in the Primate’s office at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church for the construction agreement signing ceremony.

Armenian Church of Arizona Begins Church Construction

May 2, 2008 — The Diocese happily announces to the faithful of the Western Diocese that the Armenian Church of Arizona, having received the necessary permits and agreements will soon be beginning the construction of their church building. The parish priest is Fr. Zakaria Saripekian.T

Feast of Ascension at Western Diocese

May 1, 2008 — On May 1, 2008, starting at 11:00 AM, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of Ascension was held at the Western Diocese. On May 1, 2008, starting at 11:00 AM, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the Feast Day of Ascension was held at the Western Diocese. Many of the Diocesan Clergy and faithful, including the participant of the 56th LSCC Assembly, were present during this magnificent church service.

56th Ladies Society Central Council Assembly

May 1, 2008 — On May 1, 2008, the 56th Ladies Society Central Council Assembly convened at 9:00 AM in the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America in Burbank, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the meeting. Mrs. Silva Katchiguian, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Committee, chaired the meeting.