Western Diocese News

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at the Armenian Church of Ventura County

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

On June 9, the faithful community of the Armenian Church of Ventura County welcomed Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the day’s celebrant and homilist. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Thousand Oaks. During the service, His Eminence granted the order of Stole bearer to Garen Alexander.

In his sermon, the Primate reflected on priesthood as the most humble form of service. He called upon each faithful to be an ambassador of Christ, our Savior in our communities and to adopt the living Gospel of our Savior in our daily life.

Following the sermon, the Primate officially introduced Deacon Sarkis Alanjian as the Deacon-In-Charge of the Ventura County Parish. Deacon Alanjian had been a familiar face at the Ventura County Parish serving at the holy altar alongside Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian, the former visiting priest and presently Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian. Deacon Sarkis will take on administrative responsibilities in his mission to strengthen the Parish and to spread the light of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

His Eminence also noted that Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian will continue his pastoral role as the celebrant of Divine Liturgy.

A luncheon sponsored by the Parish Council followed the service at the parish hall.

Memorable Retreat at the Armenian Church Summer Camp - Yettem Parish Welcomes “Disciples’ Mission” Pilgrims

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

On June 7, 2013, close to 50 pilgrims from various Diocesan parishes set off to a memorable pilgrimage organized by the Disciples’ Mission. The group, led by Hayk Madoyan, Librarian of the Western Diocese and Vahe Sargsyan, Director of the Diocesan TV/Media Department, made the first stop at the scenic Armenian Church Summer Camp in Dunlap, California.

On the following day, the pilgrims participated in a Morning Prayer Service led by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Pastor of the Armenian Church in Crescenta Valley. Father Avedis stressed the importance of prayer in the life of a Christian.

Enjoying the natural setting of God’s wondrous creation, the pilgrims took part in a series of lectures designed to strengthen their spirituality and further their understanding of the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

As the first lecturer, Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian expanded on the topics of faith and virtue. In an interactive lecture, he noted that faith and virtue go hand in hand and in order to lead a virtuous life, a Christian must be renewed within. In the question and answer forum which followed, the clergyman took the time to explain in great detail how we as Christians should live according to the Word of God.

Lecturing on the topics of knowledge and self-control, Hayk Madoyan emphasized the importance of getting to know God. Faith, combined with knowledge, allows the faithful to better comprehend, appreciate and apply the teachings of Christ, our Lord, in everyday life. Self-control is the crucial virtue which allows the faithful to be better disciplined in spiritual and daily life.

Perseverance and godliness were the lecture topics of Diocesan TV/Media Director Vahe Sargsyan. He noted the importance of trusting God and persevering in difficult times. Sargsyan referred to verses from the Holy Bible which offer comfort at times of hardships and trials. Lecturing on godliness, Sargsyan stressed that true godliness is deepened through Orthodox worship and is strengthened through our unceasing relationship with God. This is the basis leading to brotherly kindness and love.

Lastly, Mashdots Jobanian, Christian Education Director of the Western Diocese introduced the topics of brotherly kindness and love. Jobanian noted that the covenant of God’s love for humanity, also known as “Agape,” is divine, unconditional, and self-sacrificing. We, in turn, must recognize Christ’s immense love and share it in our communities.

The culmination of the pilgrimage took place on Sunday as the pilgrims headed to St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem to take part in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The day’s celebrant and Pastor of the Parish Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan, was assisted at the holy altar by Dn. Allan Yeghia Jendian. Following the solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the pilgrims were treated to a reception in the church hall.

In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan welcomed the pilgrims and stated that their presence has revived the parish and has instilled a spiritual reawakening in the hearts of the congregants. He gave a brief introduction on the history of the Yettem Parish noting the invaluable contributions to the church by the early Armenian settlers. Parish Council Chair Beatrice Soxman thanked the pilgrims for their cordial visit stating that their doors are always open.

In turn, the pilgrims offered their gratitude to Fr. Zaven and the Parish Council for their warm hospitality. Prior to departure, a memorable group photo was taken at the entrance of St. Mary Armenian Church.

“We commend the vision of Hayk Madoyan, the Librarian and Ecumenical Officer of the Western Diocese and the organizers of the spiritually enriching pilgrimage. Pilgrimages are essential tools to strengthen one’s relationship with the Almighty and we encourage the faithful to take an active part in the pilgrimages led by the Disciples’ Mission of the Western Diocese,” said Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Primate’s June 2013 Schedule

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

June 15 – Diocesan Council Meeting

Evening: Mer-Hooys (House of Hope) Event

June 16 – St. Leon Armenian Cathedral (Celebrant and Homilist)

Afternoon: Yervant Babayan’s 100^th birthday celebration event

June 17 – Diocesan Headquarters - Middle Eastern Churches Religious Leaders Fellowship and Reception

June 18 – Southern California Regional Clergy Meeting

Afternoon: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles – Fellowship and reception for Orthodox Bishops hosted by Archbishop Jose Gomez

June 20 – AGBU “Hye Geen” 20^th Anniversary Event

Evening: Simon Simonian Art Exhibition – Zorayan Museum

June 29-30 – 60^th Anniversary of St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento

(Celebrant and Homilist)

Camp Chapel Construction Preparations Are Underway

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

We are pleased to inform that initial planning phase of the construction of a Chapel at the campgrounds has begun. The chapel (dedicated in memory of the 96^th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem H.B. Abp. Torkom Manoogian) will be the site of religious events including the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, giving the campers the opportunity to strengthen their spiritual lives while enjoying the camp’s scenic and natural setting.

With a capacity of 150 people, below is an architectural rendering of the future Chapel.

SARF’s Hye Aid 2 Benefit Concert Attracts Sold Out Audience

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

More than 3,000 people attended the sold out HyeAid 2 Benefit Concert on June 9 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. The concert was organized by the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund Executive Committee to help raise funds for the struggling Armenian community in Syria.

Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the concert and in the commemorative concert booklet, His Eminence called upon the Armenian-Americans to “give, for giving is a Christian virtue. Christ sacrificed His life for the salvation of humanity. It is our turn to express our faith through generosity and selfless giving.”

The program included performances by the Gevorkian Dance Academy, singers Leyla Saribekyan, Silva Hakobyan, Andre, from Armenia; and local artists, including Razmig Mansourian, Armenchik, Harout Pamboukjian, Hovhannes Shahbazyan, Ruben Haroutyunyan and Aram Avagyan’s Music Studio.

The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America is among the Churches and organizations that came together to form the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund.

Students Take Part in Essay Writing Contest – Winners Announced

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

It is with great joy and excitement that the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund Committee announced the winners of its annual Essay Writing Contest. The topic of the essay was “The Golden Rule,” and all essays were submitted and judged anonymously by the Scholarship Fund Committee members.

The winners were announced on May 31, 2013 and the recipients were Vahe Yacoubian, AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School; Karina Zeyrek, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School; Ani Sarafian, TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School; Meghety Manoyan, St. Gregory Hovsepian School; Alec Mesropian, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School; and Michael Ganian, AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School.

In the Certificate presented to each of the winners, His Eminence Archbishop Derderian extended his wholehearted congratulations, stating: “Your thorough insights on the ‘Golden Rule,’ the most supreme teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, exemplify your steadfast Christian Faith. As a devout son of the Armenian Apostolic Church, we commend your commitment to preserving our ancestral Christian Faith. Your unwavering dedication and talent is a treasure – one most greatly appreciated.”

The Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

The Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship was created in 2012 for the purpose of equipping young men and women in mind and character to impact the world for Christ and make a difference in today’s society. The Fund encourages and rewards deserving students within our community to achieve their goals and objectives. Its ultimate vision and goal is to mold leaders to be of service to the global community of faith. The Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund desires that recipients demonstrate Christ-like character, competence and commitment through leadership in their churches, communities and professions.

The Diocese worked in collaboration with four Armenian schools, namely, AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School, and Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School.

To kick-off the Abp. Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund, a successful fundraiser co-chaired by Alice Chakrian and Angela Parseghian and the outstanding Committee Members was held on March 15, 2013 at The Rococo Room in Pasadena with the theme “Lighting the Path to the Future.” More than 100 guests including Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Principals and Board members of the above mentioned schools attended the lively event.

The primary goal of the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund is to help fill unmet financial needs of students in the pursuit of educational opportunities in the aforementioned Armenian schools. Its secondary goal is to present graduating seniors, chosen by their respective schools with a monetary award for exemplary service in the life of the Armenian community with specific interest, dedication and volunteer work in the Armenian Church, exemplary moral characteristics, and adherence to Christian values. The third goal is to promote faith through an annual essay writing competition for 8^th and 9^th grade students.

We are delighted to announce that two of the three objectives have been met by the Fund’s Executive Committee chaired by Alice Chakrian.

Senior Scholarship Awards:

Seniors from the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School and AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School have received a monetary award in recognition of their scholarly accomplishments and valuable service. Two other seniors from Arshag Dickranian Armenian School and Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School will receive their awards on June 15^{and June 21, respectively.}

Essay Writing Competition 2013:

Winners of the First Annual Essay-Writing Competition were announced on May 31.

Vahe Yacoubian - AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School

Karina Zeyrek - AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School

Ani Sarafian - TCA Arshag Dickranian Armenian School

Meghety Manoyan - St. Gregory Hovsepian School

Alec Mesropian - AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School

Michael Ganian - AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School

The Executive Committee is actively planning to secure tuition assistance to needy students in the above mentioned Armenian Schools through the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund.

Fundraising efforts are continuing to reward exemplary students as well as students in financial need. Donations are welcome and information can be obtained on the Diocese website: www.armenianchurchwd.com

Primate Attends 2013 AGBU MDS Commencement Ceremony

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

The 2013 commencement ceremony of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School was held on Saturday, June 8 in the AGBU Nazarian Center. Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, attended the event accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys and Diocesan Youth Director Dn. Mkrtich Ksachikyan.

The ceremonial keynote speaker was Dr. Mhair Orchanian, Assistant Vice President of Trust Company of the West.

In his motivational remarks, the Primate encouraged the students to remain steadfast and driven in their goals. “School is the birthplace of our dreams – a place where we grow intellectually and spiritually. It is an institution in which we are called to be engaged in the holy work of God,” said His Eminence in part in his address to the graduating class.

A reception organized by the school’s PTO followed the ceremony.

AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School Commencement 2013

Communications Department — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

On June 8, the Primate, accompanied by Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan, attended the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School’s Commencement Ceremony which was held at the Manoukian Center in Pasadena.

The graduating class of 36 bright students heard motivational speeches by Mr. Sinan Sinanian, Vice President of the AGBU Central Board of Directors and Chairman of the School’s Board of Trustees. California State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (46^th District) delivered the keynote address.

In his remarks the Primate conveyed his words of gratitude to the school’s and nation’s benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Vatche and Tamar Manoukian, AGBU President Berge Setrakian and the AGBU Central Board of Directors Vice President Mr. Sinan Sinanian for their vision and crucial role in educating the future leaders of the community.

“You are the light of the community. Through the graces faith and wisdom, you will be the architects of the new times and history. I invite you all to cherish most important ingredients in your quest for success. They are dedication, professionalism and guidance,” said His Eminence in part.

“Graduation has now led you to a new milestone – a milestone which would pave the way to new journeys which undoubtedly will challenge you but will also cultivate in you a new identity,” he continued.

The event concluded with the Primate’s closing prayer. A reception, organized by the PTO followed the ceremony.

CYMA 2013 Orientation Held at the Diocesan Headquarters

Communications Department — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:00:00 PDT

On June 8, with the blessing of Diocesan Primate His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, CYMA 2013 Pilgrimage participants gathered at the Diocese for their orientation. His Eminence blessed the 11 participants and wished them a spiritually enriching trip to the Motherland and the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin.

CYMA will depart from Los Angeles on June 27 and return on July 28. While in Armenia, the participants will do internships in their respective fields, travel to Artsakh, visit monasteries and historical monuments. This year, CYMA participants will also participate in two service projects, by building a youth center in village Tsovinar, region of Martuni, and also spend few days building houses with “The Fuller Center for Housing.” We wish them a blessed and safe trip.