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Western Prelacy News - 10/24/2014

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  • Western Prelacy News - 10/24/2014

    October 24, 2014
    Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
    H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
    6252 Honolulu Avenue
    La Crescenta, CA 91214
    Tel: (818) 248-7737
    Fax: (818) 248-7745
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.westernprelacy.org


    WESTERN PRELACY LAUNCHES FACEBOOK PAGE

    H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the Executive
    Council are pleased to announce that the Western Prelacy is now on Facebook.
    We invite our faithful to follow our page to stay up to date with our latest
    news and events. Visit us at www.facebook.com/WesternPrelacy, like our page
    and invite your family and friends to do the same.

    ***

    EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY ON THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY
    OF HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH OF ENCINO

    On Sunday, October 26, 2014, the 51st anniversary of Holy Martyrs
    Church of Encino will be celebrated with Episcopal Divine Liturgy. H.E.
    Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and
    deliver the sermon. The blessing of madagh will follow at Avedissian Hall.
    The 51st anniversary banquet will take place on Saturday, November 8, at
    "Avedissian" Hall under the auspices of the Prelate.

    ***

    GRAND OPENING OF ST. GARABED CHURCH CULTURAL CENTER AND KOUJAKIAN HALL IN
    LAS VEGAS

    The weekend of October 18 -19, 2014 was a momentous one for members
    of St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas who celebrated the grand opening of the
    Cultural Center and Koujakian Hall, signifying the successful completion of
    the project which had begun in 2009. The weekend's festivities commenced on
    Saturday, October 18 with a celebratory banquet held at Cili Restaurant of
    Bali Hai Golf Course. The official opening of the new complex was conducted
    by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on Sunday, following
    Divine Liturgy. Executive Council members participated in the events.
    On Sunday morning the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy and
    delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church, assisted at the altar by Parish
    Pastor Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian. His Eminence began his address by
    congratulating and commending the parish members on their latest
    achievement, in particular Mr. Larry Barnes, the Dream Fund at UCLA, and the
    Fattal, Yemendijian, and Koujakian families whose generosity was vital to
    the project. His Eminence reminded the parish that though they have
    completed the final phase of their project, their mission is not over,
    stating "The mission of maintaining this church and cultural center, of
    fostering our faith and heritage, is an ongoing one".
    He turned their attention to the day's Gospel reading to hear what
    is expected of all of us as faithful and active Christians. The passage is
    of Jesus reading a Scripture by Isaiah proclaiming Him as the Savior, with
    the spirit of the Lord upon Him, sent to proclaim "The Good News of
    Salvation". The Prelate went over the mission of our Lord found in the
    passage; to preach the good news of God's love and mercy, to heal the
    brokenhearted and bring comfort and hope to others, to free those bound by
    sin, to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, to free the weak and
    oppressed, and to proclaim the day of judgment. His Eminence noted that the
    day before was the feast of the Holy Evangelists, the four Gospel writers
    who faithfully fulfilled the commission entrusted to them by Christ and in
    doing so taught us how we too can and must do the same. "The spirit of the
    Lord is with us today in this sacred house of worship. As children of God
    and devotees of Christ, His mission, detailed above, is one that is required
    of us each and every one of us. In our unique capacities, we are all
    commissioned to continue the work our Savior, in the example He set forth
    during His earthly ministry", exhorted the Prelate.
    His Eminence stated that the progress achieved by the community is
    proof of their commitment to carrying out the mission entrusted to them.
    However, he urged for continuous work to maintain both the church and the
    cultural center; to preach the Gospel of Christ and draw new faithful to the
    church, and to preach the beauty and value of our language and culture and
    bequeath our heritage to generations.
    At the conclusion of the service, guests gathered in the courtyard
    for the grand opening ceremony, which began with the ribbon-cutting. Inside
    the complex, sponsors were in attendance for the unveiling of plaques. The
    newly renovated Koujakian Hall, sponsored by the Fattal, Yemenidjian,
    Koujakian families, was unveiled by the grandchildren of Apraham and Verjine
    Koujakian in whose memory the hall is dedicated. The grandchildren of Dr.
    and Mrs. Raffi and Shoghag Hovanessian unveiled the three paintings by
    artist Sarkis Hamalbashian donated by the sponsors. Also unveiled were the
    kitchen by Mr. and Mrs. Raffi and Siran Nersessian, the Boardroom by Mr. and
    Mrs. Adroushan and Nora Armenian, two classrooms by Mr. Alex Karabajakian
    and Mrs. Mari Rose Simon, and the Game Room by Mr. Oshin Harootoonian. The
    ceremony culminated with the unveiling of the St. Garabed Church and
    Cultural Center dedication plaque of main benefactor Larry Banes, in memory
    of his wife Seda Der Garabedian Barnes, and the Courtyard sponsor plaque of
    Mr. and Mrs. Adroushan and Nora Armenian.
    Guests enjoyed a reception hosted by the Fattal, Yemendijian, and
    Koujakian families in memory of their parents. A cultural program followed
    in the newly remodeled courtyard where students of the ARS Verjine Koujakian
    Saturday School recited poems and sang Armenian songs, and students from the
    Armenian Dance School of Las Vegas performed dances.
    The Prelate once again congratulated and commended the parish
    members, benefactors, and faithful on their great accomplishment and wished
    them continued successes in the years to come.

    BANQUET
    On Saturday evening the Prelate presided over the celebratory
    banquet.
    The program began with welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies
    Mrs. Houry Darakjian, followed by the invocation by Parish Pastor Rev. Fr.
    Arsen Kassabian and congratulatory remarks by Congresswoman Dina Titus.
    Guests then enjoyed dinner accompanied by a musical performance. On behalf
    of the Parish Council, Mr. Adroushan Armenian gave an overview of the three
    phases of the construction process, beginning from 2009. He thanked the
    donors and supporters for their generosity and encouragement, owing to which
    he said the parish has made great strides in the last five years. Keynote
    Speaker Mrs. Arda Yemenidjan expressed gratitude to all those who made the
    dream of a Church and Cultural Center a reality. She thanked the Prelate for
    his leadership, benefactor Larry Barnes and Dream Fund at UCLA for their
    generosity, Parish Pastor, Parish Council, and Building Committee members
    for their tireless work, and the Armenian Relief Society for planting the
    seeds of education in the community. Consul General of Armenia the Honorable
    Sergey Sarkisov addressed the gathering, conveying his congratulations to
    the community.
    The Prelate was then invited for the presentation of plaques, which
    were awarded to Building Committee members Levon Gulbenkian and Koko
    Darakjian in appreciation for their dedicated service to the project since
    its inception, and to Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Annie Gevorkian for completing
    the construction in a timely and efficient manner. In honor of the Year of
    the Elder, Parish Council Chair Mr. Garabed Bedirian and his wife Zaruhi
    received special recognition for their service to the parish and community.
    The Prelate began his message by thanking God for the occasion and
    praying for His blessings upon the parish as they begin a new phase of their
    mission. "The Western Prelacy family rejoices with you today, evidenced by
    the number of Executive Council members here tonight, the presence of the
    honorable Consul General Sergey Sarkisov, and the guests who have come from
    near and far to share in this joy with you. You are a wonderful example that
    with faith and trust in God, nothing is impossible", stated His Eminence. He
    applauded the unity and collaboration of the community, which he said has
    led to the successful completion of the complex where faithful of all ages
    can safely gather in a warm family atmosphere to celebrate our language and
    culture and pass down our heritage to the younger generations. The Prelate
    expressed joy especially for the upcoming launch of the Sunday School and
    programs for the elderly. Thus, he commended all those who had a hand in
    this latest accomplishment, the Parish Pastor, Parish Council, Building
    Committee, generous sponsors, most notably Mr. Larry Barnes and the Dream
    Fund at UCLA, donors, and faithful friends. He commended also the Fattal,
    Yemenidjian, and Koujakian families for their generosity in sponsoring the
    hall memorializing their parents. The Prelate concluded his message by
    urging the parish to continue their service with faith, humility, brotherly
    love, enthusiasm, and harmony.
    The cutting of the cake and candle-lighting ceremony followed. The
    official program came to a close with the benediction, Cilicia and the
    Armenian national anthem.


    ***

    CHAMLIAN STUDENTS WALK TO PRELACY TO RAISE FUNDS FOR SYRIAN-ARMENIAN
    COMMUNITY

    On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School
    4th, 5th, and 6th grade students held a walk-a-thon to raise funds for the
    Armenian community in Syria, particularly for the Armenian Schools and
    students. The walk-a-thon was one of various fundraising efforts the School
    has initiated for this cause.
    The students walked to the Prelacy, where they were greeted by H.E.
    Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, and
    Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian. Vice-Principal Rita Kaprielian and
    teachers joined the students, who upon their arrival entered the "St. Dertad
    and St. Ashkhen" Chapel to kiss the Bible, after which they headed to the
    "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall. The program began with the
    recitation of the Lord's Prayer by the students, followed by the singing of
    a hymn by the clergy.
    In his message, the Prelate highly commended the initiative and
    readiness of the students to help their peers in Syria. He spoke of the
    mission of the Prelacy and its Schools, stating that both institutions
    belong to the people, and as Armenians, belong to them as well.
    Students then viewed a video on the situation of Armenian Schools
    and students in Aleppo. The Prelate addressed the students once more
    following the video. He noted that whereas our students attend school in
    peaceful and normal circumstances, their brothers and sisters in Aleppo live
    in difficult and dangerous circumstances, lacking basic daily necessities.
    His Eminence emphasized how the students continue to attend school despite
    great hardships because education, and especially Armenian education, is of
    great value to them. He again commended the administration, parents, and
    students for their fundraising efforts, which he called a demonstration of
    solidarity to Armenian Schools in Aleppo and attestation that Armenian
    Schools in all parts of the world have the one and same mission, to
    cultivate our faith and heritage and bring up faithful Armenian nationals.
    The Prelate also spoke about the upcoming centennial of the Genocide and of
    the active participation of our Schools and students in commemorative events
    and in keeping the memory and legacy of our martyrs alive. He concluded by
    conveying his blessings to the students, to Armenian Schools and teachers,
    and praying for the restoration of peace in Syria.
    The Prelate delivered the benediction, and the program came to a
    close with Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem. Students enjoyed a
    reception with the clergy before returning to their school. Chamlian School
    held another walk-a-thon on the same day, with 7th and 8th grade students
    walking to the Crescenta Valley Armenian Center for the same cause.

    ***

    WESTERN PRELACY "HARUT BARSAMIAN FUND"
    AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO FIVE STUDENTS

    The Western Prelacy "Harut Barsamian Scholarship Fund" Committee,
    headed by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, is pleased to
    announce that after a thorough review of over two dozen applications,
    scholarships have been awarded to five students based on academic
    achievement and financial need. The Committee is comprised of benefactor Dr.
    Harut Barsamian, Dr. Garo Agopian, and Ms. Shakeh Bogharian.
    The scholarship recipients are: Rafayel Lazarian (UC Berkeley),
    Kevork Khadarian (Albany Medical College), Lori Mandjikian (UC San Diego),
    Lucine Mikhanjian (UC Riverside), Christina Mitilian (UC Irvine).
    We wish all our students success in their academic endeavors.

    ***

    PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN ARARAT HOME BOARD MEETING

    By the invitation of Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Chairman of Ararat Home
    Board of Trustees, on the evening of Thursday, October 23, 2014, H.E.
    Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, visited Ararat Home where he
    delivered the invocation and conveyed his message at the monthly Board
    meeting.
    Mr. Kanimian welcoming His Eminence, introduced the Board members,
    and thanked the Prelate and Prelacy for their enduring support.
    The Prelate began his message by thanking God for the day and
    thanking the Board for the invitation and their warm hospitality. He
    reflected on of the over twenty-year long friendship and collaboration
    between the Prelacy and Ararat Home, stating "in that time, we have
    witnessed first-hand the loving care you provide and the kindness and
    compassion demonstrated by all toward our beloved elders." His Eminence
    praised the virtues and contributions of our elders to society, giving
    thanks that a place like Ararat Home exists where our elders are cared for
    and nurtured like family. Thus, he commended the Board and all who strive to
    maintain the integrity of Ararat Home. Finally, the Prelate prayed for God
    to prosper their work as they prepared to commence their meeting. The visit
    concluded with an exchange of gifts.
    Prior to the meeting, the Prelate was hosted to dinner by the Board.

    ***

    PRELATE OF ALEPPO CONCLUDES WESTERN UNITED STATES VISIT WITH DIVINE LITURGY
    AT ST. MARY'S CHURCH IN GLENDALE

    By the invitation of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
    on Sunday, October 19, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of
    Aleppo, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Mary's
    Church in Glendale, to conclude his Western United States visit. Archbishop
    Sarkissian was with the Western Prelacy community for just over a week to
    report on the situation of the Armenian community in Syria and especially of
    the Armenian schools and students. In his sermon on Sunday, Archbishop
    Sarkissian once again conveyed his gratitude to the Prelate and Executive
    Council for their hospitality, and his appreciation to the community for
    their ongoing support and aid to their brothers and sisters in Syria.
    Archbishop Sarkissian departed on Monday, October 20 to continue his North
    American visit first in the East Coast and later in Canada.

    ***

    PRELATE ATTENDS ARMENIA FUND GALA KICK-OFF

    On the evening of Thursday, October 16, 2014, H.E. Archbishop
    Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended the kick-off to the Armenia Fund
    20th annual gala banquet, which will take place on November 23rd. The
    kick-off was held at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale. The evening's guest
    of honor was Lt. General Artur Aghabekyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the
    Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
    The Prelate delivered congratulatory remarks and conveyed his
    blessings and support to Armenia Fund and its upcoming endeavors, among them
    the gala banquet and the annual Thanksgiving Day Telethon. Remarks were
    delivered by the honored guest, Permanent Representative of the NKR to the
    U.S. Robert Avetisyan, Armenia Fund Western U.S. Executive Director Sarkis
    Kotanjian, and Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan.



    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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