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Joint Event Organized by Armenian Assembly, Western Diocese and AGBU

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  • Joint Event Organized by Armenian Assembly, Western Diocese and AGBU

    PRESS OFFICE
    ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
    3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
    Burbank, CA 91504
    Tel: (818) 558-7474
    Fax: (818) 558-6333
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurchwd.com


    COMMUNIQUÉ

    JOINT EVENT ORGANIZED BY ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY, WESTERN DIOCESE AND AGBU

    On Saturday, June 26, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
    Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
    North America, was present at an event organized jointly by the Armenian
    Assembly, the Western Diocese and AGBU. The hosts of the day were the
    Primate, Attorney Richard Moushegain, Western Region Chairman of the
    Armenian Assembly of America, and Mr. Vahe Imasdounian, Southern
    Californian District Chairman of the AGBU.
    The function was attended by several political dignitaries,
    including Californian State Assemblywoman Carol Liu, Glendale City
    Councilman Frank Quintero, Pasadena Fire Chief Bernard Melekian, Lisa
    Kalustian, Chief Deputy Director of the office of Gov. Arnold
    Schwarzenegger; Mr. Armond Agakhani, Consultant to the California
    Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunes; and Vahik Gourjian, Representative
    of California State Senator Jack Scott.
    After the welcoming remarks by Mr. Vahe Imasdounian, the
    attendees heard a keynote speech by Congressman Frank Palone, who spoke
    on several issues related to Armenia. Following, a question and answer
    session took place between Congressman Pallone and the dignitaries.

    PRIMATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH

    On June 27, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
    Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,
    celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Los
    Angeles. During the Liturgy His Eminence honored Fr. Arshag
    Khatchadourian with an encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
    Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, on the occasion of
    the his elevation to Archpriest. On this occasion the Primate presented
    gifts to Fr. Arshag and Yeretzgin. His Eminence also honored the members
    of the Parish Council, the Ladies' Society, the Memorial Fund, and the
    chairmen off all auxiliary bodies.
    Following the Divine Liturgy a reception took place in the
    church hall, also attended by members of the Southern Ecumenical
    Council, as well a large crowd of friends, family and faithful. During
    the reception Master of Ceremonies Mr. Robert Barsam invited His
    Eminence Archbishop Derderian who addressed the attendees with the
    message, `today we celebrate the life of Fr. Ashag Khatchadourian. Our
    hearts are filled with immeasurable joy as we witness his immense
    dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Fr. Arshag has been an
    exemplary leader who has fulfilled his duties with utmost diligence. For
    the past 25 years he has served St. James Armenian Church as a good
    shepherd, at the same time also serving the Diocese with the same love.
    Today's celebration is a challenge, blessing and a new call to renew
    in
    his life his pastoral commitment. The presence of the faithful certainly
    testifies the outpouring love of his people.'
    We congratulate Fr. Arshag and wish him well being in his future
    endeavors.


    HIS EMINENCE ATTENDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY OF TCA ARSHAG DICKRANIAN
    SCHOOL

    On the evening of June 27, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
    Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese attended the commencement
    ceremony of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School, held at the AGBU Center in
    Pasadena. The program included a keynote speech by Mr. Greg Krikorian,
    Chairman if the GUSD Board of Education. His Eminence performed the
    Benediction at the close of the program and addressed the attendees with
    the words, `Today is a celebration of life. The school is the ground
    which helps to understand and learn the past and present, and instills
    in us the vision for the future. The school is the institution that will
    cultivate your minds with the spirit of Christ and the Mother See of
    Holy Etchmiadzin. We wish you success in your future endeavors. Remember
    that education leads you to three prospects: change, progress,
    excellence.'
    The Primate also extended his words of appreciation to
    benefactors Mrs. Eleanor Dickranian and the Dickranian family, Chairman
    of the Board Mr. George Mandosian, as well as Principal Mr. Vartkes
    Kourouyan.


    FIRST MEETING OF THE DEACON'S COUNCIL

    On June 28th, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
    the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, presided
    over the first meeting of the Deacon's Council. The council, which was
    formed as a result of the recent inaugural Deacons' Conference,
    discussed ways to enrich the education of Diocesan Deacons, Sub-Deacons
    and Stolebearers and enhance the Deaconate through the recruitment of
    those eager to serve the church in a fulfilling way. Deacon Matthew
    Jendian has been assigned by the Primate as the Chairman of the
    Deacon's
    Council.
    The Western Diocese hosts nearly 300 altar servers, of which 160 are
    deacons and sub-deacons. As ordained members of the clergy, deacons play
    a vital role in church life helping the Priest celebrate Badarak and
    even praying over the sick in the absence of a Priest. Given their
    invaluable position the Deacon's Council will organize two major
    conferences a year: one focusing on theological academics, and the other
    on the training of rituals. In addition to these events, regional
    celebrations will be held on the occasion of St. Stephens's Feast Day,
    the day when we remember the first deacon.
    In order to ensure the proper education of our Diocesan deacons, a
    four-year curriculum will be developed, which will eventually become the
    standard for training deacons; it will also serve as the requirement for
    those wishing to perform deacons' duties in the church and in the
    community.
    Upon the successful completion of the aforementioned efforts regional
    Deacon's training programs will be established so that proper training
    will be available throughout the diocese. In addition, training
    materials will made available via publications and on-line.

    PRIMATE TO DEPART FOR HOLY ETCHMIADZIN, ARMENIA

    We would like to inform the Diocesan Clergy, Parish Councils,
    and all auxiliary bodies, that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
    Primate of the Western Diocese, upon the invitation of His Holiness
    Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, will depart for the Mother See
    of Holy Etchmiadzin on Saturday, July 4, 2004, to participate in a
    meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council.
    God willing the Primate will return to Los Angeles on July 8.
    We would like to inform you that the Primate has assigned an
    `Advisory Body' that is comprised of the following:

    Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Chairman of the Clergy
    Executive Council.
    Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Diocese, and
    Attorney Richard Moushegain, Chairman of the Diocesan Council.

    At any time when the Primate is out of town, the Chairman of the
    Clergy Executive Council, the Chancellor and the Chairman of the
    Diocesan Council will take charge in case of pressing matters.

    DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE

    June 30, 2004
    Burbank, California
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