On Friday, October 16th, the 48th Prelacy Representatives Assembly convened at “Avedissian” Hall in Encino, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
During the one day assembly, the endeavors of the Prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils were evaluated and activities for the forthcoming year were proposed and drafted. The election of the Prelate and Councils also took place.
Months ago H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian had delivered an official letter to H.H. Aram I Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia expressing his wish to step down from his duties and responsibilities as the Prelate of the Western Prelacy, where he presided for more than 25 years, in which he oversaw innumerable undertakings and accomplishments. He conveyed his well wishes for the betterment of the Western Prelacy.
H.H. Aram I Catholicos had forwarded three candidates for the position of prelate, and by a concealed voting method, the representatives unanimously elected Bishop Torkom Donoyan as prelate of the Western Prelacy.
The new Religious Council was elected as follows:
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian,
Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian,
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian,
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltagyan,
Rev. Fr. Ardag Demirjian,
Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian,
Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian.
The new Executive Council was elected as follows:
Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian,
Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian,
Mr. George Chorbajian,
Dr. Kalousd Agopian,
Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian.
Mr. Ara Shabanian,
Deacon Berj Apkarian,
Mr. Garbis Bezdjian,
Mr. Jack Hadjinian,
Mr. Sarkis Tatuigian,
Mr. Gevik Baghdassarian.
Details of the assembly to follow.