On Friday, November 9, 2018, Holy Martyrs Church of Encino celebrated the 55th anniversary of its consecration with a banquet held at Universal Hilton under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The banquet was organized by the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, and 55th anniversary committee, and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Zeron and Sona Titizian. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and delivered his message. In attendance were H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, Executive Council members Mr. Alec Baghdasaryan and Mr. Ara Shabanian, representatives of the ARF Central Committee, “Rosdom” and “Arshavir Shiragian” Gomideh, sister organizations, Ferrahian and Cabayan Schools, sponsors, and friends.
The program began with the national anthems performed by Mr. Toukhman Khatchadourian, accompanied on the piano by Mr. Gomidas Keshishian. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Masters of Ceremony Ms. Tina Bederian and Mr. Greg Martayan. Following the invocation by clergy, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian conveyed his remarks, after which by Chairman Mr. Hovig Bedevian delivered the Board of Trustees message.
The Prelate began his message by congratulating the parish community, especially all those who have served and contributed to the life of the Church in the past fifty-five years and to Ferrahian, Cabayan, and Pilavjian Schools, as well as all the organizations, in particular the ARF, who have collaborated in this mission. Noting that anniversaries are occasions not only to remember the past, not only to evaluate our present, but also to plan for a brighter future, His Eminence commended all the servants and devotees who founded Holy Martyrs Church and those who continue the vision and mission of the founders and serve with faith, love, and dedication toward a brighter future. He blessed also the evening’s hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Zeron and Sona Titizian, and all the sponsors whose generous support contributed to the banquet’s success.
“In these changing times, these anniversaries offer an opportunity to reflect on the values and service of the past and assess our values and service in comparison with that of the past. It is time to raise the standard and intensity of our service and sacrifice to the level of those who came and served before us. In a time when self interests are put before the interests of the collective, it is time to focus on the prosperity of our church and nation through our collective strength and service. During each visit to our Prelacy, our Pontiffs would commend our efforts and reiterate, “building churches and schools is imperative, however it is just as critical to sustain the church, to keep it strong and moving forward. That is the message of this anniversary celebration, and I am certain you will continue to fulfill that mission as evidenced by your ongoing devoted service and fruitful work,” stated the Prelate. His Eminence concluded by once again commending parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, past and present Chairmen of the Board of Trustees, delegates, 55th anniversary committee, and all servants, sponsors, supporters, wishing that they continue to serve strengthened and inspired by the faith and vision of our forefathers for the glory of God and a bright future for the parish and community.
On behalf of the Parish Pastor and Board of Trustees, the evening’s hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Zeron and Sona Titizian were gifted an ornate Nareg book of prayers for their generosity. Fr. Razmig read the names of departed Board of Trustees Chairmen and invited the guests to stand for a moment of silence in their memory. The recognition of Chairmen followed, with current and former Chairmen receiving plaques of commendation for their service. The first Chairman, Florindo Arklin, received posthumous recognition, as did recently departed Board member Levon Kabaklian, with plaques awarded to their families. Mr. Greg Martayan also presented proclamations to the Chairmen on behalf of L.A. City Councilmember Paul Koretz. The official program concluded with a candle lighting ceremony and cake cutting, after which the celebration continued with musical entertainment.
Former Chairman Mr. Joseph Simonian, and his wife Nora, announced their wish to host next year’s banquet.
