Weekly News – April 27, 2012

HIS HOLINESS APPROVES RE-ELECTION OF PRELATE
AND ELECTION OF RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS

At the conclusion of the 40th Representatives Assembly on Saturday, April 21st, 2012, the election results were immediately reported to H.H. Catholicos Aram I for approval.

In a letter dated April 23, His Holiness approved the re-election of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian to a fifth term as Prelate, as well as the election of the new Religious and Executive Councils.

The Religious Council was unanimously elected as follows:

Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian
Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian
Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian
Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian

The Executive Council was unanimously elected as follows:

Mrs. Rima Boghossian (re-elected)
Mr. George Chorbajian (re-elected)
Mr. Toros Kejejian (re-elected)
Mr. Vahan Bezdikian (re-elected)
Mr. Sako Shirikian (re-elected)
Mr. Bill Sahatdjian (re-elected)
Ms. Ani Mgrdichian-Garikian
Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian
Dr. Navasart Kazazian
Dr. Misak Barsamian
Dr. Dikran Babikian

***

UCLA DREAM FUND MAKES A GENEROUS ALLOCATION
OF $900,000 TO PRELACY SCHOOLS

With utmost joy and gratitude H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Executive Council, and the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools announce that the Dream Fund at UCLA has made a very generous allocation of $900,000 to Prelacy Schools.

The contributions were made to the following schools:

Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School
Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School & Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary
Armenian Mesrobian School
Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School
Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School
Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School
St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Pre-School
Levon & Hasmig Tavlian Armenian Pre-School

On this joyous occasion, the Prelate, Executive Council, and Board of Regents express their profound gratitude to the Dream Fund for their generosity.  “Our heartfelt thanks to the Dream Fund for this much needed assistance.  In this global economic crisis, more than ever our schools are in need of financial aid to continue their mission of providing the highest quality of education to generations of Armenian students. This allocation will certainly contribute greatly to the realization of that mission, and for that we are ever-thankful”, stated the Prelate.

The Dream Fund at UCLA is a donor-advised fund, established in 2011 through the generosity of The Lincy Foundation. The Dream Fund focuses on education, health, youth, and the community.

***

PRELACY 40TH REPRESENTATIVES ASSEMBLY

On the afternoon of Friday, April 20, 2012 the 40th Prelacy Representatives Assembly convened at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall, presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and hosted by Holy Cross Cathedral of Montebello.

Clergy, Central Executive members Mr. Khajag Dikijian and Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, Religious and Executive Councils, Delegates, Boards of Trustees Chairs, Board of Regents, Principals and Directors, and representatives of CASPS participated in the two-day assembly, during which the annual activities reports of the Prelate and Religious and Executive Councils were reviewed, and the endeavors of the coming term were drafted.  Also on the agenda was the election of the Prelate and Councils.  The sessions of the first day concluded with the unanimous re-election of Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian as Prelate for a fifth four-year term.  The Assembly concluded on Saturday, April 21st with the election of the Religious and Executive Councils.

The Assembly officially convened with the opening prayer led by the Prelate and clergy members, after which Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian read the message of H.H. Catholicos Aram I.

His Holiness reminded the meeting participants that they were called to the Assembly to analyze and commendably recognize the achievements of the previous year, and together to plan activities and endeavors for the coming term.  His Holiness also called attention to recent challenges, urging the delegates to examine such difficulties with a realistic approach while keeping in mind the duty of the church with regards to the concerns and needs of the people.

The provisional divan was then elected, with Mr. Sarkis Yegenian as Chairman and Mr. Shiraz Savoian as Secretary.

Central Executive Council Mr. Khajag Dikijian was then invited to deliver his remarks.  Mr. Dikijian called on the delegates to proceed with a level of deep understanding and responsibility as they work together to overcome challenges and reach new heights, specifically in the field of preparing new clergy, strengthening schools, involving the youth, and revitalizing parishes.

In her remarks, Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian reflected on her experiences in the past two years, and especially during the last year with the success of the Pontifical Visit, and thanked the Prelate, Central Executive, Executive Council, Pontifical Visit and other committees, and staff, for their collaboration and input.

On behalf of the host parish, Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Shiraz Savoian welcomed the participants and wished for a successful assembly.

The Prelate was then invited to deliver his message, which he began by first offering gratitude and praise to Almighty God for having granted another year of service and for bringing them together to plan for the coming year.  He then expressed thanks and gratitude to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I for his continued guidance and wisdom, and moreover for honoring us with his Pontifical Visit last October, and thanked all those who contributed to the success of the Pontifical Visit with their input and support, especially Central Executive members Mr. Khajag Dikijian and Mr. Vahe Yacoubian for their work as the Co-Chairmen of the Pontifical Visit Steering Committee.

The Prelate then reflected on the events of the past few months, which caused a commotion in our community and took up useful time, and wished that we soon return to normal working conditions.

The Prelate spoke commendably about a number of achievements in the past year, but also reflected on some challenges, such as the global economic crisis and its effect on our churches and schools, and the preparation of new clergy.  Speaking on the election agenda of the Assembly, the Prelate commended and thanked the outgoing members of the Executive Council who are not eligible for re-election, and expressed confidence that we will enjoy their sincere friendship and enduring support in the years to come.

The Prelate also brought to the attention of the delegates that next year the Prelacy will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, and reflected on the considerable growth and expansion of the Prelacy in the last four decades thanks to collaborative efforts.  Citing from the epistle of the Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 3:8-12, he urged the delegates and all those present to work together as children of Christ with compassion, love, tenderheartedness, and courteousness, for the glory of God, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and our people.

The Prelate concluded his message by announcing that a new and an extraordinary allocation had been made to Prelacy Schools.

***

DIVINE LITURGY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE
97TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

On Tuesday, April 24, 2012, the 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated with Divine Liturgy and Requiem with the participation of the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches.

The service was held at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.

Divine Liturgy was celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the sermon was delivered by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and remarks were delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Chahinian and Rev. Joe Matossian

The Prelate began his message by stating that “on this 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we have gathered together to remember and honor the blessed memory of our martyrs who from 1915 to 1923 fell victim to systematic genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire, and to reaffirm our vow to continue our struggle for recognition, justice, and reparation.

Two weeks ago we celebrated the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The miracle of the Resurrection is the ultimate triumph of good over evil, of life over death.  Our Lord Jesus Christ conquered death, He trampled death by death, and gave us the promise of a new beginning, of salvation and eternal life.  The Armenian people, the first to accept the new life granted by Jesus Christ, have embraced the promises set forth by the Resurrection of Christ as national values and ideals, and have survived and thrived amid great adversity because we are armed and fortified by the spirit of the Resurrection.

Many tried to repeatedly massacre us and obliterate us from the pages of history, but our faith gave us the strength to defend ourselves and our rights.  Time and time again we as a nation rose from the ashes of tragedy and were born anew.

Today is the day to reaffirm our pledge, our vow to keep our faith unmovable, keep our national character pure, and the pursuit of our rights and our cause a priority.  May Almighty God grant us the strength and determination to continue our struggle for long-overdue justice so that the souls of our martyrs can finally be at peace as they rest in the sanctuary of His heavenly Kingdom”, concluded the Prelate.  (See the full text of the message separately)

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, requiem service was conducted at the memorial cross-stone in the church courtyard, followed by the placing of wreaths and flowers.

In the afternoon, the community gathered at the Genocide memorial monument in Montebello for a commemoration organized by the United Armenian Council.  The program included remarks and messages from invited political dignitaries and a keynote speech by Dr. Israel Charny, Executive Director of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide in Jerusalem.  The program was followed by a requiem service conducted by the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches, and concluded with the Armenian national anthem.

The Prelate and representatives also participated in a number of other events, among them commemorations organized by the Armenian Consulate, Glendale City Council, and United Young Armenians.

***

HAMAZKAYIN RECEPTION

The Hamazkayin Regional Executive has organized a fundraising reception which will be held on Sunday, April 29, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Shahe Assadourian.

Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian will attend and convey the Prelate’s blessings.

***

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEW ARMENIAN DAILY NEWSPAPER

On Sunday, April 29, New Armenia Daily Newspaper will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the hall of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles.

Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian will represent the Prelate at the event, and will convey the Prelate’s congratulatory message and blessings.

***

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY ANNUAL GALA

On Friday, April 27, the annual gala of the Armenian Relief Society will be held at the Glendale Hilton.

The Prelate will attend and convey his message.

The 11th annual ARS festival will be held next weekend, May 5 and 6, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.

The Prelate will visit the booth and convey his blessings.

***

 

 

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