PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH IN HOLLYWOD
On Sunday, May 20, 2012, Second Palm Sunday, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
***
“HARUT BARSAMIAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND” ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE 2012-2013 ACADEMIC YEAR
His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Executive Council, and the “Harut Barsamian Scholarship Fund” Committee hereby announce that applications for the Scholarship Fund are being accepted for the 2012-2013 academic year.
The Fund was established by Prof. Harut Barsamian to assist students of Armenian descent in obtaining higher education in the United States.
The application for the scholarship should include:
– A short biography of the applicant
– Proof of acceptance or enrollment at a college or university.
Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2012, to the following address:
Harut Barsamian Armenian Students Scholarship Fund
C/O Western Prelacy
6252 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214
***
PRELATE CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT
THE ANCA TELETHON
On Sunday, May 20, the ANCA Telethon will be broadcast across the United States from 2:00 to 8:00 Pacific Time and 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Horizon Armenian TV, Shant ARTN, and US Armenia TV. The theme of this year’s Telethon is “Armenian Pride, Power, and Progress”.
The Prelate will be in attendance and will deliver his message, urging our community of faithful to pledge their support to the mission of the ANCA.
During the past weeks the Prelate attended a number of receptions in support of the Telethon, during which he affirmed his support of the ANCA and commended the board members, volunteers, and donors for their efforts.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES NEW
LEBANESE CONSUL GENERAL TO THE PRELACY
On Friday, May 18, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy the new Consul General of Lebanon, the Honorable Johnny Ibrahim.
Crescenta Valley Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian and Executive Council Vice-Chair Mr. George Chorbajian joined the Prelate in the meeting.
The courtesy visit was in response to the Prelate’s visit to the Consulate General last week to congratulate Mr. Ibrahim on his recent appointment as Consul General.
The Prelate familiarized the Consul General with the Prelacy by giving him a general overview of the endeavors and mission of the Prelacy, its Churches and Schools. The Prelate also noted that our community of Lebanese-Armenians have a strong bond with Lebanon and work towards the progress of the country.
Consul General Ibrahim spoke highly of the Armenian community in Lebanon and their patriotism and contributions to Lebanese society.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Prelate presented the Consul General with publications on the Western Prelacy and Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia.
***
FEAST OF ASCENSION CELEBRATED
WITHIN THE PRELACY
On Thursday, May 17, 2012, the Feast of Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated within the Prelacy with Divine Liturgy and the traditional Ladies Auxiliary luncheon. The Feast of Ascension, celebrated 40 days after the Resurrection, is fundamental in the Christian faith, and the Armenian Apostolic Church has its unique traditions for celebrating this Feast.
The festivities began in the morning with Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and celebrated by Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, who also delivered the sermon. Clergy members participated in the service. Consul General of Armenia, the honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, attended both the service and the luncheon.
In his sermon, Fr. Razmig referred to biblical passages telling how Jesus Christ ascended to heaven and sat at the right side of the Father. He noted that after the Resurrection Jesus, had appeared to His disciples many times and had commanded them to be the preachers of His good news. The last appearance was on the day of Ascension, on the Olive Mount, where Jesus once more commanded His apostles, telling them that just as the Father sent Him, He was now sending them to go out and preach His gospel to all the peoples of the world. And whoever believed and was baptized in the faith would receive salvation, while the non-believers would be condemned. Jesus also promised that He would be with them and with all His followers until the end of time, and added that His disciples would be inspired by the Holy Spirit and only to start their mission after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Speaking of the unique traditions of the Armenian people relating to the Feast of the Ascension, Fr. Razmig noted that the drawing of lots has a biblical basis, as it was through this means that the apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot. He then invited and urged the faithful to incorporate the life-giving messages of Jesus Christ in their daily lives, saying “Jesus was sent to this earth and He ascended from this earth to save mankind. This is the greatest promise of the Gospels. We must glorify Him by heeding His commandments and living God-pleasing lives so that we too may be worthy of His eternal kingdom. As faithful believers and followers of Christ, let us kneel before Him, vowing to continue to serve Him and fulfill our duties for the splendor of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian people”, concluded the Prelate.
The luncheon followed at Brandview Ballroom in Glendale, under the auspices of and with the attendnace of the Prelate. This year’s luncheon was hosted by Mrs. Nora Bezdikian, Mrs. Satig Der Ohanessian, Mrs. Maro Fermanian, and Mrs. Mirna Kacharian. Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Hourig Abdoulian served as the Master of Ceremonies
Deacon Khatchig Shannakian, who next month will be ordained a priest, was then invited to speak about the history and traditions associated with the Feast of the Ascension. He referred to events of the Holy Resurrection and Ascension and their significance in our lives today, concluding by mentioning the traditions and ceremonies of the Feast of Ascension within the Armenian culture.
In his remarks, the Prelate spoke of the significance and meaning of the Feast of Ascension then commended the Ladies Auxiliary and all those who contribute to the preservation of our culture and traditions. His Eminence also thanked and commended the luncheon sponsors for their financial support, noting that their sponsorship of the luncheon is a demonstration of their encouragement and faith in the mission of the Prelacy. In conclusion, the Prelate commended Deacon Khatchig for his presentation.
The luncheon continued with a cultural program including a performance by singer Gagik Badalyan. Guests also joined in the singing of Ascension songs and participated in the drawing of lots.
***
PRELATE HONORS COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
MANAS BOUJIKIAN WITH “KNIGHT OF CILICIA” MEDAL
In preparation for the ANCA Telethon, on the evening of Thursday, May 17, 2012, community leaders and members gathered for a reception at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale. During the event, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, honored long-time community activist Mr. Manas Boujikian with the “Knight of Cilicia” medal as appreciation and commendation for his many years of dedicated service for the progress of the Armenian cause and community.
The ANC-WR and Asbarez Newspaper had jointly organized the event, which was also a celebration of Mr. Boujikian’s 80th birthday. By the request of the ANC, the Prelate and Executive Council had appealed to H.H. Catholicos Aram I to honor Mr. Boujikian, to which His Holiness had responded favorably.
The evening included remarks by Mr. Raffi Hamparian and Mr. Apo Boghigian, on behalf of the ANC-WR and Asbarez newspaper respectively.
In his message, the Prelate highly commended Mr. Boujikian for his efforts towards the advancement of the Armenian cause and people through his service in various organizations including the ARF and ANC, and also through his financial support of a great number of community institutions and organizations. On behalf of His Holiness, the Prelate then presented Mr. Boujikian with the “Knight of Cilicia” medal.
***
ARI GUIRAGOS MINASSIAN SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS
VISITS THE PRELACY
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the graduating class of Ari Guiragos Minassian Elementary School visited the Prelacy, accompanied by Principal Mrs. Kohar Zaher, and a teacher and parent of the school.
During their visit, the students participated in a prayer service at the St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel led by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, presented a cultural program of poetry and song, and received a tour and information about the Prelacy and its departments. The students then gathered in the conference room where the Prelate conveyed his message and guidance, and stated that next year they will begin a new school but they must never forget their school and the Armenian instruction they received.
The visit concluded with the Prelate presenting prayer books to the students with and mementos to the principal, teacher, and parent.
***
PRELATE RECEIVES CONGRATULATORY VISITS FROM
ST. GARABED CHURCH AND ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA REPRESENTATIVES
On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed Pastor of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian and Board of Trustees members, who had come to congratulate him on his re-election as Prelate.
Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and member Dr. Misak Barsamian also participated in the meeting.
The visit also afforded the opportunity to discuss matters relating to the church.
On Wednesday, May 16, the Prelate welcomed members of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA), led by Minister Joe Matossian, who had also come to congratulate his re-election. Religious Council Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian participated in the meeting.
During the visit, the Prelate and guests also discussed current issues concerning the Armenian community and reaffirmed the continuation of their friendship and collaboration.
The Prelate expressed his appreciation to the members of St. Garabed Church and the AEUNA for their visit and well wishes, and wished them successes in their endeavors.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES MEMBERS OF THE
ARMENIAN YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA
On Friday, May 11, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy representatives from the Armenian Youth Association of California (AYAC), an organization of Iraqi-Armenians, who had come to congratulate the Prelacy on his re-election.
The AYAC members also reported on their current and future endeavors, and spoke with joy of the success of their choir.
The Prelate commended the dedication and efforts of the AYAC for the progress of the Armenian people and culture. His Eminence also expressed contentment at the close ties between the Prelacy and AYAC, and his confidence that the friendship will remain strong for years to come.
***
