On Thursday, December 1st, 2016, the festive Christmas season commenced within the Western Prelacy with the traditional Ladies Auxiliary luncheon-boutique held at Brandview Ballroom in Glendale under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and hosted by Prelacy benefactor Mrs. Kohar Sulahian. The Prelate was joined by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian.
Upon arrival the guests were gleefully greeted by Santa Claus. Ladies Auxiliary Vice-Chair Mrs. Vartoug Avedikian welcomed the guests and conveyed her New Year and Christmas wishes to all.
Following the invocation the Prelate greeted and thanked the guests for their attendance, and expressed his appreciation in particular to the host, Mrs. Sulahian, for her generous support. His Eminence conveyed his well wishes, noting that the merriment of the season and the good tiding of the Birth of our Savior has already taken hold in our hearts. His Eminence joyfully greeted the guests, among them benefactors, sponsors, members of parishes’ Ladies Guilds and sister organizations, and friends of the Prelacy, and highly commended the dedicated members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their efforts throughout the year in organizing a number of wonderful events bringing together members of our community. He introduced the newest members of the Ladies Auxiliary, Vania Babikian, Sossie Geokgeozian, and Maral Keledjian, expressing confidence that the Auxiliary’s work will continue to prosper with the addition of new members.
His Eminence spoke on the message of the New Year, the tidings of Christmas, and of the purpose of the good wishes we exchange to one another, stating that our good wishes reflect the goodness and blessings of God, His light, and His love, and invited the guests to prepare for the New Year and Christmas through prayer, with hope, love, spiritual cleansing and renewal. With the dawn of a New Year, the Prelate wished for the dawn of brighter days for the world, for our homes to be filled with good cheer, for kindness and mercy to blossom in our hearts, and to share in the joys of our fellow man. Finally, the Prelate prayed for peace and stability in Syria and for strength and fortitude to those defending our lands in Armenia and Artsakh. His Eminence concluded by once again commending the Ladies Auxiliary for their diligent work, thanking the guests for their enduring support and encouragement.
Later in the program, the Prelate presented a plaque of appreciation to event host and long-time Prelacy benefactor Mrs. Kohar Sulahian in recognition of her continued generosity, while the Ladies Auxiliary presented a lovely bouquet to the host as a token of their appreciation.
The already festive atmosphere was further enlivened by carolers in festive attire serenading the guests with familiar and beloved Christmas carols and a performance by popular singer Koko Hayitian. Guests also enjoyed some Christmas shopping at the numerous booths set up around the hall.
Stirred by the jovial ambiance, Mrs. Sulahian made a generous donation of $10,000, while other guests followed suit with their gracious donations.