PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Church of North America Western Diocese
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
e-mail: armenianchwd@earthlink.net
Web: www.armenianchurchwd.com
Dedication and Consecration of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Glendale
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian
Church of North America, Western Diocese, accompanied by Archbishop
Vatche Hovsepian, former Primate and Archbishop Arsen Berberian,
officiated over the dedication of the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Glendale on January 3, 2004, its consecration on January 4, 2004. It
is a tradition of the Armenian Church that a dedication ceremony takes
place for all new churches, and on the following day, the church is
formally given a name during the Consecration Ceremony. On January
4 the Armenian Church of Glendale was named St. Peter Armenian
Apostolic Church.
In his message, the Primate stated, “The consecration of this edifice,
St Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, infuses in us the power of the Holy
Spirit and reawakens in us the sense of new purpose. The consecration
of this church calls on us all to respond with a renewed spirit
in the service of God’s vineyard. The consecration of this edifice
reminds us all the momentous event of Pentecost in the lives of the
Disciples of Christ, when our Lord put off their human standpoint of
hopelessness and allowed the Holy Spirit to enter into the depths of
their hearts. St Peter Armenian Apostolic Church will be a house of
prayer which will serve the youth of the Diocese and lead them to a
Christ-like life with the leadership of Fr. Vazken.”
The new church complex, donated by benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Onnik
Mehrabian, is run by Director of Youth Ministries Fr. Vazken Movsesian.
At the end of the Sermon, His Eminence bestowed the St. Gregory Highest
Medal of Honor upon Mr. and Mrs. Onnik Mehrabian, on behalf of His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of all Armenians.
Both ceremonies were followed by receptions in the Taline Mehrabian
Hall of the church.
Primate Celebrates Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy and Officiates Over Ordinations
On the Eve of Nativity, January 5, 2004, His Eminence Archbishop
Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian Church of North America,
Western Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy and gave the Sermon at
the Armenian Church of La Crascenta Valley, in Tujunga. During the
service, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian also ordained 8 new acolytes.
Present During Liturgy were Rev. Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Parish Priest, as
well as the faithful of the community. The faithful departed with the
spirit of Christmas and the blessings of the Nativity of Jesus Christ.
Primate Celebrates Christmas Divine Liturgy
On January 6, 2004, the Feast of Nativity and Theophany, His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian Church of North
America, Western Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy and gave the
Sermon at St. John-Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Hollywood.
The Primate’s message was centered around the theme that the
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is a call for renewal and a
new life, both in our personal and communal lives. He stated, “The
celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ calls on us to strengthen
the Western Diocese with the full cooperation of the Diocesan Clergy,
Diocesan Council members, Parish Councils, Auxiliary bodies, as well
as the faithful of the Diocese. The Birth of Jesus is God’s engagement
in the life of humanity. Therefore, it challenges us to be engaged
in the life of humanity.”
His Eminence summarized his thoughts with a reference to Rick
Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Church, where he states, “Churches
grow warmer through fellowship. Churches grow deeper through
discipleship. Churches grow stronger through worship. Churches grow
broader through ministry. Churches grow larger through evangelism.”
During Divine Liturgy His Eminence acknowledged the presence of
Consul General of Armenia Mr. and Mrs. Gagik Giragosian. At the end of
services, he thanked Archpriest Fr. Manouk Markarian, Parish Priest
of St. John Armenian Apostolic Church for his exemplary pastoral
ministry and decorated him with an Armenian Cross donated by Mr. and
Mrs. Kevork and Siran Iskenian.
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
January 7, 2004
Burbank, CA
Yorumlar kapatıldı.