FIRST TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS WESTERN DIOCESE 7TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BALL

The City of Burbank was aglow on the night of December 4th as approximately 350 guests gathered around a huge beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the center of the Turpanjian Plaza of the newly constructed St. Leon Cathedral. The occasion was the 7th Annual Christmas Ball of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Guests were greeted and blessed with an Opening Prayer by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and then, led by Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Christmas Ball, joined in a breathtaking countdown from ten to zero as the tree lights glistened throughout the plaza.

Following this spectacular opening reception, guests were awed by the grandeur of the dazzling decorations as they entered the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall which had been turned into a Winter Wonderland. The stage was surrounded by beautiful white trees and luminous stars; centerpieces on the table sparkled with silver branches and a silver reindeer, and another Christmas tree shining with silver ornaments – all designed to put guests in the Holiday mood.

Guests were welcomed by Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Christmas Ball Committee, who expressed his thanks and appreciation for their continued support of this annual event. Remarks were made by Armen Hampar, Diocesan Council Chair, congratulating the honorees and thanking them for the pride they bring to the Armenian community.

This enchanting evening is also a night of celebration of achievement and success. The tradition to honor and recognize the accomplishments of young professional American-Armenian men and women was established by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and has continued for the past seven years. The ten honorees selected this year relate their own personal and professional careers and experience on a video presentation attentively viewed by the guests. The full biographies of the honorees are featured in the commemorative booklet for this event and contain detailed information regarding their education, experience, accomplishments and community activities.

Following are the 2010 honorees: Peter Abajian, Philanthropist and Executive Director of the Paros Foundation of Armenia; Harry Balian, M.D., FACC. FSCAI, Interventional Cardiologist; Sonia Boyajian, jewelry designer; Armen Cherik, M.D., MBA, Neurologist; Aida Gharakhani, fashion designer under the name of Nicole Bakti; Arbi Ghazarian, M.D., Family Practitioner; Vatche Mankerian, renowned pianist and composer; Avedis Markarian, Bank Executive; Edvin Minassian, Esq., Chairman, Armenian Bar Association; and Vicken Sonentz-Papazian, Esq., Executive Director, Western Division, Armenian National Committee.

The Primate presented the honorees with Certificates of Recognition and a special artistically carved Khatchkar. The excitement continued with the presentation of a special cake to celebrate the Primate’s Birthday by the Chair, Raffi Kendirjian, and members of the Christmas Ball Committee. Champagne toasts were made and everyone sang a joyous Happy Birthday to the Primate.

Plaudits and congratulations were extended to the Christmas Ball Committee by the Primate for their exemplary service and to Raffi Kendirjian for his effective leadership and direction. Committee members were: Araxie Alexanian, Nancy Arabian, Nazig Bakhtiarian, Lily Ring Balian, Araxie Boyamian, Alice Chakerian, Peter Darakjian, Hermine Janoyan, Mashdots Jobanian, Hasmik Keribarian, Edward Lafian, Harout Markarian, Ramella Markarian, Dr. Hagop Nalbandian, Angela Parseghian, Mampre Pomakian, Belet Shahbazian and Andre Shamalian.

A raffle was held with many winners enjoying special prizes and gifts donated by the members of the Committee. Guests danced the night away to the delightful music of Koko Hayitian and his Band.

The 8th Annual Christmas Ball will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

By: Lily Ring Balian