“I could have danced all night,” was the response of the approximately 400 guests who attended the Eleventh Annual Christmas Ball of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church held on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at the Diocesan Complex in Burbank. The appropriate theme for this year’s ball was “Shine Your Light,” and the lights were shining as the festivities began at 6:00 p.m. with a Reception and Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Turpanjian Plaza. The crowd gathered around the beautifully decorated tree to count down the lighting of the Christmas Tree and kick-off the season with a special prayer led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
Thereafter, the guests entered the Paul Brothers Galleria which was once again decked out with Holiday décor and featured inviting cocktail drinks and mouth-watering appetizers. A welcoming dinner and exciting program followed at 7:00 p.m. in the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall.
The Christmas cheer was for the ten Honorees who were recognized for their professional accomplishments and for their contributions benefitting both the Armenian and American communities.
The evening’s program commenced with the Blessing of the Tables by the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Christmas Ball Committee Chair, Mr. Raffi Kendirjian, who called upon all to shine their light and to share their blessings with their families, friends and communities at large. Kendirjian, stated: “Our theme this year “Shine Your Light,” truly captured the spirit and purpose of its mission to recognize the talent of a group of dedicated men and women of our community. We are proud of the opportunity to shed light on their achievements and to allow them the opportunity to share their accomplishments with us all.”
In his remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, commended the exceptional organizational work by the Christmas Ball Committee led by Mr. Raffi Kendirjian. His Eminence also conveyed his gratitude to all donors and supporters of one of the most anticipated Diocesan events of the year.
Below is the Primate’s message in its entirety.
Distinguished guests,
Tonight’s traditional celebration becomes most meaningful and inspiring as we embrace in our spirituality the blessed and miraculous birth of Christ, our Lord. With the incarnation of Christ, the humanity embarks on a new journey, a journey of transformation, a journey of a new life enriched with service, self-giving, and dedication. It is admittedly said that Christianity is not about being served but about serving others.
It is in this spirit that we have gathered tonight to thank God for the privilege of service and opportunities He has bestowed upon us. On this auspicious occasion, we also honor our young professionals, who bring pride to our community with their impeccable character, expertise, and dedicated service. By honoring these individuals, we acknowledge their arduous work, steadfastness, determination, and perseverance – essential qualities that mold visionary leaders for the future.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the committee members headed by Mr. Raffi Kendirjian, who spared no effort in ensuring the success of this year’s Christmas Ball. We realize that it takes meticulous planning, collaboration, and incredible organizational skills to put this event together. We thank you from the bottom of our heart for your tireless work.
Dear faithful, your mere presence in our Diocesan Annual Christmas Ball is the testimony of your faithfulness and willingness to support our missions and programs. Throughout the year, collectively or individually you have graciously offered your help and rendered outstanding service to our Diocese. We thank you for everything you do – small or big, whether you give you time, talent, or treasure. We thank you for demonstrating a true Christian spirit.
Lastly, we congratulate tonight’s honorees for their exemplary service to our community. May the God Lord grant you continued success in all your endeavors so that you may continue to be the helping hands of God in the lives of people.
In closing, we would like to remind you the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “What we are, is God’s gift to us; what we become, is our gift to God.”
Guests enjoyed a video of the ten honorees as they reflected on their chosen careers. The professionals honored this year were Ani Shahbazian, PhD (Education); Araxie Boyamian (Community Service); Manuel Momjian, MD (Physician); Armond Kotikian, DDS, MD, FACS (Physician); Arthur S. Charchian, Esq. (Humanities); Lena Bozoyan (Community Service); Peter Hosharian, Esq. (Attorney); Azniv Ksachikian (Attorney); Vartan and Siranoush Gevorkian (Performing Arts); and Mike Sarian, PhD (Healthcare).
Honorees from the past years also participated in the introduction of this year’s honorees. It was delightful to hear from the former honorees as they shared the significance of receiving their respective honors. Amongst the former honorees who took part in the introduction were Dr. Vicken Sepilian, Dr. Boris Baghdasarian, Lucy Varpetian, Esq., Mrs. Lily Balian, and Garo Ghazarian, Esq.
Each of the honorees received Certificates of Appreciation as well as an engraved tufa cross-stone (Khatchkar) from the Primate as a token of his gratitude for their committed and outstanding service to the community. Accompanying the Primate in the distribution of the awards was Congressman Adam Schiff, member of the US House of Representatives and Mr. Raffi Kendirjian.
The honorees also received resolutions and proclamations sent by Congressmen Adam Schiff and Brad Sherman, Members of the US House of Representatives, Mayor of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Michael Antonovich, California Assembly member Mike Gatto, who also attended the Gala, and Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by the 10-piece Allen G. Orchestra, performing an international repertoire of renowned musical selections and dance songs, mesmerizing guests to dance and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and family.
Halfway through the program, international superstar Armenchik made a surprise appearance and performed some of his fans’ favorite hits as well as some of his latest recordings.
The committee had also organized a Silent Auction with an exciting variety of interesting and inviting items, whose proceeds, it was announced, would benefit the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF).
The Christmas Ball Committee expresses its wholehearted gratitude to the participating organizations, including the Armenian Bar Association (ABA), the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS), and Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC), Diocesan Parishes as well as the entire Diocesan staff for their continued support.
Special thanks to all donors our corporate sponsors, most notably the Glendale Adventist Medical Center for supporting this special annual event year after year with their generosity.
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