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WD Newsletter, January 13, 2016

Western Diocese  of the Armenian Church of North America 
New Year’s Day Divine Liturgy and Reception. An established tradition at the Western Diocese, the New Year’s Day celebration of the Divine Liturgy attracted a large number of faithful to St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. Shortly after the clock stuck midnight on January 1, at 12:30 a.m., more than 100 people participated in the Thanksgiving Prayer Service at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.

At the conclusion of the service, the faithful approached the nave to kiss the cross and to wish the Diocesan Primate, the clergy and one another a joyous New Year.

The New Year’s Day Divine Liturgy was celebrated on January 1, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. With Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presiding over the service, the day’s celebrant priest was Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian. Following the service, the faithful gathered at the Hampar Family Reception Room where they were treated to a reception organized by the Cathedral’s Ladies Guild. 
Primate Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale
The Primate’s first pastoral visit in 2016 was to St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale as on Sunday, January 3, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained three sub-deacons including Christopher Movsesian, Sevan Movsesian and Nshan Melkonyan into the Diaconate.

The Primate congratulated the newly-ordained deacons wishing them strength and a renewed sense of dedication.  

Blessing of the Water Service at Glendale Adventist Medical Center
For most Americans, the holidays conclude with the ringing in of the New Year. However, for
Armenian-Americans the start of the New Year is a time of spiritual preparation for the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ. For years, the Diocesan Primate and clergy of the Los Angeles Area have been bringing the Good News to local hospitals and this year was no different. Nearly 100 people, including hospital staff, local officials and patients, amassed near the 20-foot-tall tree in the west lobby of Glendale Adventist Medical Center on Monday January 4, 2016 as Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Diocesan clergy performed the Blessing of the Water Service. 
Gata, an Armenian pastry, was also blessed by the clergymen.

Welcomed by Kevin Roberts, President and CEO of GAMC, Mrs. Ramella Markarian, Vice President of Business Development and Physicians Relations and Arsen Danielian, Esq. GAMC’s Chairman of Healthcare Foundation Board,  physicians and nurses, the clergy handed out the blessed bread and cups of holy water to the physicians, nurses and patients alike.

In the Armenian tradition, the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the “Blessing of the Water” service.

Archbishop Derderian was accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan and Deacon Artak Khachikyan.
Metropolitan Gerasimos Visits the Western Diocese
In efforts to solidify the ecumenical bond between the Armenian and Greek communities, on January 7, 2016, the Day of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ in accordance to the Greek Orthodox Church calendar, the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, the Bishop of the Greek Metropolis of San Francisco to the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank. 
Archbishop Derderian was accompanied by Diocesan clergy the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan.

Accompanying Metropolitan Gerasimos were His Grace Bishop Apostolos from the Greek Metropolis of San Francisco and the Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas, Dean of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

In April 2015, at the Primate’s invitation, the Very Fr. John Bakas participated in one of the largest ecumenical gatherings hosted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, a memorable ecumenical event in a series of events commemorating the centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

Metropolitan Gerasimos was among the ecumenical dignitaries in attendance for the consecration of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on September 11, 2010. During the ceremony, His Eminence was invited to deliver his heartfelt message to the faithful Armenian community.

20 Years of Leadership: Greek Orthodox Community Celebrates Fr. John Bakas’ 20th Anniversary as Dean of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral organized a festive celebration on January 9, 2016 in honor of The Very Rev. Fr. John Bakas, on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as the Cathedral’s Dean. Held at the Saint Sophia Cultural Center, the prestigious event featured Tom Hanks, Hollywood icon and an Academy Award winning actor as the Master of Ceremonies.

With the Primate presiding over the Diocesan Council and Northern California regional meetings in San Francisco, Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian attended the celebratory event on the Primate’s behalf.

In his congratulatory letter to Fr. Bakas, the Primate wrote in part:
For 20 years you have selflessly served the flock of Christ in your capacity as the Dean of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, devoting your heart and soul to the Greek-American community. With this letter, I convey to you my genuine fraternal wishes. I truly cherish our friendship, for it stems from the divine love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Your presence has been a blessing in the ecumenical life of Los Angeles. Furthermore, your powerful message delivered at the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on April 14, 2015 echoes in the hearts of the Armenian community to this day. 

May Christ continue to bless you abundantly, so that you may continue to lead the flock of our Lord entrusted to you with humility and care. I pray for your ministry asking the Almighty to grant you a long and a healthy life in your sacred mission to praise and glorify the Triune God – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Parish Highlight: St. Apkar Armenian Church of Scottsdale, Arizona
Construction of The Mesrop and Marian Megerdichian Independent Senior Living Center
From its humble beginnings in 1957 of only a few Armenian families to the approximately 2,500 Armenian families currently living in the state of Arizona, the parishioners of St. Apkar Armenian Church have turned what was once a dream into a reality. Consecrated in September 2009 by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Diocesan Primate, St. Apkar Armenian Church has been transformed into an exemplary parish with a vibrant youth and a thriving community. The Scottsdale parish is the heart of the Armenian-American community as it caters to the religious needs of the community. The church also hosts a number of cultural events, conferences and symposiums. As the church complex expands, the newest addition to the vibrant parish is The Mesrop and Marian Megerdichian Independent Senior Living Center. 
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Mesrop and Marian Megerdichian Independent Senior Living Center was presided by the Primate on September 19, 2015.

The construction of The Mesrop and Marian Megerdichian Independent Senior Living Center is progressing according to plan. The current project is phase one of a much larger project. It represents the ongoing commitment of the Armenian community to provide resources for all members of the congregation. It provides for the elder members of the community just as the playground project is for our youngest members. Ultimately, this project will provide multiple levels of care for our more senior members and will acknowledge and honor our martyrs. These projects, for the youth and our seniors, have received both the blessing and full support of the Western Diocese.

A Letter of Heartfelt Gratitude from CHLA’s Vision Center
Dr. Thomas Lee, the Director of the Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles addressed a letter of gratitude to Mrs. Alice Chakrian, the Chairlady CHLA-Diocese committee for their active engagement and passionate role in the lives of the children of the community. 
Dr. Lee’s letter reads in part:
I wanted to take this time to thank you and all the other women who have helped us address childhood suffering both here and in Armenia.  I cannot tell you how grateful we are to have you and his Eminence as our guardian angels. We are incredibly excited about what we have accomplished this past year which is in large part due to the efforts you and your group.

As a special thank you, a special video was included on behalf of all the staff and children at the Vision Center at CHLA recognizing those who have helped the hospital with its mission to improve the lives of children, here and abroad.

St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco Hosts Diocesan Council Meeting and Northern California Regional Meeting
The first Diocesan Council meeting of 2016 was held on Saturday, January 8, 2016 at St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco. The Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash and the parishioners of the San Francisco Parish welcomed the Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; Joseph Kanimian, Esq. Chairman of the Diocesan Council and Diocesan Council members. The Bay Area regional meeting immediately followed the Diocesan Council meeting.

Reports were presented by Archbishop Derderian, Joseph Kanimian, Esq. and Deacon Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese. The Primate noted that the community will be the central theme of the year 2016. His Eminence informed the Diocesan Council members of the ongoing construction projects at the Western Diocese including those of The Mesrop and Marian Megerdichian Independent Senior Living Center in Scottsdale, Arizona; the church complex of St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego, the church building of the Armenian Church of Las Vegas and the construction of the Holy Altar of the Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley, the consecration of which will be held prior to Holy Easter. The consecration date of the Armenian Church of Las Vegas has been scheduled for May 6th. The church will host the 89th Annual Diocesan Assembly from May 5-7, 2016.

Another topic of discussion was the revamping of the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese which will be realized through the recruitment of new Priesthood-Candidates. His Eminence encouraged the priests to play an active role in the recruitment process through mentorship of promising young candidates. 

The expansion of the Religious Education Department of the Western Diocese was also discussed. To present an overview of the mission of the Religious Education Department, the Department’s Director Mashdots Jobanian, holds regular Bible Study sessions at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral and at Diocesan parishes. Mr. Jobanian also hosts a weekly radio religious program every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. on Radio Ayk (www.radioayk.com). Mr. Jobanian’s Bible study programs are available on www.avedaran.com  The Diocese will expand the Religious Education Department accordingly to further provide the much needed spiritual nourishment to the flock of Christ.

In 2017, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America will mark the 90thanniversary of its establishment. Preparations are underway for a grandiose celebration of the momentous event. A series of celebratory events are in the works. 

Primate Celebrant at St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco – Ordains Deacon 
The parishioners of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco were delighted to welcome the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for the episcopal celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco on Sunday, January 10, 2016. Assisting His Eminence at the Holy Altar were the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan and the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, Pastor of the host parish.

During the service Archbishop Derderian ordained sub-deacon Kirk Hourdajian into the Diaconate, commending the young altar server for his selfless dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church and enduring affection for the rich heritage of the Armenian people.

With the assistance of the priests, the Primate also performed the Blessing of the Water service.

The Primate also addressed the Sunday School students from the bema as the children sat at the nave listening attentively to his spiritual message. “With the Birth of Christ, each of us is renewed spiritually,” said His Eminence in part. “You must carry the joy of the Savior’s birth in your hearts, for you are the ambassadors of Christ on earth,” he added.
Close to 150 people attended the reception which was held at the church hall following the service.
The program featured recitations by the Sunday School students and was followed by a message of gratitude was by the newly ordained deacon Kirk Hourdajian.

In his remarks, the Primate commended the steadfast leadership of the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash in ensuring the livelihood of the Bay Area parish through various religious, cultural and social events. He encouraged the community to continue to uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church and to cherish the Christian values which we commonly hold in reverence.

In recognition of their unwavering service to St. John Armenian Church, parishioners Edward Barber and Arlene Barber were honored by the Primate with the Archbishop’s Award. “Hye Spirit” medals were awarded to parishioners Charles Cherezian, Steven Cherezian, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Elise Kazanjian and Miss Florence Pinomaki as they were recognized for their relentless dedication in serving St. John Armenian Church.  
The Primate’s January 2016 Schedule
January 12 – Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian’s Book Presentation

January 16 – St. John Garabed Armenian Church of Hollywood – Midnight Service
Organized by the Jerusalem-Armenian community

January 17 –  ARF’s 125th Anniversary Event

January 19-20 – School visitations

January 20 – Evening: St. Apkar Armenian Church in Arizona – Ecumenical Event

January 22 –  Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Chapel Opening Ceremony

January 24 – Patriarchal Vicar His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan Celebrant at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral
Afternoon: Annual Stewardship Luncheon

January 31 – St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys – Celebrant and Homilist

Two New Diocesan Publications Presented at the Western Diocese
Two new books were presented at the Western Diocese on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Authored by His Beatitude Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, the late Patriarch of Constantinople, the republications have been edited and translated by Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian.

The cultural event, held at the Hampar Family Reception Room, was dedicated to the 25thanniversary of the Patriarch’s passing. On behalf of the Diocesan Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian delivered the opening remarks and introduced the Fr. Arzoumanian, the evening’s keynote speaker and presenter. The clergyman reflected on the rich legacy of the late Patriarch sharing with the audience memorable moments from his life.

The first book, originally published in 1971, is titled “Seven Messages to Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation.” The publication provides an in-depth analysis on one of the most challenging books in the Holy Bible, namely the Book of Revelation. It is sure to be a great resource for any library.

The second is titled “The Golden Chains of Sundays of the Great Lent.” As the title implies, the book reveals the ways in which the Sundays of the Great Lent are intertwined and analyzes the significance of each and every Sunday as a source of spiritual reawakening and closeness to God.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian and Professor Osheen Keshishian were among the guests in attendance.

For decades, Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian has inspired generations of avid readers with his scholarly and academic publications. As one of the elders of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the merited clergyman is a renowned theologian and a prolific writer. 

Consecration of the Holy Martyrs’ Icon at St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland – January 3, 2016
Feast of the Nativity and Blessing of the Water Service at the Armenian Church of Colorado – January 10, 2016
Feast of the Nativity at the Armenian Church of Ventura County – January 10, 2016
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