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The Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey Celebrant at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

2016-01-30
Western Diocese  of the Armenian Church of North America
His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey was the guest celebrant at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, January 24, 2016
His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey was the guest celebrant at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, January 24, 2016.

At the Holy Altar, Archbishop Ateshyan was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and guest clergyman Archpriest Fr. Hrant Yeretzian as well as the deacons of the Cathedral Parish and Dn. Allan Yeghia Jendian from St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno. The Khachadourian Choir under the directorship of Dn. Stepan Gozumian performed the liturgical hymns.

Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Archbishop Sebuh Chuljyan, Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian and the Rev. Fr. Mikayel Kyureghyan participated in the service which was presided by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. 
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Archbishop Sebuh Chuljyan, Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian and the Rev. Fr. Mikayel Kyureghyan participated in the service which was presided by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Excellency Valery Mkrtumyan, the Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia and Consulate General Advisor Razmik Martirosyan.
The homilist bishop’s sermon was based on the Gospel according to St. John, the Evangelist “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (6:29). “A devout Christian, adhering to the Word of God, must follow in the footsteps of Christ. Our Lord and Savior is the source of an everlasting life, for He said I am the bread of life. To lead a Christ-oriented life is to be transformed within and inspire those around us” stated Archbishop Ateshyan.
During the service, Archbishop Ateshyan honored Mr. Saro Marukian in recognition of his leadership and contribution in the complete renovation of the Patriarchate building which was severely damaged during the earthquake on August 17, 1999. Approaching the nave with his spouse, Mr. Marukian was awarded the Medal of Honor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey by the Patriarchal Vicar. Archbishop Ateshyan’s Certificate of Blessing and Commendation addressed to the honoree was read by Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan.
At the conclusion of the service, a Requiem Service was held for the soul of His Beatitude Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, the 82nd Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople (1963 – 1990).
Stewardship Plaque Dedicated in Memory of Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarchal Vicar and the Diocesan Primate headed to the Paul Brothers Galleria of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex where the high ranking clergy performed the blessing and dedication ceremony of the Stewardship plaque in memory of H.B. Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, an honorary title bestowed upon the late Patriarch. The plaque of Mr. and Mrs. Seth and Ruby Abajian was also blessed by the bishops.
12th Annual Stewardship Luncheon 
Close to 200 people attended the twelfth annual Stewardship Luncheon which was held at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall following the aforementioned blessing of the plaques ceremony. 
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Stewardship Committee member Silva Katchiguian, who introduced the mission of the Stewardship Program and emphasized the need of financial contributions in ensuring the education and preparation of the next wave of Diocesan clergy. The invocation was delivered by Archbishop Sebuh Chuljyan after which the guests enjoyed the finest of the Armenian cuisine.

OIA Chairman Edvin Minassian, Esq. presented the biography of His Beatitude Shnork Kaloustian, the Armenian Patriarch of Turkey (1963-1990) sharing timeless memories of the Patriarch including his literary genius, compassionate personality and selfless dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church and the flock of Christ.
Prepared by the TV and Media department of the Western Diocese, the guests viewed a video presentation of the life of Patriarch Kaloustian.

In his remarks, Stewardship Committee Chairman Dr. Vahram Biricik, expressed his genuine gratitude to the stewards for their staunch belief in the mission of the noble program. Reflecting on the program’s overall success, Dr. Biricik noted the ordination of seven new priests by the Diocesan Primate resulting from the expansion of the Western Diocese and the formation of new communities. He stated that a new boost to the program is needed in order to ensure the continuity of its livelihood.
In the artistic portion of the program, accompanied by Hovik Voskanian on the piano soprano soloist Alenoush Yeghnazar delighted the audience with her beautiful performances of Armenian traditional and folkloric songs.

The Primate welcomed the presence of Excellency Valery Mkrtumyan, the Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Consulate General Advisor Razmik Martirosyan and the Honorable Judge Zaven Sinanian. 
The Primate welcomed the presence of Excellency Valery Mkrtumyan, the Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, Consulate General Advisor Razmik Martirosyan and the Honorable Judge Zaven Sinanian. Archbishop Derderian reflected on the vision of Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian whose commitment to service was most evident in his mission to mentor and train new generations of clergymen.

He also thanked Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian for the tremendous task of editing and translating two books authored by the late Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian. The first, 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.  Both books include the original Armenian texts which have been edited Father Arzoumanian.

His Eminence thanked Mr. and Mrs. David and Marguerite Mgrublian for graciously sponsoring the publications.

The guests received copies of the aforementioned publications.
As a token of their gratitude and in recognition of his steadfast leadership in the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, the Stewardship Committee presented a commemorative plate with a special inscription to His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Ateshyan expressed his sincere gratitude to the Diocesan faithful for the warm welcome and cordial hospitality. The Patriarchal Vicar also reflected on the legacy of Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian, his spiritual mentor who had ordained him into the Priesthood. “Patriarch Kaloustian was a brave and courageous pastor of Christ’s flock. His fatherly compassion was inspirational indeed. We remember him with the fondest of memories and pray to the Almighty to rest him in the abode of the heavenly saints,” stated Archbishop Ateshyan.

The luncheon concluded with the Patriarchal Vicar’s closing prayer.  
OIA Hosts H.E. Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey
The Organization of Istanbul Armenians (OIA) hosted a banquet in honor of His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey at the OIA Headquarters on January 23, 2016. The Primate attended the event accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by OIA Board of Trustees Chairman Edvin Minassian, Esq. and OIA Executive Committee President Mr. Raffi Marukian.

On the 25th anniversary of his passing, the biography of H.B. Archbishop Shnork Kaloustian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Turkey was presented by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Minassian reflected on the Patriarch’s humble personality, rich literary legacy, and his undying love for the flock of Christ.
In his remarks, Archbishop Ateshyan briefed the guests about the mission of the Armenian Patriarchate informing them about the activities of the Armenian community and the preservation efforts of Armenian churches and other historical sites in Turkey.

Archbishop Ateshyan also answered questions from the crowd.
Armed Forces Day Celebrated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in observance of Armed Forces Day, on January 27, 2016. 
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians met with the members of Armenia’s Armed Forces. Accompanying the Defense Minister General Seyran Ohanyan were members of the Armed Forces including chaplains. The Catholicos of All Armenians commended their undying love for the Motherland and in recognition of their contributions to Armenia, the Pontiff awarded St. Nerses Shnorhali medals to military officials.
A number of bishops including H.E. Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, H.G. Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, H.G. Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan and H.G. Bishop Arshak Khachatryan were honored by His Holiness with the “Andranik Ozanyan” medals.

The “Admiral Isakov,” “Garegin Nzhdeh,” and “Marshall Baghramyan” medals were awarded by His Holiness on the 24th anniversary on the establishment of the Armenia’s Armed Forces.
Message of His Holiness on Armed Forces Day
From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, our sacred sanctuary established by Christ, We extend Our Pontifical blessings and congratulations to the brave officers and soldiers of the Armenian Armed Forces, and all Armenians throughout the world on the occasion of Armed Forces Day.

The formation of the Armenian Army is a great achievement of our independent state which is the result of the struggle, love and devotion of our brave soldiers for the Homeland.
Today, through the feats of our soldiers and commanders; and sometimes by sacrificing their lives, the borders of our country are intact and protected. The valiant spirit of the Armenian soldier gives encouragement to our people, guiding us to serve to our Homeland with devotion, zeal and love for each other.

In front of the Holy Altar, we pray that our Heavenly Lord blesses and keeps all the soldiers and commanders victorious.

And may the grace, love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us. Amen.
Ancient Manuscripts on Display at the Getty Center
“Traversing the Globe through Illuminated Manuscripts,” is the title of Getty Center’s unique exhibition featuring illuminated manuscripts and painted book arts from the 9th through the 17th century. Among the prized treasures on display are Toros Roslin’s miniatures from the 13th century. The Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the opening ceremony of the exhibit on January 26th and was led on a private viewing. He was accompanied by Mr. Diran Avagyan and Diocesan benefactor Mr. Raymond Hartoonian.
The exhibition which runs through June 26th is drawn primarily from the Museum’s collection, augmented with several generous and important loans from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington Library, and the Charles E. Young Research Library at UCLA.

His Eminence conveyed his wholehearted gratitude to Elizabeth Morrison, the Museum’s Senior Curator of Manuscripts and Bryan Keene, Assistant Curator of Manuscripts for their warm hospitality as well as the informative tour.

Click here to learn more about the exhibit.
SAN DIEGO’S NEW ARMENIAN CHURCH CAMPUS APPROVED BY STATE COASTAL COMMISSION
California State Coastal Commission Approves New Church Campus in Historic Vote
In a historic vote of 11-0, the California State Coastal Commission approved St. John Garabed Armenian Church’s application to build a new church campus near Del Mar, California.  The vote was taken on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chambers.  The new campus, which will be built in stages over a period of several years, will include a sanctuary, social hall, education center, library, gymnasium, youth center, Armenian heritage park, picnic and meditation space, and abundant parking.

For more than one year, the church’s application has been under review by Coastal Commission staff.  The church made numerous revisions and adjustments to be in compliance with coastal regulations.  In fall 2015, Coastal staff sent a report to the commissioners stating that the church had met all necessary requirements with the exception of two staff-recommended conditions.  Condition 1A proposed that the height of the church be lowered from 85 feet to 50 feet.  Condition 1B proposed that the location of the church be moved to the back of the property (on the south side) so it would be less visible, essentially screening it from view.
In his remarks to the Coastal commissioners, Harry Krikorian, chairman of the church’s Trust Fund Committee, stated, “Our proposed plans are for a place of worship, a place to socialize, a place for remembrance, and a place to preserve our culture, traditions and heritage.  We are not a commercial enterprise but a non-profit Christian Church with a rich and proud history.

“Therefore, we disagree with staff that building a 50 foot church without the dome as they suggest is equally good and as functional as our design.  We respect Coastal staff who reviewed and analyzed our project, however we find that conditions 1A & 1B do not meet the needs of our church nor satisfy our religious requirements.”
         
Marcela Escobar-Eck, principal at The Atlantis Group and professional consultant for the project, stated, “This plan preserves the sensitive habitat and promotes the biological and scenic corridors of its coastal location.  The property lies 1.8 miles from the ocean and encompasses a total of 13.4 acres.  This project will be developing 4.23 acres of land while preserving 9.18 acres. I understand the issue about precedent in approving the church’s 85 ft. dome, but this area is zoned for agricultural use that includes the development of a church.”
Maria Mehranian, an urban planner and managing partner at the Cordoba Corporation, said, “Since its inception, $1.2 million has been raised in support of the project.  These funds have been raised because of the potential the church holds for being more than just a building, but rather a symbol of the community and center for all to gather. The church facilities will be open to the general public for events, recreation, and open space. It will be a destination for the Armenian diaspora, international historians, tourists and many others.”

San Diego native Lisa Kirazian Kradjian stated, “We ask that you please do your utmost to approve the original proposal, with its beautiful design, careful environmental stewardship and honestly the most seamlessly integrated layout that is safest for our youth and families. Armenians have been contributing to the prosperity and innovation of California for well over one hundred years. Allow us to keep thriving, to keep serving our state and our people.”

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, stated, “This is a historic day for us as we present this proposal, and it comes in the context of a very important time in our church history.  Just recently we commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and very soon we will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Western Diocese.  This church campus will not only be a symbol of our Christian faith, but also a stronghold to unite communities around the world. On behalf of the Diocesan clergy, the Diocesan Council, and all Armenians, I respectfully ask you to accept the proposal as it has been presented.”

Honorable Joe Kellejian, former long-time mayor of Solana Beach, concluded the church’s presentation by reminding the commissioners that the grandstand at the Del Mar racetrack is over 85 ft. tall and over a block long, and west of the I-5 freeway, well within the jurisdiction of the Coastal Commission.

Commissioner Greg Cox stated, “This property is barely in the coastal zone.  It preserves the wildlife corridors and the integrity of the environmental area.  This is a beautiful structure that will enhance our community.  In my opinion, I think it would be iconic.  I also think that staff has overreached on these two conditions.”

Commissioner Cox made a motion to approve the application, with an amending motion to delete Conditions 1A and 1B; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Mark Vargas.  The Coastal Commission approved both the amendment and main motion with an unanimous vote.
The history of this project dates back to 2008 when the Trust Fund Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church purchased close to 14 acres of premium property near Del Mar, California.  On October 30, 2014, the project received unanimous approval by the City Planning Commission.  The new property is located at 13860 El Camino Real in the City of San Diego between Del Mar Heights Rd. and Via de la Valle.
                     
For information about the Trust Fund Committee, new church campus, fundraising events, and giving opportunities, please visit www.stjohngarabedtrust.org or contact Harry Krikorian, harrykrikorian@msn.com or (760) 310-0064.
Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan Visits the Western Diocese
The Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina is visiting the Western Diocese. At the invitation of the Primate, on Sunday, January 17, Father Maghakia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. 
On January 23, Father Maghakia joined Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan in the observance of the Feast Day of St. Sarkis the Warrior at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood. Following an evening prayer service, a special youth blessing ceremony was held during which salty pastries were blessed and distributed to the faithful.  
On January 24th, a day after the observance of the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior, the young archimandrite (vartabed) was the guest celebrant and homilist at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita. A reception in his honor was held at the church hall following the service.
On January 31, the parishioners of St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale will welcome the guest celebrant priest.
About the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior

Each year, on the first day of the Fast of the Holy Catechumens (First Lent), the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrates the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain, his son Martiros and his 14 soldiers-companions. By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; the feast is proclaimed as a day of blessing of the youth. Saint Sarkis the Warrior is one of the most venerated Armenian saints. He is considered the patron saint of love and youth. His feast day is celebrated in late January or early February.
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. 
Meetings Held at the Diocese
The Summer Camp Executive Committee, Camp Board and the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of the Western Diocese (AACCWD) held meetings at the Diocesan Headquarters on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

The upcoming summer camp sessions as well as the planned construction of the camp chapel and retreat center were discussed in great detail. 
Click here to learn how you can donate to the construction efforts.

We are happy to inform that the Hye Camp 2016 dates have been set. Applications for staff and campers will be available February 14th.
After reviewing last year’s events, the AACCWD prepared a list of proposed events for 2016. 

Art Exhibit of Acclaimed Armenian Artist Hayk Miqayelyan At Zorayan Museum on February 10th and 11th
The members of the Zorayan Museum Committee of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church are pleased to announce an art exhibit of acclaimed Armenian painter Hayk Miqayelyan.  The art exhibition of his works will be held on Wednesday, February 10, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday, February 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese reports that this exhibition of the
paintings of Hayk Miqayelyan is in keeping with the mission of the Zorayan Museum to organize exhibitions to promote understanding and appreciation of Armenian ethnic, religious and cultural diversity by exposing the beauty of Armenian heritage, and preserving and sharing the experiences with the people of the world.

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