Primate to Depart to Holy Etchmiadzin to Take Part in Supreme Spiritual Council Meeting

A two-day clergy conference was held at the Headquarters of the Western Diocese on February 2-3, in preparation of the 90^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese which will be marked in 2017 with a grandiose celebration.

The day commenced with the morning prayer service at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral during which the clergymen beseeched the Almighty to bless and have mercy upon the flock of Christ and to preserve and protect the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian nation.

The first clergy conference of the year, held at the Hampar Family Room, was presided by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Archbishop Derderian explained the main purpose of the conference, noted the significance of the topics to be presented, highlighted the importance of an active discussion and emphasized the need to strengthen the mission on the religious as well as the pastoral levels.

The Primate informed his fellow brothers in Christ about the construction projects currently taking place at the Western Diocese (Arizona, San Diego, Las Vegas, La Crescenta and Hollywood). His Eminence reflected on the number of Diocesan publications over the last ten years, the plan to honor 90 exemplary couples in the Western Diocese, the project to launch a church newspaper, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy specifically for the youth. The Primate also spoke about upcoming Diocesan publications, the recruitment of priesthood-candidates, the need support the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund among other topics.

Special emphasis was placed on religious, theological, pastoral, social and canonical issues, creating the need to revitalize the church’s mission of evangelization. Reports were presented by the clergymen on the aforementioned issues which were analyzed and discussed at length.

“A Religious Reawakening” was the central theme of the conference.

The following topics were discussed and presented at the conference including:

“Immersion of the youth in the life of the Church” (Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash)
“The negative effect of Non-Orthodox or other mainstream religious beliefs on the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church” (Rev. Fr. Yeghia Isayan)
“Piety and the significance of rites in the spiritual advancement of a Christian” (Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan)
“Reverting to the true roots of the Church” (Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian)
“Ways to modernize the Church” (Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian)
“The Church is not the gathering of saints but rather the place of repentance”(Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian)
“The Armenian Apostolic Church in North America” (Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan)
“Defending the Christian Faith” (Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian)
“The Armenian Church in the 16^th and 17^th centuries – Religious and cultural reawakening” (Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian)
“The Kiss of Peace of the Divine Liturgy from the theological perspective” (The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian

The following important topics including “the participation of the laity in the religious life of parishes,” “the Christian identity of the faithful and strengthening their sense of belonging in the Church,” “witnessing the Christian Faith in modern times” as well as “the influential role of the Divine Liturgy in the life of the faithful” were also discussed by the clergymen.
 

The Feast of Ghevontiants is the feast day of priests. The amazing story of the Vartanants and Ghevontiants martyrs is recounted by two Armenian historians of the time: Yeghishé the Historian and Ghazar Parbetsi. St. Ghevont is remembered as the priest who, on the night before the decisive battle against the Persians in 451 A.D. assembled the Armenian troops on the battlefield and baptized those that not yet been received into the Church. This was just over a century after the Christian conversion of the Armenian people by St. Gregory the Illuminator, and we know that there were still pockets of the population that had not yet been evangelized. St. Ghevont then celebrated the Divine Liturgy and distributed Holy Communion to every soldier.

It has been an honorable tradition at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America to remember and pay homage to the Ghevontiantz martyred saints with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the day of the Feast.

With the participation of the Diocesan clergy, at 6:30 p.m. the day’s celebrant at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral was the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian. The service was even more meaningful for the merited vartabed as it coincided with the 45^th anniversary of his ordination into the sacred order of the priesthood.

On the auspicious occasion and at the request of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Father Dajad was honored by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians with a Pontifical Encyclical and a “St. Sahag and St. Mesrop.” The prestigious medal was conferred upon the clergyman in recognition of his dedicated pastoral service, scholarly research and valuable contributions in the literary sphere.

The Pontifical encyclical of His Holiness was brought to the Holy Altar by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, the Cathedral’s Pastor, who read it from the Holy Altar.

Addressing the dzayrakouyn vartabed, His Holiness conveyed his pontifical blessings and stated “In recognition of your selfless service rendered to the Armenian Apostolic Church and at the request of the Diocesan Primate, we hereby confer upon you the prestigious ‘St. Sahag and St. Mesrop’ medal.”

In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian congratulated Father Yardemian on behalf of the Diocesan Council, his fellow Brothers in Christ and the faithful, noting the medal recipient’s contributions in the ecclesiastical, cultural and literary spheres. The Diocesan Primate also expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians for acting upon his request to honor the respected clergyman.

In turn, Father Yardemian conveyed his heartfelt wishes to His Holiness for the honor bestowed upon him and to the Primate for his recommendation. In his homily, Father Dajad reflected on the rich legacy of the Ghevontiants martyrs. “The martyred priests remained loyal to the Christian faith and the Armenian Apostolic Church. We are the heirs of their undying spirit,” stated Father Yardemian in part.

A reception was held in honor of the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian following the service where the clergy and faithful congratulated and were photographed with the honoree.

A check for $30,000 was presented to Miss Rita Terterian, CHLA’s Assistant Vice President of Development by the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese, (formerly the CHLA-Western Diocese Joint Committee) on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the hospital’s Wilson Library. The amount exceeded the original pledge of $25,000 made in November 2014. The donation will support CHLA’s Vision Center, Cancer Center, Literary Healing Department, the Neonatal and other departments. The Agape Circle organized their inaugural luncheon in 2014, raising $15,000 in the process. In November 2015, the committee raised another $30,000 to benefit CHLA. To date, the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese has raised $45,000 to benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The official presentation was made by Mrs. Alice Chakrian, Chair of the Agape Circle who was accompanied by her fellow committee members. The Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral represented the Primate at the ceremonial event.

The CHLA-Western Diocese Committee organized their inaugural luncheon in 2014, raising $15,000 in the process. In November 2015, the committee raised another $30,000 to benefit CHLA. To date, the committee has raised $45,000 to benefit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  

Established in 2014, the CHLA/Western Diocese Joint Committee’s success depends on private contributions, your participation and support. The committee thanks the donors, supporters and all committed individuals who empower its mission to make a difference in children’s lives.

The Primate travelled to the City of Carmel in Monterey County on February 5, 2016. Accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Datev Harutyunian, the pastor of St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino, Archbishop Derderian met with members of the community in efforts to expand the outreach mission of the Cupertino parish.      

On February 6, Archbishop Derderian presided over the Annual Banquet held at the Amerian Hall of St. Andrew Armenian Church.

The festive event is an opportunity to honor and spotlight members of the Armenian community in the Southern San Francisco Bay Area.  This year the St. Nerses Shnorhali (Graceful) Medal of Honor was bestowed upon the Honorable Joe Simitian (Saren Joseph Simitian), member of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

The Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians and the accompanying prestigious medal was conferred upon Joe Simitian, a grandson of Armenian Genocide survivors. Addressing the accomplished public official, His Holiness stated in part, “You have excelled in your political career because of your selfless and unwavering service. We commend relentless pursuit of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and your undying commitment to the Armenian cause.  We are especially delighted to learn about your noble contribution to the prosperity of St. Andrew Armenian Church of Santa Clara Valley, earning the love and respect of the pastors and parishioners throughout the years.”

In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian called Supervisor Simitian “one of the most distinguished sons of the Armenian nation” noting that his services have “brought pride, joy and blessings on the Armenians on the West Coast and to the entire Armenian-American community.”  In closing Archbishop Derderian, thanked Joe Simitian for setting an example for the “next generation of leaders in this blessed country.”

Other parishioners were also recognized at the Annual Banquet. The Hye Spirit Diocesan Medal was presented by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian to exceptional members of the St. Andrew Armenian Church parish who have supported, contributed and championed the mission of church. This year’s Hye Spirit Diocesan Medal honorees were  Mrs. Linda Abrahamians, Mr. Krikor Krikorian, Mr. Olivier Mardinian, Mr. Steve Ohanians and Mr. Zaven Soghoyan. His Eminence congratulated the medal recipients noting their unwavering service and selfless dedication in the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

In his closing remarks, the Primate commended the St. Andrew Armenian Church parish for remaining a “beacon of the Christian faith” and home for the Armenian people in Santa Clara County.

On February 7, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Andrew Armenian Church.

The Lord’s Prayer, often referred to as “The Hayr Mer” (Our Father) in the Armenian tradition, is the prayer taught to us by Christ, our Lord, the Son of God. The prayer has been handed down to us by the Apostles. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us about the relationship between God and man and about all the necessary ingredients which we ought to know about God.

The Lord’s prayer calls on us to humbly surrender ourselves to God. Through this prayer we offer ourselves to God, in exalting God and confessing our sins but above all asking God’s mercy upon us. Thus, when we live a life graced with prayer, we then obviously are living a God-pleasing life, despite the fact that we are weak in our human nature and inclined to fail and fall into temptations.

Children who recite the words of the Lord’s prayer undoubtedly feel and live in the depths of their hearts the very presence of God and the fear of God inspires them with wisdom. For the adults, the same prayer calms the turbulence of our inner spiritual life and strengthens us in our faith. It guides us to live a Christ-like life. And each time we recite the Lord’s prayer we lift up our spiritual life to a new level of faith and, come closer to God.

On Paregentan Sunday, February 7, 2016, the Shnorhali Music Committee of the Western Diocese under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, presented its third Annual Concert at 7:00 pm.

The sanctuary of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral was the scene of a serene classical youth concert.

Mrs. Lucy Tashjian opened the program by her welcoming remarks which included the Mission of the Shnorhali Music Committee. She said it was to “encourage and promote our young talents so they can carry the torch of our rich musical heritage”.  She introduced the Honoree of evening, Mrs. Alice Navasargian as a Distinguished Author and Benefactress. She also mentioned that the evening success was only possible by the tireless  efforts of renowned  Pianists Armen Guzelimian, Chair of the Shnorhali Committee and Dr. Vatche Mankerian, who took the young performers under their wings and groomed them for stardom. 

During his closing remarks, His Eminence applauded the superb performance of the young musicians and invited the Honoree. Mrs. Navasargian also expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the evening specifically mentioning the achievements of Archbishop Derderian within the Western Diocese. 

The original concert Honoree was Governor George Deukmejian, first Armenian Governor of the State of California.

The Honoree of the second 2015 Genocide Centennial Concert, “REBIRTH FROM THE ASHES” was Professor Mihran Agbabian, First President of the American University of Armenia.

On February 9, 2016, Deacon Artak Khachikyan visited the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park. The Diocesan Youth Director met with the school’s 5^th students and spoke with the youth about the importance of respect and trustworthiness in our daily lives.

The same message was conveyed to the students of Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School and the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School on the following day by Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan and Deacon Artak Khachikyan.

Ladies Society Central Council once again joyously hosted Women’s Prayer Day on February 10^th, 2016.  Presided by the Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, this year’s theme was “The Praying Community”.

The guest homilist was Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan of St. Apkar church of Scottsdale, Arizona; and the prayer service included numerous priests and archpriests within the Western Diocese Churches.  Fr. Zacharia’s inspiring message of compassion, non-judgmental approach towards others, not to be neglectful toward others, and help and care for fellow people builds better relationships and thus better community. He spoke of the importance to pray to God through mere conversation with Him and to remain silent so that we can hear His holy message to us. 

Prayer service was concluded with Women’s Appreciation Day.  Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Chairlady Lena Simonian marked this occasion with a certificate of appreciation to each Ladies Society member who has served for over 15 years.  There were over 60 honorees from churches of the Western Diocese including as far as from Yettem to Rancho Mirage.  Archbishop Derderian thanked them for their service and unwavering dedication to their respective churches, family, and communities.

Festivities concluded with a beautiful luncheon and musical performances for over 170 guests. 

On February 11, 2016, the AGBU Asbeds, led by Chairman Mr. Aram Aginian, visited the Western Diocese and met with Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at the Sybille Aprahamian Conference Room of the Turpanjian Diocesan Building of the Western Diocese.

In his welcoming remarks, Archbishop Derderian noted their dedicated service to the Armenian people and commended the AGBU Asbeds for strengthening the Armenian identity and preserving the rich heritage of the Armenian people.

In turn, Mr. Aginian briefed the Primate about the upcoming events and initiatives organized by the AGBU Asbeds.