Weekly News – February 22, 2013
ON THE 50TH AND 30TH ANNIVERSARIES OF THEIR PASSING
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR CATHOLICOI ZAREH I
AND KHOREN I OF BLESSED MEMORY
– ARS REMEMBRANCE DAY
On Sunday, February 24th, the third Sunday of Great Lent which is the day of the Prodigal Son, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
As we had previously reported, by the ordinance of the Prelate on this day requiem service will be held in Prelacy Churches in memory of Catholicoi Zareh I Payaslian and Khoren I Paroyan on the 50th and 30th anniversaries of their passing respectively.
In coordination with the Armenian Relief Society Regional Executive, February 24 has also been designated ARS Remembrance Day. Thus on this day, requiem prayers will also be offered for ARS members.
PRELACY LADIES AUXILIARY GREAT LENT LUNCHEON
On Wednesday, February 27, the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary annual Great Lent Luncheon will take place under the auspices of the Prelate.
The day will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Sunrise Service at St. Mary's Church in Glendale presided over by the Prelate, who will also deliver his message.
The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Glendale (2001 Canada Blvd.). A traditional Lenten feast will be offered. The luncheon will also feature a cultural program.
Tickets are $35 and can be reserved by contacting the Prelacy at 818-248-7737 ext. 101.
ST. GARABED CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS
TO BE CONSECRATED IN APRIL
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Religious and Executive Councils, and the Pastor and Parish Council of St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas joyfully announce that the construction of the Church is nearing completion and the Church will be consecrated on the weekend of April 13 and 14 by the Prelate.
On Saturday, April 13, evening service, the Opening of the Portals ceremony, and the consecration of the baptismal font will take place. The Church and altar will be consecrated on Sunday, April 14 during Holy High Mass. The pillar crosses and dome cross were consecrated in October of 2011 by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I during his Pontifical Visit to the Western Prelacy.
On Tuesday, February 19, 2013, the Prelate, visited the Las Vegas Parish Community to oversee the progress of the construction of St. Garabed Chruch. His Eminence was accompanied by Executive Council member Mr. Vahan Bezdikian, who is also the Chair of the Prelacy Real Property Committee and has been providing his expertise to this project.
The Prelate and Mr. Bezdikian met with Parish Pastor Archpriest Fr. Avedis Torossian, Parish Council Chair Mr. Adroushan Armenian and members of the Council and Construction Committees. The Parish representatives reported that the project is reaching its completion and they have already secured the necessary permits to operate the Church. The marbling of the altar and final touch ups will be completed in the next few weeks.
It is fitting that the consecration will take place about one week prior to the commemoration of the 98th anniversary of the Genocide, given that the Church is also a memorial to the victims of the Genocide. The main benefactor, Mr. Larry Barnes, dedicated the Church to the memory of his wife Seda Der Garabedian-Barnes and to her ancestors who perished in the Genocide in the region of Van.
PRESENTATION OF JACQUES HAGOPIAN'S TWO LATEST BOOKS
On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, the celebration of the "Year of the Armenian Book" which H.H. Catholicos Aram I had proclaimed for 2012, continued at the Prelacy with the presentation of the two latest volumes by renowned and foremost contemporary poet Jacques Hagopian.
The event was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Prelacy Educational-Cultural Committee.
Committee Chair Mr. Herair Jermakian delivered the opening remarks then invited LARK Musical Society Vice-President and Master of Ceremonies Mrs. Takouhi Arzoumanian to commence the official program.
Mr. Mike Yousoufian, long-time friend and colleague of the author, spoke a few words about Mr. Hagopian's service and contributions to Armenian literature and culture.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian presented the two books, "Yes Kirk em Hayeren", a book of poems dedicated to the Armenian book and language, and "Voghgooyz", a collection of the author's research studies, lectures, memoirs, and letters by scholars and literary critics about the author.
The cultural program featured a recitation of one of the author's poems by three students from Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School, and a solo by singer Meline Hambartsumyan, accompanied by Alan Dishigrikyan on the piano.
The author was then invited to convey his remarks. Mr. Hagopian expressed this thanks through the recitation of three of his poems.
The official program concluded with the Prelate's message, which he began by first commending all of the evening's participants, and especially Fr. Muron for his well-prepared presentation. His Eminence spoke highly of Jacques Hagopian as a virtuous and humble servant of God, and expressed thanks and gratitude to the poet for his part in educating generations of Armenian youth and for living his life as an example to others to live guided by the Holy Bible. The Prelate concluded by wishing continued success to Jacques Hagopian in his noble mission and service to the celebration and preservation of our language and culture.
The event came to a close with the Cilician anthem. A reception hosted by the organizing committee followed, during which the author signed copies of his books.
PRELATE TO VISIT ARMENIAN ECCLESIASTICAL BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS
On the evening of Friday, February 22nd, the Prelate will visit the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood center in Glendale, where he will meet with members and conduct Vigil Service. Requiem service will also be offered for the memory of previous Chair Brother Arshag Kalenderian, who service the Armenian Church and the Ecclesiastical Brotherhood for over sixty years in Beirut and Los Angeles.
The Prelate will be accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian.
CHAMLIAN SCHOOL ANNUAL GALA BANQUET
On Saturday, February 23, the annual gala banquet of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Universal City. The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings and mesasge. Executive Council members Mr. George Chorbajian and Mr. Vahan Bezdikian will also be in attendance.
St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas to be Consecrated in April
Prelate Leads Vigil and Requiem Service at the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood Center