On Friday, May 3, 2019, the North Hollywood parish celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment with a banquet held at Arbat Banquet Hall in Burbank under the auspices of and with the presence of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Among those in attendance were H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, clergy, Executive Council Chair Garo Eshgian, members of the parish family, representatives of the ARF “Papken Seuni” Gomideh and ARS “Meghry” Chapter, sponsors and supporters.
The program began with welcoming remarks by MC Deacon Baghdig Ekmekjian, who noted that the parish reached its 10th anniversary thanks to the devoted service of all. The national anthems followed, after which the clergy delivered the invocation.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees Chair, Chairperson Seta Tarpinian with gratitude reflected on the establishment of the parish by the initiative of the Prelate and Religious and Executive Councils and thanked all those who have played a part in the advancement of the parish over the past ten years.
On behalf of L.A. City Councilmembers Paul Koretz and Paul Krekorian, Greg Martayan and Sahag Yedalian presented proclamations to the parish on this occasion.
In his remarks, Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian expressed appreciation for the devoted service of all and stressed the importance of continued united efforts in the example of our predecessors for the realization of the church construction dream.
The candle-lighting ceremony followed.
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The MC announced a donation of $20,000 by parishioner Alice Avakian toward the construction of the church, drawing the enthusiastic applause of all.
The Vicar General conveyed his remarks congratulating and commending the parish family. He highlighted the love and bond that he has witnessed of the parish servants and parishioners toward the parish and wished for all to continue to serve with love and harmony as one family in order for the community to flourish.
In the next portion of the program, the parish honored three individuals for their valuable and vital service. They were; Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, who served as the first parish pastor; Khatchig Titizian, who was the first Board of Trustees Chair; and Antranik Abrahamyan, who has served continuously for the past ten years. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, each was presented a plaque of appreciation by the Prelate.
His Eminence delivered the closing message. “Blessed are those who build churches. Tonight you are all blessed, for over the past ten years you have served as instruments of God and contributed your offering to the progress of this parish,” began the Prelate, and stressed that this anniversary celebration is an invitation and opportunity for all to continue their service with renewed zeal and sense of responsibility. He blessed and commended all those who have lent their moral and financial support to the establishment and advancement of the parish; the Vicar General, who heads the Bible Study, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, founding parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, who served for nearly five years as the second pastor, the current pastor, past and present Executive Council Chairmen and Board of Trustees Chairpersons, altar servers, Ladies Guild members, and sister organizations, urging all to continue the work of their predecessors in order to have not just a physical church building but a spiritual home for the community. He blessed also the memory of all departed servants. The Prelate acknowledged the sponsors for their valuable support, namely Varant and Hoori Melkonian who a few months back donated proceeds from Varant’s 60th birthday, totaling $50,000, toward the church construction, and Alice Avakian for her latest donation. “We have before us new opportunities, new horizons, new hopes and dreams. Let us continue to work together for the glory of God with renewed faith, and let us put words into action and utilize our God-given gifts and talents as we look to the next chapter, the building of the church,” concluded His Eminence.
The program which also featured a cultural portion comprised of songs, dance, and recitation. The official portion of the evening concluded with the cake-cutting, after which guests enjoyed musical entertainment.
