Weekly News – September 28, 2012

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ENCINO

On Sunday, September 30, 2012, the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.

Following the decision of the Representatives Assembly to have Prelacy Schools’ students attend Divine Liturgy regularly, this Sunday Ferrahian School 10th grade students will attend Church.

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DONORS CONTRIBUTE $147,000
FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF FUND

We received the following press release from the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund Executive Committee:

Glendale, CA.- The first fundraiser by the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) was held on September 19, 2012, at the Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale. Over 100 people attended the event, including representatives of the leadership of the organizations, which make up the coalition.

Sona Madarian, the SARF Executive Committee Secretary, made her welcoming remarks as the MC and reaffirmed the Armenians’ will to survive, recalling how Armenian Genocide survivors arrived in Syria, and rebuilt their lives. She invited the clergy, representing the Apostolic, Catholic and Evangelical denominations to bless the food. Throughout the program, each of the church leaders urged those present to do their part to help the Syrian-Armenians, during their time of need.

Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Chahinian, representing the Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America, said that as we live as Christians, our hearts need to be open; our hearts will be open, when our hands are open, so that we can reach out to those who need our help.

H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, representing the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, expressed his concern for the endangered Syrian-Armenian population, welcomed the creation of the SARF committee, and hoped that the spirit of giving by the supporters becomes contagious to the rest of the community.

Rev. Joseph Matossian, representing the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, thanked God that Armenians are resilient people and will endure through the crisis in Syria, and appealed to those present to do their share as a Christian brotherly responsibility, not as a burden.

H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, representing the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, who was instrumental in helping to bring the SARF coalition together, quoted His Holiness Aram I that we need to be committed to our responsibility to preserve and safeguard our communities in Syria. The Prelate recalled that the initial response to the crisis in Syria was to help the schools. The Prelate praised the Armenian Relief Society for accomplishing that objective early on. The Prelacy had called the boards of alumni associations of the schools in Syria to alert them of the situation, many of whom were attending the fundraiser. Recalling how the Armenians of Syria had provided assistance to the Armenians of Lebanon during the civil war, and noting how so many of the leadership in many communities have their roots in Syria, the Prelate urged those present to make their contributions.

Entertainment was provided by the duo “Yergnayin Dagher” (Heavenly Chants), flutist Sossy and harpist Salpy, who played moving musical selections.

Zaven Khanjian, SARF Executive Committee Chairperson, thanked everyone who made the event possible, and remarked, “You are here tonight because you care, you are a responsible person and whether you are able or not, you sure are willing to sacrifice, give of yourself, reach out, extend a hand to a community that has been devastated and because you realize and believe that the preservation of that community experiencing a calamity is of the highest national interest and priority.” The Evangelical community representative recalled his involvement in the assistance to help the Armenians in Lebanon during the 1970s, and provided information on what the local Syrian-Armenian emergency committees are doing. He said that the motto, “Poloren Polorin” (from everyone to everyone) fits how the various organizations have come together to help the Syrian-Armenian community, which provided invaluable and immeasurable contributions to the Diaspora. Khanjian appealed to extend a helping hand, provide hope, and inspire them to persevere. He ended his appeal with a question, “Did you contribute to the Syrian-Armenians?”

Meher Der Ohanessian, SARF Executive Committee Treasurer, praised all the contributors and reported the donations by the SARF-member organizations, alumni associations and the individual donors during the program, as well as through the mailed checks and on-line donations. The total reached $147,000.

The evening will be memorable of all the memories it invoked, and the collective commitment to help where help is needed. Due to the continuing conflict, the fundraising effort by SARF will continue.

Contributions can be mailed to Syrian Armenian Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1948, Glendale, CA 91209-1948 or by credit card at www.SyrianArmenianReliefFund.org.

The Syrian Armenian Relief Fund’s mission is to provide immediate assistance to the Syrian-Armenians, through the generous donations of the community in the Western United States, and the following network of churches, political parties and charity organizations, which operate in the region:

Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Western Diocese of the Armenian Church; Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; Armenian General Benevolent Union; Armenian Missionary Association of America; Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A.; Armenian Democratic Liberal Party;  Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western U.S.A.; and Social Democrat Hunchakian Party-Western U.S.A.

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“YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN BOOK” CELEBRATION CONTINUES WITH THE PRESENTATION OF DR. RUBINA PEROOMIAN’S THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN LITERATURE

On Wednesday, September 26, 2012, the presentation of Dr. Rubina Peroomian’s latest book The Armenian Genocide in Literature: Perceptions of Those Who Lived Through the Years of Calamity was held at the Prelacy “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall.  The event was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized jointly by the Prelacy, Armenian Educational Foundation, and Hamazkayin Western Region.  It was one of several undertakings celebrating the “Year of the Armenian Book” as proclaimed by H.H. Catholicos Aram I.  Members of clergy were among the guests in attendance, as well as Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, members of the Executive Council and community organizations.

The event began with welcoming remarks by MC Mrs. Dzovinar Melkonian, who then invited the evening’s first speaker UCLA Professor Dr. Hagop Koulloujian.

Dr. Koulloujian gave an overview of Dr. Peroomian’s book, noting that foundation of the book is the correlation between calamity and literature, especially witness testimonies found in literature, and concluded his remarks by stating that this and similar books resonates in each of us the tragedies we have experienced as a people.

A cultural program followed, with a trio of Khachadourian pieces performed by pianist Mrs. Lydia Teloonts.

The MC then invited Dr. Peroomian to deliver her remarks and thoughts.  Dr. Peroomian first thanked the Prelate for hosting the event, the organizers for their efforts, and also the guests for their attendance and encouragement.  She noted that Genocide research is an arduous process which she has dedicated herself too for many years.  Dr. Peroomian also noted that it is an emotionally demanding process and one that requires the difficult task of setting aside personal emotions to complete the research accurately.  She also iterated that in her research she does not aim to prove that the Genocide occurred, because it is already a proven fact documented in many historical books, memoirs, and other writings.  Dr. Peroomian concluded by emphasizing that Genocide related literature and accounts must not be hidden away; we must not forget our past so that the memory and sacrifices of our martyrs are not forgotten.

The event concluded with the Prelate’s message and blessings.  The Prelate began by first highly commending Dr. Peroomian for her latest achievement in preparing this important book.  He lauded her valuable contributions to the advancement of Genocide research through her vast publications as a respected scholar and researcher, her important contributions to the education of our youth as the author of Hai Tad textbooks published by the Prelacy and other textbooks used by Prelacy Schools’ students, and her service to our Church and community as a former Executive Council and Board of Regents member. The Prelate also thanked the organizers, attendees, and especially the speakers and participants for their presentations.  Reflecting on the event, His Eminence stated that the presentations brought forth witness testimonies through which we felt and relived the emotions of our martyrs, which serves to drive and motivate us even further to continue the struggle for our national rights and demands.

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NEWLY ELECTED ARS REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
VISITS THE PRELATE

On Wednesday, September 26, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed members of the newly elected Armenian Relief Society-WR Regional Executive to the Prelacy.  The delegation was headed by Chairlady Mrs. Lena Bozoyan.  The meeting took place at the “Sulahian” Reception Room, with the participation of Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and members Mr. Toros Kejejian and Mrs. Ani Mgrdichian-Garikian.

The Prelate congratulated the members on their election to the ARS Regional Executive and wished them success in their new mission.  Mrs. Rima Boghossian, as an ARS member herself, wholeheartedly congratulated the new members as well and wished them success.

The guests presented their upcoming endeavors, which encompass not only the Western United States but also Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk, and stated that they are ready to tackle new and future challenges which concern our community, specifically the instruction of our youth in our faith, family and moral values, language, culture, and heritage.

The Prelate highly commended the dedication of the ARS to the advancement and well-being of the Armenian nation and the service of the organization’s leaders and volunteers in this mission.

Also discussed was the long history of strong collaboration between the Prelacy and the ARS, with the Prelate affirming that the Prelacy is always ready to support the organization as needed because our nation and communities can only succeed with collective and united efforts.

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HAMAZKAYIN ANI DANCE COMPANY PERFORMANCE

On Sunday, September 30, the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company will be performing at the Torrance Cultural Art Center.  The event is hosted by Friends of Asbarez.  The thirty member group will present traditional and contemporary Armenian dances under artistic directors Yeghia Hasholian and Suzy Barseghian-Tarpinian.

On behalf of the Prelate, St. Mary’s Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian will attend and convey the Prelate’s well wishes.

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PRESENTATION OF THE DOCUMENTARY
“ORPHANS OF THE GENOCIDE”

On Sunday, September 30, the broadcast version presentation of “Orphans of Genocide”, a Regional Emmy Award Nominated Documentary presented by four time Regional Emmy Award-Winner Bared Maronian, will be held at Woodbury University in Burbank.

The event is hosted by Ararat-Eskijian Museum, and features an introduction by internationally-renowned scholar Professor Vahakn Dadrian.

Prelacy Clergy members will attend.

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