On the evening of Sunday, April 7, 2024, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, the inaugural fundraising gala-reception of Holy Archangels Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley was held at Palladio Banquet Hall in Glendale. The gala-reception, attended by 400 guests, was generously sponsored by benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, and dedicated to the construction of the Holy Archangels Church in the Crescenta Valley. In attendance were members of the Executive Council, local parish Board of Trustees, ARF Central Committee, and representatives from various local and sister organizations in the Crescenta Valley region, as well as benefactors, friends, and guests.
The evening commenced with welcoming remarks by the MC of the evening, Ms. Preni Alavertian, followed by a rendition of the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of Armenia by Mr. Berj Kirazian, accompanied by Hripsime Rshdouni on the piano.
H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyam led the opening prayer, blessed the tables. Later during the program he delivered his spiritual message emphasizing the importance of constructing churches in fostering national identity while imparting the wish of “Blessed is the church builder” to the attendees.
In his message, H.E. Archbishop Donoyan also conveyed that the presence of a church dome symbolizes vitality, achievement, success, and love. His Eminence provided a concise account, of the revival of Holy Archangels Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley, sharing that with the blessing of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, and the wishes of generous benefactors, Mr. And Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, the church was renamed Holy Archangels Armenian Church, in memory of their father and in honor of their mother, Ms. Angel Melkonian. The Prelate detailed the genesis of the Holy Archangels Armenian Church, a dream which materialized in recent months, through the collaborative efforts of Western Prelacy and a vast army of generous benefactors, spearheaded by the significant contribution made by Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian. H.E. Archbishop Donoyan expressed profound gratitude for the Melkonian family’s national, church development, patriotic, and humanitarian contributions to the community, recognizing the couple as “brave benefactors of Western United States” and presenting them with a special memento as a token of appreciation.
The evening program featured a diverse array of performances and presentations. During dinner, the guests were serenaded by the delightful music of Ms. Hripsime Rshtouni (piano), Ashod Toumanian (violin) and Armenag Grigoryan (percussion instruments), followed by a screening of a film that chronicled the rich history of the Armenian Church in Crescenta Valley, evoking nostalgic memories of the guests.
On behalf of the Melkonian family, Ms. Arous Melkonian, daughter-in-law of the Melkonian family, and Chairlady of the ARS Central Executive, delivered her heartfelt message. Following Mrs. Arous Melkonian’s message, well-known singers Ms. Armine Vartanian, Ms. Natalie Buickians, Ms. Haykuhi Babakhanyan, and Mr. Berj Kirazian took turns gracing the stage with their renditions of Armenian folk, ballad, and opera solos and duets, garnering admiration and applause from the audience.
During the evening, Mr. Dikran DerSarkissian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Holy Archangels Armenian Church, also delivered his heartfelt message. He briefly shared the unique activities and programs of the Crescenta Valley Armenian church of the Western Prelacy, including the religious, scientific, and cultural initiatives organized by the Educational Committee. Mr. Der Sarkissian also highlighted the efforts of the Auxiliary Committee, which collaborates with dedicated members to support and serve the needs of children with autism. Moreover, he mentioned the various gatherings and meetings held to enhance community engagement. Mr. DerSarkissian concluded his message by thanking H.E. Archbishop Torkom Donoyan, as well as benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian.
It is important to note that during the evening, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, pastor of Holy Archangels Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley, and Mr. Dikran DerSarkissian, recognized the gracious hospitality of the owners of Palladio banquet hall, and hosts of the evening, Mr. and Mrs. Avo and Hasmik Keshishyan, by presenting them a special memento as a token of their appreciation.
