“THE CHURCH IS CONSIDERED THE GREATEST ARMENIAN MIRACLE”
H.G. BISHOP TORKOM DONOYAN
On Saturday, January 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM, at the Prelate’s Traditional New Year and Christmas dinner at Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral «Baghramian Hall» in Montebello, His Grace Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy addressed the guests emphasizing on the thought that individuals may come and go, but the church, the most remarkable Armenian miracle, is and will remain unwavering. He attributed his successes, blessings, and achievements throughout his four-year tenure as the Prelate of the Western Prelacy, to the church, while acknowledging that any human faults and shortcomings solely belong to him. The Traditional dinner was organized by the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary and more than 450 guests attended the dinner.
This year’s Prelate’s Traditional New Year and Christmas dinner was hosted by benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Evelina Sarian. Master of Ceremonies was Reverand Father Karekin Bedourian who greeted the guests and invited all to start the program.
On behalf of the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxilary Ms. Sosse Eshgian, welcomed the guests and wished an enjoyable evening for all. Illuminated by candlelight alone, peace and tranquility reigned in the hall as the Prelate and clergy entered the Hall chanting Christmas hymns, uplifting the guests with love and harmony and creating a joyous Christmas atmosphere.
The traditional wine and consecrated bread ceremony (tatakh) took place. H.G. Bishop Donoyan bestowed his blessings upon the tables and conveyed his well wishes for New Year and Christmas.
The message of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, on this special occasion was then broadcast. The pontiff conveyed his New Year and Christmas well wishes to the Prelate, the guests and the community at the start of a new year. Mr. George Chorbajian, Secretary of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, delivered a message on behalf of the Council.
Greg Hosharian and his band offered a delightful musical performace during the traditional dinner. The entertainment continued throughout the dinner featuring performances by an extraordinary artistic performance from Ms. Armine Vartanyan, Mr. Hovhannes Balyan, Mr. Arman Beglarian, and Mr. Berj Karazian, with the accompaniment of Ms. Armenuhi Terterian on the piano.
The focus of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan’s message was to provide an annual assessment and accounting of the activities of the Western Prelacy. The attendees were briefed on the achievements recorded by the Western Prelacy during the previous year, which included the accomplishment of delivering $2,750,000 in humanitarian assistance and various other initiatives. H.G. Bishop Donoyan expressed his reflections and words of thanks and gratitude to the Western Prelacy clergy, the Religious and Executive Councils, national delegates, parishes, the Ladies Auxiliary, staff, friends, and guests and benefactors, donors and the evening’s sponsors for their valuable support.
In his message, H.G. Bishop Donoyan also expressed his appreciation and gratitude commanding the contributions made towards the construction of Hacob and Hilda Baghdassarian Preschool and Holy Archangels Church in Crescenta Valley. He first acknowledged the generous contribution from Ms. Hilda Baghdassarian and her children, Gevik, Peter, and their families, in memory of their late husband and father, Mr. Hacop Baghdassarian, and in honor of their mother, Mrs. Hilda Baghdassarian. Secondly, he recognized the contributions made by Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, in memory of their father, Mr. Melkon Melkonian, and in honor of their mother, Ms. Angel Melkonian. Moreover, H.G. Bishop Donoyan expressed his appreciation and presented a special memento as a token of gratitude to the Sarian couple for their generosity in hosting this year’s New Year and Christmas dinner. He commended Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Evelina Sarian for their unwavering support to the Prelacy, the Holy See of Cilicia and the Church and their commitment to support various Western Prelacy humanitarian programs.
The traditional New Year and Christmas dinner dedicated to the Prelate, which is the only fundraising event organized by the Western Prelacy, came to an end as H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan led the atendees in collectively signing of the “Protector,” “Cilicia,” and “Pontifical Anthem.”
