– OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS RAISED TO BENEFIT THE WESTERN PRELACY ENDEAVORS
– IN 2022, THE WESTERN PRELACY ALLOCATED OVER ONE MILLION DOLLARS TO THE HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS IN ARMENIA, ARTSAKH AND DIASPORA
– A COMMANDING MESSAGE FROM HIS HOLINESS
– AN UPLIFTING MESSAGE FROM THE PRELATE
– OVER 500 GUESTS IN ATTENDANCE
On Friday, January 6, 2023, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, presided over the annual Prelate’s Traditional New Year and Christmas dinner at the “Bagramian” Hall of Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello. The dinner was by the initiative of the Western Prelacy Religious and Executive Councils and organized by the Ladies Auxiliary. This year’s Prelate’s dinner was hosted by the benefactors Mr. & Mrs. Zeron & Sona Titizian, in the presence of around 500 donors, supporters, guests, friends and representatives of community organizations.
The welcoming remarks of the Ladies Auxiliary delivered by Mrs. Vania Babikian, Chairlady. Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chair of the Executive Council delivered his remarks, thanking all for their continuous support. The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian.
The guests were welcomed into the hall by a string quartet, and the evening was enlightened by performances from soloists; Anahit Nercisyan (soprano), Vahagn Hovents (bass) and Berj Karazian (tenor), accompanied on piano by Armenui Terteryan. During dinner, the guests enjoyed traditional and festive music by Greg Hosharian and band.
Headed by the Prelate and the hall illuminated by candlelight, the Clergy entered the hall in procession, candles in hand, singing Christmas hymns and heard the Bishop state; “Christ is Born, Blessed is the Revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,” followed by Bishop Donoyan’s blessing of the tables. During the dinner, the guests viewed the video message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, which was focused on the importance of renewal and hope.
In his message, the Bishop stated;
“Most precious and dearly beloved faithful friends,
I greet you all victoriously in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on this beautiful Christmas evening, at this traditional dinner, for God looked down favorably upon his creatures and upon our most valuable Western Prelacy. Today, I stand before you with utmost respect and admiration, because as one unit, we have achieved that which once was a concept and a dream: a Western Prelacy filled with 50 years of unconditional service to her beloved children, to the Armenian Nation locally and globally.
As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Western Prelacy on this solemn Christmas evening, we thank our heavenly Father for all his gifts and especially for the Pontifical Leadership of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, for his love and support to our ministry as your Prelate.
Similarly, we thank the Religious and Central Executive Councils, the Ladies Guild of the Prelacy, the clergy, all the selfless volunteers and all the benefactors who gave continuously and unconditionally throughout the years for the success and empowerment of our beloved Prelacy, the beacon of hope in this vast foreign land we call home.
Last but not least, we salute the hosts of this evening, Mr. and Mrs. Zeron and Sona Titizian for their generous contribution for the success of this event. It is because of benefactors like you that the Western Prelacy excels in all its endeavors.
Dear friends,
As we look back to the golden 50 years of service of the Western Prelacy, with all its ups and downs, with all the opportunities to take our service to perfection, we must take pride in all the achievements, and for as long as we have the spirit of our forefathers and the torch of success passed down for generations, we must promise one another to embark on, yet another journey of 50 years filled with greater achievements, to surpass all expectations.”
The dinner concluded by singing of “Giligia” and “Ee Veh Partsants.”
