*ROSEMARY JANOYAN*
“ With our perceivering efforts and by God’s Will and Blessings
We will have our new church alter
By year end, and in year 2015 the
Naming of the church”.
Primate Arch. Hovnan Derderian
Armenian Apostolic church of Crescenta Valley celebrated its 10th annual Gala Banquet on Saturday October 25, 2014 commencing at 8:00 p.m. having a theme and mission of Apostle Paul “Living with faith, Praying with hope, Serving with love”. The celebration took place in the elegant and dazzling banquet hall of Phoenecia Restaurant in Glendale.
This celebration was blessed by the presence of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of Western Diocese, Archbishop Vache Hovsepian, Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzumanian, past pastors of the church Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Fr. Tavit Zelveyan, Archpriest Fr. Manouk Markarian, St. John Hollywood Parish Priest. Likewise Diocesan Council Chair Mr. Antranik Zarayan was present at this event.
Mr. Vartan and Dr. Armine Gharpetians, were guests of honor of the celebration banquet. Vartan is active member in several committees in the city of Glendale, and he is a candidate for Glendale City Council for the upcoming year. He is also very active in the Armenian community. Dr. Armine is an elected member of Glendale School Board.
After the opening prayer was performed by parish priest Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Dr. Simon Simonian, who is the chairman of the Western Diocese Zvartnots Cultural Committee sailed smoothly through the evening as master of ceremony. Dr. Simonian welcomed all the guests and wished them happy celebration. He eloquently presented a brief history of the parish, which dates back to 1986. He then invited ladies’ society chairlady Mrs. Lena Simonian, and parish chair Mr. Hrair Yeghyayan, to deliver welcoming remarks and the Chairman’s message. Successively, they delivered the message of the day and appreciated the 10th Anniversary Gala Banquet Committee members, all the ladies society and parish council members for all their efforts and hard work.
Thereafter, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, was invited to deliver his message befitting the evening’s celebration.
As always, Arch. Derderian with full life and enthusiasm greatly appreciated Crescenta Valley Church activities, the parish priest, Rev. Father Avedis Abovian , all church committees, Saturday and Sunday Schools administration and staff, Mrs. Lena Simonian, 10th banquet committee chair and all the honorable ladies in her committee, for this beautiful event celebration.
Later, after praising the services of prior and current parish priests, he expressed his immense joy and announced, “Before year end we will have our fixed Christian Armenian style alter in our church, and next year in 2015 the naming of the church will occur”. The attendees were thrilled to hear this heartwarming news and welcomed this with great applause.
Arch. Derderian with warm words invited Mr. and Mrs. Vartan Gharpetians and gifted them a hand painting from Armenia, in appreciation to their services. Also, three devoted ladies from the parish, Ani Zakarian, Anahid Derian and Noyemi Lokmajian were presented by ‘Hayu Hoki’ awards.
Fourteen benefactors, who were the godparents of the evening, participated in the candle lighting ceremony followed by cake cutting.
After the official ceremony of the celebration, renowned singer and musician, Koko Hayitan, entertained the audience with his Armenian and International songs.
We wholeheartedly congratulate all the Spiritual leaders and each and every person who contributed to the building and advancement of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley, who served with honor to the glory of our people and our Mother Church of Armenia.
