15 Years Of Service: A Sold Out Christmas Ball Highlights The 15Th Anniversary Of The Primacy Of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

With delightful hearts and overjoyed spirits, over 400 guests attended the 15^th Annual Christmas Ball on December 1^st at the Diocesan Complex in Burbank. The theme of this year’s event, “Faith in Action”, reflected the leadership and vision of the twelve distinguished professionals who were honored for their successful careers and devoted service to both the Armenian and American communities.

The evening began with the traditional lighting of the giant Christmas Tree in the Turpanjian Plaza, after which, guests gathered for a reception in the Paul Brothers Galleria as they visited with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate; Diocesan Clergy; dignitaries and most of all the opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate the honorees. 

Guests were then seated in the beautifully decorated Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall to enjoy the evening’s festivities. The program began with the chanting of Christmas carols and songs by the youth choir “Sound of Music and Sense of Art Cultural Center” under the leadership of Mrs. Sirvard Kavoukjian. Thereafter, Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, Parish Priest of the St. Leon Cathedral, blessed the food and offered the invocation prayer. Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Christmas Ball Committee, delivered the welcoming remarks on behalf of the organizing committee and expressed his thanks and appreciation for all present for their attendance and support of the honorees. Kendirjian added by saying “This annual tradition at the Diocese has been a journey of love, friendship but above all, a journey of celebrating success while launching the season of Christmastide with a true blast. This year is especially meaningful as it highlights not only the outstanding contributions of the honorees but also marks the 15^th anniversary of the Primacy of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, our beloved Primate.”

We are delighted to inform our faithful that over 25 federal, state, and local officials were in attendance at the Christmas Ball, including the Honorable Congressmember Adam Schiff, the Honorable State Senator Anthony Portantino, the Honorable State Assemblymember Laura Friedman, the Honorable Glendale City Mayor Zareh Sinanyan, the Honorable Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian, and others. Diocesan Council Chair Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Diocesan Council members and more than 50 representatives of leading Armenian-American organizations also attended this year’s memorable Christmas Ball.

Chairman Kanimian congratulated the twelve honorees on their achievements and extended his gratitude to the members of the organizing committee for their relentless efforts, year after year, in putting together a successful event.  He stated that this year, the thirteenth honor should be bestowed upon the organizing committee.  He also congratulated Archbishop Derderian on the joyous occasion of the 15^th anniversary of his election as Primate of the Western Diocese and on the occasion of his 61^st birthday, wishing him long life and great health. He concluded his remarks by stating that with faith in our Creator, Almighty God, we can move mountains and achieve our goals. 

A video was shown with remarks by each of the honorees reflecting on their careers, accomplishments and future goals.  The twelve honorees recognized this evening were:  Arin Aboulian, MD, FCCP; Thomas Alexanian, Robert Barsam, Arsine Geuvdjelian, PharmD; Krekor Karaguezian, Frederick Mesropi, Esq.; Edi Sarafoglu, Sarkis Der Sarkissian, Aida Sethian, Belet Shahbazian, and  Sebouh Zaghikian.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his remarks congratulated the honorees for their dedication and diligence in their professional lives; that through their achievements they serve as an inspiration for future generations and bring pride and recognition to the Armenian community. As each of the honorees walked up to the podium to accept their awards, they were greeted by applause and cheers from their family members and friends.  The honorees also received Certificates of Commendation from Congressman Adam Schiff who extended his personal congratulations to the honorees and wished those present a joyous Christmas season.   Mr. Schiff has been a regular participant at each of our annual Christmas Ball celebrations.

Addressing the guests, Archbishop Derderian thanked the Almighty God for entrusting him the pastoral guidance of Christ’s flock and vowed to serve the Armenian Church and community with renewed dedication and zeal. Archbishop Derderian noted that the 15^th Anniversary celebration is a collective one for the Primacy is a partnership between the Primate and the community. Furthermore, the success of the Western Diocese is conditioned upon the shared vision and collective work of the faithful.

Raffi Kendirjian, Chair, expressed his sincere appreciation to the members of the Christmas Ball Organizing Committee, for their continued service and hard work in the planning and preparation of this traditional event.  He introduced and invited each member of the committee to stand and be recognized for their efforts.  Serving on the Christmas Ball Committee this year were Araxie Boyamian, Belet Shahbazian, Hasmik Keyribarian, Eric and Mari Boghossian, Delihah Shahbazian, Jackie Aydzukyan, Sarelle Janoian, and Koko Ayvazian.

Another highlight of the evening was the opportunity to celebrate the 15 year milestone of Srpazan’s primacy as well as his 61^st birthday and to express love and best wishes to our beloved Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The celebration included a decorated birthday cake and a cheerful “Happy Birthday” sung by the guests.

Guests received a booklet containing biographies of the honorees as well as congratulatory messages from families and friends to commemorate this occasion.  The booklet contained pictures and memories from the 14^h Annual Christmas Ball, as well as pictures of the 2018 year in review featuring the many events and activities of the Western Diocese and its various committees. 

The 15^th Annual Christmas Ball has become an evening to celebrate and launch the Christmas Season.  Guests filled the dance floor and truly danced all night to the music provided by the Allen G. Orchestra performing both traditional Armenian and familiar American tunes.  The Annual Christmas Ball has become an exciting and remembered event for the honorees and guests.