Hundreds Attend Fifth Annual Christmas Boutique And Luncheon

From bar soap to organic honey and tupperware to ornate jewelry, the Fifth Annual Christmas Boutique and Luncheon attracted hundreds of enthusiastic shoppers from the Greater Los Angeles Area. Held on December 2, 2015 at the Paul Brothers Galleria of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex, the annual boutique, organized by the Cathedral's Ladies Guild has become a respected tradition at the Western Diocese. With songs of the Christmas season echoing in the Paul Brothers Galleria, more than 35 vendors participated in this year's boutique. 

Held under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the luncheon commenced at noon at the beautifully decorated Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall. The program began with the welcoming remarks by Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Chair of the Cathedral's Ladies Guild. The gala luncheon honored the accomplishments of Diocesan ladies who have contributed to the livelihood of the Western Diocese including Mrs. Sonia Akian, Mrs. Sybille Aprahamian, Mrs. Jean Barsam, Mrs. Hilda Fidanian, Mrs. Karen Gulbenkian, Mrs. Anahid Kajberouni, Mrs. Maro Kalaydjian, Mrs. Kathy Kassardjian, Mrs. Rose Ketchoyan, Mrs. Margaret Mgrublian, Mrs. Alice Navasargian, Mrs. Anna Oruncakciel, Mrs. Seta Tajirian and Mrs. Virginia Zorayan.

In his remarks, the Primate expressed his appreciation to the members of the Cathedral's Ladies Guild for their valuable service and organizational expertise. "The Cathedral Ladies Guild, under the inspirational leadership of Chairlady Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, have dedicated their valuable time to ensure yet another successful Diocesan function. We convey to you our wholehearted gratitude and commend your zealous spirit and enduring affection for the Western Diocese," said His Eminence in part. 

In his message to the honorees, the Primate said "From the depth of my heart I congratulate the distinguished honorees (some of whom were unable to attend). Your steadfast support and loyalty to the Western Diocese and the Armenian Apostolic Church is commendable, indeed. Truly, you have been a source of inspiration in your respective communities. Congratulations and Vartskernid Gadar. Continue to let God’s love become the catalyst of every community. Embrace one another with the love of Christ in order that God’s presence may be glorified in each of our lives." 
  
The luncheon was also attended by His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Damascus and Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles His Excellency Valery Mkrtumyan.