The Diocese
Posted: 12/13/2019
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, the 9th Annual Christmas Boutique and luncheon was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex of the Western Diocese.
Organized by the Ladies Guild, the boutique marks the official kick-off to the festive Christmas season at the Western Diocese. Over 350 guests including Diocesan committee chairs, representatives of Armenian organizations and members of the community, attended the luncheon.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Eminence Archbishop Armash Nalbandian Primate of the Diocese of Damascus, as well as Diocesan Committee chairs: Mrs. Lily Balian Chair of Protocol Committee, Mrs. Silvana Vartanian Chair of Nerouj Network, Dr. Ellie Andreassian, Chair of the Education Committee for Saturday Schools of the Western Diocese, and Mrs. Alice Chakrian Chair of Agape Circle. Also present Mrs. Nora Hovsepian Chair of Armenian National Committee Western Region, Dr. Frieda Jordan, President of Armenian Bone Morrow Donor Registry and Mrs. Mary Shahtzo Chair of Ladies Auxiliary of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles.
Guests were welcomed by Araxie Boyamian, Chair of the Ladies Guild, who expressed her gratitude to the honorees Dr.Ellie Andreassian, Mrs. Lena Bozoyan, Mrs Amy Boyadjian, Tsovinar Tekkelian MD, and Mrs. Varteni Yerjanian, distinguished ladies who have inspired and have shined for their excellence and professionalism in the Armenian-American community and the Armenian Church.
The Primate congratulated the honorees and presented them certificates of recognition as a token of his appreciation for their steadfast service. In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian noted the selfless service of the honorees. “As we acknowledge and honor Dr. Ellie Andreassian, Mrs. Lena Bozoyan, Mrs. Amy Boyadjian, Dr. Tsovinar Tekkelian, and Mrs. Varteni Yerjanian we then realize that the professionalism and the faith life have excelled in the lives of these most dedicated individuals whom I have known personally and closely and have enjoyed tremendously having learned from them. The way they share their God-given gifts with love and compassionate hearts becoming exemplary leaders for the young generation,” stated the Primate. Archbishop Derderian also commended the Ladies Guild under the leadership of Mrs. Araxie Boyamian for their resolute service and valuable contribution to realizing the mission of the Western Diocese.
Commendations were also presented to the honorees from the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor the Honorable Kathryn Barger.
The highlight of the day was also the lottery drawing of beautiful items donated by the boutiques and individuals.
The guests enjoyed shopping at exquisite boutiques in the Paul Brothers Galleria and enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Ritz Celebration at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall.
Since its inception in 2010, the Ladies Guild has supported the noble mission of the Stewardship Program and with a substantial donation, became a lifetime benefactor of this noble mission.
In 2013, the Ladies Guild became a Cathedral Godfather and in the following year, the Guild became a partner in the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund, which ensures that no deserving child is deprived of receiving a quality education of an Armenian School.
