Feast Of The Ascension Of Christ

In the Armenian Church calendar, the Feast of the Holy Ascension (Hampartzum) was observed on May 5, 2016. The feast marks the ascent of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after His glorious Resurrection. 
 
The festivities commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood. The day's celebrant was the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian. With Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz Yardemian and clergy of the greater Los Angeles area participating, the service was presided by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
 
The Divine Liturgy was followed by the 12th Annual Hampartzum Celebration at the Taglyan Cultural Center. More than 250 people attended the luncheon organized by the Hampartzum Committee of the Western Diocese.

The event’s program commenced with the welcoming remarks by Mrs. Arpi Barsam and Mrs. Belet Shahbazian. After the delivery of the invocation by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor of St. John Garabed Armenian Church, guests enjoyed the finest of Mediterranean cuisine. Mrs. Hermine Janoyan served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
 
During the luncheon, guests enjoyed a video presentation of upbeat Armenian folkloric songs.
 
In his remarks, the Primate reflected on the significance of the Feast of the Ascension. “Through the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we, as faithful are called upon to renew our covenant with God,” said the Primate, in part.  The Primate expressed his gratitude to Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan for graciously hosting the luncheon throughout the years and for their continued generous support of the mission of the Western Diocese. 
 
The day’s honoree, Mrs. Jessica Vartoughian was introduced by AIWA LA President Mrs. Silva Katchiguian. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian congratulated the honoree, noting the vast accomplishments of the entrepreneur in the field of cosmetics. In his remarks, His Eminence wished the honoree continued success in her entrepreneurial endeavors. 

The Primate commended the tireless efforts of the committee for another successful celebration of Hampartzum. His Eminence noted the selfless service of Arpi Barsam and Araxie Boyamian, Co-Chairs; and committee members: Hermine Janoyan Vice-Chair, Arlet Bijackji, Recording Secretary, Silva Kendirjian Treasurer, Ani Ajemian, Nazik Baktiarian, Alice Chakrian, Hermine Janoyan, Heidi Kavoukjian, Belet Shahbazian, and Leann Stepanian. 

The program featured solo and duet performances by Sergey and Ani Arustamyan as well as a traditional Armenian dance gracefully performed by Sara Shahgholian from Anoush Dance Studio.
 
Guests enjoyed reading the messages of the traditional “vijag”, and shopped from the many exquisite boutiques.
 
The event concluded with Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian’s benediction.
 
Proceeds from the event benefited the Stewardship Fund of the Western Diocese for Clergy Education.