Western Diocese Holds Successful 12Th Annual Christmas Ball

Music, joy and laughter echoed throughout the Western Diocese when approximately 450 guests attended the 12th Annual Christmas Ball on the evening of December 5, 2015.  Guests enjoyed the music of  the Allen G Orchestra as evidenced by a crowded dance floor;  the joy came from honoring ten distinguished Armenians who have brought pride to our community for their professional achievements and their selfless commitment to both the American and Armenian communities; and  the laughter reflected the happiness of sharing the Christmas Season with family and friends.

The evening began with the traditional tree lighting ceremony followed by a gala reception in the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall. Following the Invocation by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, St. Leon Cathedral Parish Priest, guests were welcomed by Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Christmas Ball Committee. Kendirjian referred to the appropriate theme and motto of the evening “Live to Inspire,” as a homage to the ten honorees who serve as an inspiration to others for their good deeds  and outstanding accomplishments. In addition to recognizing this amazing group of talent in our community, Kendirjian extended congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, on his 35th Anniversary of Ordination into the Priesthood and 25th Anniversary of Elevation to the Rank of Bishop.

Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocese Council, extended congratulations on behalf of the Diocese Council to all the honorees, and expressed  best wishes for their continued exemplary service to our nation and our church. Kanimian remarked this was an evening of not only celebrating the Primate’s Anniversaries, but to celebrate the joyous occasion of his birthday. In recognition of the Primate's selfless service to the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Western Diocese alike, the Diocesan Council Chairman presented to His Eminence a specially designed hand-cross (dzeratz khatch) manufactured in the Nor Marash region of Lebanon, the Primate's birthplace. The cross has been designed by the Dakessian Brothers and was presented to Archbishop Derderian on the occasion of his 58th birthday.

We were also honored to have present His Grace Bishop Amash Nalbandian, the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Damascus.

The highlight of the evening was the showing of a video featuring each of the ten honorees as they shared their personal life stories and career goals. Their complete biographies and detailed history have been captured in the program booklet which also served as remembrance of the joyous occasion.

The following 2015 Honorees were individually introduced by the 2014 honorees: Emil Avanes, MD;  Armine Gharpetian, DDS;  Derik Ghookasian;   Armen Gondrachyan (Armenchik);  Mireille Hamparian, MD;  Vanna Kitsinian, Esq.;  Vartan Nazerian;  Tigran Palyan, Esq.;  Arsen Sarkisian; and Nick Sarkisian.  

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presented  each of the honorees a special gift box containing a cross-stone inscribed on tufa stone from the Republic of Armenia, as well as certificates from the Honorable Adam Schiff, Member of Congress, and the Honorable Michael Antonovich, Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.  

Addressing the honorees, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian stated "I congratulate each of you wholeheartedly. As the distinguished honorees, you have shined in your respective fields and have made a tremendous impact in your communities. Continue to create and inspire for the glory of God." The Primate also commended the outstanding performance of the Christmas Ball Committee led by Raffi Kendirjian in carrying out yet another successful Diocesan function.

A special treat of the evening was to be entertained by Armenchik, one of the evening’s honorees, singing in his own inimitable style.

The Committee surrounded by the attendees together celebrated Archbishop Derderian's birthday in the traditional cutting of the cake ceremony after which the Committee presented a quill to Archbishop Derderian, a collection item designed by Michael Aram symbolizing the Primate's rich literary legacy in his role as a religious as well as a community leader. 

Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Christmas Ball Committee, expressed his thanks to the members of his committee for giving so generously of their time and love year after year in organizing and preparing a festive and memorable evening.