73Rd Name Day Celebrations At St. James Armenian Church Of Los Angeles

One of the oldest parishes of the Western Diocese celebrated its 73rd Name Day on Sunday, December 14, 2015. The day’s festivities commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The Primate was assisted at the Holy Altar by the Pastor of the host parish the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian and the altar servers. His Eminence expressed his delight in witnessing the growth in the number of students enrolled in the Sunday School of the Parish. He commended the leadership of the Parish Priest and all auxiliary bodies for the Sunday School’s expansion. Archbishop Derderian went on to stress the importance of Christian education in molding the leaders of tomorrow. Following the service, a luncheon was held at the Gogian Hall of the Parish. The program commenced with the opening remarks by the Mistress of Ceremonies Mrs. Patty Samarge. The national anthems of the United States of America and the Republic of Armenia were performed by Kathy Terzian after which the Primate delivered the invocation. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Parish Council Chair Mrs. Lily Ring Balian. In the artistic portion of the program, pianist Ms. Liya Melikyan delighted the audience with wonderful renditions of classical favorites.   Mrs. Lily Balian was called to the podium by long-time parishioner and former Diocesan Council Vice-Chair Mr. Robert Barsam, who on behalf of the entire family of St. James Armenian Church congratulated Mrs. Balian as a recipient of this year’s prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Mr. Barsam presented a special gift to the honoree and reflected on her humble personality, zealous Christian spirit and tireless dedication in serving the Armenian Apostolic Church. After a brief introduction of the honorees by Richard Terzian, the Primate honored parishioners Dr. Sarkis Broussalian, Mrs. Armine (Dirtadian) Chalekian and Mrs. Rosine Kizirian with the Diocesan “Hye Spirit” Award and medals. The Primate expressed his gratitude to the honorees for the enduring affection with which they have served the Los Angeles parish. He commended their unwavering commitment in bringing prosperity to their beloved parish. In their heartfelt remarks, the honorees expressed their gratitude to the Primate and vowed to serve St. James Armenian Apostolic Church with renewed commitment. In his closing remarks, the Primate once again congratulated the entire family of St. James Armenian Church on the 73rd Name Day celebration as well as the day’s honorees. His Eminence called upon the faithful to remain loyal to the sacred teachings and traditions of Christ our Lord and the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church. He encouraged the parents and grandparents to continue to inspire the youth, for they are the torchbearers of the Armenian Church. The luncheon concluded with the Primate’s benediction.