65Th Annual Ladies’ Assembly

The 65^th Annual Ladies’ Assembly was held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.  It was chaired by Ladies Society Central Council (LSCC) Chairlady Mrs. Lena Simonian.

Ladies Society delegates and clergy from parishes throughout the Western Diocese took part in the Assembly at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. Other members of LSCC taking part in the Assembly included Aida Askejian, Aida Sethian, Araxie Boyamian, Arpi Barsam, Lillian Bezdikian, Melene Ouzounian, and Romela Serobyan. 

The opening prayer and spiritual message was delivered by Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Parish Priest of St. Apkar Church of Scottsdale, Arizona, who emphasized the importance of respecting, appreciating, and having compassion for one another. Father Zacharia spoke about implementing the multitude of gifts bestowed upon us by the Almighty roles and noted the importance of exemplifying our faith in a diverse community so that we may build upon our Christian character.

Chairlady Lena Simonian welcomed and thanked all the delegates for their hard work throughout all parishes.  And in the context of the year of stewardship – as proclaimed by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Lena shared a reading from Mathew 25:35, which says: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me and I was sick and you looked after me”.

“Our lives are not meant to be lived alone, rather we to share our God-given gifts with others; to be friends to those in need of encouragement, prayer, and hope,” said the LSCC Chairlady.

Highlights of the program included activities which were held during the year such as the Ladies Society parish visitations, Women’s Prayer Day, the sponsorship of the publication of the newest Divine Liturgy Hymnal, which all churches are encouraged to purchase, and others.

LSCC chairlady, Lena, who also serves as the Chair of the Religious Education Annual Retreat, also spoke about the mission and purpose of the retreat which drew 111 participants, the highest number ever. The contemplation for this year’s retreat was about the “Potter and Clay” – how God reshapes our lives. Lena thanked all the retreat committee members and parish priests who attended, particularly Fr. Serovpe Alanjian, who was the Spiritual Leader for this event.

Aida Askejian discussed the importance of creating an outreach program involving transportation for the elderly Armenians who are otherwise unable to church services and stay connected in our communities. Suggestions of renting a shuttle van or creating a volunteer group to share-a-ride were among the ideas that were exchanged.

Sossi Postajian, member of the Legion of Mary – “Diramor Aghakhinere” a newly formed group of seven ladies which was approved by the Primate, passionately spoke on the importance and dire need to visit and pray for the elderly who are in nursing homes to bring to them the light and the hope of Christ. Sossi emphasized the importance of companionship for the elderly who often times are in dire need. As Christians, we are all responsible and should make time to care for the elderly. Archbishop Derderian encouraged all parishes to make it a mission to adopt such a program to ensure the elderly are cared for.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Youth & Christian Outreach Director of Western Diocese, discussed the effects of Social Media in our society today – and how we can implement social media to network and stay connected. He also shared a video clip of “Reclaim” – a three-day event that showcased the “Renewal of Our Christian Faith” where over 1000 people attended. Going forward, this will become an annual event to be held during Lent. There are plans in the near future to hold a similar event in Armenia.

And as always, the Candle Lighting ceremony and prayer in honor of deceased Ladies Society members from the previous years.

Elections were held and three new members were elected to serve on the Ladies Society Central Council including Meline Agagianian, Adrine Ghookasian and Aida Chakarian. Lena Simonian, Meline Ouzounian, Aida Sethian and Arpi Barsam will continue to serve on the LSCC.

In her closing remarks, Lena said, “it’s been a blessing for me to serve on Ladies Society Central Council for 3 consecutive years as Chairlady. Throughout the years, I learned that I need to make room for others in my heart, on my calendar, and in my home.  This life is not meant to be lived alone; for God, in His ever–gracious and all–loving, gives us each other to do life with.” 

Lena also thanked the guest presenters, assembly event organizers and volunteers, as well as the Central Council members. And, last but not least Lena thanked the Diocesan Primate whom she called “an extraordinary individual, an inspirational and innovative leader dedicated to selflessly serving the flock of Christ.”

The Assembly concluded with the closing remarks and spiritual message of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. His Eminence spoke about the vital role of the church in our spiritual lives. “The importance of rekindling our faith is deeply enrooted in our spirituality. Faith begins to be exemplified when we become the Hand of the Almighty and Ambassadors of Christ,” said Archbishop Derderian in part.

A commemorative group photo was taken at the Turpanjian Plaza of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral was followed by lunch provided by the Ladies Society Central Council.

The ladies surprised Lena with a birthday cake and expressed their heartfelt wishes.