13Th Annual Hampartzum Celebration

The Feast of the Holy Ascension (Hampartzum) was observed by the Armenian Church on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The feast marks the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after His glorious Resurrection.

The prayer service was presided over by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Also present Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church Hollywood and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, Pastor of St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral.

The event’s program commenced with the invocation delivered by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian.  Welcoming words were delivered by Araxie Boyamian, Co-Chair of the Hampartzum Committee. Hermine Janoyan, Vice Chair, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. During the luncheon, guests enjoyed a video presentation of beautiful sceneries of the Motherland as well as musical selections from the renowned “Anoush” Opera which were wonderfully performed by Anahit Nersisyan accompanied by Maestro Levon Abrahamyan on the piano.

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.

On this happy occasion two distinguished ladies, namely, Mrs. Kathy Kassardjian and Mrs. Lisa Kradjian were honored from St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic church of San Diego. The Primate recognized their selfless dedication, generosity and benevolence to their respective parish and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The Primate expressed his gratitude to Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan for graciously hosting the luncheon throughout the years. Diocesan benefactress Mrs. Sybille Aprahamian, and Mrs. Diyana Danielian were also honored for their support and contribution to the annual event.

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, Ani Ajemian, Silva Kendirjian Treasurer, Nazik Baktiarian, Alice Chakrian, Belet Shahbazian, Heidi Kavoukjian, and Maral Boyadjian.

As the year 2017 has been proclaimed as the “Year of Stewardship” and marks a milestone in the life of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, the Hampartzum Celebration Committee of the Western Diocese will allocate proceeds of the luncheon towards the Stewardship Program for clergy education.

Guests enjoyed reading the messages of the traditional “Vijag”, and DJ Melkon enthralled the guests with Armenian popular music.

The Hampartzum Committee expresses its sincere and heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate for his continuous support and encouragement.