Christmas cheer filled the air at the 18th Annual Christmas Ball of the Western Diocese on Saturday, December 7th, 2024. The halls of the Western Diocese were decorated by the colors of the joyous season, and friends were gathered together sharing warm smiles and laughter. 

The evening began with a cocktail hour held in the Paul Brothers Galleria, and followed by a beautiful Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Turpanjian Plaza. The Christmas Ball committee were thrilled to welcome guests to another year of celebration in honor of this year's recipients. The honorees of the 18th Annual Christmas Ball, Evlyn Avanessian, MD, Armine K. Hovannisian, Mesrop Khoudagoulian, Carmen Ohanian, DDS, Jenia Jasmine Tahmasian, PharmD, and Cynthia Tusan, CFA, all share a common thread of humility, hard work ethic, and steadfast support of their Armenian community, as well as their Motherland, Armenia. 

This year, we were honored to have Mrs. Alice Navasargian as the patron of the evening. For many years, Mrs. Navasargian has continued to support the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church and build a legacy of which her children and grandchildren can rely on for wisdom and inspiration. A devoted member of the Armenian Community, and a passionate voice by pen, she continues to be a dear friend of the Western Diocese of North America. Mrs. Navasargian was present alongside a large number of her friends. 

The evening began with a procession guided into the Kalaydjian Hall by the Shnorhali Choir of the St. Leon Armenian Church, where they sang beautiful Armenian Christmas hymns. Welcoming them into the hall, the audience were holding lit candles, which created a spiritual and yet illuminous Christmas atmosphere. The procession was led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, a number of the Diocesan clergy, Honorees, Mrs. Alice Navasargian, Mr. Vartan & Berta Nazerian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council and his spouse, and Mr. Raffi and Silva Kendirjian, Chairman of the Christmas Ball Committee and his spouse. 

Guests were greeted by Mrs. Silva Katchiguian, who recited a poignant poem which highlighted the emphasis of this year’s theme, ‘HOPE’. Expressing her words of empowerment, Mrs. Katchiguian filled the room with a warm touch of love, and a promise in prayer that we, once again, will rise above the ashes in resilience and faith.  Followed by Mrs. Katchiguian, Co-Chair of this year’s Christmas Ball, Mrs. Silvana Vartanian, shared her words of gratitude to all who were in attendance, and recognized this year’s honorees. Father Khajag Shahbazyan, Parish Priest of the St. Leon Ghevontiants Armenian Cathedral, opened the evening with a prayer of gratitude prior to dinner. 

The emcee of the evening, Mrs. Eileen Keusseyan, Esq, warmly greeted guests in anticipation of the evening’s celebration. Alongside friends & families, Mrs. Keusseyan, Esq. welcomed in attendance members of organizations and dignitaries who continue to support the mission of the Christmas Ball, including Los Angeles Council President Emeritus, Paul & Tamar Krekorian, and Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

In her remarks, Mrs. Keusseyan, Esq. shared words of appreciation towards the Christmas Ball committee, including His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Mr. Raffi Kendirjian. Welcoming Mr. Kendirjian to the stage, he shared his words of joy and gratitude, acknowledging past honorees and welcoming new members to the annual festivity. Alongside Archbishop Derderian, Mrs. Alice Navasargian and Mr. Paul Krekorian proudly distributed the honoree’s certificates, which has become a tradition with the Christmas Ball.

In closing remarks, Archbishop Derderian touched upon the importance of unity, legacy and family, but above all, the calling for all daughters & sons of the Armenian Apostolic Church to practice ‘faith in action’. His Eminence congratulated the honorees and shared their new given responsibility to ensure they continue to strengthen their built legacy, and share their wisdom and prayers to all, including our children. In a prayer, His Eminence remembered our brothers & sisters in Armenia and Syria, emphasizing the importance of having hope during these turbulent times. He offered his love and prayers to all in attendance and wished them a joyful and prosperous Christmas & Happy New Year.

Save the Date: Christmas Ball 19th Annual Gala – December 6th, 2025