The Feast of the Holy Ascension (Hampartzum) was observed by Hampartzum Committee of the Western Diocese on Wednesday, May 9 2018, at the Taglyan Cultural Center in Hollywood.

The feast which was observed by the Armenian Church on May 10th, marks the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40^th day after His glorious Resurrection.

The prayer service was presided over by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Parish Priest St. John Armenian Church Hollywood. Dicesan clergy Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Rev Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, and the Rev. Fr. Yeghia Isayan, Parish priest of St. Peter Armenian Church Glendale also participated in the service.

The event’s program commenced with the invocation delivered by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, who reflected on the significance of the Feast of Ascension: “Through the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we as faithful are called upon to renew our covenant with God”

Welcoming words were delivered by Araxie Boyamian Co-Chair of the Hampartzum Committee, who acknowledged the presence of the number of Diocesan committees and organizations namely, Cindy Norian Chair of Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Diocese, Alice Chakrian, Chair of Agape Circle, Abp Hovnan Derderian Fund and Jr. God fathers, Taline Yacoubian Babikian Chair AGBU Western District, Nicole Nishanian Chair of Armenian International Women’s Association Los Angeles Affiliate, Shoghig Vartzbedian, Chair AGBU Pasadena Young Ladies Committee, Professor Emeritus Silva Karayan, and Diocesan benefactors, Mrs. Sybille Aprahamian, Mrs. Flora Dunaians, and Mrs. Hilda Fidanian.

Also present were Mrs. Hilda Esraelian, mother of Dr. Eric Ezraelian who produced the movie “The Promise” and Mrs. Hermine Janoyan, founding member of “Hampartzum Committee”.

On the auspicious occasion, Mrs. Margaret Mgrublian, a distinguished parishioner from St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena was honored for her years of selfless service, unwavering loyalty to the Armenian Church and philanthropic contributions to various Diocesan projects and community organizations. Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian invited the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan to read the Message of Blessing and Commendation of the Diocesan Primate addressed to the honoree. A Certificate of Recognition was also presented to Mrs. Mgrublian from LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

In her remarks, Co-Chair Araxie Boyamian expressed her gratitude to Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan for graciously hosting the auspicious luncheon throughout the years and reflected on the selfless efforts of Committee members Co-Chair Arpi Barsam, Vice-Chair Hermine Janoyan, Treasurer Silva Kendirjian, Alice Chakrian, Belet Shahbazian, Nazik Baktiarian, Ani Ajemian, Heidi Kavoukjian, Diyana Danielian, Annette Kosker, Diruhi Petrossian, Marale Boyajian, Delilah Shahbazian, and Sarelle Janoian.  

During the luncheon, guests enjoyed Armenian folkloric dancers performed by Ara Dance Group, musical selections by Mister X (Arthur Hakobyan) who enthralled the guests with beautiful Armenian and international songs and Mary & Angel Minasyan, students of Sound of Children Cultural Center of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys who delighted their audience with beautiful songs under the direction of their principal Mrs. Sirvart Kavoukjian.

Guests enjoyed reading the messages of the traditional “Vijag” prepared by Mrs. Ani Ajemian.

We are grateful to our dedicated guests and our generous donors for their continuous support.

As the year 2018 is dedicated by our beloved Primate to the youth, the Hampartzum Committee is delighted to announce that once again proceeds from the event will benefit The Stewardship Fund of the Western Diocese for clergy education.

Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate for his continuous support, enthusiasm and encouragement of the Hampartzum Committee.