The Feast of the Holy Ascension (Hampartzum) was observed by the Armenian Church on Thursday, May 30, 2019. At St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the Feast commenced with a celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.  The feast marks the ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40^th day after His glorious Resurrection.

The day’s celebrant at St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral was Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Parish priest of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena, in the service presided by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Fr. Sarkis was assisted at the Holy Altar by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of Hollywood and the deacons of the Cathedral.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of the Cathedral, the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Pastor of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles, and Rev. Fr. Yeghia Isayan, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church of Glendale participated in the service.

Following the service, the faithful gathered at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall for the Ascension Day luncheon. Welcoming words were delivered by Araxie Boyamian, Co-Chair of the Hampartzum Committee, who acknowledged the presence of the members of Mrs. Cindy Norian, Chair of Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Diocese, Mrs. Gladys Saroyan, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Council, Mrs. Alice Chakrian, Chair of Agape Circle, and the Abp. Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund, Mrs. Ellie Andreassian, Chair of the Executive Committee of Diocesan Saturday Schools, Mrs. Angela Parseghian Chair of the Ladies Society of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, Mrs. Sirvart Kavoukjian Principal of St. Peter’s Sound of Children Cultural Center, and Diocesan benefactors, Mrs. Alice Navasargian, and  Mrs. Flora Dunaians.  Also present were Mrs. Hilda Esrailian, mother of the executive producer of the movie “The Promise” Dr. Eric Esraelian.

On the auspicious occasion. two distinguished ladies, Mrs. Hermine Janoyan, Hampartzum Committee Founding member, and Mrs. Hilda Fidanian, Diocesan Benefactress were honored for their years of selfless service, benevolence and loyalty to the Armenian Apostolic Church.  

In his remarks, the Primate reflected on the importance of the Feast of the Ascension of Christ: ”The Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is an invitation extended to us all to renew our covenant with God.”  The Primate congratulated and expressed word of gratitude to the honorees. Armenian made commemorative plates were presented to the ladies in recognition of their steadfast service.  

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His Eminence commended the selfless efforts of Hampartzum committee members Arpi Barsam and Araxie Boyamian, Co-Chairs, Hermine Janoyan, Vice- Chair, Silva Kendirjian, Treasurer, 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 Hampartzum presentation performed by Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian Diocesan School’s students under the direction of Mrs. Tsoline Kevorkian. Greg Hosharian and Ayline Amiryan nthralled the guests with beautiful performances of Armenian and international songs. The guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon catered by Ritz Collection.

Guests enjoyed reading the messages of the traditional “Vijag prepared by Mrs. Ani Ajemian and Annette Kosker.

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