The Western Diocese celebrated the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America with a beautiful gala on the evening of November 17. To mark this milestone, the celebration honored St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and its alumni clergy serving in the Western Diocese.
More than 200 guests gathered at the Anoush Landmark in Mission Hills for an abundant cocktail hour before filling the ballroom for an elegant dinner and program. Welcoming everyone was Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese and Vice-President of the St. Nersess Board of Directors, who extended his gratitude to Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, seminarians, the seminary faculty, board members and staff in attendance, the honorees, all clergy present, guests, and gala committee members.
“Tonight, we are celebrating the legacy of faith and devotion, led by Khrimian Harig who established our Diocese 125 years ago,” shared Hovan Srpazan. “We also celebrate Abp. Tiran Nersoyan who established St. Nersess Armenian Seminary over 60 years ago, a seminary which continues to produce faithful stewards of the Gospel. Our hearts are full of gratitude and hope, with a vision for the future to make our church vibrant and relevant in the lives of our parishioners.” Abp. Hovnan Derderian also welcomed Nerses Nersoyan, the nephew of the late Abp. Tiran Nersoyan, who attended the gala with his wife Teres.
Hovnan Srpazan presented Margaret Mgrublian a special gift for her continued dedication and for spearheading the gala along with a committee of energetic volunteers. Margaret, a parishioner of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, is a member of the seminary board of directors. Additional board members present were Karnig Durgarian, David Onanian, Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, and Fr. Sarkis Petoyan. Dr. Ani Shahinian, seminary faculty, and Donna Sirounian, marketing and development director, also attended.
Following lavish appetizers, dinner and delightful music by the Bravo String Quartet, Fr. Mardiros Chevian was invited to share a few words. “Supporting St. Nersess is so important… our forefathers had the spiritual maturity to start a seminary to teach young people here in North America. The first donor of the seminary was a Western Diocese parishioner, Satenig Ouzoonian, who purchased the original building for St. Nersess in Evanston, IL, in memory of her husband Hagop,” stated Fr. Mardiros. “Since then, we have been equipping Armenian priests here in America, and clergy who come to us from abroad. Be a part of our mission, keep us in your minds and hearts, and come visit us!”
Following, a beautiful video presentation entitled Filled with Grace was unveiled highlighting the current seminarians – four of whom are students of the Western Diocese – and the six clergy alumni of St. Nersess. Click here to view the moving video prepared by the Western Diocese.
While dessert was served, committee member Beth Broussalian announced a special presentation of gifts for all the honorees, artistically crafted by Lena Manoukian Dakessian, an artist currently living in Armenia. Hovnan Srpazan presented a beautiful handmade cross artwork to each honoree: Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Fr. Shnork Demirjian, whose wife Yn. Lydia accepted on his behalf as he is in Etchmiadzin, Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Fr. Stepanos Dingilian, Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, and Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan. Fr. Mardiros also received one on behalf of the seminary.
Hovnan Srpazan led the honorees and all clergy in singing Kovya Yeroosaghem before the final benediction. The guests left inspired and full of hope for the future.
To learn more about St. Nersess Seminary, go to www.stnersess.edu .
Donations are still being accepted online at https://stnersess.edu/resources/banquets/ .
