Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Ladies’ Guild hosted the 8th Annual Christmas Boutique and luncheon at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex of the Western Diocese on Wednesday, November 28, 2018.

The boutique is the official kick-off a series of festivities celebrating the Miraculous Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Chair, Mrs. Araxie Boyamian who thanked the audience for their presence at Christmas Boutique year after year since 2011 and thanked all the supporters and sponsors of the luncheon. Also present at the event Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Parish priest, Mrs. Yvette Baiboutian the wife of the General Consul of Los Angeles with her daughter Miss Ani Baibourtian, Mrs. Gladys Saroyan Chair of Ladies  Society Central Council of the Western Diocese, Mrs. Alice  Chakrian, Chair of Agape Circle and Arch Hovnan Derderian Scholarship and Mrs. SIlvana Vartanian Chair of Nerouj Network and diocesan benefactor Mrs. Alice Navasaragian. 

At the subsequent luncheon, the distinguished ladies : Mrs. Marguerite Mangassarian Goschin, Mrs. Carmen Libaridian, and Mrs. Ramella Markarian were honored for their inspirational leadership and contributions to the community.

The artistic portion of the program was provided by AGBU Vache and Tamar Manoukian High school students who performed Armenian Christmas songs under the direction of Mr. Bartev Gouloumian and music art teacher Ms Laura Kouyoumjian. A selection of Armenian dance was performed by Ara Dance Studio. The attendants enjoyed Meroujan on violin and Vanig Grigorians on saxophone.

Members of St Leon Armenian Cathedral’s Ladies Guild have worked hard to ensure the continued prosperity of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Guild strongly supports the noble mission of the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund and towards the fulfillementnt of the pledge made to St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontians) Armenian Cathedral.

In his closing remarks, the Primate expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the guests for their kindness and generosity, calling them all members of his extended family. Archbishop Derderian invited all to participate in cutting the celebratory cake,also expressed Words of appreciation were addressed to the members of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Ladies Guild under the compassionate leadership of Mrs. Araxie Boyamian and to all committee members; Mrs. Hourie Boghossian, Lena Dekermenjian, Mari Boghossian, Karine Haitayan, Sima Hovannessian, Salpi Mankerian, Esther Minassian, Silva Nazaretian, Diana Sarafian, Taline Telian, Sona Vartanian, Shoghig Vartzbedian, Vania Gordian, and Mayda Altounian. 

The boutique was the buzz of the community as hundreds commenced their Christmas shopping season in the beautifully decorated Paul Brothers Galleria.

The guests also enjoyed lottery drawing a selection of beautiful items, donated from the boutique.