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The Diocesan Primate paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian-American community of Oakland where on Saturday, November 16, His Eminence participated in the gala banquet celebrating the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Ladies Society.
The banquet, which was emceed by Steven Donikian, commenced with the welcoming remarks by Parish Council Chair Nazar Jindoian. Remarks were made by Arlene Hovsepian, Chair of the Ladies Society of St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland and Gladys Saroyan, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Council of the Western Diocese. Words of commendation were delivered by the Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church who highlighted the vast contributions of the ladies society throughout the decades in the overall prosperity of the parish.
Addressing the ladies society, the Diocesan Primate quoted His All Holiness Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople. “Being a Christian is not an act of cataloguing a person as a member of a group but the true rebirth of this person into the world of grace.”
“At the moment of its establishment, the ladies vowed to serve with unrelenting dedication, loyalty and love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and her sacred traditions. Ladies societies are instrumental in ensuring the overall success of the mission of the Armenian Church whether it is through their selfless service in the Sunday School, organizational excellence or the nurturing care they provide for the parish family.”
Five parishioners including Nelly Kargodorian, Elo Markarian, Hilda Mener, Seta Jindoian, and Marlene Tolegian were honored by the Primate with the Diocesan Hye Spirit Award in recognition of their resolute and unwavering service rendered to St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland. Long-time parishioner Carol Melanie Rustigian was honored with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali medal. Addressing the honorees, Archbishop Derderian commended their wholehearted commitment to serving Christ, our Lord, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the parish family of St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland.
The Diocesan Primate also commended the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, noting his compassionate care for the Armenian-American community of Oakland.
The musical portion of the program featured performances by vocalist Jessica Winn and pianist Araks Aghazarian.
According to the parish archives, the first official membership meeting of the ladies society of St. Vartan Armenian Church was held on February 7, 1929 at the residence of Mrs. Azniv Cafesjian. With fourteen ladies participating, the mission of the ladies society was outlined. Included in the meeting minutes was the zealous spirit of the members of the Ladies Society. “The ladies society shall be orderly and shall work wholeheartedly. We shall serve with love, honesty, loyalty, and sacrifice.”
The following ladies were elected by vote to the first ever executive board of the ladies society: Mrs. Bedrosian, Vice-Chairlady – Mrs. Leila Boghosian, Secretary Mrs. Kassabian, Vice Secretary – Mrs. Thomasian, Treasurer – Mrs. Cafesjian.
