The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles…A Prosperous Partnership The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles…A Prosperous Partnership- Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

The bond between the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the spiritual center of more than 1 million Armenian-Americans and the world-renowned Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) continues to thrive and prosper.

The collaboration between the institutions commenced with a round table discussion in 2014 where a small group of religious, civic, corporate and community leaders convened at Children’s Hospital. As the spiritual leader of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian represented the institution. The gathering was initiated by CHLA in an effort to reach out and to engage the prominent members of the Armenian-American community in the noble mission of the hospital which serves over 350,000 children a year, including 12,000 Armenian children in the last six years. Among the dignitaries in attendance included former California Governor, The Honorable George Deukmejian, the Honorable Judge Dickran Tevrizian, and Dr. Roger Ohanesian of the Armenian Eye Care Project.

Archbishop Derderian’s words of encouragement and inspiration at that meeting, helped to launch the Armenian Ambassadors, a philanthropic group of individuals dedicated to supporting the mission of Children’s Hospital.

Stemming from the round table discussion and at the direction of His Eminence, another group, the Western Diocese/CHLA Steering Committee, was formed and is led by Alice Chakrian and Rita Terterian (Assistant Vice President of Development at CHLA). The impactful partnership has transitioned into what is presently known as the “Agape Circle of the Western Diocese,” a group of dedicated women loyal to the fulfillment of the mission of CHLA. Through a variety of community fundraisers, the Agape Circle has pledged to raise $100,000 for CHLA’s programs and services. To date, $50,000 has been fulfilled. The funds raised have benefitted CHLA’s Vision Center, the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, the Newborn and Infant Critical Care Unit, the Literally Healing Program and the Interfaith Center. The Agape Circle’s 3^rd annual fundraising luncheon will be held in the fall.

Commenting on the influence of Archbishop Derderian in the life of the community, Miss Terterian said “His Eminence has inspired the Armenian community to give back, not just for the benefit of Armenians, but for the benefit of the greater community in which we live, work and thrive.”

“He views Children’s Hospital as a blessing in our community and philanthropy as a way to grow spiritually. Archbishop Derderian is a true partner and friend to us and our gratitude towards him is immeasurable,” she continued. “We are humbled, and honored to have Archbishop Derderian’s blessing, support and guidance as we to continue to fulfill our mission at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.”

“In addition, we are blessed to have the dedicated and enthusiastic Agape Circle, led by Alice, as champions for our hospital. They have embraced our hospital’s mission and through their successful fundraising efforts have made an immediate, positive contribution to our clinical and support programs”, said Miss Terterian.

In November 2014, Dr. Thomas Lee, the Director of The Vision Center at CHLA was honored by Archbishop Derderian with a certificate of blessing and commendation for his God-pleasing and tireless work in Armenia saving eyesight in premature infants. His Eminence noted the astonishing feats of the renowned physician in preventing blindness in premature infants in addition to his extensive medical work in Armenia.

“I want to thank His Eminence for his continued support for our hospital’s mission for children here and in Armenia. I feel privileged to be blessed by the Western Diocese and the amazing women of the Agape Circle who have always gone above and beyond to help our cause. I am humbled by the generosity and commitment His Eminence, and the Diocesan community, have shown us,” said Dr. Lee.

In appreciation of his noble endeavors, the renowned physician was presented the Archbishop’s Award in addition to having a tufa cross-stone (khatchkar) consecrated and dedicated in his honor.

“Children’s Hospital Los Angeles can be considered God’s greatest blessing in the life of the Los Angeles community. I say this with all sincerity, with a heart full of gratitude as I, too, along with millions of others have witnessed the incredible compassionate care, enduring love and utmost professionalism which has been extended to the children of God,” said Archbishop Derderian reflecting on the hospital’s invaluable contribution to the community.

“The mission being accomplished at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is equal to thousands of miracles. This is the place when we feel the transformation of our souls. I believe wholeheartedly in the prosperous partnership between the Western Diocese and Children’s Hospital” he added.

On December 4, 2016, on Children’s Day at the Western Diocese, CHLA will be recognized once again by Archbishop Derderian during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

Established in 1927, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America caters to the religious needs of more than one million faithful residing in eleven states on the West Coast.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles has been named the best children's hospital in California and among the best in the nation for clinical excellence with its selection to the prestigious US News & World Report Honor Roll. Children's Hospital is home to The Saban Research Institute, one of the largest and most productive pediatric research facilities in the United States. The hospital is also one of America's premier teaching hospitals through its affiliation since 1932 with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.

For more information about the Armenian Ambassadors of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, visit www.chla.org/ArmenianAmbassadors