More than 200 people attended the swearing-in-ceremony of the Honorable Amy Ashvanian on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. The Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the ceremonial event accompanied by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Los Angeles District Attorneys Steve Cooley, Robert H. Philibosian and current District Attorney Honorable Jackie Lacey.

In his congratulatory remarks to the Honorable Amy Ashvanian, Archbishop Derderian stated “On this day of your installation,we pray to the All Merciful to lead and guide you in your most noble endeavor.  We are especially delighted in knowing that you, a native of the Republic of Armenia, are the first judge to be sworn-in. Indeed history is being made today.”   

We present the Primate’s address in its entirety:

Almighty God, we uplift our hearts and thank You constantly for the abundance of your blessings. Your divine love and wisdom enlighten our spirituality to be mindful of our duties and responsibilities to fulfill Your will for the betterment of humanity.

Honorable Judges, in your presence we greet the Honorable Judge Armenui Amy Ashvanian, her family and esteemed guests,

We convey to you our heartfelt and most genuine wishes on this blessed occasion of the swearing-in-ceremony of the Honorable Judge Amy Ashvanian.

The great South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, philanthropist a true advocate of justice and later president, Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Referencing to knowledge, the Book of Proverbs offers the following “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” (Proverbs 18:15). When justice is upheld, the world becomes a better place for all.

I think no one here needs to be reminded of the value of justice as the most powerful tool that society has to ensure its preservation in the present and its prosperity and happiness in the future.

Honorable Judge Ashvanian,

On this day of your installation,we pray to the All Merciful to lead and guide you in your most noble endeavor.  We are especially delighted in knowing that you, a native of the Republic of Armenia, are the first judge to be sworn-in. Indeed history is being made today. Your passion and vision for a more prosperous United States of America is reflected in your success. In times when Armenians around the world celebrate the resilience of a people, your installation as a judge provides a clear message to the world that Armenians are committee to the mission of knowledge and enlightenment. We pray that the visionaries of tomorrow, our children and grandchildren will follow in your example to captivate and amaze, to heal and protect but above all, to utilize the power of knowledge in their quest for the betterment of tomorrow.

May God’s divine wisdom and peace accompany you as you embrace this new chapter in your life. It is your love and compassion for upholding the law that has brought you here today. Undoubtedly, your leadership in the legal sphere, is indeed commendable and truly outstanding.

May the Almighty bless and protect you and your loved ones and may God bless the United States of America.