This year's Stewardship Banquet, held on Saturday, January 21, 2017, officially kicked off the series of grandiose events dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.  The venue of the prestigious function was the elegant Taglyan Cultural Center in the heart of Hollywood, California. More than 200 people including clergy, representatives of Armenian organizations, grand benefactors, donors and supporters of the Stewardship Program were in attendance. 

The exciting program commenced with the welcoming remarks by Mrs. Silva Katchiguian. The guests viewed a video presentation depicting the noble mission and undertaking that is the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese. The Rev. Fr. Mesrob Ash, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco and a graduate of the Stewardship Program was the keynote speaker. The young priest expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the Primate for the pastoral guidance and support he has received throughout the years. Reflecting on the role of the Stewardship Program in his life, Father Mesrob said “Thanks to the Stewardship Program, I was transformed from a Sunday School student to a man who I believe has the skills necessary to serve our Church in some modest way, as were many others.”

Click here to read Fr. Mesrob’s keynote address in its entirety.

In his remarks, Diocesan Council Chair Joseph Kanimian noted the exceptional accomplishments of the Stewardship Program in training and preparing a new wave of Diocesan clergy. Mr. Kanimian highlighted the outstanding pastoral leadership role His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in the overall success of the mission which could not have been realized without the stellar chairmanship of Dr. Vahram Biricik and the selfless dedication of the Stewardship Committee members.

Committee Chairman Dr. Vahram Biricik reflected on the success of the Program in helping Priesthood-Candidates adhere to God’s calling and to fulfill their life’s purpose to serve the flock of Christ. Dr. Biricik stressed the necessity of priesthood-candidates who will cater to the religious and spiritual needs of growing and expanding Armenian communities.

On the auspicious occasion, California State Senator Anthony Portantino presented a Resolution from the State Senate recognizing and commending the role of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America in the life of the community.

The evening’s benediction was delivered by the Primate who reflected on the 90^th anniversary of the Western Diocese as a milestone in the life of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church as a whole. “The Stewardship Committee Banquet in celebration of the 90^th anniversary beautifully formulates the condensed vision of the Western Diocese – to secure a great future of our Church through sustaining, endowing and investing.” Archbishop Derderian also spoke about the role of the Diocese in the life of the faithful stating “With its parishes and missions spanning across the Western United States and with close to forty active clergymen, the Western Diocese strives to cater to the diverse needs of the largest Armenian population outside of Armenia.”

In his remarks, His Eminence also addressed the importance of stewardship in the life of the Church. “Grasping the grassroots of responsible stewardship as defined by the Holy Scriptures, the Stewardship Committee, among other things, prepares the next generation of priest, who serve in the many parishes of this Diocese and lead our beloved faithful. These young priests are the fruits of the noble and arduous task that the Stewardship Committee has undertaken. They are at the help of their respective parishes, leading them with all the necessary tools they have acquired from fine theological schools.”

The Primate also recognized the Grand Benefactors of the Stewardship Mission of the Western Diocese Mr. and Mrs. Armen and Nora Hampar, Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan and Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian calling them pillars of the noble mission. In recognition of their steadfast support and selfless dedication to one of the dearest missions at the Western Diocese, the Primate recognized Dr. and Mrs. Vahram and Polina Biricik and Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan as Grand Benefactors of the Stewardship Mission. Conveying his genuine wishes and expressing his wholehearted gratitude, His Eminence extended his blessings to the esteemed couples wishing them continued success in their God-pleasing endeavors.  

The Primate also commended the unrelenting dedication of the members of the Stewardship Committee noting their staunch belief in the fruit-bearing mission of the Stewardship Program.   

The evening concluded with the Primate’s prayer.

The guests were entertained by the music of the Hosharian Brothers Band.