Under the auspices of his Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and inspired by God’s love, the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese held a jubilant Thanksgiving luncheon on November 15, 2017, marking the fourth year of its partnership with the Children’s Hospital Of Los Angeles. This year also marked the fulfillment of $100,000 pledge by the Agape Circle to benefit 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 luncheon commenced with a welcome by Mrs. Eileen Keusseyan who enthused the guests and thanked the luncheon benefactor Mrs. Nilay Celik and her family for their generous support. Mrs. Keusseyan then introduced Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan to deliver the invocation. During lunch, the Meghety Ladies Chamber Choir sang, under the direction of Mrs. Nora Roumian Bairamian, to delight the audience with song transformed into a contemporary genre.

Before introducing Ms. Rita Terterian, the Associate Vice President Foundation Dept. of CHLA, Mrs. Alice Chakrian, Chairlady of the Agape Circle, explained the noble mission of the Agape Circle.  “We support and contribute toward organizations that have impacted the lives of the Armenian-American community. We are pleased to be partnered with CHLA for the incredible care that our children receive through them,” said Mrs. Chakrian.

Ms. Terterian applauded the Agape Circle for their incredible support and was proud to recognize them as members of the Armenian Ambassadors of the CHLA with a plaque that was recently mounted on the hospital wall.

Dr. Thomas Lee, Director of the Vision Center of CHLA gave the keynote address. He recalled his experience in Armenia as he led an international team of pediatric retina specialists to eradicate a disease that caused blindness in infants. Dr. Lee continued to work closely with physicians and the Ministry of Health in Armenia through remote education and telemedicine setting the standards for similar disease control in other countries.

At the luncheon, the Agape Circle honored Mrs. Jasik Jarahian for her humanitarian work in Artsakh, in Armenia and in the diaspora. Mrs. Jarahian was recognized for her work in assisting families to help avoid eviction and to help the homeless regain their dignity. “This is an area in which the Agape Circle will be involved,” said Mrs. Chakrian. “We will be working with Mrs. Jarahian and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) to provide Christmas gift cards for 10 families this year.” 

In addition, Agape Circle’s philanthropic outreach has expanded to include the YWCA of Glendale. Ms. Tara Peterson, Executive Director of the YWCA who was also present at the luncheon was pleased to hear that through a generous donation from the Agape Circle and VS Staging, Inc., the computer room at the YWCA was completely refurbished.  “This year, I am pleased to announce that the YWCA is in our outreach projects,” said Mrs. Chakrian. “We visited them and after hearing the number of Armenians who benefit from the services provided by the YWCA, the Agape Circle saw the necessity to help improve their facilities. Instrumental in the renovation were Mrs. Vicki Grigorian, member of the Agape Circle and her business partner Mrs. Salpi Keshishian.”

“The mission being accomplished by the Agape Circle is incredible,” said Archbishop Hovnan Derderian under whose leadership and guidance the Agape Circle finds meaningful outreach involvement. “I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of the Agape Circle because it transforms souls through its projects,” continued Abp. Derderian. “We are proud to partner with CHLA that serves thousands of Armenian children among its continuous care. We are proud to help the homeless and families in need. We are proud to be able to partner with the YWCA as it serves many of our Armenian families.”

The Agape Circle committee thanked the attendees for their presence and their contributions. Through fundraising and events, the Agape Circle gives the Armenian community meaningful alternatives to become engaged and involved in programs that strive to alleviate human sufferings, including illness, homelessness, addiction, poverty and abuse.

For information or for donations call the Diocese at 818-558-7474