The 25th Silver Consecration Anniversary of St. Mary Armenian Church was celebrated on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25, with a Gala Banquet on Saturday and a Solemn Divine Liturgy on Sunday, presided by Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The Parish's Founding Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, also attended.
Gala Banquet
The Gala Banquet, attended by 310 guests, was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport Beach. Dignitaries included Congressmen Dana Rohrabacher and Ed Royce, State Assemblymen Matthew Harper and Dr. Steven Choi, former Assemblywoman Young Kim, Mr. Garo Madenlian of ANCA, Superior Court Judge Honorable Gassia Apkarian, and Diocese and sister church clergy. Mark V. Asdourian, Esq. served as Master of Ceremonies.
Founding members, benefactors, and parishioners enjoyed a cocktail and champagne reception followed by dinner. Remarks were made by Anniversary Committee Chairman Tony Markarian, Pastor Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, and both primates. In his remarks, the Primate expressed deep gratitude to Fr. Moushegh and his wife Yn. Sylva for their 25 years of tireless and devoted service — the couple received a standing ovation. Singer Tavit Samuelian and his band entertained guests through the evening. A commemorative souvenir booklet was printed to mark the historic milestone.
Solemn Divine Liturgy
A solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Diocesan Primate on Sunday, June 25th. Archpriest Fr. Moushegh and Fr. Vazken Movsesian served at the Holy Altar. The Hovsepian Choir sang the hymns of the Badarak, directed by Dn. Rupen Ozsogomonian. During his sermon, the Primate acknowledged 17 parishioners with the Hye Spirit Award of the Western Diocese: Dr. Kris Mirzayan, Dr. Levon Keleshian, Armenag Balian (deceased), Mark V. Asdourian, Tony Markarian, Wayne & Debbie Simonian, Gevork Martirosian, Hagop & Anush Barin, Tanya Hovanesian, Talar Karatas, Maral Megurian, Varto Torikian, Nina Yousefian, Vera Kabaklian, and one anonymous parishioner.
Following the Badarak, a solemn hokehankist was presided by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, remembering founding members, godfathers, benefactors, and parishioners. A champagne reception was held in the Fesjian Hall, where the Ladies Society served a delicious brunch. With the outpouring generosity of parishioners, $120,000 was raised on this occasion. Thank you to all!
