Feast of the Ascension of Christ

The Feast of the Holy Ascension (Hampartzoum) was observed by the Armenian Apostolic Church on May 14, 2015. The feast marks the ascent of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day after His glorious Resurrection.

At St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood, the day's celebrant was the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, the Pastor of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, Los Angeles. With Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz Yardemian and clergy of the greater Los Angeles area participating, the service was presided by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The Divine Liturgy was followed by the 11th Annual Hampartzum Celebration at the Taglyan Cultural Center. More than 300 people attended the luncheon organized by the Hampartzum Committee of the Western Diocese and co-chaired by Mrs. Arpi Barsam and Mrs. Araxie Boyamian.

The event’s program commenced with the welcoming remarks by Mrs. Boyamian in English and Mrs. Barsam in Armenian and was followed by the delivery of the invocation by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor of St. John Garabed Armenian Church. Mrs. Hermine Janoyan served as the Master of Ceremonies.

During the luncheon, guests enjoyed a video presentation of upbeat Armenian folkloric songs.

In his remarks, the Primate reflected on the significance of the Feast of the Ascension. “Through the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we, as faithful are called upon to renew our covenant with God,” said the Primate, in part.  The Primate expressed his gratitude to Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan for graciously hosting the luncheon throughout the years, congratulated Mrs. Armine Taglyan, an exemplary faithful member of St. John Garabed Church for her years of dedication and benevolence to the Armenian Apostolic Church, and presented her a beautifully hand crafted porcelain plate from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The Primate commended the tireless efforts of the committee for another successful celebration of Hampartzum. His Eminence noted the selfless service of Arpi Barsam and Araxie Boyamian, Co-Chairs; and committee members: Hermine Janoyan Vice Chair, Arlet Bijackji, Recording Secretary, Silva Kendirjian Treasurer, Nazik Baktiarian, Alice Chakrian, Belet Shahbazian, and Leann Stepanian.

Musical selections from the "Anoush" Opera were wonderfully performed by young promising pupils of Mrs. Elize Tashjian, Maral Kurdian and Mishell Rood accompanied by Jenny Khatchadourian, and solo dancer Ani Amirkhanian from “Nairie Dance Studio.”

Aleen Amarayan, singer and talented guitarist, performed popular Armenian songs.

Guests enjoyed reading the messages of the traditional “vijag”, and shopped from the many exquisite boutiques.

The event concluded with Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian’s benediction.

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