Program Invocation Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan St. Leon Cathedral Priest Introduction Dr. Ramella Markarian Mistress of Ceremonies Welcoming Remarks Christmas Ball Committee Co-Chair Raffi H. Kendirjian
Program Jubilee Special Presentation Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian 2025 Honorees Award Ceremony Distribution of Certificates of Recognition by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Live Entertainment Allen G. Orchestra by Maestro Allen G. Nazarian
Primate’s Christmas Ball Message Beloved Faithful, We gather this evening, at this 19th Annual Christmas Ball of the Western Diocese, with hearts uplifted in the blessed spirit of the approaching Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The theme of this year’s celebration is one sacred word that bears the weight of heaven itself: Peace.
The Message of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian th of war, conflict, tension or violence. Peace ) is notof simply absence On(Խաղաղութիւն the Occasion thethe15 Annual Christmas Ball His Eminence Archbishop BelovedDERDERIAN, faithful, HOVNAN Primate
In the Light of Bethlehem, in the Radiance of the Miraculous Birth of the Only Begotten Son of God, peace is the divine gift that descends from on high. It is that celestial peace which the angels proclaimed on that first Christmas night: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”
The world today is aching for this peace. Nation rises against nation. Violence, hatred, th bloodshed and warthis scar year’s the earth Christmas in countless places, across continents andmy seas. I am very emotional today, because Ball coincides with 15Humanity anniversar is restless.
the Primate of the Western Diocese. At this sentimental moment, I feel the need to rein my per Yet Christ, the Prince of Peace, teaches us that peace begins, always and only, in the heart. and reflect on the amazing work we have achieved together through Christmas Ball celebration
This holy season is the season of inner transformation. The Church calls each of us to prepare a manger within our own souls, so that the newly born Infant Jesus may dwell in us, illumine us, sanctify us, and make of us vessels of divine peace. For those who have been transformed by the Light of Christ become themselves agents of peace, bearers of peace, witnesses of peace. As our Lord proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” Tonight we also give thanks to God for the devoted service of this year’s Armenian American professionals and Christmas Ball honorees: Arpi Avanesian, MA, Frederick Boghossian, MD, Gaspar Gharibyan, Salpi Ghazarian, Harout G. Keosian, Esq., Talin Mangioglu, Sarkis Nazerian, and Sarmen Sarkissian, MD. Your achievements, your witness, your contributions to the life of our community bring honor to our people and glory to God. We congratulate you and we pray God’s continued grace upon your lives. With paternal gratitude I also commend the Diocesan Christmas Ball Committee, under the steadfast and dedicated leadership of Raffi Kendirjian. Your wholehearted, joyful, and selfless service to the Western Diocese is a true offering before the Infant Christ. May God reward your labor in His vineyard abundantly. May the Peace of Bethlehem, may the Peace of the Nativity, may the Peace of Christ our Lord reign in every home, in every family, in every heart. May the Blessings of the Holy Nativity protect, strengthen, and guide you all, now and always. Amen. Prayerfully, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Primate, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America December 6, 2025
DERIK GHOOKASIAN Chairman of the Diocesan Council Dear Friends,
What a blessing it is to celebrate Christmas together once again through the efforts of the Christmas Ball Committee! With a joyous heart, and on behalf of the Diocesan Council, I extend heartfelt Christmas greetings to all in the Armenian Churches of the Western Diocese of North America. This blessed season that also marks our dear Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s birthday reminds us of God’s gracious gifts—life, leadership, and a shared call to holiness.
As we gather in fellowship, we embrace the theme of PEACE: Peace in our homes, our parishes, and our communities; peace that comes from reconciliation, justice, and steadfast faith in Christ our Lord; peace that we aspire to reflect in every act of charity, mercy, and service.
We give thanks for our diocesan family—the clergy, the faithful, and all volunteers—whose steadfast devotion strengthens the Church we love. On this occasion we humbly ask of God’s continued blessing upon our dear Archbishop Derderian that he may be equipped with wisdom, courage, and enduring grace to shepherd us all. May the light of Christ’s birth illuminate our paths, unite our endeavors, and bring lasting peace to our land, our homeland, and our souls. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed, peaceful Christmas and a joyous start to a new year. Sincerely,
Derik Ghookasian December 6, 2025
RAFFI KENDIRJIAN
Co-Chair, 19th Annual Christmas Ball Western Diocese of the Armenian Church As we gather for this year’s Christmas Ball, it is my great joy to welcome you all to an evening filled with celebration, gratitude, and hope. Each December, our community comes together to honor individuals whose dedication and service illuminate the values we cherish, and tonight, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our distinguished honorees. Your commitment to service and community strengthens us all, and it is a privilege to recognize your accomplishments.
This year carries special significance as we joyfully mark the 35th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of our beloved Hovnan Srpazan. God has truly blessed our Diocese. For more than twenty-two years, Archbishop Derderian has served as a transformational leader and a steadfast reformer, guiding our community with clarity, compassion, and unwavering dedication. He has been a voice of reason, a pillar of unity, and above all, our spiritual father — the humble shepherd, the wise teacher, and the loyal friend whose presence strengthens us all. His example inspires us to walk forward with faith, humility, and unity as we embrace the future together.
The theme of this year’s gala is peace. In a world often challenged by uncertainty, we are reminded that peace begins within our homes, our churches, and our hearts. We pray for Peace and security in our motherland Armenia and in many regions of the world still suffering from senseless wars. May this season encourage each of us to sow peace in our families and communities, and may the New Year carry these blessings into every corner of our lives. I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation to our committee members. For nineteen years, you have poured
tireless dedication, creativity, and love into this gala. Your hard work has transformed this event into a cherished tradition that brings joy to our community year after year. As we celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, may we carry forward a renewed spirit of peace, faith, and fellowship. Thank you for being part of this special evening, and may God bless you and your families with health and happiness. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Sincerely,
Raffi H. Kendirjian December 6, 2025
Raffi Kendirjian has built a distinguished, more than twenty-year career in finance. He began in 1999 as Senior Economist for the United Nations Development Programme in Lebanon, advising the Ministry of Finance on Eurobond issuance and public finance management. In 2007, he entered the financial services industry and joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2009, where he co-founded the Kendirjian Malicdem Group. Raffi is a Certified Financial Planner™, CFP®, and also holds the ChFC® and CRPC™ designations, as well as a Master’s degree in Money and Banking from the American University of Beirut. Raffi has lectured in Financial and Cost Accounting at Haigazian University and participated in conferences across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, including at the World Bank, the IMF, and the United Nations Palace in Geneva. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of World Vision Armenia and Haigazian University in Beirut, and has supported the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in various roles for nearly two decades. Raffi and his wife Silva are proud parents of their two children, Haig and Aleena.