BURBANK — The first week of this year’s Armenian Summer Camp was truly historic as campers and invited guests gathered at the camp site on Monday, July 15, 2013 for the dedication of the “Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Summer Camp.” With the assistance of Diocesan clergy, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the ceremonial event.
“This holy ground is the very place where we meet God’s serene creation and begin a new spiritual journey in our lives. Today’s is historic as we dedicate the Armenian Summer Camp in the name of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian in appreciation of his many decades of compassionate service, but above all in realizing the acquisition of the camp for our beloved campers,” said Archbishop Derderian in his remarks. “As we dedicate this summer camp in his name, we also celebrate the God-pleasing missions of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian,” he continued.
In his remarks, the Primate welcomed Diocesan Council members including Chairlady the Honorable Judge Adrienne Krikorian, former Diocesan Council Chair Mr. Armen Hampar as well as Deacon Steve Adams and Diocesan Assembly Chair Deacon Jeff Hazarian and Vice-Chair Mr. Antranik Zorayan.
The Primate also reminded the guests that the groundbreaking ceremony of the Summer Camp Chapel will take place in July 2014. He noted that the chapel will be dedicated in memory of His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, 96th Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem who also served as Primate of the Western Diocese from 1962-1966. Archbishop Manoogian was the founder of the Western Diocese camp mission.
Archbishop Derderian also announced that two Diocesan priests, namely Arch. Fr. Kevork Arakelian and Arch. Fr. Vartan Kasparian, will be honored with the titles of “Godfather of the Chapel.” The Primate noted Fr. Kevork’s instrumental role in finding the camp site and Fr. Vartan’s outstanding contributions in the field of Christian Education at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.
“My commendation and words of gratitude go to the Summer Camp Board and the Executive Committee for their tireless dedication and the affection with which they serve,” said His Eminence noting the invaluable work of the respective members.
Week Two of Summer Camp begins on July 21st.
For more information, visit www.hyecamp.com
