MEDIA INQUIRY SENT TO: Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Judge Adrienne Krikorian and Arch. Hovnan Derderian
Posted on May. 12. 2019
Re: May 2016 Diocesan Assembly
in Las Vegas; By-Laws Violations;
Vote Of Confidence Procedural Irregularities/Concerns
BY APPO JABARIAN
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR
USA ARMENIAN LIFE MAGAZINE
On Thursday May 2, USA Armenian Life Managing Editor Appo Jabarian sent a media inquiry to Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Judge Adrienne Krikorian and Arch. Hovnan Derderian in order to give them ample opportunity (several days) to confirm or refute complaints brought against them
in a May 10, 2016 letter addressed to Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.
Send via email and registered mail by USPS, Mr. Jabarian stated that he solicited their reaction “on what transpired at the May 2016 Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas I need some clarification before I go to press.”
USA Armenian Life just found out that Derderian & Co. will be in Palms Springs on Friday 2 for the 2019 Diocesan Assembly..
MEDIA INQUIRY Re:
May 2016 Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas;
By-Laws Violations;
Vote Of Confidence Procedural Irregularities/Concerns
From: Appo Jabarian appojabarian@gmail.com
To: “Hovsep Kanimian Esq. Western Diocese Diocesan Council Chairman” jkattorney@aol.com,
“Joseph Kanimian, Esq.” joseph@kanimianlaw.com
CC: Western Diocese – Communications Department info@armenianchurchwd.com
Date: May 2, 2019, 3:46 PM
MEDIA INQUIRY Re: May 2016 Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas; By-Laws Violations; Vote Of Confidence Procedural Irregularities/Concerns
Dear Mr. Kanimian,
Can you kindly share this email with Western Diocese Primate Archbishop Derderian, Diocesan Assembly Chair Judge Adrienne Krikorian?
On what transpired at the May 2016 Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas I need some clarification before I go to press.
Would you be so kind as to provide some illumination to the following inquiries?
- Elaborate on the motions to bring a filed complaint against the Primate Hovnan Derderian before the 2016 Assembly Delegates that were reportedly denied by Assembly Chair Judge Adrienne Krikorian.
In a May 10, 2016 letter (SEE PAGES 3,4,5) to Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, the signatories Vahe Derounian, Delegate Deacon and Micah Jendian, Alternate Delegate, both of St. John Garabed Armenian Church San Diego, reported to HH Karekin II that: - As per Article III, Chapter II, Section 25 of the By-Laws of the Armenian Church of North America the legality of the May 2016 Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas has been challenged;
- Additional complaints and concerns regarding irregularities both surrounding and in the facilitation of the May 6, 2016 Diocesan Assembly Meeting;
- Although the Diocesan Council and Diocesan Assembly Chair and Officers knew – via correspondence dated May 3, 2016 and May 5, 2016 – that a complaint against the Primate had been submitted to the Diocesan Council in accord with the By-Laws, this information was withheld from the Assembly, the “representative body of the Parishes and the legislative body of the Diocese” (Article IV, Chapter I – Diocesan Assembly, Section 59);
- Additionally and more specifically:
- Prior to the Adoption of the Agenda at the Assembly Meeting, a motion was made to add as an agenda item under “Correspondence” the May 3, 2016 and May 5, 2016 correspondence to the Diocesan Council regarding the submitted complaint. The Delegate’s motion was denied by the Diocesan Assembly Chair Ms. Krikorian.
- Prior to the Vote of Confidence for the Primate, a motion was made that the Diocesan Assembly be made aware of the formal complaint submitted to the Diocesan Council.
This motion was likewise denied as well as were subsequent appeals (from Delegates of other parishes) for the complaint to be heard.
ON VOTE OF CONFIDENCE PROCEDURAL IRREGULARITIES/CONCERNS,
• Prior to the Vote of Confidence, the total number of present delegates was not clearly stated.
• The Executive Director of the Diocese – Harout Markarian – was appointed as a member of the Balloting Committee. This has the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• The Vote of Confidence marked ballots were taken by the Executive Director (Markarian) outside of the Assembly Meeting room to be counted.
How do you respond to the above points of concern?
This clarification will clear any misinformation on this series of serious concerns being expressed by The Assembly Delegates and the wider Armenian American community.
Best regards,
Appo Jabarian
Managing Editor
USA Armenian Life Magazine print electronic editions
Hye Kiank Armenian Weekly print electronic editions