Western Diocese

Under the auspices and direction of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan and Yer. Talin Petoyan are making plans for the 9th Annual Western Diocese Pilgrimage to Armenia. During the past seven years, 150 participants have returned with life-long memories and unforgettable stories to tell. Over twenty pilgrims have participated twice and even three times. Highlights include an overnight stay in Sisian, a remote town in the south of Armenia. While there, pilgrims are treated to a picnic hosted by a family in the village of Lutzen (population 120). In addition, clergy from the town of Ichevan traditionally prepare and host a lunch in the 1,000 year-old refectory of Haghartsin Monastery. Naturally the group will be received by His Holiness Karekin II in Etchmiadzin. This will be coupled by private tours of his art gallery and the Manougian Museum in the Etchmiadzin complex. Fr. Sarkis and Yer. Talin for the past eight years have initiated considerable charity work in Armenia. The pilgrimage affords the participants to not only the chance to visit major historical sites, but equally important follow-up on charity work. Among the projects are the purchase of five cars for five priests in remote areas of the country. Additionally, St. John Parish of San Francisco has arranged for the donation of no less than seven buildings. They include four houses for homeless families through Habitat for Humanity, schools for developing parishes and considerable aid to the Kavar Orphanage for renovations and the purchase of a building to house orphans over the age of eighteen. Departure is June 17 and the return is scheduled for July 4. Accommodations are at the newly renovated and air-conditioned Hotel Ani and the group is provided with an air-conditioned bus with on-board lavatory and English-speaking tour guide. The deadline for reservations in order to take advantage of the super-saver fare is March 19. For reservations, please call Naiyry Sarkiss at St. John Church in San Francisco at 415-661-1142.