Western Diocese

On October 3^rd His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian accompanied his Holiness and his entourage to the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, where he was greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

During the two day visit, the Primate accompanied His Holiness, His entourage and His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church as well as other clergy from East-cost to the Russian Exhibition at the United Nations, the ecumenical dinner-meeting, which took place at the Eastern Diocesan Headquarters. The day was concluded by a special Hrashapar Service at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral at 7:30 p.m.. The Primate returned to Los Angeles on October 5^th.

The Primate will be joining his Holiness towards the end of October when he will be participating, primarily, in the reception to be hosted by the AGBU board of trustees, on October 26, the Pontifical Divine Liturgy, and the Gala Banquet—co-sponsored by the Eastern Diocese and AGBU. The latter two events will take place on October 28^th.

According to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian: The Third Pontifical Visit to the Western Diocese of Armenian Church of North America, on the occasion of the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese as well as the 110^th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church on the soil of America, has become a milestone in the life of our community. During Pontiff’s visit, which has lasted two day, many important undertakings were realized that has become a source of inspiration. There were four major events graced by the presence of His Holiness during his Third Pontifical Visit to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church: the meeting with the students at Kalaydjian Hall, “Hrashapar” and Consecration of Main Altar of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Pasadena, the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Mother Cathedral, and the Gala Banquet. In short the Third Pontifical Visit will be earmarked in the History of the Western Diocese as the spiritual reawakening moment.