Western Diocese

On Saturday, October 13, 2007, the Primate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator, attended the AGBU Annual Gala Banquet at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pasadena.   His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian delivered the Invocation.   Toros Yetenekian, a member of the Regional Committee, conducted the evening’s program.  Stella Maloyan greeted and welcomed the guests. California Assemblyman Paul Krekorian introduced the main speaker of the evening.  Senator Joseph Simitian in his remarks  stressed  the importance of our efforts in convincing Washington to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The Chairman of AGBU Regional Committee, Vahe Imasdounian also discussed this important  issue during his presentation. Sinan Sinanian, an AGBU Regional Committee member, read the message from the AGBU president, Mr. Berge Setrakian.

Yenovk Balikian was the Honored Guest of the event. His daughter Talin Boyajian spoke of her  father’s dedication and some important episodes in Mr. Balikian’s life. Dr. Kevork Keshishian delivered an official biographical presentation about Mr. Balikian.

Mr. Yenovk Balikian’s long years of enthusiastic service in the realm of education, as well as a member of AGBU, is a testimony to his dedication to social and cultural causes of the community. In recognition of Mr. Yenovk Balikian’s services in the educational and social realms, and by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s recommendation, His Holiness Karekin II the Catholicos of All Armenian  bestowed upon him the medal of Sts. Sahag and Mashdots. 

Mr. Balikian expressed his deep appreciation to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, for honoring him with the medal of Sts. Sahag and Mashdots. Mr. Balikian also thanked the Primate and AGBU on this significant occasion.