Western Diocese

On May 3, 2009, the Armenian American Medical Society of California held its 23^rd annual banquet at the Beverly Hill Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to a mobile diagnostic and therapeutic unit in Artsakh. According to the mission statement of the organization, "the Armenian American Medical Society of California (AAMSC) is a bridge to unite those people in need of care with the healing hands who can best treat them."

Dr. Hagop Souren Akiskal was honored during the 23^rd annual banquet of the AAMSC for his many years of dedicated service to the medical field as well as his assistance to the victims of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia.  

The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian, Cathedral Construction Assistant to the Primate, represented His Eminence at this event. Fr. Baret offered the invocation for the event and blessed the tables. He also read the message of the Primate wherein His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian thanked the AAMSC for their humanitarian and God-pleasing service in Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora.