Western Diocese

On January 21, 2010, the International Foundation for Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations has bestowed on His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, this year's Unity of Orthodox Peoples Award. His Holiness received the honor for his contribution to strengthening unity between Orthodox beliefs and building a Russian church in Armenia. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who is also the chair of the Foundation for Unity, awarded the honor to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Other recipients of this year's Unity of Orthodox People's Award included the Russian Federation's President Dmitry Medvedev, and Serbian film director Emir Kustunica.

On this very flattering occasion, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese has sent a congratulatory letter to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.