Western Diocese

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 the Primate accompanied by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Parish Priest, the Deacons of the church, the Choir and the faithful, presided over the opening ceremony of the Hall of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, the Very Rev. Fr. Kegham Dz. V. Zakarian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian were the Diocesan Clergy who participated in the ceremony. In his message, the Primate commended the dedication of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, the Parish Council, the Ladies Society, the auxiliary bodies and the faithful.

Banquet and Awards

A banquet was held followed the opening ceremony. The Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Kourken Matossian. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan offered the blessing of the tables. Mrs. Flora Dunaians, Chair of the Hall Renovation Committee, welcomed the distinguished guests. Moreover, Vahe Skenderian, Chair of the Parish Council gave a heartfelt message.

Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan introduced the honorees of the evening including Ivy Grashian, Mr. and Mrs. Ray and Anahid Bedian, Nish Kachachian, Sark Sahagian, Dr. Kourken Matossian, Hartyoon Hilalian, Alice Skenderian, Joan Meymarian and Lucy Benge. The Primate awarded the above mentioned individuals with "Hye Spirit" Awards and Certificates of Blessing and Appreciation. Furthermore, he expressed his appreciation for their dedicated service and support for St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. In closing, the Primate encouraged the faithful to continue their support for their Parish under the leadership of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan. The evening came to an end with the Primate's closing prayer.