Western Diocese

On March 3, 2010, Mrs. Jean Barsam hosted a reception for the wives of the Godfathers and Benefactors of the Cathedral.

The Primate offered the blessing of the tables. The staff of the Western Diocese and the following members of the clergy were also present at the reception: His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor, and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Parish Priest of Armenian Church of La Canada.

The Primate welcomed everyone and expressed his appreciation to Mrs. Jean Barsam for hosting the wonderful reception. He informed about the preparations for the consecration of the Cathedral on September 11, 2010 as well as the schedule of events during the visit of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriach and Catholicos of All Armenians to Los Angeles.  

The Primate called upon Mrs. Jean Barsam to say a few words. In turn, Mrs. Barsam expressed her gratitude to the Primate for encouraging the event and turning it into a tradition in the Western Diocese.

Mrs. Alice Dorian recited a beautiful poem by Vahan Tekeyan. Additionally, Mr. Antranik Zorayan, Chair of the Cathedral Fundraising Committee, informed about the current stage of the construction process and encouraged everyone to spread the news of the "Jr. Godfathers" Program. Lily Ring Balian, member of the Diocesan Council, also reflected on the road leading to the consecration of the Cathedral.       

The Primate presented Mrs. Jean Barsam with an icon which was painted in Armenia. Everyone received wooden cross-stones, "Jr. Godfathers" informational DVDs as well as a book authored by the Primate.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian offered the closing prayer after which the ladies toured the construction site of the Diocesan Cathedral.