Western Diocese

On Monday, November 23, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, welcomed His Excellency Araik Harutunyan, Prime Minister of Nagorno Republic and His Delegation to the Western Diocese.

Also present at the reception were His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosian, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese, Mr. David Babayan, Head of the Central Information Department and member of Nagorno Karabagh Republic President's Administration and Mr. Robert Avetisyan, Nagorno Karabagh Republic Representative to the United States of America.   

The meeting took place at the Armen and Gloria Hampar Hall of the Diocesan Complex. The Primate had also invited The Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, the Honorable Mesrop Shaboyan, Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Vicar of Southern California and Parish Priest of St. John in Hollywood, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Ara Agishian Esq., President of Armenia Fund of the US Western Region, Joseph Kanimian Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, Dr. Aramais Paronyan, Mr. Armen Hampar, Mr. Antranik Zoraian, Mr. Ara Harutyunyan, Mr. Tevan Aroustamian and Mr. Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese.

With the invitation of the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosian offered the blessing of the tables. In his message, His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosian commended the immeasurable service of His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian to Armenia and Artsakh. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate for his continuing support for the children of Artsakh other charity organizations.

In his message, the Primate welcomed the honorable guests and stated that the Western Diocese will always support the revitalizing efforts of Armenia and Artsakh.

Joseph Kanimian Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council noted that it is the responsibility of each faithful to support Armenia and Artsakh.

Ara Agishian Esq., President of Armenia Fund of the US Western Region stressed the importance of contributing to Armenia Fund and supporting the revitalizing efforts of the city of Shushi.

His Excellency Araik Harutunyan expressed his deep appreciation for the Primate for calling upon the faithful to participate and extend a helping hand in the restructuring of Shushi.

Antranik Zoraian, Chair of the Cathedral Fundraising Committee encouraged the participation of each Armenian. He generously donated $10,000 to support orphans and needy children in Kharabagh.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian offered the closing prayer and the distinguished guests posed for a group photo.