Western Diocese

On November 9, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the Armenian Eyecare Project event in Newport Beach, California. The project's mission is to eliminate preventable blindness and make eye care accessible to all Armenians.

Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian were honored during the event. Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian are one of the Godfather couples of the Mother Cathedral of the Western Diocese.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his remarks stated: "Tonight's gala banquet bestows the honor of lifetime Humanitarian Award on Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian, in recognition of their outstanding support for the eye-care project. The Derderians have been pillars of the Western Diocese. Their most generous contributions throughout the Diocese have been most visible. They have left on imprint in almost all of the churches of the Western Diocese and have also supported most of our projects in missions in Armenia. They are truly people who have lived the Christian faith and love and continue to inspire us all with their dedication and love for noble causes. Amongst the many projects they have also become a shareholder in the eye-care project. Their support for this most important mission is the reflection of their respect for Dr. Roger Ohanessian, who initiated the project and continued to lead to new horizons."