Western Diocese

The Concluding ceremony of the 80^th anniversary celebrations took place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena, on Sunday, December 2, 2007. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon during which he spoke of the year long celebrations and ceremonies on the joyous and important occasion of the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese. The most significant event during the 80^th anniversary celebrations was the Third Pontifical Visit of His Holiness, Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The consecration of the Holy Altar of the St. Gregory the Illuminator by the Pontiff himself was indeed an important event during the year long celebrations of the 80^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese, the Primate added.

The Southern California AGBU, during the AGBU annual banquet, honored Mr. Yenovk Baligian, a gifted and dedicated personality and long time member of the organiztion. Considering Mr. Yenovk Baligian’s services in the educational and social realms, by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s recommendation, His Holiness Karekin II the Catholicos of All Armenian has bestowed upon him the medal of Sts. Sahag and Mashdots. The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator read the encyclical letter of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presented “Commendation Letters” to three distinguished members of the community for their important contributions. Attorneys Messrs Mark Giragos, Brian Kabatek and Vartkes Yeghiaian were honored for their important role in the New York Life Insurance Settlement case. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian read the “Commendation Letters.” The Ceremony was followed by a reception in the Yegavian Hall of the church.