Western Diocese

The procession of clergy accompanying His Holiness Karekin II entered the Kalaydjian Hall where anticipating students enthusiastically clapped in honor of His Holiness. Vehapar accompanied by the Primate and the other bishops, as well as the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Reverend Father Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, between 10:00 and 11:00 am, met with the students of the Armenian schools in the Greater Los Angeles area. There were representatives from the following schools: Manookian-Demirjian, AGBU Pasadena, Arshak Tigranian, Alfred and Margarita Hovsepian, Alec Pilibos, Ferahian, Mesrobian, Shamlian, Mertinian, and Sts. Sahag-Mesrob.
 
The clergy from the Western Diocese were also present at the event, as well as the superintendents and teachers from the mentioned schools above. We would gladly announce that the students had researched and chosen their questions in advance for Vehapar through a competitive process in order to have the most fruitful Q&A session with the Catholicos.
 
The Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Reverend Father Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, who was in charge of organizing the event, addressing Vehapar, gave a warm introduction of the students, describing the students’ vigor and effortlessness in learning our most precious mother-tongue, and absorbing the Christian faith and values and the precious heritage of our forefathers. The Very Reverend Father also explained the meaning of the word “Catholicos.”
 
The U.S. and Armenian national anthems were performed by students Meline Hambartsumian (singer) and Lusine Galstian (pianist), both from Alec Pilibos School. His Holiness was very pleased with the Q&A segment of the ceremony, answering the wide-range of question with candidness and sincerity.
 
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian welcomed Vehapar with a deep sense of appreciation, emphasizing the critical importance of His Holiness’ Visit, hoping that we as the members of the Western Diocese will measure up to the expectations of His Holiness in terms of our faith and dedication to our Diocese the Church and the Community. His Eminence gladly announced that this had been the first meeting His Holiness had with the students during His Third Pontifical Visit. The Primate invited His Holiness to address the audience.
 
Vehapar offered his blessing on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese. Then, Vehapar spoke of the importance of our youth and their proper education, and that the parents and educators bore a great responsibility in this regard. The clergy in the Western Diocese under the effective and exemplary leadership of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian have played an impressively constructive role in the life of the community, Vehapar added, however that there was more needed to be done to secure a bright and faithful future for the youth of the community, as exemplary U.S. citizens who would ultimately benefit both the Diaspora, the Fatherland, Karabagh, and the Holy Etchmiadzin.
 
The event was concluded when His Holiness offered the “Bahbanich” blessing-prayer. The students as well as all other participants received a prayer-book on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese.