Western Diocese

The beginning of the construction of the cathedral is the realization of years of work to design a beautiful and functional Armenian Church that meets the needs of the community and to receive full approval from all official bodies involved. Therefore, this event was truly a historical moment of celebration for the Western Diocese.

Mr. Berj Shahbazian, Chair of the Celebration Committee, offered the opening remarks wherein he welcomed the guests and thanked His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for his inspiring leadership that made the construction of the Mother Cathedral a dream-come-true. The Honorable Wendy Gruel, Los Angeles City Councilmember was then invited by Mr. Shahbazian to share her thoughts with the audience. She congratulated the Armenian Community and the Primate on the occasion of the beginning of the construction of the Church. Mr. Armen Hampar, Chair of the Cathedral Building Committee, offered his words of gratitude to the former Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, for their outstanding leadership in mobilizing the means and talents of the Western Diocese toward the realization and rise of the Mother Cathedral.

His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, in his remarks stressed the primary importance of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the life of the Armenian people throughout the world, emphasizing the importance of the construction of the Mother Cathedral in this regard.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, offered the following remarks during the festive occasion:

“The construction of the Mother Cathedral is a heavenly blessing that will solidify and reinforce the foundations of the Western Diocese along with the Diocesan Churches and Mission. The construction of the Mother Cathedral has been a dream of ours for a long time throughout the Western Diocese.

We thank God that today has granted us the opportunity to merge together and build this magnificent house of God which will mirror the true meaning and purpose of our faith. The Mother Cathedral will bridge us to the Heavens, remind us of the mystery of Holy Etchmiadzin, and reinforce our faith, as well as a challenge to the coming generations.

We have not only been called to bring our participation to the construction of the Mother Cathedral, but encourage all those who have not yet raised their participatory prayers in the process of the construction of the Mother Cathedral. It is our aim to promote the construction of the Mother Cathedral wherever and whenever it is possible. Thus giving a rare opportunity to as many faithful as possible to not regret after the completion of the construction of the Mother Cathedral – providing everyone the blessed chance to say that they also laid a stone in the construction of the Mother Cathedral and share the blessings of the God-pleasing work.

Indeed, we would like to thank all of you, since you all have been wonderful, enthusiastic and involved with this blessed project. The Mother Cathedral will symbolize our path to Salvation – through our faith in Christ our Lord and Savior.”

- Archbishop Hovnan Derderian