Western Diocese

It is with sincere regret that we report the passing of Mr. Levon Paronyan, the Prime-Godfather of the Mother Cathedral, on April 6, 2008. The ‘funeral home-service’ was held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Pasadena. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by clergy from the Western Diocese, participated in the service.

Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, read a biographical piece about the late Prime-Godfather of the Mother Cathedral. The Primate in his remarks recalled the radiating faith of the late Levon Paronyan and his unconditional love for Jesus Christ our Lord which was truly manifested through his devotion towards his family, the Church and Armenia. The Primate  made the important announcement regarding the designation of Mother Cathedral to be named after St. Ghevond (Levon) in honor of the great and beloved Prime-Godfather of the Mother Cathedral, Levon Paronyan.

Church Service and Funeral

Before noon, on April 10, 2008, the faithful gathered at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church –Pasadena, to pay tribute to the memory of the Prime-Godfather of the Mother Cathedral. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Sion Adamyan, Primate of Armavir, and several clergy from the Western Diocese, presided over the church service. His Eminence in his remarks spoke fondly of Levon Paronyan; emphasizing that his faith truly bore the fruits of generosity and selflessness towards the Church.

Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church – Pasadena, assisted by several other clergy, presided over the funeral service.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the Memorial Luncheon of Levon Paronyan held at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall located at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex of the Western Diocese.