LOS ANGELES–The Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles celebrated its third anniversary with more than 550 guests at a gala banquet held at the Ararat home Deukmedjian Hall. Among those representing the large Armenian community of Los Angeles were religious figures; representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation–the Hunchakian Party–the Ramkavar Party; members of public–cultural–educational–charity organizations and unions; as well as–intellectuals–public and political officials–and representatives of the media.
Additionally–visiting guests included President of the Yerevan State University Radig Mardirossian–and Chairman of the Armenian State Conductors’ Union Robert Amirkhanian.
Messages were delivered by Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America–Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian; Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America–Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian; Professor Radig Mardirossian; President of the Armenia Fund Raffi Ourfalian; Glendale City Councilman Larry Zarian. All speakers praised the work of the Consulate–appreciated its role in Armenia-Diaspora relations and in the advancement of Armenia-US relations–wishing it success and prosperity.
Consul General Armen Melkonian stressed the California Armenian community’s assistance in establishing the consulate and expressed his gratitude for the community’s unsparing support and encouragement. Melkonian then briefly introduced the new Armenian government’s agenda and that of the Consulate in Los Angeles–the success of which–he specified–would necessitate a united community effort.
The cultural program included performances by Maestro Robert Amrikhanian–popular singer Nune Yessayan from Yerevan–and the "Spiurk" quartet.