LA CRESCENTA–The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church hosted an open house and reception on Feb. 2 for Southern California elected under the auspices of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and the Western Prelacy headquarters. The event was organized by the Western Prelacy Outreach Committee and the Armenian National Committee Western Region to familiarize the officials with the endeavors and mission of the Prelacy.
Among those in attendance were Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Mesrob Shaboyan, Congressman Adam Schiff, Assembly members Mike Feuer, Anthony Portantino, and Paul Krekorian, Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, Councilmember Dennis Zine, former State Assembly member Carol Liu, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, Glendale Unified School District board member Mrs. Nairi Nahapetian, Glendale College Board of Trustees members Dr. Armine Hacopian and Dr. Vahe Peroomian, and representatives from the offices of Congressman Brad Sherman, State Senator Jack Scott, Councilmember Wendy Greuel, and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich.
Also in attendance were Central Executive Council member Khajag Dikijian, Religious and Executive Council members, Representatives Assembly Delegates, Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee member Karekin Khanjian, Armenian National Committee of America Board chairman Ken Hachikian, ANC-Western Region Board Chairman Raffi Hamparian and board members, members of Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society, Hamazkayin, Board of Regents, Boards of Trustees members, and benefactors.
As the guests arrived, Executive Council, ANC, Outreach, and Ladies Auxiliary members led them on a tour of the headquarters starting at the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel and concluding at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall. Once all the guests were gathered in the hall, the official program commenced with welcoming remarks by Prelacy Outreach Committee member and ANC-WR Board member, Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian. Kasparian went over the activities carried out at the Prelacy from spiritual to educational, emphasizing the special attention given to the spiritual nourishment of the youth. After acknowledging the officials and guests in attendance, Kasparian spoke of the invaluable role the Prelate has had in the advancement of the Prelacy and invited him to offer his remarks.
The Prelate began by thanking the officials for accepting the invitation to assemble under one roof and to become more closely acquainted with the endeavors and mission of the Prelacy. The Prelate noted that this reception brings together friends of the Armenian people with our community members, expressing hope that this collaboration continues in the future.
Remarks were subsequently offered by Congressman Adam Schiff, City Council President Eric Garcetti, Assembly members Paul Krekorian and Anthony Portantino, Councilmember Dennis Zine, Mayor Ara Najarian, and representatives from the offices of Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Congressman Brad Sherman, all of whom congratulated the Prelate on the realization of the new headquarters and offered their well wishes. The officials presented the Prelate with congratulatory resolutions from their respective offices and in turn the Prelate presented each of the officials or their representatives with mementos. Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger, who could not attend the reception, had sent a congratulatory letter which was also presented to the Prelate.
Guests then had the opportunity to interact with the officials and with each other during breakfast which was hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary.
