LOS ANGELES–Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian–Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Western US–accompanied by Reverend Rafael Minassian–visited Cardinal Roger Mahoney–Friday–August 8.
This was the Prelate’s first official religious visit after receiving the title Bishop. The Cardinal congratulated the ordainment of the Bishop and expressed his best wishes.The two religious figures discussed various religious and social matters–as well as Catholicos Aram I’s pontifical visit to the Los Angeles parish. The Prelate conveyed to the Cardinal the warm greetings of the Catholicos. Bishop Mardirossian presented to the Cardinal activities of the Western Prelacy–describing to him religious–national–educational–social and cultural programs in progress.
The Prelate also addressed the issue of a high number of Armenian students in public schools and mentioned the positive work of the Prelacy sponsored committee of California Armenian Students in Public Schools.
He thanked the Cardinal for encouraging efforts in support of minority rights in Los Angeles. Both parties stressed the necessity of religious education–and collaboration between ethnic minority groups. The Cardinal expressed his admiration for the Armenian community.