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PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
AGBU SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT HOSTS RECEPTION FOR THE CATHOLICOS
New York, NY – On June 7, 2005, AGBU Southern California District
hosted a reception in honor of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians at the AGBU Pasadena Center. Over 450 key AGBU patrons
and members from various Committees were invited to partake in this
special gathering with the spiritual leader of seven million Armenian
Apostolic Christians.
Escorted by the AGBU Scouts marching band, His Holiness arrived with
his entourage, which included His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop
Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; His Eminence
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian; and His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada.
Opening remarks were made by Ara Babayan, Southern California District
Committee (SCDC) member, with Dr. Vahram Biricik, SCDC Vice
Chairperson, serving as Master of Ceremonies. SCDC Chairperson Vahe
Imasdounian officially welcomed the Catholicos on behalf of AGBU, with
Sinan Sinanian, AGBU Central Board Member, conveying his gratitude for
the immense support which AGBU has continually received from His
Holiness. Following the address of Yenovk Balikian, a former SCDC
Chairperson, who outlined the different projects realized between the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU, a video was presented which
described the joint activities and projects during His Holiness’
service as the Primate of the Araratian Diocese in Armenia.
In his address, His Holiness stressed the importance of cooperation
between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU. “The Armenian
General Benevolent Union is an extension of the Armenian Apostolic
Church in the sense that alongside the Church, AGBU also caters to the
needs of the Armenian community.” In appreciation of AGBU SCDC’s
hospitality, His Holiness presented Imasdounian with an Armenian
painting.
As a mark of distinction for decades of steadfast service and
devotion, Imasdounian bestowed upon Dr. Jirire Boyajian the
designation of AGBU Honor Member. The reception was underwritten
through the generous contributions of AGBU benefactors Mr. and
Mrs. Albert Boyajian, Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Imasdounian and Mr. and
Mrs. Tony Truisi.
His Holiness Karekin II is an Honorary Member of AGBU Central Board.
AGBU Southern California District is dedicated to preserving and
promoting the Armenian heritage and culture through educational,
cultural and humanitarian programs. For more information on AGBU
Southern California District, please email [email protected], call
the AGBU Pasadena Center at (626) 794-7942 or visit
For more information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters, please visit