The Diocese
Posted: 05/27/2016
The St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral’s 13th Annual Gala Banquet was held on Saturday, May 21, 2016 under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at the beautifully decorated Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall. The gala was attended by more than 450 people including members of the Diocesan Council, Diocesan benefactors and parishioners.
The evening's honoree was Mr. Sebouh Zaghikian, a long-time Parish Council member of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. In recognition of his selfless service to the Armenian Apostolic Church, Mr. Zaghikian was honored with the Diocesan Hye Spirit medal, bestowed upon him by the Diocesan Primate.
In his remarks, the Primate commended the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, who shortly after his ordination in 2008, assumed the demanding role of Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. Archbishop Derderian encouraged the members of the Parish Council and all auxiliary bodies of the Cathedral to remain steadfast in their ancestral Christian Faith and to fill the hearts of the community with the divine love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He expressed his gratitude to the Banquet Committee for their exceptional organization and execution.
DJ Superstar and famous singers Suro Khetchian and Noro Kirakosyan entertained the guests till the late hours of the evening.
The Burbank Parish was established by the Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in 2003. As the spiritual center of the Western Diocese, St. Leon Armenian Cathedral was consecrated on September 11, 2010 by H.H. Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Located in the heart of Burbank, the Cathedral caters to the religious needs to the largest Armenian community outside of Armenia.
