The Diocese
Posted: 09/19/2025
On September 19, 2025, members of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation, accompanied by several distinguished legislators, staff, and Capitol guests, visited the Headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
The delegation included State Assemblymember John Harabedian, State Senator Sasha Renée Perez, State Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, State Senator Bob Archuleta, State Assemblymember Nick Schultz, and State Assemblymember David Tangipa. The honored guests were warmly received by the Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, together with the clergy and staff of the Western Diocese.
Assemblymember John Harabedian formally introduced Archbishop Derderian to his colleagues. In his welcoming remarks, His Eminence expressed deep appreciation for the visit and extended heartfelt greetings to the legislators. He provided a concise historical overview of the Western Diocese, underscoring the vital role of the Armenian Church in preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of the Armenian-American community. Archbishop Derderian also conveyed his gratitude to the United States of America, the blessed nation which has afforded Armenian-Americans the invaluable gift of liberty and countless opportunities to flourish.
At 9:30 a.m., the guests were guided on a tour of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral by Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Librarian and Ecumenical Officer of the Western Diocese. During the tour, the legislators were introduced to the theological foundations of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the history of Christianity in Armenia, and the enduring presence and growth of the Armenian Church in North America.
