Diocesan Clergy Welcome H.e. Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, The Patriarchal Vicar Of The Armenian Patriarchate Of Turkey

His Eminence Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, the Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey visited the Western Diocese on January 22, 2016.

Archbishop Ateshyan was greeted at the main entrance with Hrashapar, a liturgical chant, by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Gougark, the Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Diocesan clergy of the Greater Los Angeles Area. 

At noon, a formal reception was held in honor of the Patriarchal Vicar at the Hampar Family Reception Room.  On behalf of the Diocesan Council, the clergy, and the entire faithful, the Primate extended his welcoming remarks to Archbishop Ateshyan. The Primate fondly reflected on the Patriarchal Vicar’s steadfast leadership at the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey and his active participation in meetings held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. 

Archbishop Ateshyan briefed the guests about matters related to Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, the churches and the faithful community. 

As a token of his appreciation, Archbishop Ateshyan presented the Primate a hand cross (tseradz khatch).  In turn, the Patriarchal Vicar expressed his gratitude to the Primate for the warm welcome and the reception. Archbishop Ateshyan will be the celebrant and homilist at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, January 24, 2016. The luncheon concluded with a memorable group photo was taken at the Turpanjian Plaza of the Western Diocese.