The Thomas And Dorothy Leavey Foundation Interfaith Center Dedication At Children'S Hospital Los Angeles

On January 22, 2016, the Primate, accompanied by sculptor Gaspar Gharibyan and Mr. Diran Avagyan attended the dedication of the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation Interfaith Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.  A wooden sculpture depicting cross-stone was presented to the CHLA on behalf of the Western Diocese. The cross stone depicting the descent of the Holy Spirit was sculpted by artist Gaspar Gharibyan. 

In a special prayer the Primate said "I am glad to offer a blessing for this new center. The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church is proud to support our patients and families as they take their medical and spiritual journey at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. We have been inspired by the service of this hospital to the greater community. We look forward to may years of continued collaboration. May this center be a sanctuary for all who enter its doors." Among the interfaith leaders in attendance were the Most Rev. Jose H. Gomez, the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles; Chaplain Efrat Brayer, Jewish On-Call Chaplain at Children's Hospital Los Angeles; Rev. Dr. Tina Jitsujo Gauthier, Faculty of the Buddhist Chaplaincy Program at the University of the West; Khuram Ahmed, Muslim Chaplain and Representative of the Islamic Center of Southern California; Swami Sarvadevananda, Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of Southern California. The program commenced at 11:00 am and included welcoming remarks by CHLA President and CEO Paul Viviano, Rev. Dr. Dagmar Grefe, Arnie Kleiner, Co Chair of the CHLA Board of Trustees; Kathleen McCarthy Kostlan, Chair of the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation.