Burbank Cathedral Parish Marks 14Th Anniversary With Gala Banquet

The St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral parish marked the 14^th anniversary of its establishment with a gala banquet on May 20, 2017. The event, held under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, was attended by more than 450 people including members of the Diocesan Council, Diocesan benefactors and parishioners.

The celebration also coincided with the 40^th birthday of the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral who assumed his pastoral role in 2008, shortly after his ordination into the Priesthood. In recognition of his leadership and his jubilee birthday celebration, the Primate presented Fr. Khajag a pectoral cross.  

The Archbishop’s Award, an honor bestowed upon an individual who has served the Armenian Church for more than 25 years, was presented to Parish Council member Mr. Norik Grigorian. Hye Spirit awards were presented to Parish Council Chair Dr. Hagop Nalbandian and Parish Council members Mr. Andre Shamalian, Mr. Vahik Alkhasian, Mr. Andre Shamalian and Mr. Gevork Boyajyan.

In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian encouraged the faithful to renew their calling to serving the Cathedral parish, to remain steadfast in their ancestral Christian Faith and to uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian family and the Armenian Church.

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 (Srbots Ghevontiants) 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 one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia.