Hrashapar Service: Hundreds Welcome The Catholicos Of All Armenians At St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

Hundreds flocked the spiritual center of the Western Diocese on Thursday evening to officially welcome His Holiness with an established traditional service. The sacred hymns of the Armenian Orthodox Church engulfed the sanctuary of St. Leon Ghevontiants Armenian Cathedral as His Holiness led a processional into the Cathedral accompanied by visiting high-ranking clergymen of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Diocesan clergy, clergy of Sister Churches, as well as representatives of other Christian denominations.

After the solemn processional, welcoming remarks were made by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who greeted the Pontiff and stated the significance of His Holiness’ visit which is dedicated to the 90^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

“Your Holiness, reverend clergy, honorable government officials and civic leaders,

We are spiritually enriched to have amongst us the leader of more than ten million Armenians around the world. As descendants of the first Christian nation, we are humbled to have the presence of the 132^nd Catholicos of All Armenians. We share our joy not only with the Armenian community but equally so with our brothers and sisters in Christ whose presence is humbling as well.”

A reception in the Kalaydjian Hall was held following the service where the faithful greeted and welcomed His Holiness.