For Immediate Release ~ March 26, 2012
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| Archbishop Derderian presents the medal to Ara Aghishian, Esq. |
Los Angeles, CA - On Sunday, March 18, 2012, Ara Aghishian, Esq., Chairman of Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region, received the St. Nerses the Graceful Medal at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The medal was bestowed upon him by Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
Upon conclusion of Holy Mass, Ara Aghishian along with his wife Julia and daughter Alexandra proceeded towards the Altar where Father Khajag Shahbazyan read an encyclical from His Holiness Karekin II and Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, presented the medals.
| The Aghishian Family with Archbishop Derderian |
The official ceremony was held at St. Leon Cathedral of the Western Diocese, in the presence of the Aghishian family and friends. Present at the event were Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Rev. Ardag Demirjian, representing His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and Rev. Fr. Armenag Bedrossian of the Armenian Catholic Church. Also in attendance were Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, the Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, California State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, and Glendale City Councilmember Frank Quintero.
An official luncheon at the Western Diocese followed after the medal presentation ceremony.
