Close to a 1000 Diocesan faithful gathered at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, November 20, the Feast Day of Advent. At the invitation of the Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh was the guest celebrant and homilist at the spiritual center of the Western Diocese. Dignitaries at the service included His Excellency Bako Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic and high ranking officials of the NKR government who had made the trip to Los Angeles in order to participate in Armenia Fund’s 14th Annual Telethon on November 24. After introducing the President of Artsakh to the faithful, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian called upon each and ever one to participate in this year’s telethon noting the importance of bringing continuous running water to the villages in Artsakh. “A gift of water is a gift of life.” For 14 years, Armenians throughout the world have contributed to the noble mission of the Armenia Fund. This blessed organization has provided critical assistance to our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh. Become the Hands of God in this nation-building campaign,” said the Diocesan Primate in his message to the faithful. Prior to the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian recognized and blessed the youth of the Azkanviroum Youth Program who gain valuable insights into the rich Armenian culture, heritage, and history. Prayers of Pontifical Service (Hairabedagan Maghtank) was held at the conclusion of the service. Published on Nov 25 2011 by Divan of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

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