On December 26, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered an inspirational sermon at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California. Archpriest Frs. Shnork and his father Zaven Demirjian and the Deacons participated in the service. Following the sermon, the Primate called for Mr. Bob Simonian and his wife Carla to step forward. Mr. Simonian is a parishioner of St. Peter and is a member of the Cathedral Construction Committee. In recognition of his service, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians bestowed upon Mr. Simonian with the St. Nerses Shnorhali (Graceful) medal. The Pontifical Encyclical was read by Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian. It read as follows: "We convey our love and extend our Pontifical blessings to you from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of All Armenians and commend your undying love and dedicated service to our people and our Holy Apostolic Church. We were pleased to learn about your accomplishments and contributions to the life of the Western Diocese from His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. You have graciously followed in the footsteps of your beloved parents and have brought prosperity to St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys. With your compassionate spirit and your undying desire to strengthen your Holy Apostolic Church, you have earned the love and respect of the Diocesan clergy and your fellow parishioners. With a meticulous approach of an expert architect, you devoted your valuable time for the construction of the Cathedral of the Western Diocese. We are pleased to know that the construction efforts of the Cathedral will conclude soon. Following the consecration, the pious faithful will gather inside the beautiful sanctuary to strengthen their spirituality and transform their lives. In recognition of your undying service to the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church and by the request of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, we kindly bestow upon you the ST. NERSES SHNORHALI honorary medal. From the bottom of our hearts, we ask our Heavenly Father to bless and protect you and your loved ones under His Benevolent Right Hand. May He bestow His bountiful blessings upon you and your family and grant you continued success in all your endeavors. Enliven with the Lord; be strengthened with the Grace of the Holy Spirit and be blessed forever. Amen. With blessings, Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians" The Primate blessed Mr. and Mrs. Simonian and wished them continued success in their God-pleasing endeavors. Published on Dec 29 2010 by Divan of the Diocese

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