PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: armenianchwd@earthlink.net
Website:

COMMUNIQUÉ

THREE PILGRIMAGES TO DEPART FROM THE DIOCESE

It is with intense joy that we announce to the faithful members
of the Western Diocese, that with the blessings of Primate His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian three different pilgrimages to Armenia have
been organized within the Diocese for the summer of 2004. Maintaining
direct ties with the homeland and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin are
of vital importance for strengthening our spiritual and national
identity. Pilgrimages to Armenia serve that exact purpose, by taking the
faithful back to the roots of our heritage and religion, so that they
may renew their Christian and Armenian spirit.
The first group of pilgrims, comprised of the members of St.
John Armenian Church in San Francisco, and led by Rev. Fr. Sarkis
Petoyan, has already departed for Armenia. The second group, CYMA, will
depart on July 5. This group of young Armenian-Americans is led by Rev.
Fr. Nareg Mataryan. The last group will leave for Armenia in late July,
under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian.
We wish our pilgrims an enjoyable stay in Armenia, and pray that
they come back revitalized in their faith and national identity.

DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE

June 21, 2004
Burbank, California