Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
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BURBANK – On Friday, September 21, 2007, at 9:30 am, American and
Armenian officials, as well as community leaders, gathered at the
corner of First and Main streets, for a ceremony unveiling the Los
Angeles – Yerevan Sister City sign. Los Angeles City Council President
Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles 4^th District Council Member and President
of Sister Cities of Los Angeles Tom LaBonge, were joined by His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese
of the Armenian Church of North America, along with the Chairlady of
the Los Angeles – Yerevan Sister City Association Souzi
Zerounian-Khanzadian, in addition to other community members. Together
they unveiled the long-awaited Yerevan sign, the result of two years
of planning, meeting, and traveling to make this dream come true.

Councilman Garcetti, who represents the `Little Armenia’ section of
the city, is one of the key members of this association. He helped
facilitate the Los Angeles – Yerevan Sister City relationship in
August 2005, when he approached Yerevan and Cambridge, Massachusetts
sister city affiliates to share their affiliation with Los Angeles. He
then traveled to Armenia to meet with the Mayor of Yerevan and seek
the approval of authorities in Armenia. Next, Councilman Garcetti
facilitated the formation of a volunteer working group consisting of
Armenian – American entrepreneurs, professionals and community leaders
to formally establish the Los Angeles – Yerevan Sister City
Association. In February 2007 the Los Angeles – Yerevan Sister City
Association became a reality.

After the unveiling of the Yerevan street sign today, the 16^th
anniversary of the independence of Armenia, various delegations
gathered in the Tom Bradley room of the Los Angeles City
Hall. Councilman Garcetti presented a proclamation to the Los Angeles
– Yerevan Sister City Association celebrating the historic day. His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, concluded the
presentations by a closing prayer, wherein he stated: `Almighty God,
bless this historic moment, as we all become partners in a most
pleasing and uplifting undertaking by the city of Los Angeles. We pray
to God with a joyous heart and make a promise to serve humanity in all
corners of the world. For a nation which has survived genocide, and
has endured decades of communist oppression, this historic moment
initiated by the Sister Cities Association, challenges us all with a
new vision in building relationships, understanding human culture,
completing capabilities to strengthen competitiveness, provi! ding
economic opportunity and quality of life, understanding the beauty of
God’s creations surrounding us, and rebuilding our God-given land and
the city of Yerevan through the mission of the Sister Cities
Association.’

Also participating in today’s event on behalf of the Western Diocese
of the Armenian Church of North America along with the Archbishop
Derderian were Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardumian, Vicar of the Western
Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian, Pastor of St. Gregory the
Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena, as well as John Avedian,
Deacon Carl Bardakian, Shoghig Giragosian, Armen Hampar and Berj
Shabazzian. The event concluded with an exhibit of photographs by
various Armenian artists.