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Western Diocese e-Newsletter
Dear Reader
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese, is pleased to announce that the Honorable Charles
S. (Chuck) Poochigian¸ Justice, Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate
District, and his wife Debbie Poochigian, Fresno County Supervisor,
District 5, will be Honored Guests at the Annual Armenian Christmas
Reception to be held on Wednesday, January 6¸2010 at 6:00 p.m. This
traditional event which is open to the Armenian community will be held
at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and
Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex.
The Primate stated that it is a privilege to honor two dedicated and
distinguished members of the Armenian community. `We are very proud
that the Armenian faithful on the occasion of the Nativity and
Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, will have the
opportunity to meet and visit with this remarkable couple who have
committed their lives to public service.’
Justice Charles Poochigian began his public service following thirteen
years of private practice.
He was appointed to the senior staff of Governor George Deukmejian in
1986 and was later named to the Senior Staff of Governor Pete Wilson
for whom he served as Appointments Secretary, primarily focusing on
assisting the Governor in his selection of judges for California’s
trial and appellate courts. In 1994 he was elected to the California
State Assembly, serving from 1994 to 1998. He then served two terms in
the California State Senate (1996-2006). He was appointed to the Court
of Appeal, 5th Appellate District, by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
in August 2009.
Debbie Poochigian is well known for working as a volunteer for
numerous civic and charitable causes along with event
chair/coordinator, fundraiser, or campaign manager for several local,
state and national political campaigns. She has served as President of
the Sanger Fans of Football boosters, served on the Fresno local
medical center board, a Neighborhood Watch captain, along with a
member of Valley Crime Stoppers; a member of the Fresno County Farm
Bureau and California Women for Agriculture, and a Little League
Coach. She was recently elected Fresno County Supervisor for District
5, a position previously held by her father, Deran Keligian.
The Poochigians have been actively involved in the Armenian Church for
many years. They were married at St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno 32
years ago where both were involved in the Sunday School. They are
presently members of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in
Fowler. For over 35 years, Debbie has taught Sunday School at all
grade levels and has served as Sunday School Superintendent at three
churches in the Diocese. The Poochigians reside in Fresno and have
three grown children, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and two
grandchildren.
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, providing
spiritual guidance and leadership to the Armenian Apostolic community,
is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization comprised of more
than 50 churches in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as
the Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire United
States and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was formed to
exclusivly serve the western United States.