On March 15, 2018, Dr. Gary Zamanigian, Grand Commander of The Knights of Vartan visited the Western Diocese. Dr. Zamanigian was accompanied by Mr. Bob Barsam, former Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan, Mr. Rafi Bousnoyan, Commander of the Ardaz Lodge and Mr. Sarkis Hardy, Southwestern District representative of the Knights of Vartan.

The Knights of Vartan members expressed their gratitude to Archbishop Derderian for the warm and cordial reception. To further strengthen the ties between Knights of Vartan and the Western Diocese, avenues of collaboration were discussed. The mission and activities of the Knights of Vartan locally as well as in the Republic of Armenia were highlighted.

In his remarks, the Primate reflected on the invaluable contributions of the Knights of Vartan to the Armenian community. “Knights of Vartan is one of the most distinguished and loyal organizations in the life of the Armenian community of North America. For decades, Knights of Vartan has been a staunch supporter of the Armenian Church, our Motherland and many humanitarian missions,” said His Eminence.