The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America was honored to welcome His Beatitude Sahak II, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, on his inaugural visit to the Diocese on June 17, 2025. Accompanied by the Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, His Beatitude embarked on a spiritually uplifting day, visiting Armenian schools and connecting with the faithful youth of the community.

In Pasadena, the Patriarch was joyfully welcomed by the students of the Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church and the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School. At Hovsepian School, students offered heartfelt performances of Armenian songs and recitations. Principal Shahe Mankerian, on behalf of the school community, presented His Beatitude with a school sweatshirt—a gesture warmly received. Inside the sanctuary, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan delivered welcoming remarks, followed by the Patriarch’s heartfelt message urging the students and educators to uphold the Armenian Christian identity through prayer, learning, and virtuous living.

Later, at the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Cultural Center, the students of Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School greeted the Patriarch with spiritual songs and Scripture recitations. His Beatitude expressed his joy and encouraged the students to remain steadfast in their Christian values and cultivate a lasting relationship with Christ.

Concluding the day, His Beatitude visited the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank where he was greeted by clergy of the Greater Los Angeles area and the young participants of the Sound of Children Summer Camp. The children, filled with faith and excitement, offered spiritual hymns, prayers, and a moving rendition of the Lord’s Prayer. His Beatitude affectionately referred to them as “young ambassadors of Christ,” encouraging them to walk in faith. The Patriarch also took time to meet with the Diocesan staff and clergy before being honored at a luncheon held in the Hampar Family Room. The historic day marked a spiritual milestone for the Diocese and deepened the bond between the Patriarchal See of Constantinople and the faithful of the Western Diocese.