On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America welcomed His Beatitude Sahak II, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. The historic service, celebrated with great solemnity and reverence, marked a significant moment in the life of the Diocese as it hosted His Beatitude during his inaugural patriarchal visit. The Cathedral sanctuary was filled to capacity with faithful from across Southern California, who gathered in prayerful anticipation to receive the blessings of the Patriarch.

The Divine Liturgy was graced by the presence of ecumenical guests and clergy of sister churches, standing in solidarity with the Armenian Apostolic Church. Their participation was a powerful testament to the unity of the Christian faith and the shared spiritual heritage of the greater ecclesiastical community. Also in attendance were Diocesan Council Chair Mr. Derik Ghookasian accompanied by his spouse Adrineh, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian, Diocesan benefactors, Cathedral godfathers, and prominent community leaders, each underscoring the importance of the occasion with their presence and support.

The sacred atmosphere of the Liturgy was elevated by the inspiring performance of spiritual hymns jointly presented by the Khachadourian Choir and the Cathedral’s Shnorhali Choir (conductor Dn. Artur Vardanyan).

Under the gifted conductorship of Deacon Stepan Gozumian, the combined choirs created a moving liturgical experience. Their voices echoed with reverence and devotion, uplifting the faithful in collective prayer and worship.

Prior to delivering his sermon, His Beatitude was introduced to the congregants by the Diocesan Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. In his heartfelt remarks, Archbishop Derderian welcomed the Patriarch with filial love, referring to him as a beloved brother in Christ. He emphasized the spiritual significance of the patriarchal visit as a moment of renewal, connection, and affirmation of the unity of the Church.

In his homily, Patriarch Sahak II offered a powerful reflection on the sacredness of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Mother See of the Armenian Church. He described it as a source of divine strength, spiritual nourishment, and inspiration, underscoring its role as the fountainhead of Armenian Christian identity. "Etchmiadzin is more than a location; it is the heartbeat of our people and the guarantor of our Christian way of life," he proclaimed. Acknowledging the diversity of the congregation, the Patriarch also delivered a portion of his homily in English, offering pastoral guidance and words of encouragement to the English-speaking faithful.

A deeply moving moment took place during the Liturgy when Mr. Saro Marukian, Chair of the Patriarchal Visit Committee, presented a gold-plated pectoral cross to His Beatitude. Offered as a token of gratitude and brotherly love from himself and his brother Raffi Marukian, the gesture symbolized the community’s profound respect and devotion to the Patriarch and his sacred ministry.

Following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, over 250 invited guests gathered in the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall for a banquet held in honor of His Beatitude. The luncheon, emceed by Patriarchal Visit Committee member Eileen Keusseyan, served as an expression of joyful fellowship, hospitality, and thanksgiving, marking the conclusion of a day filled with spiritual grace and ecclesiastical unity. The Patriarch’s visit and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy will be long remembered as a moment of profound blessing for the faithful of the Western Diocese.