On Thursday, May 23, 2019, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America welcomed officials from the City of Burbank. The city officials in attendance were Burbank Mayor Emily Gabel-Luddy; Vice-Mayor Sharon Springer; Council Member Bob Frutos; Council Member Timothy Murphy, Council Member Jess Talamantes; Burbank Police Commission Member Hagop Hergelian, City Treasurer Debbie Kukta, City Clerk Zizette Mullins and Burbank Deputy Police Chief Mike Albanese.

Members of the Diocesan Council, the Government Relations and Protocol Committee of the Western Diocese and Diocesan Committee members and benefactors were also in attendance.

The civic leaders were treated to a luncheon at the Hampar Family Reception Room. 

In his remarks, the Diocesan Primate reflected on the years of partnership between the Diocese and the City of Burbank. The Primate commended the city officials for their invaluable services rendered for the betterment of the community. Archbishop Derderian then introduced the supporters of the Western Diocese as well as the Diocesan staff to Mayor Gabel-Luddy and the officials.

The Primate introduced the Honorable Emily Gabel-Luddy, Mayor of the City of Burbank, who in turn, introduced her colleagues. Mayor Gabel-Luddy expressed her gratitude to Archbishop Derderian for the warm hospitality and stressed the importance of collaboration between the institutions as well as the strengthening of the bond of partnership.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, the esteemed guests posed for a group photo in the Paul Brothers Galleria.