On Tuesday, January 31, the Most Rev. Benedict (Aleksiychuk), Eparch of St. Nicholas Diocese of of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago, accompanied by Fr. Ihor Koshyk, Pastor of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church of Los Angeles, visited the Headquarters of the Western Diocese and met with the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Present at the meeting were Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale, and Mr. Diran Avagyan, Special Projects Manager of the Western Diocese. This was Bishop Benedict's first official visit to the Western Diocese. The high-ranking clergy shared personal stories of their respective ministries and connected through the love and wisdom of Christ. Current humanitarian crises in Ukraine and Artsakh were discussed. Furthermore, the spiritual leaders pledged to collaborate and solidify their bond through the Christian spirit. 

The esteemed guests also toured the St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral, which left a lasting impression on them.