High ranking clergymen of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles (a Sister Church of the Armenian Church) His Grace Bishop Abraham and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, visited the Western Diocese on September 13, 2017 and met with the Diocesan Primate and Mr. Hayk Madoyan, the ecumenical officer of the Western Diocese. Bishop Abraham and Bishop Kyrillos were accompanied by the Rev. Fr. Antony Attallah and Rev. Fr. David Elias.  

Three main topics were discussed during the meeting. First, the Coptic clergymen requested to arrange a meeting with Ararat Home officials with the aim of establish sound relationship with home for the elderly. Second, at the initiative of the leaders of the Coptic Orthodox Church, it was decided to organize a pilgrimage to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. A tentative date in July 2018 has been agreed upon. Lastly, at the initiative of the Coptic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, an Oriental Orthodox theological department will soon be opened at the Claremont School of Theology and avenues of collaboration with the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America were offered.

Archbishop Derderian expressed his gratitude to his Brothers in Christ for their cordial visit and conveyed to them his genuine wishes in their ministry.