Close to 300 people attended the traditional evening reception at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall on January 6, at 6:00 pm. Held under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate, the reception was organized by the Ladies of St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral.

The festive celebration commenced with the welcoming remarks by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, the Cathedral’s Pastor. St. Leon Armenian Cathedral ACYO member Delilah Shahbazian served as the event’s emcee. In his message, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian congratulated the guests on the blessed occasion of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ, exhorting them to serve Christ, our Lord and the Armenian Church with renewed hearts and spirits. Led by the Primate, Diocesan clergy of the greater Los Angeles area sang sacred hymns dedicated to the Nativity.

Archbishop Derderian reminded that the year 2018 has been dedicated as The Year of the Youth by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. “At the Western Diocese, we firmly believe in the dedication and loyalty of our youth. We believe in their vision for a more vibrant and prosperous Armenian Church. Hence, we call upon you to contribute to such God-pleasing youth missions at the Western Diocese as the ACYO, Sunday Schools, Saturday Schools, CYMA, the Summer Camp and the newly launched Nerouj.” The Primate also commended the zeal and enthusiasm of the ladies of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral and noted their outstanding organizational prowess in ensuring yet another outstanding Diocesan function.

Rousing performances by the students of the Yervand Babayan Saturday School of Holy Apostles Armenian Church delighted the audience. Archbishop Derderian congratulated the children for the beautiful performances and presented them gifts as a token of his appreciation. Heibert Leo Sarian masterfully performed Armenian folk songs which received tremendous applause from the audience.

The Chrismtas During reception, which lasted more than three hours, the hundreds of faithful in attendance addressed their congratulatory wishes to the Primate.