A reception was hosted in honor of CA State Senator Anthony Portantino at the Western Diocese on Thursday, April 27th. More than 50 guests including Burbank Mayor the Hon. Konstantine Anthony, Glendale Mayor the Hon. Dan Brotman, the Hon. Judge Amy Ashvanian, Glendale and Burbank City Councilmembers, officials, representatives of Armenian organizations, Diocesan supporters, and friends attended the reception. During the reception, State Senator Portantino was presented with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and honored with the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali medal for his steadfast support of the Armenian-American community.
In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian reflected on State Senator Portantino's years of resolute support of the Armenian-American community.
"State Senator Anthony Portantino has been a close friend of the Armenian community whose support and dedication have been immensely appreciated by the members of the Armenian community of North America. Additionally, being an advocate of the Armenian cause, he has earned the respect and love of our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh.
I personally have witnessed his genuine respect for our faith, history, and culture which should be regarded as a gift to our community. Since my arrival on the West Coast, I have witnessed his active engagement on many levels to bring to the Angelenos his steadfast services and utmost regard for all people. The one and perhaps the most important characteristic which should be underlined is his humility which has inspired us all. What has also empowered us tremendously is his dedication to his family which I certainly believe is the greatest gift he shares with us all.”
The State Senator, who was accompanied by his spouse Ellen, expressed his gratitude to the Catholicos of All Armenians H.H. Karekin II for the high honor and the Diocesan Primate, as he pledged his full-fledged support of the Armenian cause.
Western Diocese
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