Formal Reception Held in Honor of Newly-Appointed Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles

On Thursday, April 9, 2026, a formal reception was held at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, in honor of the newly-appointed Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, Her Excellency Anna Avetisyan. The reception took place in the Hampar Room under the gracious patronage of Dr. and Mrs. Aramais Paronyan, esteemed pillars of the Western Diocese.

Close to 50 invited guests were in attendance, including the Chairman of the Diocesan Council Mr. Derik Ghookasian and his spouse Adrineh, current and former members of the Diocesan Council, devoted benefactors, godfathers, representatives of Armenian organizations, and members of the Consulate staff. The afternoon served as a meaningful gathering that reflected the unity and strength of the Armenian-American community in the Western United States.

In his welcoming remarks, Archbishop Derderian commended Consul General Avetisyan for her dedicated service and commitment to addressing the needs of the Diasporan community. He particularly emphasized Her Excellency’s eagerness to participate in religious services at the Ghevontiants Cathedral, noting her deep love and reverence for the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church. The Primate also highlighted the longstanding and close collaboration between the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles and the Western Diocese, underscoring a shared mission of service and national unity.

At the Primate’s invitation, the distinguished diplomatic biography of Consul General Avetisyan was presented by the Diocese’s Special Projects Coordinator Mr. Diran Avagyan, offering guests a comprehensive overview of her professional accomplishments and service.

In her address, Consul General Avetisyan expressed that the Armenian-American community of Los Angeles holds a special place in her heart. She conveyed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve this vibrant and devoted community and shared her vision for strengthening economic and cultural ties between the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora. Her Excellency also humbly requested the prayers and support of the faithful in her mission. The Consul General further engaged with attendees by answering questions, fostering a spirit of openness and dialogue.

The memorable reception concluded with a group photograph in the Turpanjian Plaza of the Western Diocese, marking the occasion as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Church and the Armenian diplomatic presence in Los Angeles.