Youth Celebrate Primate’s Birthday

Members of the Armenian Church Youth Organization surprised the Primate with a birthday cake and singing on Sunday at the Diocese following the Divine Liturgy.

Diocesan Vicar General Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan welcomed Archbishop Hovnan Derderian into the Hampar Room and wished him happy birthday on behalf of everyone gathered for this special occasion.

Elina Hovhannisyan and Pateel Ohannessian, the president and events coordinator of St Leon Cathedral ACYO, spoke on behalf of “every single one of our members here,” and wished Archbishop Hovnan “a big Happy Birthday, Surpazan.”

“We are here every Sunday and when we see Surpazan at our church greeting us, we all have smiles on our faces. We thank you Surpazan from the bottom of our hearts,” said Elina Hovhannisyan. “We are lucky to have your guidance as young people,” added Pateel Ohannessian. She thanked the Primate and said, “We love spending time with you, meeting you, hearing the wise words you have and having our members know the kind, generous, and loving Surpazan that you are.”

Parish Council chairman Bedros Anserian congratulated Archbishop Hovnan on behalf of the parish council, choir members and guests. He thanked Archbishop Hovnan for his leadership and guidance for the edification of the Cathedral parish.

Archbishop Hovan expressed his heartfelt thanks to the youth for organizing this surprise gathering and assured them of his continued prayers and love.