On the evening of Friday, August 6, 2021, a reception in honor of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Bedig and Maro Fermanian at their residence, with the presence of over one hundred friends and supporters invited by the couple.
Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who served as the evening’s MC, conveyed his opening remarks, while Mrs. Fermanian delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of her family and offered heartfelt well wishes to the Prelate.
The Consul General of Armenia, Ambassador Armen Baibourtian, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the Prelate’s mission, commended his devoted service, and conveyed sincere congratulation to the new, young Prelate.
In his remarks, Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian stated that the event, in addition to being a reception in honor of the Prelate, offered the blessed opportunity to come together and collectively enjoy the Prelate’s pastoral presence that evening and in our lives in general. He concluded by thanking the Fermanian family for their initiative to graciously host the evening, and invited the Prelate to deliver his message.
The Prelate first and foremost thanked the Fermanian family for the exceptional reception and the guests who accepted the host’s invitation and attended to congratulate his election as Prelate of the Western U.S. The Prelate commended the enduring support of all toward the Western Prelacy and made a heartfelt plea for generous support to the Armenians of Lebanon experiencing severe and unprecedented hardships, adding that the once radiant and triumphant community of the past one hundred years is suffering today due to vast and varied crises ravaging the country. Thereafter, on behalf of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Prelate bestowed the “Knight of Cilicia” medal upon Mr. and Mrs. Fermanian for their highly commendable benevolence and demonstrated spirit of service toward the Western Prelacy and to the Armenian people in general.
On behalf of his family, national benefactor Mr. Fermanian expressed deep appreciation to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I for the great honor, to the Prelate for accepting their invitation, and to all the guests for their inspiring and supportive presence.
