CHURCH LEADER PREACHES UNITY\Karekin I attends local services.Byline: Susan Goldsmith Daily News Staff Writer Thousands of Armenians from Southern California Southern California, also colloquially known as SoCal, is the southern portion of the U.S. state of California. Centered on the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, Southern California is home to nearly 24 million people and is the nation's second most populated region, packed a chapel Sunday and lined nearby streets for a glimpse of the leader of the Armenian Catholic Church The Armenian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic church sui juris within the Catholic Church. Historically it represents a schism from the Armenian Apostolic Church. on his first official visit to the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . The bearded and scholarly Karekin I Karekin I (Eastern Armenian pronunciation: Garegin I) (Armenian: Գարեգին Ա) (August 27, 1932 - June 29, 1999), served as the Catholicos of the Armenian Apostolic Church between 1994 and 1999. led a two-hour liturgy at St. Peter's Armenian Apostolic Church The Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian: Հայ Առաքելական Եկեղեցի, Hay Arakelagan Yegeghetzi), sometimes called the Armenian Orthodox Church or the . "This is the first time we've had a spiritual leader coming amongst his flock bringing a message of oneness to the Armenian people," said Vahan Manoogian of Canyon Country, a deacon during Sunday's service. "He is vibrant and we are all getting energized by his message," Manoogian said. Karekin I was elected to the church's highest position in April. "His visit means a great deal to me," said Seran Kasparian of West Hills, who lighted candles outside the church Sunday morning. "His being here is a plus for all of us spiritually and every other way imaginable." The Oxford-educated holy man is the 131st pontiff of the Armenian Apostolic Church. His U.S. visit started several weeks ago, and was the first since Armenia became free from Soviet rule. "Our country is finally free and on its way to democracy," said Tagui Ter-Matevosan of Van Nuys, who waited in line outside the church Sunday hoping to see the pontiff. "The (pontiff) understands that and he always has a great message for us." After the liturgy, the pontiff placed a wreath at the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Montebello. Karekin I is the spiritual leader of more than 6 million Armenians worldwide, 350,000 of them in Southern California. CAPTION(S): PHOTO (1) Three choirs gathered at St. Peter's church St. Peter's Church, or variations on that name, may refer to: In Austria:
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