CHURCH LEADER VISITING REGION.Byline: Helen Gao Staff Writer GLENDALE - The world leader of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church will arrive today in 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, for a five-day visit expected to draw thousands of followers to religious and cultural events. His Holiness a title of the pope; - formerly given also to Greek bishops and Greek emperors. See also: Holiness Karekin II Catholicos Karekin II (Armenian: Գարեգին Բ also Garegin) is the current head of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church. , who was elected as Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians in 1999, will land at 10 a.m. at Van Nuys Airport Van Nuys Airport (IATA: VNY, ICAO: KVNY, FAA LID: VNY) is a public airport located in Van Nuys, California in the San Fernando Valley, within the Los Angeles city limits. , kicking off his first visit to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church Armenian Church, autonomous Christian church, sometimes also called the Gregorian Church. Its head, a primate of honor only, is the catholicos of Yejmiadzin, Armenia; Karekin II became catholicos in 1999. of North America. ``His people are very anxious to meet with him and see him for the first time,'' said Armen Hampar, chairman of the pontifical pon·tif·i·cal adj. 1. Relating to, characteristic of, or suitable for a pope or bishop. 2. Having the dignity, pomp, or authority of a pontiff or bishop. 3. Pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious. reception. ``(The visit) is very very significant. He is the head of our church. He is the equivalent of the pope in the Vatican.'' Anna Movsesian, executive secretary of the diocese, said the visit comes at a very important time because 2001 marks the 1,700-year anniversary of Armenia's acceptance of Christianity as a state religion. Armenia is believed to be the first country in the world to do so, in 301 A.D. Hampar estimates that 1 million Armenian Christians live in Southern California, the highest concentration outside the Armenian capital of Yerevan. The Western Diocese oversees 26 churches in its jurisdiction. The diocese has planned a series of events, some of which are sold out. Some 10,000 followers are expected to turn out at 10 a.m. Sunday, when Karekin II will recite the Pontifical Divine Liturgy at the Hollywood Bowl. Movsesian said all Armenian Christian churches will be closed on that day. Karekin II, 50, is known for his work in rebuilding churches in Armenia after years of decline under the Soviet regime. ``Christianity is going through a renaissance in Armenia,'' Hampar said. ``With all the work he is doing, the Armenians here are really looking forward to his visit.'' AREA ARMENIANS' WEEK OF WELCOME Following is the schedule for His Holiness Karekin II, the leader of the Armenian Apostolic Church The Armenian Apostolic Church (Armenian: Հայ Առաքելական Եկեղեցի, Hay Arakelagan Yegeghetzi), sometimes called the Armenian Orthodox Church or the . For more information, call (818) 558-7474. --10 a.m. today - Arrival at Van Nuys Airport, including a traditional bread-and-salt blessing. --7 p.m. today - A Mass and Hrashapar, a traditional procession of welcome, will be held, St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, 17231 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. --10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday - Armenian schoolchildren schoolchildren school npl → écoliers mpl; (at secondary school) → collégiens mpl; lycéens mpl schoolchildren school will perform, St. Gregory Church, 2215 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. --7:30 p.m. Friday - Concert at Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401 N. Verdugo Road. --9 a.m. Saturday - Blessing of residents at Ararat Home of Los Angeles, 15105 Mission Hills Road, Mission Hills. --2 p.m. Saturday - Armenian Christian Youth Organization rally, Armenian Monument, 901 N. Via San Clemente, Montebello. --10 a.m. Sunday - Pontifical Divine Liturgy, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave. --5 p.m. Sunday - Pontifical banquet, Beverly Hilton Hotel, 9876 Wilshire Blvd. The event is sold out. --Monday - Granting of an audience. For information, call the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, (818) 558-7474. --7:30 p.m. Monday - 95th anniversary celebration of the Armenian General Benevolent Union The Armenian General Benevolent Union (Armenian: Հայկական Բարեգործական Ընդհանուր , 2495 E. Mountain St., Pasadena. CAPTION(S): box Box: AREA ARMENIANS' WEEK OF WELCOME (See text) |
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