Seminarian Attends Foundation Awards Dinner

On September 23, seminarian Dn. Johnathon Dergazarian, a student of the Western Diocese, attended the 61st Annual Appeal of Conscience Foundation Awards Dinner at The Pierre Hotel in New York City. The annual gala brought together religious, diplomatic, civic, and business leaders in support of the Foundation’s mission of advancing religious freedom, human rights, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and cultures.

The Armenian Church was represented by several leaders of the Eastern Diocese. His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church and a trustee of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, led the closing prayer. His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, former Primate of the Eastern Diocese and longtime Vice President of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Rabbi Arthur Schneier. Also in attendance was the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Vicar of the Eastern Diocese.