The month of June, traditionally the most sought after month of the year for weddings, was utilized by the Armenian Bar Association as an opportunity to solidify its union with the Armenian Church. In consecutive weeks, Board members and leaders of ArmenBar met with Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Primate of the Western Diocese and Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian Prelate of the Western Prelacy.
 
The meetings were mandated by newly elected Chairman Edvin Minassian, and were intended to explore ways ArmenBar can work with the Armenian Church to educate and provide assistance to members of the community. Minassian is on various Boards of the Western Diocese and the Organization of Istanbul Armenians.
 
"I can think of no better way to reach out to our community than to create a stronger bond with the leaders of the Armenian Church," said Minassian. "Our meetings with the Archbishops were very productive, and the groundwork was laid for future community forums, lectures and events designed to educate, provide pro bono assistance and further the mission of our organization," he said.
 
Attending the meetings were Chairman Minassian, Vice-Chairman Garo Ghazarian, Treasurer Sara Bedirian, Board Member Hovanes Margarian, Board Member Nigol Manoukian, Board member and former Chairman Armen Hovannisian, former Chairman and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Zaven Sinanian, former Chairman and Treasurer Vicken Simonian, and Saro Kerkonian, former Treasurer and Rights Watch Chair.
 
Each meeting resulted in a productive exchange of ideas and a discussion of ways to work together. The meeting with Archbishop Derderian took place at the Western Diocese headquarters in Burbank, followed by a tour of the extraordinary new church. Equally fulfilling was the meeting with Archbishop Mardirossian at the Prelacy’s impressive newly built church in La Crescenta.
 
Archbishop Derderian is an Oxford educated, luminary leader of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. He was appointed to his current position in 2003. Archbishop Mardirossian has a doctorate degree in theology, has served as Prelate since 1996, and was elevated to the rank of Archbishop in 2003. Both spiritual leaders have made significant advances for their constituents in Southern California.