On Tuesday, February 11, 2014, former California State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino paid a courtesy visit to the Prelacy where he had a cordial meeting with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. His Eminence was joined by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and Executive Council members Dr. Navasart Kazazian and Mr. Toros Kejejian.
Mr. Portantino, who is on the board of the Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee, updated the Prelate on the progress of the project, reporting that the design was unanimously approved by the Pasadena City Council, that the final architectural renderings will be completed in a few weeks, and also that the Committee has planned a ground blessing ceremony for the morning of April 24.
Speaking on Genocide commemorations and memorials, the Prelate emphasized the importance of united efforts within the community, such as the work of the United Armenian Council for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
Mr. Portantino thanked the Prelate and the Armenian community for always being so welcoming. His Eminence thanked the honored guest for his visit, wished him success in his future endeavors, and presented him with a memento.
