On, Saturday, June 16, 2012, Chaplain Rafi (Ohanes) Garabedian, who heads the Western Prelacy Prison Ministry program, was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for his dedicated service to the inmates of Los Angeles County.
The 3rd annual “Volunteer Appreciation Awards Ceremony” was organized by the Sheriff’s Department Inmate Services Bureau, in coordination with the Religious and Volunteer Services Office, to recognize the outstanding contributions and efforts of volunteers who better incarcerated individuals.
Among the honored guests in attendance were Director Karen Dalton, Lieutenant John Hunter, Sergeant Kerwin Wong, Sergeant Christina Baker, director of the Religious and Volunteer Services Office Deputy Alex Gamboa, and members of both organizing departments.
The Prison Ministry program is among the social services offered by the Prelacy. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, assigned Chaplain Rafi to head this program years ago. He visits Los Angeles area jails on a regular basis to offer spiritual guidance to the inmates. Chaplain Rafi was also honored by the Prelacy Representatives Assembly two years ago for his service in this field.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian is also involved in this service, and regularly visits the Twin Towers jail in Los Angeles. Recently, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian was also assigned to serve in this program.
