On Monday, November 13, 2017, a town hall meeting with the Honorable Vigen Sargsyan, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia took place at St. Leon Cathedral “Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian” Hall in Burbank with the participation of H.E. Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian, Primate of Artsakh, the Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, Valery Mkrtoumian, Deputy Consul General, religious and community leaders, and community members.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, participated in the town hall. He was joined by Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, Catholicosate Central Executive member, Clergy and Executive Council members.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ambassador Hovhannissian. Minister Sargsyan delivered his talk on “The modernization of Armenia’s armed forces,” focusing on Armenia’s safety, defense strategies, re-organization of the army, equipment upgrading, and so forth. A question and answer session followed, moderated by Armenia Fund President Mrs. Maria Mehranian.
The Prelate conveyed his remarks, first giving thanks for the important meeting. His Eminence thanked the Ambassador and commended the Defense Minister’s indefatigable and diligent service and the vast endeavors he has initiated and carried out in his first year for the enhancement and strengthening of the Armenian army.
The program concluded with the benediction delivered by the religious leaders.
