Washington, D.C. – His Eminence, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America recently traveled to Washington, DC to visit with Members of Congress who represent thousands of Armenian Americans across the western United States. The Prelate, accompanied by officials from the Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR) visited with various elected officials to discuss issues of concern to the Western Prelacy and Armenian American community he represents. ANC-WR Board Members Aida Dimejian and Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian accompanied the Prelate during his stay in Washington, DC.

“I am glad the Prelate was able to travel to Capitol Hill to meet with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate,” commented ANC-WR Board Member Aida Dimejian. “It was helpful for Archbishop Mardirossian to have a genuine dialogue with the distinguished elected officials who represent hundreds of thousands of Armenian Americans served by the Prelacy in California and other states,” Dimejian added.

The Prelate’s visit occurred amid Congressional consideration of H. Res. 106, the Armenian Genocide resolution. While not commenting on the legislation in particular, the Prelate did share with Members of Congress the deep impact the Armenian Genocide has had on all Armenian Americans and especially those he represents in communities across the western United States. During his visit to Capitol Hill, the Prelate met with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA), Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA).

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots public affairs organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR promotes awareness of issues of concern to the Armenian American community.

Photo Caption #1: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) (center left) joined by Western Prelate, Archbishop Maridorissian (center right) and (from left to right) ANC-WR Board Member Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian, ANC Activist Arthur Artenyan, ANC-WR Board Member Aida Dimejian and ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian.

Photo Caption #2: Congressman George Radanovich (R-CA-19) joined by the Western Prelate, Archbishop Mardirossian.

Photo Caption #3: Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA-14) (center right) joined by Western Prelate, Archbishop Maridorissian (center left) and (from left to right) Dimejian, Artenyan, Karakashian and Aposhian-Kasparian.