The Western Diocese is blessed to have such dedicated faithful as Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Zorayan. The Zorayans have always stood by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Western Diocese and St. Mary Armenian Church in Costa Mesa with their kind deeds, generosity and dedicated service.

On October 17, 2010 yet another historic chapter was written in the life of the Western Diocese. At 5:00 p.m., with the participation of the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, the Primate presided over the official opening ceremony of the Zorayan Museum of the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.  

In her welcoming remarks, Mrs. Lena Simonian expressed her gratitude to the Primate for his encouragement and expressed interest in the museum progress. She also reflected on the years of dedicated service of the Zorayan family and thanked the Zorayan family for dedicating the beautiful museum to the Western Diocese. Mrs. Simonian also introduced the distinguished guests including Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian, Burbank Mayor Anja Reinke, Rolling Hills City Councilman Frank Zerunyan, retired Federal Court Judge Armand Arabian, Christine Aghakhanian representing Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Tevan Aroustamian representing Sheriff Lee Baca and Mary Hovagimian representing Congressman Adam Schiff.

In her remarks, Mrs. Lily Ring Balian congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Antranik and Virginia Zorayan and read the congratulatory letter of retired Federal Court JudJustice Charles and Debbie Poochigian who were unable to attend the ceremony.

Councilman Krekorian conveyed his message of appreciation to the Zorayan family and presented them with a plaque of proclamation from the Los Angeles City Council.         

Mayor Anja Reinke referred to the uniqueness of the Cathedral which adds to the overall beauty of the City of Burbank. She also reflected on the beauty of the Zorayan museum which displays paintings and historic cultural artifacts.   

The guests enjoyed the beautiful performances of traditional Armenian dances by the St. Mary Armenian Church “Zvartnots” dance ensemble. Mr. and Mrs. Antranik and Virginia Zorayan’s daughter talked about her loving parents. The Zorayan grandchildren also shared a few words about their grandparents.

In his remarks, Mr. Zorayan expressed his deep gratitude to the Primate whose support was essential in the realization of the museum. He also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Simon and Lena Simonian and Mrs. Lily Ring Balian for their support throughout the years.  

Museum benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Antranik and Virginia Zorayan received the Primate’s blessings and commendation for their unwavering support of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. Recently, the Zorayans pledged $100,000 to the Etchmiadzin Fund.  

The Zorayan Museum is located in the lower gallery of the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, is also the Director of the Zorayan Museum.