Khachkar consecration in Hovsepian School of St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena.

On September 12, a Khachkar (Cross stone) was consecrated by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Western USA in the yard of Hovsepian School of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena. The khachkar is dedicated to the memory of Deacon Gevorg Panoyan, famous educator and specialist of medieval Armenian music/songs (sharagans) and is donated by philanthropist Dean Shahinian of Washington D.C. Dr. Karen Israyelyan, Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles touched the topics of the symbolism and importance of khachkar for the Armenian identity during his remarks.