BURBANK–On Sept. 9–Armen Hampar–chairman of the Western Diocese fundraising committee hosted a dinner banquet at the Lakeside Country Club in Toluca Lake–where close to $1 million was raised to benefit the first phase of the construction of a new Cathedral at the Diocesan Center.
In his opening remarks–Hampar encouraged the participants to support the construction venture. John Yaldezian–Chairman of the Diocesan Council welcomed all guests and emphasized the importance of the development of the Cathedral complex.
Also speaking was Krikor Garabedian–who presented a detailed financial report concerning donations received since the acquisition of the new Diocese property. A slide presentation on the Cathedral project was made by Bob Barsam.
The Western Diocese headquarters–located on a 2.7 acre land on Glenoaks Blvd.–purchased at $2,450,000–was paid in full and an additional $500,000 was used toward making initial improvemen’s of the Diocesan offices–in order to make the facilities more functional.
The Diocese has occupied the complex–made renovations and equipped the offices with the latest computers and office machinery. Plans for construction were finalized and the necessary permits have been secured.
Under Barsam’s leadership–and with the participation of Vartkes Barsam and Vartan Nazerian–plans were completed in order to proceed with the construction.
Architect Vartan Jamgozian was hired to develop the site together with the committee. The construction will be completed in three phases. The estimated cost of all phases is estimated to be approximately $7,500,000–which includes the purchase price.