CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER MIKE GATTO BEGINS MEETINGS WITH ARMENIAN CHURCH LEADERS

BURBANK, CA – Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America on August 6 to discuss matters related to the Armenian-American community in the 43rd Assembly District.
The Assemblymember stressed his commitment to support legislation advancing the core issues that are important to Armenian-Americans in the Diaspora. He shared with the Archbishop his longstanding record of advocating legislation in favor of the Armenian Cause, and legislation providing support to Nagorno Karabagh and the Republic of Armenia while working as a congressional aid for Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks).
“As the State Assemblymember of the largest Armenian community in the United States, I am very familiar with the concerns of my Armenian-American constituency and I will continue to stand by my commitment of representing their needs,” said Assemblymember Gatto.
Archbishop Derderian acknowledged Assemblymember Mike Gatto’s dedication to working diligently with the Armenian-American community. Derderian expressed his willingness to work with Assemblymember Gatto to address the issues that affect Armenian-Americans.
The Archbishop discussed in further detail the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II from Armenia for the consecration of the Cathedral adjoining the Diocese headquarters, taking place on September 11. The Assemblymember will partake in the consecration ceremony, joining other key officials and leaders, in bearing the stone cross or khatchkar that will be erected outside the Cathedral honoring victims of the 9/11 attacks.
“As a person who studied history and who has been so active in the Christian faith, I am deeply honored to participate in a ceremony with the leadership of the very first and oldest Christian church,” said Assemblymember Gatto. A meeting with the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Church is slated to take place in the upcoming weeks.