Armenian pontiff to visit Costa Mesa For...

Armenian pontiff to visit Costa Mesa

For the first time in its history, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic

Church is welcoming its pontiff, the world leader of the Armenian

Apostolic Orthodox Church, to Costa Mesa.

From June 1 through 20, His Holiness Karekin II will be visiting

the Western Diocese to bless congregations and to visit the site of a

future sanctuary in Glendale.

He is participating in a service at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic

Church on June 2.

Karekin II, who was elected Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of

All Armenians in 1999, visited Southern California in May 2001 on his

first United States trip as pontiff.

-- Elia Powers