On Sunday, August 18, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Eastern Diocese, visited the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C. On the
name day of the church, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God,
the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the Blessing of Grapes
service. After the services, Archbishop Barsamian presented the "St.
Nersess Shnorhali Medal" to Mr. and Mrs. Jirair Nishanian: longtime
members of the Washington parish, and benefactors at the local, Diocesan, and
international levels. The Primate presented the medal to the Nishanians on
behalf of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.