On July 1, in the Holy Translators church of Marseille, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, celebrated a Pontifical Divine Liturgy. In attendance were Primates of the Armenian Dioceses of Europe; clergymen; the Archbishop of the Coptic Church; RA Ambassador Mr. Vigen Chitechian; Mr. Vardan Srmakesh, RA Consul in Marseille; Senator Jean-Noel Gerrini, of the of Bush du Rhône region; representatives of state and municipal authorities; and numerous faithful. During the Liturgy, the Pontiff of All Armenians offered his message to the faithful sons and daughters. During the sermon, His Holiness granted an Episcopal Panagia to His Eminence Archbishop Norvan Zakaryan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of France, in appreciation for his years of service in the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church and for his efforts in the Diocese’s development and progress. His Holiness also presented the Church the Holy Translators an archimandrite’s icon on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the church. 
Following the Divine Liturgy, a banquet and closing event was held in the church hall. The Supreme Patriarch once again expressed his appreciation to Mr. Alber Azilazian, the Diocesan Council Chairman, Diocesan Council members, faithful sons and daughters, urging them to keep the national-clerical life active in their community, and to remain loyal to and love our Holy Church and Homeland.
