MONTEBELLO, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS: Montebello Mayor Pro Tem Jack Hadjinian was sworn in Tuesday as mayor, becoming the first Armenian-American to be selected to that position, the Whittier Daily News reports.

Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the invocation at the City Council meeting that was held at Bagramaian Hall of the Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral with more than 600 people in attendance. “I am absolutely humbled and grateful to serve as the new mayor of Montebello,” said Hadjinian. “As a native resident of Montebello whose roots go back three generations, my love and commitment to the growth and prosperity of Montebello has grown even deeper.” Hadjinian, who was elected to the Montebello City Council in 2011, succeeded Bill Molinari as mayor. Councilman Art Barajas was elected mayor pro tem.