Raffi Barsamian
124th Leader Of Al Malaikah Shriners
Noble Raffi Barsamian was born on November 28th 1956, in Amman, Jordan.
The family moved to the United States in 1966 to the windy city Chicago, Illinois. In 1970 the family moved once again to Canoga Park California where Raffi attended High School and graduated in 1973.
After graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force and served six years in the Civil Engineering Squadron. Raffi traveled extensively while serving in the military and was stationed in such places as the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Hawaii, Okinawa, Texas, North Dakota and Maryland.
Raffi is a proud Vietnam Veteran and was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1979
During his active duty career he attended LA Community College and University of Grand Forks in North Dakota.
Raffi worked in the Financial Services industry and Mortgage banking for many years.
Raffi and his Lady Marsha have been together for 42 years and are both very proud parents to their son Ohan.
Raffi is a member of Ararat Lodge #848, and a Charter member of Oasis #854.
In 2006 he became involved with our Craft and was raised a Master Mason in Ararat Lodge #848 in May of 2007. He served for 2 years as the Candidate Coach for Ararat Lodge. After serving as Committee chair for Lodge activities, in 2009 Raffi served as the Jr. Deacon on the Armenian Degree Team and still continues to this day.
In 2010 he was elected as Secretary of Ararat Lodge #848 and reelected for his 12th term in 2021.
In June of 2014 Raffi was awarded the Hiram Award by Ararat Lodge #848.
He is a member of all three York Rite bodies, Signet Chapter #57 Royal Arch Masons, Omega Council #11 Cryptic Masons and Los Angeles Commandry #9 Knights Templar.
He became an Al Malaikah Shriner in 2007 and a member of the Awesome A Shrine Club immediately, he served as Secretary in 2008, 2009 and as President of the Club in 2011. He is also the founding member of the Marksmen Shrine Club, a member of the LA Cigar Club where he served as President of the Club in 2020, he is a member of the Show Biz Shrine Club and served as Secretary/Treasurer 2019 and 2020. Raffi is still an active member of the Clubs.
Raffi is a member of the following Units, Desert Sun Patrol, Koppers and Motor Patrol
Raffi was appointed as the Director of Shrine Clubs in 2013 & 2014 for Al Malaikah Shrine, part of his responsibilities were to oversee 38 Shrine Clubs and 15 Regional Directors. Raffi also served on the membership committee in 2014 and was appointed as the Membership Chairman for 2015 & 2016.
Ill Sir Lynn Georgeson appointed Raffi as 2nd Ceremonial Master in 2015, Raffi and his Lady Marsha have had a fantastic time through their years in the Divan and will continue to work hard and have FUN while they continue to serve the Shrine and the Shrine families.
Raffi and Marsha are grateful for all the lifelong friendships they have made since becoming a part of this fraternity.