A New Chapter Of Faith: The Armenian Apostolic Church Takes Root In Idaho

A historic milestone was reached for Armenians in Idaho as the newly established Mission Parish of the Western Diocese celebrated its inaugural Divine Liturgy on Saturday, 17 January 2026.

This joyful occasion followed the October appointment of a provisional Parish Council by the Primate of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, signaling a renewed commitment to nurturing Armenian spiritual life in the region.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan, whose heartfelt sermon strengthened the community’s faith and reaffirmed its collective resolve to build a vibrant and enduring parish rooted in shared heritage and devotion.

The celebration continued with a fellowship gathering that reflected the warmth and unity of the growing community. Dr. Harutyun Melikyan, Chairman of the Provisional Parish Council, welcomed everyone and encouraged them to take active part in the exciting journey of building the community. 

He then introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, the Director of Institutional Innovation at the Diocese, who had come to Boise especially for the occasion and to develop a strategic plan with the provisional parish council.

In his thought-provoking address on Armenian identity in the 21st century, Dr. Tchilingirian spoke about the perceptions and views on identity and heritage in the Diaspora today, as well as a range of issues relevant to Armenian communal life. He concluded by emphasizing that a strong spiritual and communal foundation must precede any physical structure. He highlighted the values of faith, solidarity, and shared purpose as essential pillars of a healthy and flourishing church community.

This moment stands on the shoulders of years of steady spiritual growth. In April 2018, by the arrangement of the Primate Archbishop Hovnan, the Divine Liturgy was first celebrated in Boise by Fr. Vazken Movsesian, who delivered a message of resurrection, hope, and communal worship on the eve of Genocide Commemoration. Held at the Greek Orthodox Church and followed by a warm fellowship, that gathering planted seeds that have since borne fruit.

The Primate’s visit to Boise in October 2025, together Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan of the Armenian Church in Seattle, who also provides pastoral care to the community in Idaho, further affirmed this progress.

Together, these milestones mark a hopeful and inspiring new chapter for the Armenian Apostolic Church in Idaho—one defined by faith, resilience, and a shared vision for generations to come.

As the community has grown to several hundred members, Archbishop Hovnan took decisive steps toward its future by appointing a Provisional Parish Council to guide organization, outreach, and spiritual continuity. The members are Dr. Harutyun Melikyan (Chair), Ms. Flora Dermin (Vice Chair), Ms. Deanna Boyadjyan Nibbs (First Secretary), Ms. Joanie Vernon (Second Secretary), Mr. Vahagn Sargsyan (Treasurer), and advisors Mr. Armen Baghdasaryan, Mr. Tigran Hakopian, Mr. Gevork Boyajyan, Andranik Avetisyan, Ms. Tania Abadjian.