Primate
Posted: 05/22/2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026, was a very special day of rejoicing and celebration of the 116th Anniversary of the Consecration of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Fowler. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, was the celebrant of Divine Liturgy. His Eminence was assisted by our parish priest, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian and former parish priest, Rev. Fr. Kevork Arakelian.
Parishioners of St. Gregory are always pleased to have our Primate present at services and other events and are especially grateful for his endearing expressions of praise and affection for services of our priest, leadership, auxiliary organizations and Sunday School and parishioners in general. Consecration of Sanctuary Entrance Doors. Following Holy Liturgy, Archbishop Derderian, accompanied by clergy, deacons and parishioners, conducted a special service consecrating new sanctuary doors that replaced the doors originally donated by the family of Markar Markarian in the 1950s. Due to age and wear, the old doors that served the church well needed to be replaced. Thankfully, through the generosity of the grandchildren of Vartouhie Kargenian, and in her memory, and also in loving memory of Deacon Richard Nikssarian and Dr. Dennis M. Kalebjian, the beautiful new sanctuary doors were consecrated. This project was overseen by Parish Council Chair Paulette Kalebjian and council member Larry Avedisian. In addition to the celebration of the anniversary of the founding of St. Gregory and consecration of new sanctuary doors, there were two momentous recognitions.
Hye Spirit Awards
At the request of our parish priest and Parish Council, the Primate presided over presentation of Hye Spirit Awards. This year’s awards reflect gratitude for the outstanding, selfless, dedicated leadership and hard work of three special recipients who have dutifully served the church: Joseph “Joey” Fredericks, Paulette Kalebjian, and Dr. Scott Asmar. Our Primate offered words of praise and reflection concerning the celebration of the founding of the church as well as the service of the three outstanding parishioners presented with the Hye Spirit Awards. Archbishop Derderian said, “It’s a wonderful day to be with you on the 116th Anniversary of the Consecration of Soorp Krikor Lusavorich Hayastanyayts Yegeghetsi. 116 years of history, dedication, and love which has been given for the sake of this church and community. And we praise the holy name of Almighty God for empowering the hearts and souls of the founders of this church and all those who have given abundantly what God has graced upon them so that through their dedication, we continue to worship here each Sunday the holy name of Almighty God.” “We continue as the living church in Christ, and through this celebration, we will be honoring three of the dedicated members of Soorp Krikor Lusavorich who deserve the honor of the Hye Spirit Award. Not that they have expected anything from us. It is important that you are shown gratitude. I know each of you personally, and I know how much you give – from your heart - as you continue to serve Christ our Lord. Your life becomes a true example to the younger generation.
“In recognition of your service and dedication to this church, we pray that Almighty God will strengthen you in your Christian faith and also strengthen the parishioners who watch over you and are delighted by your service. We pray that the Almighty will grant you long and healthy lives…so you may be in service to God and this holy Apostolic church.”
Dedication and Naming of the Dick and Mary Nikssarian Family Park. Dickran “Dick” and Mary Nikssarian are beloved members of St. Gregory Armenian Church. They have significantly contributed to the work and vibrancy of the church over many decades. So much of the foundation of the church – including church leadership and labor regarding numerous major improvement projects – have their distinct mark. Dick Nikssarian (age 99) and Mary have not only been constant in their church leadership and regular attendance at services, they have imbued deep faith in their children and grandchildren who carry on the torch of fidelity and service to the church mission. In recognition of their decades of service, Surpazan announced that the park on the church grounds were, at the behest of Der Hayr and the parish council, being named the Dick and Mary Nikssarian Family Park.
His Eminence offered these thoughts: “Your names will be here forever – for generations to look at your names – and to ask the question, ‘Who are these people’ – Dick and Mary Nikssarian?’ The young couple who have worked hard, from the beginning, and have given their lives – not only to their immediate family, but also the extended family of Soorp Krikor Lusavorich. When I see your children and your grandchildren in the church, then I say they have fulfilled the promise of God.” You have fulfilled your responsibilities, and you will continue to do so. And on this very special occasion, the next-door park will be named the Dick and Mary Nikssarian Family Park.”
A wonderful banquet at the church’s Markarian Hall followed services in the sanctuary. As is so common, church volunteers cooked and served the mezza and meal. The Honorable Charles Poochigian served as the Master of Ceremonies who invited Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian to deliver the invocation. Remarks were also offered by the newly selected parish council chairman Michael Missakian. Mike is well-recognized within the parish and throughout the Diocese for his dedication and leadership. He praised Archbishop Derderian’s pastoral leadership and work ethic and expressed thanks for his strong support for the parish. He next offered congratulations to the Hye Spirit Awardees and reiterated the vital role they have played in church life. Finally, he spoke of his admiration for the lifetime of service of Dick and Mary Nikssarian.
The three Hye Spirit Award recipients each offered brief words of gratitude – with a theme of thankfulness for the opportunity to serve. Reflecting on the recognition, Paulette Kalebjian, immediate past parish council chair, said about the recognition received: “Whatever it is, we don’t do it alone” – complimenting the entire parish family. She spoke about the collective spirit of service in the parish and praised the selfless work of so many. She especially emphasized the importance of a thriving Sunday School that she described as ‘the heart of our church.’”
Father Gomidas offered his own reflections and words of gratitude. But most significantly, and to the great surprise and enjoyment of all banquet guests, he sang in his incomparable, mellifluous voice, traditional Neopolitan song, Santa Lucia, in winsome acknowledgment of Hye Spirit Awardees Joseph Fredericks, Paulette Kalebjian, and Dr. Scott Asmar as well as Dick and Mary Nikssarian, especially Joey’s Italian heritage. He brought down the house with his rendition.
In his concluding remarks and benediction, His Eminence spoke of the trait of humility in fulfilling our Christian mission and reiterated the importance of work in service to the church and his thankfulness for St. Gregory Armenian Church.
Submiited by Hon. Charles Poochigian
