A Day Of Blessings At St. James Armenian Church

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, made a pastoral visit to St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and presided over several significant occasions in the life of the parish community.

During the service, Archbishop Derderian ordained Aren Divanyan and Vrej Davtyan into the Holy Diaconate, while Sherak Wahram and Gevork Gevorkyan were granted the authority of stolebearers. Addressing the altar servers, His Eminence encouraged them to remain steadfast in their ancestral Christian faith and to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Armenian Apostolic Church with devotion, humility, and commitment.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Diocesan Primate led a procession into the church courtyard where, together with the parish pastor, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan, he consecrated a beautifully crafted cross-stone (khatchkar) commemorating the consecration of St. James Armenian Church. The ceremony served as a visible expression of faith and a lasting testament to the spiritual heritage of the parish.

The day's festivities concluded with a celebratory banquet. At the request of Fr. Yeghishe, Archbishop Derderian presented the Diocesan Hye Spirit Award to devoted parishioners Narine Khachiyan and Mr. and Mrs. Sahag and Elizabeth Garabedian in recognition of their zealous Christian spirit and dedicated, unwavering service to the parish community. In appreciation of her commitment to preserving and promoting Armenian cultural traditions through dance, Zartonk Dance Academy Artistic Director Gohar Chakhalyan was honored with a Message of Blessing and Commendation. The Primate also expressed his appreciation to Fr. Yeghishe Ksachikyan for his faithful pastoral leadership, commending his vision and dedication in guiding Christ's flock along the path of righteousness.

Archbishop Derderian's pastoral visit was a joyful affirmation of faith, service, and community life. Through the ordinations, the consecration of the khatchkar, and the recognition of devoted servants of the Church, the day reflected the vitality of St. James Armenian Church and its continuing commitment to nurturing spiritual growth, preserving Armenian Christian heritage, and strengthening the bonds of fellowship among its faithful.