Parishes
Posted: 08/06/2026
Sunday, August 2, 2026, was a joyful and blessed day for the Armenian community of Pasadena as His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, made a pastoral visit to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church. He was warmly welcomed by the pastor, the Reverend Father Sarkis Avakian, members of the Parish Council, and the faithful, who received his visit as an occasion of paternal blessing, encouragement, and spiritual renewal.
The Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with Father Sarkis serving as concelebrant and the church choir, under the direction of Barthev Külümian, providing the sacred hymns.
During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Derderian ordained Shane Janian, a candidate for the priesthood of the Western Diocese and a student at St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary, to the sacred order of the diaconate. Following the ordination, the Primate presided over the installation ceremony of Deacon Arin Parsanian as Assistant Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. A candidate for the priesthood of the Western Diocese, Deacon Arin recently earned his Master of Divinity degree from St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary. Beginning August 1, he has been serving at the Pasadena parish under the pastoral supervision and guidance of Father Sarkis, with responsibility for specific pastoral ministries.
In his sermon, Archbishop Derderian reflected on the Christian calling to faith-filled and selfless service, emphasizing that ecclesiastical ministry is, above all, a divine calling and a sacred responsibility before God and His people. He prayed that Deacons Shayn and Arin would fulfill their ministries with steadfast faith, humility, wisdom, and dedication, for the glory of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and the spiritual edification of the faithful.
The Primate expressed his appreciation to Father Sarkis for his devoted pastoral service, and to the Parish Council and affiliated bodies for their dedicated contributions to the spiritual, educational, cultural, and administrative life of the community. He also offered his paternal blessings to the families of the newly ordained Deacon Shayn and Deacon Arin, commending them for nurturing in their sons a love of faith, the Church, and service.
During the celebration, Archbishop Derderian presented Mr. Kyuregh Mankerian with a Certificate of Blessing and Commendation, honoring more than five decades of devoted service to the Armenian Church and the Pasadena community, particularly his longstanding ministry as church organist and his contribution to the preservation and transmission of sacred music and the faith to younger generations.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Primate blessed and dedicated the church’s newly renovated doors in honor of Andy, Joan, Matthew, and Sharon Meymarian. He then participated in the blessing and ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Geragos-Krishnaswami Courtyard, dedicated by Mark and Paulette Geragos in support of the church and community.
The day concluded with a reception, where parishioners and guests celebrated these milestones and offered their congratulations and prayers for God’s abundant blessings upon Deacons Arin and Shane, Mr. Mankerian, and all those who continue to serve the life and mission of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.
