On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the St. James Armenian Church community joyously celebrated its Name Day.

The day began with morning services, culminating in the Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, assisted by Parish Priest Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, deacons, and acolytes. In his sermon, His Eminence paid heartfelt tribute to the visionary founders of St. James, whose faith, courage, and sacrifice laid the foundation of this spiritual home. Their enduring legacy was honored during a memorial prayer at the sanctuary monument, where the names of these pillars of faith are inscribed.

Archbishop Hovnan expressed his admiration for the dedication of the Parish Council, deacons, choir members, and church organizations, commending their unwavering efforts to sustain the vibrant life of the parish. He also presented Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian with an icon as a token of gratitude for his pastoral leadership. The contributions of distinguished late members of the community—Mr. Gerald Turpanjian, Mrs. Seta Melkonian Tajirian, and Deacon Hagop and Ayda Zerunyan—were solemnly remembered for their steadfast devotion to the Armenian Church and St. James.

His Eminence engaged the Sunday School children in a dialogue about their faith, church traditions, and Armenian heritage. He commended their teachers, Gregory and Peter Turpanjian, for their commitment to teaching at St. James Sunday School and for learning the Armenian classical Krapar language and leading confessional prayers during the Divine Liturgy.

In the afternoon, a celebratory banquet was held at St. James Gogian Hall. Deacon Eric Nikssarian, Chairman of the Parish Council, welcomed attendees, and Archbishop Hovnan blessed the meal. The banquet featured a stunning musical performance by Mrs. Nektarin Chilyan, a talented vocalist and canon player, who captivated the audience with a selection of Armenian and classical songs.

Fr. Haroutioun expressed heartfelt gratitude to Archbishop Hovnan, the banquet committee, and the 83rd Anniversary Committee, recognizing their dedication to the church's success. He also thanked Mr. Levon Thorose, recipient of the “Hye Spirit Award,” for his lifelong service to St. James, which included leadership roles in Sunday School, the Parish Council, and charitable missions. Primate Archbishop Hovnan Surpazan presented the award, commending Levon’s contributions to the church and community.

The efforts of Vicken Semerdjian, Eric Papazian, and their fellow Eagle Scouts were acknowledged by Chairman Deacon Eric Nikssarian for their church beautification project, and the Primate congratulated and blessed Vicken for his dedication, presenting him with an icon as a gift. The Ladies Society, represented by Mrs. Patricia Samarge, announced a generous $10,000 donation toward the renovation of Gogian Hall, underscoring their commitment to the parish's growth.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Hovnan emphasized the vital role of St. James in preserving Armenian Christian traditions and fostering faith within the community. He honored Ms. Linda Kalayjian, the church secretary, with a cross necklace and congratulated Yeretskin Talin for her dedication alongside her husband, Fr. Haroutioun.

The joyous event concluded with the cutting of the Name Day Anniversary cake, led by Mrs. Asdghig Chooljian, a devoted Ladies Society member celebrating her birthday, surrounded by her family and parish leadership.

This celebration reaffirmed the enduring faith, unity, and service that define the St. James Armenian Church community.