The faithful of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of San Diego received the episcopal blessings of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian who paid a pastoral visit to the parish on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

During the service, Archbishop Derderian ordained Vahram Setrag Baghdasar, Kail Klijian, Karse Klijian, Stephan Ohannessian and Kyan Klijian into the diaconate. Archbishop Derderian commended the newly ordained deacons, reflecting on their unwavering faith and dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Primate exhorted the deacons to become ambassadors of Christ, our Lord through their humility and graciousness and to uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church with reverence.

In his homily, Archbishop Derderian called upon the faithful to walk with Christ. “Christ, our Lord is the light of the World. He is the living gospel uniting us to be one in him and partners in His divine mission,” stated His Eminence in part. Serving God and the Church is the path to eternal life in Christ. The descent of God’s Only Begotten Son is the ultimate act of humility which opens before us the path towards righteousness,” he continued.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Derderian consecrated two icons representing the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ (painted by artist Tigran Hovumyan). The Crucifixion icon was generously dedicated by the Oghassabian family. The icon depicting Christ’s Resurrection was donated anonymously by a faithful family of the community.

The Primate commended the pastoral leadership of the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, highlighting his devotion to God and the parish family of St. Sarkis Armenian Church. He reflected on the collective efforts of the auxiliary bodies of the parish including the Parish Council, the Ladies Society, the Sunday School, the ACYO, and the Choir for their invaluable role in enhancing the mission of St. Sarkis Armenian Church.

Following the service, the parishioners gathered for a celebratory luncheon at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian expressed spiritual delight in witnessing the closeness of the faithful community centered on serving the Armenian Apostolic Church and preserving the rich religious, spiritual, cultural traditions which unite our people.

The youth of St. Sarkis Armenian Church delighted the guests with wonderful instrumental and vocal performances. Archbishop Derderian also commended the professionalism of the musical director Sona Baghdasaryan.

Words of gratitude were also the Anniversary Committee for their organizational excellence in ensuring another memorable celebratory luncheon.