A gala, marking the official opening of the newly-constructed "Stambolian Family Assembly Hall", adjacent to the St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Costa Mesa, was held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, under the presidency of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Following the opening remarks, the official dinner commenced with the national anthems of the United States and Armenia, and an invocation by the Diocesan Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan. During the dinner, remarks were delivered by members of the Parish Council and auxiliary bodies of the parish. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Aris and Angela Stambolian, the benefactors of the new hall, members of the Parish Council, auxiliary committees and invited guests.

During the event, a Pontifical Letter of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, was read. In his message, His Holiness highly commended the unwavering faith and commitment of the faithful of the Costa Mesa community in establishing their own church, under which their spiritual and national life would be organized, ensuring the preservation of the centuries-old traditions of the Armenian Church and people.

"Today is yet another historic day for the Costa Mesa parish, as St. Mary Armenian Church is now equipped with a newly-constructed hall, which will create new opportunities for spiritual, educational, and cultural programs and contribute to the further vibrancy of community life," emphasized His Holiness in his message.

The Catholicos of All Armenians particularly recognized the generosity and benevolence of benefactor Mr. Aris Stambolian for his dedicated contribution to the prosperity of the Armenian Church. He extended his blessings and congratulations to the esteemed Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and the parish faithful.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian stated that the construction of the new hall had been a long-held dream of the community, made possible through unwavering faith and, in particular, the generous donation of Mr. Aris Stambolian. His Eminence recalled the visionary church-loving and faithful individuals of the community, including Civan Kalfa, Antranik Zorayan, Paul Hachigian, and Dr. Vahram Biricik, who had the foresight to establish the community. He also acknowledged the dedicated service of former pastor Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, the Parish Councils, and auxiliary bodies. With gratitude, the Primate noted that in recent years, the church had expanded its mission with new adjacent structures and selfless service.

The Primate added: "Today, we stand before you with grateful hearts and humble souls, but above all, giving glory to God for allowing us, hand in hand, to realize the dream of establishing new structures adjacent to the church, which are indeed necessary for expanding the boundaries of our ecclesiastical and national mission and instilling in future generations the purpose of living with the sacred identity of the Armenian people." He noted that each milestone in a community's life marks a new beginning for initiating new programs and responding to the demands of the time.

On the occasion of the opening of the "Stambolian Family Assembly Hall," the Primate highly commended benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Aris and Angela Stambolian, who, in his words, responded to God’s call and became the benefactors of the church and its complex. His Eminence honored Mr. Aris Stambolian with the title of "Pillar of the St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral." 

Archbishop Derderian also expressed his appreciation for the Parish Council and its chairman, Mr. Mark Asdourian, the Ladies’ Guild, and all auxiliary bodies. Mr. Mark Asdourian was honored with the title of "Honorary Godfather” of St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral by His Eminence. Additionally, the Words of gratitude were also expressed to the construction committee chair Mr. Tony Markarian; and the fundraising committee chair Mr. Puzant Zorayan.

“May  the  opening  of  the  Stambolian  Family  Assembly  Hall,  the  construction  of  the  Meghrouni Educational Building, and the redevelopment of the Bassenian Community Center inspire all of us to strengthen our bonds of fellowship and continue the noble work of building dynamic communities centered  on  faith,  love,  and  service,” stated His Eminence in part.

At the conclusion of the dinner, His Eminence announced that the Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan has been appointed as the pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Costa Mesa, in addition to continuing his role as Diocesan Vicar General. His responsibilities would include not only preparing the next spiritual leader for the Costa Mesa parish but also overseeing the training of pastoral candidates within the Diocese.

The Primate called upon the faithful of the community to unite around Fr. Yeremia, who, with deep awareness of his spiritual calling, would continue his dedicated service within the Western Diocese as a devoted clergyman and a member of the brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The newly-built “Stambolian Family Assembly Hall” of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Costa Mesa, equipped with all necessary facilities, stands as a unique structure that will bring together the children of the community and support the flourishing of the spiritual and cultural mission of the Armenian community in Orange County.

Chancellery of the Western Diocese
February 12, 2025