On February 10, 2018, the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, Diocesan Vicar General, with the participation of Archpriest Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, the Rev. Fr. Yessai Bedros and Deacon Allan Yeghia Jendian, presided over the blessing ceremony of the Vineyards, California Home’s newest facility and Fresno’s premier resort retirement community.

Mr. Derik Ghookasian, member of the Diocesan Council and Chief Operating Officer of Ararat Home was also in attendance.

Fr. Berjekian extended the Primate’s blessings to Mrs. Lucy Grayson California Armenian Home’s President of the Board of Directors and to the Board of Directors, wishing them continued success in their God-pleasing endeavors.

Below is the Primate’s congratulatory letter addressed to California Armenian Home’s President Mrs. Lucy Kazanjian Grayson.

Dear Mrs. Kazanjian Grayson,

From the Headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America, we convey our congratulations to the Board of Directors of the California Armenian Home and to you personally on the auspicious occasion of the official opening of The Vineyards - a premier retirement community perched in the green serenity of Fresno.

The Western Diocese realizes the eminent need for quality eldercare services for California’s growing Boomer population. We believe that our seniors deserve to spend their golden years in comfort with grace & dignity. As stated in our Mission Statement, “Love of God and neighbor, protecting the sanctity of the family, service to the community, respect for life and all of God’s Creation are values that we strive to live with individually and celebrate collectively.”

The Vineyard is a true source of pride for Fresno Armenians and the Armenian community at large. It is with spiritual gratification that we acknowledge the generous contribution of our Diocesan great philanthropists of blessed memory, the late Dr.  & Mrs. S. Barre and Sue Paul to the California Armenian Home.

We are certain that this facility will serve the best interests of our senior citizens giving them unconditional love and compassion.

Once again, we congratulate and wish you continued success in your God-Pleasing endeavors.

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of

North America