On Tuesday, April 16, 2019, the Diocesan Primate H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by Diocesan clergy of the Los Angeles area paid a pastoral visit to Ararat Home in Mission Hills, California.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Yeremia Khachatryan, Visiting Priest to Ararat Home who was assisted at the Holy Altar by the Rev. Fr. Vatche Hayrapetyan, the Rev. Fr. Serovbe Alanjian and Deacon Guzh Khachikyan. After performing the traditional blessing of the water service in the sanctuary, the clergy distributed Holy Communion to the residents and staff of Ararat Home.  

In the skilled nursing facility, the clergy greeted the residents with the traditional Easter Greeting Christ is Risen From the Dead, Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ. In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the administrative and nursing staff for their compassionate care of the elderly residents which exemplifies their Christian spirit and reveals their enduring affection for service. In turn, Mr. Derik Ghookasian, Chief Operating Officer of Ararat Home and Ms. Margarita Kechichian, Ararat Home’s Executive Director thanked the Primate and Diocesan clergy for their pastoral care, spiritual guidance and encouraging presence which uplifts the residents and staff alike. The residents received Holy Communion from the clergy. Prior to their departure, the clergy were treated to a reception by the staff of Ararat Home.