On March 4, 2025, the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Pastor of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles represented the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at a reception honoring Pepperdine University’s Chancellor Sara Young and Senior Vice-Chancellor Hung Le. Hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Sylva Martayan, the reception was held at the Encino Banquet and Gardens.
In Archbishop Derderian’s remarks, His Eminence reflected on Pepperdine University’s academic excellence and its commitment to shaping the outstanding leaders of tomorrow.
In his message, which was read by Fr. Tachejian, the Primate wrote:
It is our great honor to welcome you all to this special evening as we recognize and celebrate the distinguished leadership of Pepperdine University. As a Christian institution dedicated to academic excellence and moral integrity, Pepperdine continues to inspire and shape future generations of scholars and leaders. This commitment to faith-based education is a beacon of hope in today’s world, and we are truly grateful for its unwavering mission.
This evening, we are especially blessed by the presence of Pepperdine University’s esteemed Chancellor, Sara Young Jackson, and Senior Vice Chancellor, Hung Le. Their visionary leadership has played an instrumental role in upholding the university’s values of faith, purpose, and service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Sylva Martayan for their gracious hospitality in hosting this beautiful reception in their honor. Your generosity and dedication to fostering meaningful connections between faith and education are deeply appreciated.
The Western Diocese has always believed in the power of education to transform lives. Through our commitment to supporting students, we actively provide scholarships and collaborate with the Armenian Students' Association to ensure that young Armenian scholars have the opportunity to pursue their academic and spiritual aspirations. We stand in firm support of Pepperdine University’s mission to cultivate visionaries and leaders who will serve with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.
As we gather in unity and gratitude, we offer our prayers for the continued success of Pepperdine University and all those who guide its path. May God bless Chancellor Sara Young Jackson, Senior Vice Chancellor Hung Le, and the entire Pepperdine community as they carry forward their sacred mission. May His wisdom and grace shine upon all students and educators, leading them toward a future filled with purpose, faith, and boundless possibilities. Amen.
