On the fourth anniversary of the consecration of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Diocesan Primate paid a pastoral visit to the parish in San Diego, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.
In his homily, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian reflected on the day’s Gospel reading (John 6:22–38), emphasizing how Christ’s message deepens our spiritual awareness of God’s boundless love for humanity. The descent of God’s Only Begotten Son from Heaven to Earth, he noted, opens for us the path to eternal life and calls each believer to place unwavering trust in God and to surrender one’s life to Him. Echoing the words of St. Nerses the Graceful, the Primate affirmed that in doing so, we fulfill the will of the Almighty. Christ’s message in the Gospel according to St. John, he concluded, is a universal invitation to draw nearer to God, to walk with Christ, and to live in communion with Him.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory banquet was held at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe. Addressing the faithful, the Primate remarked, “This milestone is a testament to God’s abiding presence among you and to the faith, devotion, and unity of your parish family.”
Speaking on the vitality of the parish, Archbishop Derderian expressed particular joy in the flourishing life of its youth. “We rejoice in the growing vibrancy of the parish youth, especially in the successful formation and development of the parish ACYO. Their enthusiasm, commitment, and sense of belonging are a source of hope for the future of our Church,” he said. He further praised the spiritual attentiveness of the faithful who regularly participate in Bible Study sessions, deepening their understanding of Holy Scripture, as well as the earnest engagement of children and youth in Sunday School, where the foundations of faith and Armenian Christian identity are carefully nurtured.
His Eminence commended the devoted pastoral leadership of the parish priest, the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, “whose tireless service and Christ-centered ministry continue to bear abundant spiritual fruit.” Words of appreciation were also extended to the Parish Council and the Ladies Society for their spirit of cooperation and shared dedication. “Your collective efforts stand as a living example of stewardship, unity, and service to the Church,” stated the Diocesan Primate.
Sarah Baghdasarian and Eric Barseghian served as Masters of Ceremonies for the celebratory banquet. Remarks were offered by Parish Council Chair Dr. Edward Araz Adourian and the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian. The evening’s cultural program featured vocal performances by the Sunday School students under the direction of Sona Baghdasaryan and Mari Simavonyan; a musical presentation by the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, accompanied on piano by Sona Baghdasaryan; performances by Shant Tanielian; violinist Dr. Matthias Von-Herrath with pianist Anna Grigorian; and Arno and Vaughn Janoyan.
Proceeds from the event benefited the church’s ongoing operations in support of the growing Armenian community of San Diego, with particular emphasis on its expanding youth programs.
St. Sarkis Armenian Church remains the only Armenian Apostolic Church in San Diego, serving as a vital spiritual, cultural, and social center for the region’s Armenian-American community. For generations, the church has provided worship, pastoral care, cultural preservation, and educational programming, continuing its sacred mission in San Diego and beyond.
