Western Diocese

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, paid a Pastoral visit to the Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside on April 20, 2008. His Eminence celebrated the Holy Badarak, and upon the request of the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Fr. Stépanos Dingilian, ordained the very first Acolytes of the Riverside Parish. Upon ordaining the five Acolytes, Nicholas Sultanyan, Khachadour Zadikyan, Arminé Dingilian, Kayané Dingilian, and Mariam Zadikyan, Surpazan congratulated the Pastor, the parents, and the entire Parish for encouraging the young people to take part in the liturgical life of the Parish. 

A special reception was held after the Badarak where special accomplishments were acknowledged. His Eminence presented David Olson, the reporter for the Press-Enterprise Daily Newspaper of Riverside, with the “Hope Inspiring Professional Award” sponsored by the Rev. Dr. Father Stépanos and Yérétzgeen Mariam Dingilian Armenian Church Youth Educational Fund. The award was for the hope inspiring first page article that Olson had written pertaining to the Armenian Genocide, featuring some of the Parish members relating the Genocide experiences of their family members. This article has been referred to numerous times by those living in the area.

Afterwards, His Eminence met the Parish Council members, some of the Ladies Society members, and bestowed the Hye Spirit award upon the 2007 Faithful of the Year Kevork Sultanyan, and congratulated him and his Aida, with their children Rita, Garo, and Nicolas for being an exemplary family. His Eminence read from his newly published book a quotation from George Bernard Shaw, who stated that all teaching begins from the family. His Eminence also presented the Elder of the Year Award to Kevork Guereghian, and Family of the Year Award to Hovannes and Maro Soultanian and family. Surpazan also met representatives of the Young Professionals and University Students who attend and take part in the Parish life. Finally, Surpazan gave his blessings to the Parish children and blessed them with special crosses.

On the occasion of his visit, the Parish Pastor Rev. Dr. Fr. Stépanos and Parish Council Chairman Kevork Sultanyan, presented His Eminence with the Parish contributions to the Armenia Sister Church Fund, the Armenia Orphan Fund, the Diocesan Stewardship Fund, the Diocesan Building Fund, and the Diocesan Assembly Fund as a means to support these programs established by the Western Diocese. Afterwards, on the occasion of his 50^th birthday, the Parish presented Surpazan with a contribution to the Primate’s Discretionary Fund at the Diocese, and with a special welcoming cake. After His Eminence cut the cake, the entire community shared the joy as the Parish’s Men’s Choir sang Armenian folk songs. As the event came to a close, the community recited the Lord’s Prayer and Surpazan gave his blessing and wished the Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside continued growth and progress in her mission.