Western Diocese

December 27, 2007, was the feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul, according to the Church calendar.  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, on Sunday, December 30, 2007, on the occasion of the Name Day of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, celebrated Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon at the sanctuary of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys. In his sermon, the Primate reflected on the lives of Sts. Peter and Paul and their ministry and missionary activities throughout the world.

The Primate read and presented a blessing/congratulatory letter by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, addressed to Archpriest Fr. Zaven Demirjian, on the 80th anniversary of the senior clergyman. The Primate also praised the senior clergyman for his many years of dedicated service to the Armenian Church, and presented him with a pectoral-cross.  

The legacy of Archpriest Fr. Zaven Demirjian has indeed been reflected in the service of his son, Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys. The Primate also praised the outstanding service rendered by Fr. Shnork Demirjian to the Church and wished him more success in his mission.

The church service was followed by a warm gathering at the hall of the church where Fr. Shnork Demirjian presented the year-long schedule of the celebrations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys.