Western Diocese

On Sunday, January 27, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, paid a pastoral visit to the Arizona Parish on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in the state. During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the Primate ordained Dro Panosian and Garen Mardirosian to the rank of acolyte. The Sunday School students accompanied by their teachers, the members of the Ladies’ Society and the members of the ACYO and many other members of the parish were present during the church service. On behalf of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presented Deacon Dr. Stephen Ovanessoff with the “St. Nerses the Graceful” Medal of Honor, for his dedicated service to the Church. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, since his appointment as the Pastor of the Armenian Church in Arizona, has revitalized the parish, performing as an outstanding spiritual leader with great organizational abilities. The Primate presented several members of the Ladies Society with the “Hye-Spirit” Award for their outstanding and dedicated service to the church. The church service was followed by a reception, honoring the Hovsepian family. The Hovsepian sisters in addition to their initial land donation to the church have since donated more parcels of land to the church, which is estimated to worth more than three million dollars. The Primate and the Diocesan Council immensely appreciate the Hovsepian sister’s significant contribution to the church. There was a candlelight ceremony performed on the joyous occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in Arizona. The message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was read during the ceremony, in which the Pontiff had expressed his gratefulness to the Lord for the faithful and thriving parish in Arizona, wishing them success in their efforts in acquiring a church for the parish. During the reception, more than $300,000 was pledged towards the construction of the parish church in Arizona. We are glad to inform the faithful that the construction of the church will begin in the coming weeks. Primate’s Message on Occasion of 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Armenian Church in Arizona From the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, we extend to you our blessings and greetings with genuine love to Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, to the members of the Parish Council, to the Diocesan Delegates, to the Ladies’ Society, to the children of the Sunday School, to the students of the Armenian Language School, to the members of the Fundraising Committee, to the members of the Social Service Committee, the A.C.Y.O., Deacons and Acolytes, and to all other auxiliary organizations to the ‘Hye-Way,’ as well as donors, benefactors and all faithful members of the parish, on this joyous occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church of Arizona. Since 1957, the Arizona Parish has been determinately pursuing the goal of acquiring a church building for the faithful in Arizona. This noble goal has been partially realized, thanks to the joint efforts of the Parish Council, the auxiliary organizations and the generosity of Hovsepian sisters. Moreover, in 1992, with the generous contribution of Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Emma Melikian and with the gifts from the community a cultural center was built on the church property which is also used for the celebration of Divine Liturgy and other parish functions. In 2005, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, during the Second Pontifical Visit to the Western Diocese, blessed the land for the construction of the church. We hope that in the near future, God willing, the church would rise on this blessed piece of land, owned by the Arizona Parish, where the faithful would congregate for church services. It is worth mentioning that the Arizona Parish has been always actively involved with the youth, providing various services to this vital segment of the community, securing a continuous and prosperous parish into the future. Our newly appointed Parish Priest, the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, has truly demonstrated his abilities and enthusiasm in serving the Arizona Parish. We are glad to witness the cordial and harmonious cooperative atmosphere between the Parish Council, Ladies’ Society, auxiliary organization and the Parish Priest in fulfilling the Mission of the Church in the State of Arizona. Personally and on behalf of the Diocesan Council and the Diocesan Clergy, we congratulate you all on this joyous occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in Arizona. May God bless you with more success and hearten you in your quest in building the church for your congregation. With love and prayers, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Primate