Western Diocese

Very Rev. Fr. Baret, the Primate and Rev. Fr. Hovsep (Parish Priest) surrounded by acolytes during the blessing ceremony On Friday, May 8, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Cathedral Construction Special Assistant to the Primate, and Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, attended the official blessing ceremony of the newly purchased properties of the Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley, located at 2767 and 2773 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, California.

Vahan Aladadian (middle) is the current Chair of La Canada Parish Council Beginning at 8:00 PM, the enthusiastic faithful gathered inside an existing building on one of the purchased properties, headed by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley, greeted the Primate and the accompanying guests. The blessing ceremony began with the recitation of the Lord's Prayer by everyone in the soon-to-be temporary sanctuary of the church, followed by the consecration of three stone-crosses by the Primate, assisted by the present Diocesan Clergy.

In his remarks, the Primate praised Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Parish Priest, and the members of the Parish Council - headed by the able and active Parish Council Chair Vahan Aladadian - for achieving this millstone in the history of the parish. The Primate expressed the hope that the growing church would eventually cater to the spiritual needs of more than 25,000 Armenians living in the area.   

Mr. Janoyan one of the founders of the parish and the first P.C. Chairman speaks to the parishioners during the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Khatchig and Rosemary Janoyan, one of the founder families of the Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley (Mr. Janoyan was also the first Chairman of the Parish Council), were present during the pivotal day in the history of the parish. A small reception organized by Dr. and Mrs. Simon and Lena Simonian, was held following the blessing ceremony.