Western Diocese

On February 4, 2012, the faithful community of St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita celebrated the parish’s 2^nd Anniversary with a Gala Banquet at Great Caesar Banquet Hall in Tujunga, California. Attending the event with Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian were guest clergymen the Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan (Holy Etchmiadzin) and Rev. Fr. Yeremia Khachatryan.

In the exciting event program, Melia Tabakhian and Will Simonian served as emcees. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church after which Parish Council Chair Mano Seukunian, Form Parish Council Chair and Present Parish Assembly Chair John Tungaian, and Ladies’ Society Chair Hasmik Tabakhian addressed the guests with their welcoming remarks.

The Hayastan Children’s Dance Ensemble of St. Sarkis, dressed in traditional Armenian attire, delighted the crowd with their marvelous dance performances to Armenian folk music. The adult dance ensemble performed Greek and Georgian dances to the enjoyment of the audience. In his remarks, Fr. Nerses reflected on the distinct work ethic of the Parish Council and all auxiliary bodies of the Parish in bringing prosperity to St. Sarkis. He thanked all members of the Body of Christ for their love, commitment and selfless dedication.

The Primate was introduced by Fr. Nerses to present the Certificates of Blessing and Recognition to John Tungaian, Raffi Haddad, Maral Sabounchian, Lida Vahramian, Aida Askejian, Harout Soghomonian and Mrs. and Mrs. Arthur and Josefina Maghakian. For his years of selfless service to St. Sarkis, Archbishop Derderian presented the “Archbishop’s Award” to Mr. Garo Kurian. Acknowledging the presence of Diocesan Council Vice Chairman Bob Barsam and Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan’s Ordination Godfathers Mr. and Mrs. Heros and Anahid Kajberouni, the Primate expressed his gratitude to Mr. Barsam and Mr. and Mrs. Kajberouni for their heartfelt support.

 Music dancing and entertainment followed the traditional cake cutting ceremony.