Western Diocese

On Friday, May 8, 2009, with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Parish Priest Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, deacons, acolytes, and a large crowd of parish members, the blessing of the new church grounds of the Armenian Apostolic Church of La Cañada and Crescenta Valley took place.

On this occasion, Meline Aghajanian, member of the Ladies' Guild Auxiliary, presented the following account:

           "With the power of prayer and faith, the dream of the church parishioners, Ladies' Auxiliary Guild, and other committees and organizations, became a reality after strenuous and searching for four-and-a-half years.  Finally, with the cooperation between His Eminence and the church committees, we were able to purchase a property in the city of La Crescenta.  With this happy news, we truly rejoiced, and there were tears in the eyes of the ladies of the Ladies' Auxiliary Guild.

            Under chairmanship of His Eminence, with the parishioners singing hymns, the sweet fragrance of incense filling the air, the blessing of the grounds took place.  All those present were extremely happy that finally we have our own church in this area.

The scene was very emotional when, through the lights of the candles, His Eminence raised his eyes towards Heaven, prayed to God for His guidance and assistance and to bestow strength and ability upon our people, to erect this new church

from which the strength of the sacred light of Jesus Christ will illuminate the Armenian

 family giving them peace, love, and understanding among the members.

On this occasion, as a member of the Ladies' Auxiliary Guild, I would like to thank our Eminence, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and chairman of the Parish Board, Mr. Hovsep Ganimian, who made us so happy.

Our thanks and gratitude go to all members of our parish, Fr. Hovsep, all members of the Ladies' Auxiliary Guild, and all other groups and committees.  Thanks to Dr. Simon and Mrs. Lena Simonian, who bring us together and who have their doors open for us all the time.

Dear Armenian friends, to establish a new church as a house of God and prayer, there must be faith, and united spirit and force.

I call upon all of you:  come and unite with us, so that collectively, hand in hand, with total cooperation, we can erect the house of God for our hope, prayers, and faith: our Armenian Apostolic Church of La Cañada and Crescenta Valley.

Let us remember the last words of our LORD Jesus Christ:  'Love one another.'  Let His love guide us all."      

                                                                     Meline Aghajanian,

                                                            Member, Ladies' Auxiliary Guild,

                                                Armenian Apostolic Church of La Cañada and 

                                                                        Crescenta Valley