Western Diocese

After the conclusion of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, at the church, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, bestowed the rank of Archpriesthood upon Fr. Shnork Demirjian.

 

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, read the encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, wherein the beloved Pontiff lauded the Reverend Father’s dedication and sophistication in serving the Church.

 

 His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, who had ordained Fr. Shnork to Priesthood in 1991, as the Primate of the Western Diocese, was also present during the service.

 

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his remarks expressed his high regard for Fr. Shnork and wished him more success in the service of the Church. The Primate also presented commendation plaques to several dedicated members of the Church.

 

A reception followed the church service. During the reception Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian expressed his wholehearted appreciation to the beloved Pontiff and the Primate of the Western Diocese for honoring him with the rank of Archpriest. He then went on to thank St. Peter Parish Council, auxiliary bodies and the beloved parishioner for their support and dedication to the church.

 

The Primate’s message on the occasion follows:

We extend our blessings and greetings to Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California.

We have known Fr. Shnork since his early childhood. His exemplary dedication to the Church and his genuine love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been manifested since his early teen years when he attended church regularly along with his devoted family, stood enthusiastically as a candlelight-holder, and later served wholeheartedly as an acolyte at the altar.  Currently, Fr. Shnork Demirjian serves as one of the most brilliant and dedicated priests of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church,  with ever deepening and growing faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

After immigrating to the United States, he immediately decided to pay heed to his calling to serve the Church, attending St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle (NY) in preparation for the priesthood.   Not surprisingly, he excelled academically and became one of the most outstanding students to graduate from the St. Nersess Seminary. Upon his marriage in 1991, he was ordained to the priesthood.

As the pastor of one of the largest churches of the Western Diocese, Fr. Shnork has been most ably and enthusiastically serving his parish – developing close ties and constructive working relationships with all organizations within the church and the parishioners at large. Under his outstanding leadership the church has grown strong, attractive and lustrous. He is most respected and loved by everyone, within and out of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California. He is always willing to tend to the spiritual needs of his flock, with love and tenderness – unique to the true Disciples of Christ.

Fr. Shnork has previously served as a member of the Diocesan Council and currently serves on the board of Clergy Council. His outstanding record of service to the Church prompted us to ask His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to elevate Fr. Shnork to the rank of Archpriest.

We congratulate the St. Peter Parish on the joyous occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of the church in Van Nuys, California. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, his family and his parents. We beseech St. Mary, Mother of God, and all other Saints with our prayers for their intercession. We raise our prayer to the Lord to bless and protect Fr. Shnork and his family, for he is a worthy son and servant of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church.

 

-          Archbishop Hovnan Derderian