The Diocese
Posted: 06/30/2026
The Armenian Apostolic faithful of Colorado witnessed a historic and long-awaited milestone on Sunday, June 28, 2026, as His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, solemnly consecrated the newly established St. Hripsime and All Saints Armenian Church, marking the fulfillment of more than two decades of faith, perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering hope.
The consecration represented the culmination of a remarkable journey that began in 2003, shortly after Archbishop Derderian assumed the primacy of the Western Diocese as its eighth Primate. That same year, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Denver was established as a mission parish to minister to the growing Armenian community throughout Colorado.
On December 10, 2003, the first Divine Liturgy in the City of Denver was celebrated by the Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian at St. Catherine's Greek Orthodox Church. From that humble beginning, the faithful gathered regularly for worship while nurturing a shared vision—to establish a permanent Armenian church that would serve as the spiritual heart of the community. Through years of steadfast commitment, generous benefaction, volunteerism, and fervent prayer, that vision has now become a reality.
The historic weekend commenced on Saturday evening with the ancient and deeply moving Navagadig (Eve of Consecration) service. Before entering the sanctuary, Archbishop Derderian, accompanied by the Diocesan Vicar General, the Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan, and the pastor of St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, knelt reverently before the closed doors of the church to perform the sacred Opening of the Doors ceremony.
This centuries-old rite holds profound theological significance within the Armenian Apostolic Church. The closed doors symbolize humanity's separation from God through sin, while the ceremonial opening of the sanctuary signifies Christ opening the gates of salvation and welcoming the faithful into His holy presence. Through prayers, scriptural readings, hymns, and the blessing of the entrance, the church is set apart exclusively for divine worship, becoming a sacred dwelling where God's grace will be continually bestowed upon His people.
Addressing the faithful during the Navagadig service, Archbishop Derderian reflected upon the significance of the occasion, declaring, "This historic occasion marks the fulfillment of years of prayer, sacrifice, vision, and dedication by the Armenian community of Colorado."
Emphasizing the enduring mission of the new sanctuary, the Primate reminded the faithful, "This church is more than a building. It is a living symbol of our faith, unity, and enduring commitment to the Armenian Apostolic Church."
Looking toward the future of the Diocese as it approaches its Centennial celebration in 2027, His Eminence concluded, "May this holy sanctuary remain a house of faith, hope, love, and service, inspiring generations to come and bringing glory to God and to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church."
The following morning, hundreds of faithful gathered for the historic Rite of Consecration and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Among the distinguished guests were Her Excellency Anna Avetisyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles; Mr. Berj Apkarian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno; Mr. Tigran Muradyan, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Denver; Diocesan Council Chairman Mr. Derik Ghookasian and his spouse, Adrineh, together with numerous clergy, benefactors, and community leaders.
With great anticipation, the congregation awaited the naming of the church. Their joy erupted into heartfelt applause as Archbishop Derderian proclaimed the new sanctuary to be St. Hripsime and All Saints Armenian Church, entrusting it to the heavenly intercession of the heroic virgin martyr St. Hripsime and all the saints of the Armenian Church.
In his message, the Primate commended the remarkable journey of the community, affirming, "This historic milestone is the fruit of years of prayer, vision, sacrifice, and collective effort. It stands as a testament to your steadfast faith, perseverance, and commitment to the mission of the Armenian Church and the life of your community."
Reflecting upon the community's growth from a mission parish into a flourishing church family, His Eminence proclaimed, "This new church will serve as a house of prayer, a center of faith, and a spiritual home for generations to come."
Archbishop Derderian also expressed his deep appreciation to the church godfathers, benefactors, and countless volunteers whose unwavering faith, Christian zeal, generosity, and dedicated service transformed a cherished dream into a blessed reality.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan delivered remarks highlighting the pivotal role of St. Hripsime in the history and spiritual life of the Armenian Church. Congratulatory addresses were also offered by Consul General Anna Avetisyan, Diocesan Council Chairman Derik Ghookasian, and the Parish Council Chair of the newly-consecrated church Hrant Miramanyan, each recognizing the historic significance of the occasion for both the Armenian Church and the Armenian-American community of Colorado.
The consecration weekend was filled with profound spiritual inspiration, thanksgiving, and celebration, marking not merely the dedication of a church building but the establishment of a permanent spiritual home that will serve generations of Armenian faithful for years to come.
Although the sacred sanctuary has now been consecrated, work continues on the completion of the holy altar and the baptismal font, both of which are expected to be finalized in the near future. St. Hripsime and All Saints proclaims the enduring witness of the Armenian Apostolic faith and the realization of a dream that will continue to inspire future generations.
