The Diocese
Posted: 08/14/2026
Caring for the elderly holds a special place in the Christian faith. Scripture calls believers to honor and care for their elders, recognizing their dignity, wisdom, and the immeasurable contributions they have made to their families and communities. For the Western Diocese, this commitment is more than an expression of pastoral care; it is a cherished mission of Christian love and service. Visiting the elderly is a reminder that the Church’s ministry reaches beyond the sanctuary, offering companionship, prayer, and encouragement wherever they are needed.
On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Diocesan clergy, led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, visited the elderly residents of Ararat Home in Mission Hills to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity for prayer, fellowship, and the sharing of the Church’s loving presence with those who have given so much to their families, community, and faith.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Chapel by Rev. Fr. Gevork Abyan, who also delivered the homily, reflecting on the significance of the traditional rite of the Blessing of the Grapes in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, the celebration continued throughout the nursing facility, where Archbishop Derderian and the Diocesan clergy blessed the grapes and shared the joy of the feast with the residents. The Primate also extended his blessings and warm greetings to the administration and staff of both the nursing facility and Chapel.
Expressing his appreciation on behalf of Ararat Home, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chairman of the Board of Trustees, thanked Archbishop Derderian and the Diocesan clergy for their continued pastoral care, compassion, and faithful presence among the residents. The visit concluded with a renewed sense of gratitude and fellowship, reflecting the spirit of the Feast of the Assumption and the Church’s enduring call to serve one another with love.
