Armenian Church Of Ventura County Celebrates Annual Grape Blessing Picnic

The Armenian Church of Ventura County held its Annual Grape Blessing Picnic on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks, bringing together parishioners and friends for a joyful celebration of faith, tradition, and community. The festive gathering was honored by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and Mr. Derik Ghookasian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council. Also joining the celebration was the community’s visiting priest, Rev. Fr. Tatev Terterian.

During the celebration, Archbishop Derderian commended the mission parish community for its zealous Christian spirit and steadfast commitment to preserving and upholding the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The picnic continued in a warm spirit of fellowship, featuring delicious Armenian cuisine, joyful Armenian dancing, and the blessing of grapes—a cherished tradition that beautifully brings together faith, heritage, and community.