Holy Apostles Armenian Church Celebrates 10Th Anniversary With Episcopal Divine Liturgy

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Apostles Armenian Church of Tujunga, marking the 10th anniversary of the church’s consecration. Assisting the the Primate at the Holy Altar was the Very Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Pastor of the parish, as the faithful gathered in thanksgiving for a decade of spiritual growth and service.

A special highlight of the Divine Liturgy was the granting of four minor orders of acolyte to 17 young men. Reflecting on their sacred calling, Archbishop Derderian emphasized that service at the Holy Altar is not merely a liturgical responsibility, but an invitation to deepen one’s faith, serve God’s Word, participate in the prayerful life of the Church, and bear witness to Christ through one’s life. He encouraged the newly ordained acolytes to embrace their ministry with reverence, humility, and devotion.

In his homily, the Archbishop gave thanks for the parish’s 10-year journey, emphasizing that a church fulfills its deepest purpose when it becomes a living house of prayer, a school of faith, a spiritual family, and a home for the Christian formation of generations. He commended the parish for gathering families, children, and youth around the Holy Altar and strengthening their love for Christ and the Armenian Church.

“The true wealth of the Church is its faithful people, especially the younger generation that is ready to offer its time, gifts, and talents in service to God and His Church,” His Eminence emphasized. He described the ordination of the 17 new acolytes as a particularly meaningful fruit of the parish’s anniversary, while warmly congratulating their parents and families for nurturing in them the values of Christian faith and love for the Church.

Archbishop Derderian expressed his appreciation and blessing to Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian for his devoted pastoral ministry, as well as to the Parish Council, Ladies’ Society, and all those whose faithful service and generosity continue to strengthen the parish community.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop presided over the unveiling and blessing of a newly created memorial monument at the church entrance, with the participation of Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian. Created by sculptor Gaspar Gharibyan, the monument features three distinctive khachkars commemorating three important milestones in the parish’s history: the founding of the Abrahamian Complex in 2012, the consecration of the church in 2016, and its 10th anniversary in 2026. The monument will stand as a lasting testament to the parish’s spiritual journey and accomplishments.

The celebration continued with a luncheon and fundraiser organized by the Ladies’ Society, featuring musical performances by ACYO members Mesrop Madoyan and Nare Abovian. As a gesture of appreciation, commemorative reproductions of an original icon depicting the church’s Holy Altar were presented to families whose generosity has contributed to the parish’s growth.

The 10th anniversary celebration, the ordination of 17 new acolytes, and the unveiling of the khachkar memorial together formed a meaningful bridge between the parish’s accomplishments of the past decade and its hopes for the future. Rooted in faith, service, and communal dedication, Holy Apostles Armenian Church continues to nurture a living connection between generations and to carry forward the sacred mission and heritage of the Armenian Church.