The Diocese
Posted: 10/20/2026
The Armenian community of Las Vegas marked a significant milestone October 16–18, 2026, celebrating the 10th anniversary of St. Geragos Armenian Apostolic Church and the opening of new facilities at the Turpanjian Complex.
The three-day pastoral visit of His Eminence brought a spirit of spiritual joy and national pride to the community, honoring a decade of dedicated parish life while ushering in a new chapter of educational and community service.
The opening of the new facilities stands as a testament to the community’s collective commitment to preserving the Armenian Christian faith, language, and heritage. As the Western Diocese approaches its centennial in 2027, the project represents another important achievement in its ongoing mission to strengthen Armenian spiritual and cultural life for generations to come.
A Pastoral Visit and a Commitment to the Next Generation
On Friday, October 16, Archbishop Derderian arrived in Las Vegas, accompanied by Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese. He was welcomed by the parish pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Dz. V. Zumrookhdian. That evening, the Primate met with the Parish Council to discuss parish life, future initiatives, and plans for continued growth. He commended the council members for their devoted service and encouraged them to continue advancing the parish’s spiritual, educational, and community programs.
On Saturday, October 17, the Archbishop met with the administrators, faculty, and more than 100 students of the parish’s Seta Tajirian Saturday School. One especially encouraging aspect of the gathering was that all the students spoke Armenian, reflecting the school’s sustained commitment to teaching and preserving the mother tongue.
In a warm and engaging conversation, Archbishop Derderian encouraged the students to cherish the Armenian language, deepen their knowledge, and remain connected to their spiritual and national roots. He also expressed his appreciation to the teachers and school administrators whose dedicated work helps ensure that Armenian language and culture remain an integral part of the younger generation’s lives.
New Facilities Inaugurated at the Turpanjian Complex
Later that day, Archbishop Derderian presided over the ceremonial opening of preschool building adjacent to St. Geragos Armenian Church. The ceremony was attended by Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, invited dignitaries, community representatives, the parish pastor, and members of the Parish Council. The grand benefactor of the building is Attorney Mark Geragos.
The Primate also presided over the opening of the multi-purpose building wherein "Little Bloom Preschool" will operate. a significant addition to the parish’s educational mission. The establishment of a daily school alongside the church creates new opportunities for early childhood education, care, and support for families in the community.
Another highlight was the opening of Ani’s Eternal Garden, the complex’s entrance hall, where the Archbishop consecrated a cross-stone (khachkar), symbolizing the Armenian people’s Christian faith and enduring spiritual heritage. The benefactors of the garden are Alexander and Aline McTarian in memory of their daughter Ani.
The newly-dedicated Joseph and Hasmik Nakkashian Auditorium, made possible through the generosity of Hasmik Nakkashian, in memory of her late husband, Joseph Nakkashian.
The evening’s program was hosted by Marine Kostanian, who delivered the opening remarks. Speakers included the parish pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Zumrookhdian; Parish Council Chair Alexander Mctarian; school organizing coordinator Aline Papazian; and Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. The school's students delighted the audience with musical performances.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Derderian offered thanks and glory to Almighty God for bringing the construction project to a successful conclusion. He congratulated the community, emphasizing that its faith, unity, and perseverance had transformed a shared vision for the future into a tangible achievement.
The Primate underscored the broader significance of the new school, describing it as far more than a place of learning. “This building is an expression of the Armenian community’s unwavering faith, perseverance, and commitment to education,” he said.
He continued, “By building a school, we do more than construct a building: we cultivate minds, shape character, strengthen communities, and sow the seeds of a future that generations to come will inherit.”
Archbishop Derderian commended the Parish Council for its steadfast leadership, the benefactors for their generosity, and all those who contributed financially and through their dedicated service. He emphasized that the church, school, and community hall share a complementary mission: to nurture faith, preserve Armenian identity, and strengthen the spiritual and cultural bonds connecting generations.
The new complex provides the Las Vegas Armenian community with expanded opportunities to enrich parish life, support families, and create new avenues of service for its youth.
Episcopal Divine Liturgy Marks the Parish Anniversary
On Sunday, October 18, the Diocesan Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by the pastor of the host parish Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Dz. V. Zumrookhdian and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian. Parish Council members and faithful gathered around the Holy Altar to give thanks to God for the blessings of the past decade and the fruits of the parish’s ministry.
During the liturgy, the Primate elevated Mr. Arsen Zargaryan to the rank of Deacon and ordained four new acolytes (Dpirs): Hrach Ohanyan, brothers Tigran and Poghos Sulukians, and Andranik Siroyan. The Primate also blessed the veils of the Choir members and thanked them, along with organist Meri Menejian, for their unwavering service every Sunday and on special days of Church celebrations.
In his sermon, Archbishop Derderian reminded the faithful, “The Church is the living Body of Christ. It is not a static institution, but a living community of faith that continually grows and develops.”
Reflecting on the October feast of the Holy Translators, the Archbishop connected the saints’ enduring legacy to the parish’s 10th anniversary. By making the Word of God accessible in Armenian, the Holy Translators opened the way for the Armenian people’s spiritual, literary, and intellectual flourishing. Remaining faithful to their legacy, he emphasized, requires preserving the Armenian language and written tradition while guiding future generations through Christian values.
The Primate stressed that the church and the school are essential pillars of the community’s continuity: the church safeguards the faith, while the school transmits the language and culture. Together, these sacred institutions nurture a strong sense of identity and collective responsibility among present and future generations.
Archbishop Derderian also emphasized the universal nature of the Church’s mission, declaring, “St. Geragos Armenian Church does not belong to one generation, one clergyman, one Parish Council, or one particular group of parishioners. It belongs to Christ, and we are all called to serve the Church established by our Lord with humility, love, and faithfulness.”
Looking ahead to the Western Diocese’s centennial in 2027, the Primate called for the broad participation of the faithful in advancing the Diocese’s spiritual, educational, and youth ministries. He noted that the new complex in Las Vegas exemplifies what can be accomplished when pastoral vision is joined with the community’s trust, generosity, and active support.
Concluding his message, Archbishop Derderian invited the faithful to view the anniversary as an opportunity for renewed engagement: “May this 10th anniversary be an occasion for those who have become distant from community life to return, for parishioners to renew their commitment, and for those not yet part of our community to find a welcoming beginning.”
The Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the Fr. Sasoon for his devoted pastoral service, to the Parish Council and affiliated organizations for their dedication, and to the young people whose active participation strengthens the parish. He also commended the Las Vegas Armenian community for its enduring patriotism and steadfastness to preserving the Orthodox Faith of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian language, and national culture. Special thanks were extended to the benefactors whose generosity made the new complex possible.
In recognition of his longstanding pastoral ministry, Archbishop Derderian presented Fr. Sasoon with a replica of the Holy Lance, a revered relic preserved at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and associated with the spear that pierced the side of the crucified Christ. The gift symbolized the priest’s service in continuity with the sacred traditions and apostolic heritage of the Armenian Church.
Honoring a Decade of Dedicated Service
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Derderian presented Certificates of Blessing and Appreciation to longtime servants of St. Geragos Armenian Apostolic Church in recognition of their dedicated contributions to parish life.
Those honored included former Parish Council chairs Mr. Karen (Kevin) Setanyan and Mr. Hovsep Shadarevian; former council members Arsen Urfalian, Hrayr Titanyan, Samuel Hakobian, Vigen Kirakosian, Nersik Grigorian, Joseph Djavarian, Karen Hakobian, and Arthur Maroukian; and members who served in the Ladies’ Society: Hermine Avetian, Ellen Zargarian, Marine Genanian, Takouhi Semerjian, Karine Petrosian, Editha Sahakian, and Armine Karapetian.
The previous chairs of the Las Vegas Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) were Tade Kirakosyan, Natalie Urfalian, Rene Setanyan, and Katerine Setanyan were also recognized.
Additional honorees included Laura Khlgatian, founding principal of the Seta Tajirian Saturday School; Hasmik Nakkashian, choirmaster; Marine Menejian, organist; and Acolyte Armen Ashirian.
The recognition ceremony honored the sustained, often quiet work that has helped St. Geragos flourish throughout its first decade. Their example served as an invitation to all members of the community to offer their own gifts and talents in service to the Church and the people.
Archbishop Derderian’s three-day pastoral visit became an occasion for spiritual renewal, communal unity, and renewed confidence in the future. The parish anniversary, inauguration of the new facilities, and ordination of new altar servers came together in a powerful affirmation of the continuity of service.
Strengthened by the close bond between the Primate and the faithful, the Las Vegas Armenian community looks ahead with renewed dedication to preserving the Christian faith, educating future generations in their Armenian heritage, and building a vibrant parish life for years to come.
Chancery of the Western Diocese
