It is with profound sadness that we inform the passing of Mr. Armen Hampar, a pillar of the Western Diocese, a devout Christian, a loving and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Hampar entered his eternal rest earlier today surrounded by members of his family. He was 88.

Referring to Armen Hampar’s rich legacy, the Diocesan Primate stated “Today, the Western Diocese lost one of its outstanding pillars who has carried in his heart and soul the vision of the founders of this Diocese. In the words of Maya Angelou, his loss is compared to “a great tree, whose fall makes rocks on distant hills shudder.” We lost an extraordinary man with an exceptional love and dedication for the Armenian Church, whose departure from this world orphaned this 93 year-old institution.”

As a young man, Armen Hampar followed in the footsteps of his parents by being immersed in the life of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church of the Eastern Diocese where he served with the utmost love as member of the Parish Council. The parish flourished through his invaluable contributions and he set a standard through his selfless service. His passion to serve carried over to the Western Diocese and his God-pleasing endeavors benefited St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys.

For decades, Armen Hampar dedicated his valuable time and loyally supported the sacred mission of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. At the Western Diocese, he was a Diocesan Grand Benefactor. Beginning in 1987, Armen Hampar served at the highest level of the Diocese, as a valuable member of the Diocesan Council. He served as the Chairman of the Diocesan Council from 1989-1991 and from 2010-2013. Mr. Hampar was the Chair of the Cathedral Building Committee, overseeing the successful construction of the decades-long awaited Cathedral of the Western Diocese. He was an esteemed member of the Endowment Fund helping to expand religious, cultural, national, and youth activities of the Diocese within the Armenian community.    

On March 30, 2003, Mr. Hampar received the St. Gregory the Illuminator Medal, the highest honor conferred upon a member of the laity by the Pontiff of the Armenian Church His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians in recognition of his generosity and valuable support of the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church. His loyalty to the Church was vividly expressed through his ardent support of the Stewardship Program, a mission aimed at training and preparing priesthood-candidates to shepherd the flock of Christ.

Armen Hampar’s compassionate spirit and his undying desire to strengthen the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church, earned him the love and respect of the Diocesan clergy, his fellow parishioners and the entire faithful community. With his humble service and compassionate personality, he set an example for the young generation and his children who continue their involvement in the life of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

His involvement in the Armenian-American community was truly commendable. For years, he was a beloved Board Member of Ararat Home. A benefactor and philanthropist in the truest sense of the word, Armen Hampar envisioned a vibrant and a more prosperous Armenian-American community.

On behalf of the Diocesan clergy, the Diocesan Council, Benefactors and Godfathers, Diocesan delegates and the entire faithful, we offer our condolences to the Hampar family, relatives, friends, and all who mourn his passing. We pray for his departed soul journeying into the abode of the heavenly saints and entering through the gates of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Blessed is the memory of the righteous.

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate