The parish of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated its Annual Name Day on December 18, 2016. The Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was the day’s celebrant on the auspicious occasion, as the parish family of St. James solemnly observed the Feast of St. James, the great Bishop of Nisibis, whose name they have adopted as their Patron Saint.

During the service the Pontifical Encyclical and the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal from His Holiness Karekin ll, Catholicos of All Armenians was presented to Mr. Kevork Antabian. The Parish Council and the parishioners of St. James were pleased that Mr. Kevork Antabian was recognized as a devoted and distinguished servant of the Armenian Apostolic Church, having served as an acolyte since 1930 when he was 10 years old and in his teens elevated to the rank of Deacon at St. Takavor Church in Azez, Syria. Antabian migrated from Aleppo in 1981 to reside in Redondo Beach and immediately joined St. James Armenian Church with his wife Aroussiak, and children Ohannes, Sarkis and Ardem.  He was steadfast in his service and devotion to St. James, including several terms on the Parish Council; Chairing the Mr. and Mrs. Club; serving on the Annual Picnic Committee and appointed as permanent Kavit Administrator by the Parish Council.

In keeping with the Church’s annual tradition, at noon His Eminence conducted the Requiem Service and offered prayers for the souls of the many deceased parishioners and clergy.

Following church services, a celebration banquet was held in Gogian Hall at 12:30 p.m.

Another tradition of the Name Day Banquet, was the presentation of the Primate’s prestigious Hye Spirit Awards.  This year His Eminence presented the awards to Mrs. Shirley Moore and Mrs. Susie Vahanian in recognition of their years of unselfish service and devotion to their beloved church and its parishioners.  The recipients are sisters who have faithfully served in a wide variety of positions in the St. James Ladies Society as well as in all the events and activities organized by the church.