On December 15, 2019, the Diocesan Primate paid a pastoral visit to St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles where Archbishop Derderian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. The Primate’s pastoral visit was on the auspicious occasion of the 78^th anniversary of the Name Day of the St. James Parish.

His Eminence was assisted at the Holy Altar by the Rev. Fr. Harouitioun Tachejian, Pastor of the host parish and Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, visiting pastor from the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada.

During the service, Archbishop Derderian ordained Tedrik Hayrapetian, Krikor Sarkis Mesrobian, Antranig Kevork Mesrobian, Ara Panos Akarakian, Boghos Antranig Keutelian, Eric Anthony Nikssarian, and Norair Michael Tachejian into the Diaconate and granted four minor orders of acolyte to Hagop Jack Andranikian, Anthony Avo Bolsajian, Joseph Seto Chelebian, Ardo Daron Khedesian, Nicholas Aram Manoukian, Ryan Armen Manoukian, Carl Baghdik Papazian, Gregory Peter Turpanjian, and Peter  James Turpanjian.

Archbishop Derderian encouraged the newly ordained deacons to renew their commitment and dedication to serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to continue to preserve and uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church. The Primate also presided over the ceremonial blessing of the veils of ACYO  members Natalie Zabel Chedotte, Annie Dilsizian, Summer Gracie Garoian, Dahlia Rosine Kizirian, Vanna Lee Kizirian, Lena Takouhi Mukhalian, Mayda Tachejian, and Lori Anne Tovmassian.  

“St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles continues its mission as the inextinguishable beacon of the community not only spiritually, but culturally as well. Being resolute and steadfast in your ancestral Christian Faith, you continue to work collectively for the enlightenment and prosperity of your Parish. By doing so, you answer a most noble calling of spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in your community,” stated Archbishop Derderian referencing to the significance of St. James Armenian Church in the life of the Western Diocese.

Following the service, a procession was led to the courtyard of the church were the Primate presided over a requiem service for the departed souls of the pastors and parishioners of St. James Armenian Church.

The requiem service was followed by a reception in the Gogian Hall of the parish where parishioners Nvart Barsoumian and Pauline Mukhalian were honored with the Diocesan Hye Spirit medal for their unwavering and selfless service rendered to St. James Armenian Church.

The Primate also commended the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, whose selfless service and genuine personality have earned him the love and respect of the community as well as the members of the Parish Council whose your collective vision and firm belief in the mission of St. James Armenian Church have led to the prosperity of the parish. Addressing the parish family of St. James, Archbishop Derderian stated “Continue to educate, instill, and inspire. Serve with grace and humility.” 

The parishioners were also enthralled by the musical performances of the “Sound of Children’s Choir” directed by Sirvard Kavoukjian.