St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino celebrated a milestone on Sunday, February 23, 2020. The day marked the Archpriest Fr. Datev Harutyunian's 30th anniversary of ordination and consecration into the Sacred Order of the Priesthood and 20th anniversary as pastor of the Cupertino parish.

The festivities commenced with a gala banquet on Saturday organized by the banquet committee. Presided by the Diocesan Primate, Mr. Arra Yerganian served as the Master of Ceremonies. The Krikorian Family were recognized as the family of the year while young parishioners Roman Avakimov, Vahan Krikorian and Talar Yerganian were recognized as outstanding youth members.

A proclamation of Father Datev’s 30^th anniversary of ordination was presented by Santa Clara County Supervisor the Honorable Joe Simitian.  Remarks at the banquet were also made by Homenetmen’s Ani Chapter Chairman Vahe Baronian, Homenetmen’s Ani Chapter Executive Council Member Krikor Krikorian, AGBU Central Council Member Dr. Yervant Zorian, ARF Bay Area Chair Maral Boursalian, Armenian Relief Society’s Agnouni Chapter’s Kohar Enemark, San Francisco and Bay Area ANCA Chairman Matt Senikeremian, San Francisco’s St. John Armenian Church Pastor the Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash, Fr. Datev’s son Deacon Dikran Harutyunian, and St. Andrew Armenian Church Parish Council Chair Dr. Peter Abaci.

In his remarks, Fr. Datev thanked the Primate, the Organizing Committee, and the entire faithful for sharing the memorable day with him. He vowed to continue his service with a renewed sense of dedication and zeal.   

In his congratulatory message to the honoree, the Primate wrote “As a ‘good and faithful servant’ and a ‘brave shepherd,’ you have remained true and loyal to carrying out the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We commend your unwavering service rendered to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Armenian Apostolic Church and Christ’s flock. We pray for your health and ask the Almighty God to grant you and your loved ones long and healthy lives.”

Dear Fr. Datev, from the bottom of our hearts we congratulate you on the joyous occasion of your 30^th anniversary of Ordination and Consecration into Priesthood as well as the 20^th anniversary of pastorate at St. Andrews. We extend our congratulatory wishes to Yeretzgin Sylva, your children Dikran and Sirouhie, relatives, and the entire faithful of St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino. We also commend the services of the Parish Council, Ladies Society and the Organizing Committee for the noble gesture of celebrating the auspicious occasions.”

On the following day, the Diocesan Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily at the host parish. During the service, His Eminence ordained altar servers Hrag Charekian and David Madley into the Diaconate, congratulating them and conveying his wholehearted wishes to the newly ordained young men as they embark on a new journey of committedly serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and fulfilling the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church to lead the flock of Christ on the path to righteousness.

Archbishop Derderian commended Fr. Datev’s committed service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the family of St. Andrew Armenian Church. As a token of his gratitude His Eminence presented a pectoral cross to Fr. Datev.