Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, along with the Parish Council and Building Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego, is excited to announce that construction of the new church sanctuary has begun. After many months of contract reviews, cost-cutting changes, and hard negotiations, the contract to build the first phase of the sanctuary has been signed.  Barring any unforeseen circumstances, occupancy will take place in 12-15 months.  The ceremony to bless the sanctuary’s foundation is slated for the end of May.

In addition to building construction, work is being done to widen El Camino Real to create a deceleration and acceleration lane for safe entering and exiting, relocate street lights, and put in a new sidewalk as well as planting trees along the frontage. This work will be completed by the end of June.

The Building Committee has retained the services of consultants who are working on designs in the areas of audio/visual, acoustics, exterior lighting, electrical, and design services. In addition, the Building Committee has been working closely with the landscape contractor to determine the most cost-effective, yet aesthetically pleasing landscape plan.

While we are completing the first phase of the project, which is fully funded, we are now focused on raising funds for the second phase of the project. In addition to cash donations that are needed now, pledges, which can be paid over time according to the donor’s wishes, are welcome. Other contributions can be made the form of property, securities, real estate, gifts from charitable trusts, matching gifts, and insurance policies. Click to give online to the Building Committee. For more information, please contact Building Committee Chairman Garo Hachigian, Parish Council Chairman Robert Aboolian, or Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berkejian or call (818) 468-3157.

When completed, the site will feature a sanctuary designed to resemble St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, elegant social hall, youth center and gymnasium, education/cultural building with classrooms and a library, Armenian Heritage Park with a Genocide Memorial, picnic and meditation spaces, and abundant parking.  Situated less than a mile from the ocean and just east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this valuable land, which totals 18 acres, promises to become the jewel of the Western Diocese and a destination for Armenians worldwide.