On Sunday, May 31, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, officiated the blessing of the foundation of the new sanctuary in San Diego, California.  Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, Parish Priest, Archpriest Manoug Markarian, and Archpriest Datev Tatoulian also took part in this joyous ceremony.  The service also featured the voices of Deacons Yerevan Ohannessian and Levon Parsegov, and choir members, led by choirmaster Nishan Chadergian.

Against the backdrop of picturesque landscape and warm sunshine, this ancient rite consisted of blessing the site of the new church as well as anointing and laying of the foundation stones that were carved with Armenian crosses.  The sanctuary’s generous benefactor, the Israelian/Butterfield family, was unable to attend, but will be individually honored and celebrated at the consecration ceremony in about a year’s time. 

Sixteen godfathers placed the stones at the 16 pillars of the foundation, each representing a different Apostle and the evangelists of the Holy Gospels. The godfathers were named because of their generous stewardship of the Bridge to the Future project, which began in 2010 as a multi-year capital campaign to build a new church campus near Del Mar. 

The godfathers were Khoren & Kathy Kassardjian, Paul & Rosemarie (deceased) Kalemkiarian, represented by Honorable Sharon L. Kalemkiarian , Alan & Mireille Yaghdjian, Carol Vassiliadis represented by Khoren Kassardjian, Gary (deceased) & Ilse Takessian, David & Annie Malcolm, represented by Kathy Kassardjian, Armen & Sevan Derderian, John & Cynthia Andonian, Jim & Jane Sahagian, Paul Esajian, represented by Karen Esajian, Jack (deceased), Garo & Nina Hachigian, Berge & Terry Minasian, Harry & George Krikorian, Noubar & Maida Markarian, Steven & Lisa Kradjian, and Jim & Beth Broussalian.  Godfather of the Altar were Jack & Maro Kalaydjian, represented by Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Robert Aboolian, Parish Council Chairman, stated, “Our generation has been working hard and will continue along this path to complete the construction of this church campus. But remember, the purpose of our endeavors is to leave a legacy for the generations to come. Today, we see the first fruits of our community’s efforts, dedication, and selfless dedication towards this project. Our parishioners and spiritual leaders have demonstrated that they can work well together for the greater good of our church and community, so I am very optimistic about the future of this project.”

In his keynote speech, Archbishop Derderian said, “This historic day is the reflection of our Christian faith and witness to the vision of our ancestors, for their life’s journey has been with God, a journey of resilience and resurrection, a journey looking beyond the horizons.  This historic ceremonial rite is an act, which strengthens our faith in God and our bond with the history of our nation, and is a bridge of our lives to the future.  I wholeheartedly congratulate you as you launch the start of this monumental project. Be not afraid for the Lord will guide you and protect us all as long as we stay united in our prayers.  I salute all the Godfathers and all those who have taken an active and leading role in this project. God, our Lord, will strengthen the foundation of our new house of worship through your dedication.”

Closing the short program, Rev. Fr. Berjekian commented, “A decade of hard work by our enthusiastic community and supporters throughout the Diocese brings us to this momentous occasion. It is indeed gratifying to know that future generations of our community will have a beautiful and blessed sanctuary in which to connect with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, we move closer to the completion of this new edifice ensuring that future generations of our children and grandchildren will have an opportunity to be baptized and wedded in the heart of their mother church. With God’s blessings we will soon witness the physical manifestation of our new and glorious sanctuary.”

The Bridge to the Future project dates back to 2008 when the Trust Fund Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church purchased close to 14 acres of premium property in San Diego, California. In October 2014, the Conditional Use Permit was granted by the City Planning Commission, and in January 2016, the Coastal Commission approved construction of the site. In 2017, the project was taken over by the newly-formed Building Committee to oversee and facilitate the construction phases.  Thanks to a very generous donor, an additional 4 acres of adjacent property was donated to expand the footprint of the campus.

When completed, the campus will feature a sanctuary designed to resemble St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, elegant social hall, youth center and gymnasium, education and cultural building with classrooms and a library, Armenian Heritage Park, 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, 18-acre property promises to become the jewel of the Western Diocese and a destination for Armenians worldwide.  The new property is located at 13860 El Camino Real in the City of San Diego between Del Mar Heights Rd. and Via de la Valle.

For more information, visit www.stjohngarabed.com or contact Building Committee Chairman Garo Hachigian, Parish Council Chairman Dr. Robert Aboolian, or Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian or call (818) 468-3157. To get on the mailing list for regular email updates, please send a request to info@stjohngarabed.com