From the Headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, we greet you with the love of Christ and convey to you our genuine wishes on the auspicious occasions of the 30th anniversary of your ordination and consecration into the Sacred Order of Priesthood.

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, you have frequented the Armenian Church since early childhood. From a very tender age, important Christian values were instilled in your heart. God guided your footsteps to the Holy City of Jerusalem to embark on a new spiritual journey in pursuit of your calling. At the Theological Seminary of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, you received sound theological education. As a true follower of God, your heart has been filled with the divine messages of the Gospel of Christ, our Lord.

By the Grace of God, you were ordained and consecrated into the Sacred Order of Priesthood in 1991 by the hand of His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Patriarch of Jerusalem of blessed memory. At your ordination, Patriarch Manoogian named you after the kingdom and royal dynasty of Pakradouni, putting an awesome and dutiful burden on your shoulders. Since then you have served Christ, our Lord and the Armenian Apostolic Church with unrelenting dedication and enduring affection, holding important positions within the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

In 2016, upon arriving in Los Angeles, you were assigned as a Vicar General to assistant the Diocesan Primate. On June 15, 2016, during a special service at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian conferred the rank of Dzayrakooyn Vartabed (supreme doctorate) upon you. Shortly after, you assumed the pastorate of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego. The faithful community of San Diego was blessed to have you as their new pastor, who would lead the construction project of a new sanctuary and adjacent facilities in Del Mar. Ever since you helmed the leadership of St. John’s parish, the church registered exponential growth in all facades.

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. Through your life’s example, you are amongst the “chosen” in the vineyard of God. 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 longevity.

With love and blessings,

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Primate