On November 23, 2024, the faithful community of Boise, Idaho received the pastoral blessings of the Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan, Pastor of the Holy Resurrection Armenian Church of Seattle and Visiting Priest to Idaho’s Armenian community, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

In a small Greek Orthodox church in Boise, around 30 people came together to draw closer to God, worship, and pray as a community.  

In his remarks, Father Boyajyan called for peace throughout the world, emphasizing that our holy God, Jesus Christ, had the same mission when He came to save us and bring peace to humanity. He expressed his wish that this peace begins within us and spreads to all those around us.  

Father Boyajyan also noted that he had recently returned from Armenia. He reflected on the thousands of martyrs who heroically fought for Artsakh in 2020, shared his vivid memories of the Artsakh mountains which strengthened and inspired him and encouraged the faithful to never lose hope. He called for empathy and understanding toward our brothers and sisters who were displaced from Artsakh just a year ago.

In addition, Father Boyajyan highlighted the importance of the Idaho Armenian community establishing its own church as a place to gather, worship, and celebrate God. He expressed hope that the community would one day achieve this significant milestone.

The afternoon concluded with coffee and meaningful discussions with Father Boyajyan. The gathering provided the community another opportunity to come together, strengthen connections, and share in fellowship.