On Sunday, June 13, 2025, the faithful of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys gathered in prayerful reverence as they welcomed the pastoral visit of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. The day’s Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence, who also delivered the homily, offering words of spiritual encouragement and heartfelt reflection on the enduring faith of the Armenian people. In his message, the Archbishop called upon the faithful to live lives rooted in Christ, emphasizing the importance of prayer, community, and the preservation of the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

In his pastoral address, Archbishop Derderian offered high commendation to Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Parish Priest of St. Peter Armenian Church, and the Rev. Fr. Gevork Abyan, Assistant to the Pastor, for their steadfast and unwavering commitment to shepherding the flock of Christ. His Eminence recognized their spiritual leadership and pastoral care as shining examples of faith in action, especially within the dynamic and growing community of Van Nuys. He expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their tireless service, noting the lasting impact of their ministry in nurturing the spiritual life of the parish.

The Archbishop also extended his sincere gratitude to the altar servers and the dedicated members of the parish choir, whose reverent participation in the Divine Liturgy enriched the day’s sacred atmosphere. In addition, he acknowledged the vital role of the auxiliary bodies of the parish, reflecting on their diligent efforts in preserving and promoting the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church and strengthening the values of the Christian family.