A day etched in our faith, devotion, and hope, Thursday, August 14, 2025, marked a truly blessed and historic milestone for the devoted faithful of Saint Geragos Armenian Church in Las Vegas. We were profoundly honored by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, who graced the occasion with his presence, presiding over the sacred “Ground Breaking” ceremony for our much-anticipated new school building—a vital beacon for future spiritual growth and education in the life of our Parish and Las Vegas Armenian community at large.
The profound significance of this event resonated deeply within our community. The unwavering commitment of our faithful was evident, as eight dedicated adults and eight precious children reverently guided the symbolic plows during the service, sowing seeds of hope and faith for generations to come. This collective act symbolized our shared dedication to nurturing the minds and spirits of our youth within the embrace of our Armenian Christian heritage.
Following the sacred ceremony, our beloved Church Ladies Society lovingly prepared a dinner reception, fostering a spirit of fellowship and gratitude amongst all who gathered. During this heartwarming dinner, Mr. Alexander McTarian, Esq., who is heading the new project, recalled how all this happened at Saint Geragos Armenian Church after the tragic loss of his 2-year-old daughter, “Ani McTarian.
The Very Reverend Father Sasoon Zumrookhdian, our dedicated Parish Priest, offered heartfelt blessings and welcomed His Eminence and all honored guests, extending profound gratitude to everyone who tirelessly worked to orchestrate this divinely inspired event. The vibrant spirit of our youth, represented by the ACYO of Saint Geragos, along with the bright minds of the children from the Seta Tajirian Armenian Saturday School, enthusiastically participated, demonstrating the living legacy of our faith. The Armenian Dance School of Las Vegas, under the devoted leadership of Izabel Martirosyan, further enriched the event with its beautiful performances, reflecting our rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
This transformative new building project will bring to blessed completion the Tajirian Complex center, a sprawling testament to our enduring faith and a foundational pillar for our community. This revered complex already encompasses a humble church hall, dedicated in honor of Khenteer and Seta Tajirian, and our cherished sanctuary, Saint Geragos Armenian Church. The addition of the new school and day care Center, with its Auditorium named after Joseph and Hasmig Nakkashian, will further expand our capacity to nurture the spiritual and intellectual growth of our children, ensuring a vibrant future for our Armenian heritage in Las Vegas and beyond.
This monumental endeavor is a testament to God's grace and the unwavering spirit of our community. To fully realize this divine vision and complete a facility that will serve as a cornerstone for our children's spiritual and educational journey for decades to come, we humbly call upon the profound generosity and blessed support of our faithful community and benevolent friends. Every contribution, no matter its size, is a sacred act of giving that will directly shape the future of our church and the spiritual well-being of our youth. We invite you to consider making a financial contribution to this vital project prayerfully. Your donations will enable us to fully equip and furnish this new sanctuary of learning and growth, transforming dreams into blessed reality and securing the spiritual future of our next generation.
We extend our deepest spiritual gratitude to all past and present Parish Council members, whose tireless dedication and unwavering faith were instrumental in developing the Tajirian Center. This sacred hub now serves as a spiritual home for all Armenians living in Las Vegas and a welcoming beacon for guests visiting our blessed Parish from various parts of the country. May God bless your selfless giving as we collectively build this lasting legacy of faith for His glory.