The parish of St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, 4950 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, will be celebrating its Annual Name Day on December 18, 2016.  Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Parish Priest, is proud to announce that the St. James parish has come a long way and the Christmas Season is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the memories of their loved ones and to solemnly observe the Feast of St. James, the great Bishop of Nisibis, whose name they have adopted as their Patron Saint.

During the church service the Pontifical Encyclical and the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal from His Holiness Karekin ll, Catholicos of All Armenians will be presented to Mr. Kevork Antabian. The Parish Council and the parish of St. James are pleased that Mr. Kevork Antabian will be recognized as a devoted and distinguished servant of the Armenian Apostolic Church, having served as an acolyte since 1930 when he was 10 years old and in his teens elevated to the rank of Deacon at St. Takavor Church in Azez, Syria.  Antabian migrated from Aleppo in 1981 to reside in Redondo Beach and immediately joined St. James Armenian Church with his wife Aroussiak, and children Ohannes, Sarkis and Ardem.  He was steadfast in his service and devotion to St. James, including several terms on the Parish Council; Chairing the Mr. and Mrs. Club; serving on the Annual Picnic Committee and  appointed as permanent Kavit Administrator by the Parish Council.

The Parish Council, chaired by Mr. Hrant Adourian, together with Rev. Fr. Haroutioun, are pleased to announce that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy beginning at 9:30 a.m.  In keeping with the Church’s annual tradition, at 12 Noon His Eminence will conduct the Requiem Service and offer prayers for the souls of the many deceased parishioners and clergy.

Following church services, a celebration banquet will be held in Gogian Hall at 12:30 p.m.

Another tradition of the Name Day Banquet, will be the presentation of the Primate’s prestigious Hye Spirit Awards.  This year His Eminence will present the awards to Mrs. Shirley Moore and Mrs.Susie Vahanian in recognition of their years of unselfish service and devotion to their beloved church and its parishioners.  The recipients are sisters who have faithfully served in a wide variety of positions in the St. James Ladies Society as well as in all the events and activities organized by the church.

A commemorative booklet will be prepared to offer family and friends the opportunity to honor their departed loved ones or submit a message of their choice, along with their considerate contributions. 

Tickets for the banquet are $60.00.  For reservations and/or sponsorships please contact the church office: (323) 295-4588.