Diocesan Primate Presides Over Groundblessing Ceremony Of St. John Garabed Armenian Church Of Hollywood

On April 30, 2018, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and Mexico blessed the foundations and columns of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Hollywood, which is presently in the initial stage of construction.

According to a sacred tradition, Armenian churches are built on 16 columns that symbolize the 12 Apostles, Evangelists Mark and Luke, Apostle Paul and Gregory the Illuminator, the patron saint of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Accompanying the Diocesan Primate in the religious ceremony were Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, the Parish Priest, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, the Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, the Rev. Fr. Serovbe Alanjian and Deacon Hovhannes Gumruyan. Benefactors, Parish Council members, and members of the auxiliary bodies of the Hollywood parish were also present.

The benefactors who were present at the ceremony were Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Maro Kalaydjian, Mrs. Michelle Chalfant (in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. John and Rose Ketchoyan), Mr. and Mrs. Nshan and Maggie Blikian, Mr. and Mrs. Hovhannes and Aida Davtyan, Mrs. Lusaber Khazanchian and Mrs. Lena Khazanchian.

Benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Zaven and Sonia Akian, and Ms. Armenuhi Taglyan were unable to be present at the ceremony. Mrs. Siran Iskenian was present on behalf of Mrs. Rosine Zanazanian-Patterson. The late esteemed benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian were given the title of honorary benefactors by the church. The church sought it essential to honor the Dickranians even after the closing of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian School in 2015. 

This summer, under the leadership of Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, the Parish Council will be implementing a unique program, allowing the faithful to personally take part in the construction of the church through the “Place Your Own Stone” program. Each believer’s unwavering loyalty, relentless dedication and steadfast faith will be expressed through this mission. The community is also hopeful that five more benefactors of the Cross (khachkavors) will step forward to fulfill the God-pleasing endeavor.

The architectural design of St. John Garabed Armenian Church will be both traditional and modern in nature. Thanks to the efforts of Armenian and Italian designers, the interior of the sanctuary is inspired by Zvartnots Cathedral. Adorned on the walls will be symbolic biblical scenes. The church will be built in the heart of Hollywood, thus beginning a new chapter in the life of the Armenian community of Los Angeles.

Construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2019.