St. Kevork Armenian Church Marks 10Th Anniversary – Named Parish Of The Year By The Diocesan Primate

On Saturday, March 30, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, travelled to Portland, Oregon where he presided over the 10^th anniversary gala banquet of the parish.

In his Benediction, Archbishop Derderian referenced to the deep spirituality and the cordial family atmosphere that exists in the life of St. Kevork Armenian Church. His Eminence commended the outstanding execution and organizational efforts of the 10th Anniversary Committee led by devout parishioner Ms. Ani Ranian. Archbishop Derderian spoke highly of Ms. Ranian's selfless dedication to the community and St. Kevork Armenian Church. “The 10^th anniversary is an invitation to renew our Christian Faith and calling to service. We are truly inspired and captivated by the level of spiritual maturity that is present here. Your closeness as the Body of Christ, your commitment to spreading the divine love of the Almighty and your unrelenting dedication to become exemplary Armenian Christians within your respective communities deserves tremendous recognition and commendation. The 10^th anniversary is an invitation to renew our Christian Faith and calling to service. Hence, we are delighted to announce St. Kevork Armenian Church of Portland as the Parish of the Year.” 

Archbishop Derderian also commended the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Fr. Mashdots Keshishian, for the love and care he has demonstrated for the Armenian-American faithful community since his appointment. As a token of his gratitude, the Primate presented Fr. Mashdots a pectoral cross, encouraging the young priest to serve the flock of Christ with renewed spiritual dedication and enduring affection. The Primate expressed words of appreciation and commendation to Mr. Mher Sharyan, the Parish Council Chair of St. Kevork Armenian Church, parishioners Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and Rita Parseghian, Mr. and Mrs. Greg and Jane Goekjian, Mr. and Mrs. Varoujan and Zovinar Ghazarian and Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and Marisol Demirjian and Mr. and Mrs. Napolyon and Anahit Kundubegian for their years of selfless service for the glory of God and the prosperity of their beloved parish.

Remembering the pillars of St. Kevork Armenian Church Mr. Yerjanik Arakelian and Mr. Dick Ranian, of blessed memory, the Primate informed the community that a cross-stone will be placed on the exterior wall of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. “The khatchkar will serve as a testament of their love for God and the Armenian Apostolic Church,” stated Archbishop Derderian.