The Diocese
Posted: 10/10/2019
The faithful of St. Apkar Armenian Church of Scottsdale, Arizona received the episcopal blessings of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on Sunday, October 6, 2019. Archbishop Derderian celebrated the Divine Liturgy dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the consecration of St. Apkar Armenian Church. He was assisted by the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Pastor of the host parish and the deacons. During the service, the Primate ordained Christopher Toresian into the diaconate, wishing the young deacon to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Armenian Apostolic Church with renewed dedication and zeal.
At the conclusion of his homily, Archbishop Derderian invited the Sunday School students to the nave. Conversing with the youth, His Eminence encouraged the young generation of faithful to remain steadfast in their ancestral Christian Faith, focused on their education, and loyal to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His Eminence blessed the youth, beseeching God’s divine graces, love and mercy to accompany them throughout their lives.
A reception was held in the Melikian Hall following the service. Archbishop Derderian congratulated the parishioners of St. Apkar Armenian Church of Arizona on the auspicious occasion of the 10th anniversary of consecration, commending the pastoral leadership of Fr. Zacharia and the collective efforts all auxiliary bodies of the Parish. The Primate also met with the members of the Parish Council and the Jr. ACYO to discuss issues pertinent to the mission of the parish and the youth.
