The Diocese
Posted: 03/13/2020
On March 12, 2020, the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, along with hundreds of members of the San Luis Obispo community, participated in the memorial service for former San Luis Obispo County Supervisor and Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian.
The service was held at Mission San Luis Obispo.
In his address to the members of the Achadjian family, Archbishop Derderian reflected on Katcho Achadjian’s dedication to service. “Katcho’s life has been the reflection of love and service, for he lived his life with the Almighty and fulfilled the will of God,” stated Archbishop Derderian in part.
Below is Archbishop Derderian’s address in its entirety.
Dear Mrs. Araxie Achadjian and children Hratch and Nayiri,
Beloved siblings and friends,
In this prayer hour, we are gathered to uplift our hearts and seek God’s guidance as we go through the pain of the loss of a noble son of the Armenian Church and nation but above all, an exemplary citizen of the United States of America.
We have been thinking about our beloved Katcho Achadjian, who departed from this earthly life too soon. Knowing well that we do not have all the answers, we still ask ourselves - Why? For it is only natural for us as human beings to feel the pain and the unthinkable, we mourn the loss of a wonderful husband and father, brother and friend, who has been a blessing for all.
What we can do however is can truly reflect on the amazing life Katcho had led. He valued God’s gift of life and lived it meaningfully by wholeheartedly serving the people of God with humility and grace. Katcho served his nation and the Armenian Church, as a loving and caring husband and father, he dedicated himself to his loving family, and to the blessed land of the United States of America, where he prospered and thrived, becoming a respected figure for us all. Letters of condolence, newspaper articles and columns and social media reflections all define the noble character of a great person, who will be missed by many.
Katcho transformed his God-given life into a source of immeasurable joy, a reflection of God’s will. He never feared death, for the life that he led was a testament of an exemplary life. Thus, as we lift up our hearts and pray for his departed soul, we fervently ask God to be a companion to him during his journey to heaven for he lived his life with the Almighty and fulfilled the will of God.
We knew Katcho personally. Katcho was a devout Christian and a proud Armenian. In all his life’s accomplishments, Katcho remained humble and kind. He was an outstanding citizen. As an accomplished legislator in the California State Assembly, Katcho was a source of pride for the Armenian-American community. We offer our prayers for a person, whose life has been the reflection of love. Katcho’s dynamic personality inspired all who surrounded him. His loss has not only impacted the Achadjian family but also the community. His passion and dedication for serving his fellow brothers and sisters was indeed heartwarming. Katcho’s departure from this life has left us with the legacy of the Christian faith life and exemplary servitude.
Mother Teresa was quoted saying “The fruit of love is SERVICE. The above quote by the saint aptly describes the life of Katcho Achadjian. Katcho had insurmountable love for the people of God. He was a keen advocate for the youth and the elderly. The Achadjian family continues to carry on Katcho’s legacy, further exemplifying their love for the community. Respectfully requesting that donations be made “in memory of Katcho” to the Armenian Relief Society, the Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo County, or End Kids Cancer Foundation, Katcho’s undying commitment to service truly lives on.
We pray the Almighty God to rest him in the abode of the heavenly saints and grant you the divine strength to carry on your duties with the same vision and passion shared by Katcho.
May the memory of the righteous be blessed forever.
