Consecration Of St. Geragos Armenian Church In Las Vegas

The long-awaited consecration of the Armenian Church of Las Vegas was held on Friday, May 6, 2016 following the 89^th Annual Diocesan Assembly. His Eminence presided over the ceremony with the participation of Diocesan clergy, Deacons, Choir and hundreds of faithful in attendance. In officiating the ceremony, Archbishop Derderian consecrated the 16 cross-stones placed on the columns of the Church as well as the Holy Altar.

The Grand Benefactor of St. Geragos Armenian Church is renowned Attorney Mark Geragos.

The Godfathers are Edmond Patvakanyan, Gagik Sekoyan, George Gregory Megueriann, Haik Atamyan, Hovsep Shadarevian, Joseph Djavairian, Kevin Setanyan, Levon Akhshuramov, Mesrop Khachikyan, Mihran Furnchyan, Rouben Grigoryan, Rouzanna Grigorian, Shavarsh Papazian, Stepan Gevorgyants, Vahag Stepanyan and Vigen Kirakosyan.

The Primate expressed his gratitude to Mr. Kaaren Khoudikian, the architect of the church complex and Mr. George Boghos, the building contractor for their role in the completion of St. Geragos Armenian Church. Archbishop Derderian also recognized Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian’s pastoral service and contribution to the Armenian-American community of Las Vegas by naming the clergyman an Honorary Godfather of St. Geragos Armenian Church. The Executive Director of the Western Diocese Dn. Harout Markarian was also named as an Honorary Godfather for his supporting role in the construction efforts throughout the years. Archbishop Derderian expressed his wholehearted gratitude to the Grand Benefactor Attorney Mark Geragos, to the Godfathers and to all faithful for fulfilling a dream of the Armenian-American community of Las Vegas.  
 
St. Geragos Armenian Church of Las Vegas is located at 6820 Ponderosa Way, Las Vegas, NV 89118.

Banquet

The consecration ceremony was followed by a gala banquet at St. Michael Banquet Hall.  
 
The Mistress of Ceremonies was Miss Lena Hovanessian. Heartfelt remarks were made by Honorary Consul Andy Armenian, the Grand Benefactor of St. Geragos Armenian Church Attorney Mark Geragos, Diocesan Council Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq. and Parish Council Chairman of St. Geragos Armenian Church Kevin Setanyan.  
 
In his remarks, the Diocesan Council Chairman Joseph Kanimian stated “I would like to congratulate our dearest Primate on the joyous occasion of his reelection. Good deeds never get unnoticed.   The delegates of the Assembly overwhelmingly gave their approval to our leader.   Our gratitude to the delegates for their commitment to the welfare of our/their Diocese. 
 
My gratitude to you all for your confidence in me as your chairman.  I am humbled by your support and encouragement. 
 
Congratulations to the reelected Council members and the executive body of the Council for accepting the responsibilities bestowed upon them.
 
My gratitude to the Assembly Chairlady Hon. Judge Adrienne Krikorian and the Assembly Officers for running an excellent and efficient yet challenging 89th Assembly of the Western Diocese. 
 
Our gratitude to our Executive Director Harout Markarian for his hard work and dedication. 
 
Congratulations to the St. Geragos Armenian Apostolic Church Parish Priest, Council, Parishioners and Benefactors for their achievement in erecting our latest addition to the Western Diocese. 
 
Our task to unite and serve all our parishes and parishioners for the common goal of serving our Lord, our Diocese, Holy Etchmiadzin and our Sacred Armenian Apostolic Church is a noble one.  We shall work together toward that objective with full commitment and vigor. 
 
May the Almighty always Bless and Protect our Church and our Supreme Spiritual Leader His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.”