Blessing And Dedication Of The Armenian Church Of Las Vegas

The Blessing and Dedication (Navagadig/Trnpatsek) ceremony of the Armenian Church of Las Vegas was presided by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on May 5, 2016. Diocesan priests, clergy from various denominations and faith representatives looked on as the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian and Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian joined the Primate and the hundreds of faithful in the moving ceremony.

At 6 p.m., hundreds of faithful had gathered at the front entrance of the Parish awaiting the procession of the clergy. Archbishop Derderian led the procession to the main doors where the traditional Opening of the Doors (Trnpatsek) ceremony followed. Kneeling before the main entrance, the clergy performed the spiritually enriching ceremonial rite wherein they ask the Almighty to make them worthy of entering the House of God.

The clergy and the faithful entered the sanctuary where His Eminence blessed the Holy Altar. In his message the Primate said “We praise the All Benevolent God for blessing us with this glorious House of Worship. We thank all those who opened their hearts and extended a lending hand in making this dream a reality,” said Archbishop Derderian in his remarks. “We are delighted to witness the growth and the spiritual excitement of the Armenian American community of Las Vegas
 
Androushan Armenian, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Las Vegas, clergy of various religious denominations and representatives of Armenian organizations were among the dignitaries in attendance.

At the conclusion of the dedication ceremony, the clergy led a procession to the main entrance in the church courtyard where Archbishop Derderian consecrated the cross-stones (khachkars) situated at the front entrance of the church. His Eminence blessed the benefactors of the cross-stones Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Zhanet Frunjyan for their generosity and selfless service to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The cross-stones were dedicated to Mrs. Zhanet Frunjyan and the couple’s son Mihran Frunjyan.
 
A festive celebration featuring live traditional Armenian music followed. As a testament to their rich culture and heritage, beautifully choreographed dances were performed by young Armenian children of various dance ensembles.