The Jewel In Scottsdale Celebrates 16Th Anniversary Of Consecration

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the faithful community of St. Apkar Armenian Church of Scottsdale, Arizona, gathered in joy and thanksgiving to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the consecration of their beloved parish. The day’s festivities commenced with the solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy, presided over by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Archbishop Derderian’s pastoral visit was received with spiritual delight as the congregation united in prayer and worship, giving thanks to God for the blessings bestowed upon their parish throughout the past sixteen years.

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Derderian offered words of encouragement to the youth and Sunday School students of the parish, urging them to remain steadfast in their ancestral Christian Faith. He exhorted them to lead prayerful lives, guided by the Gospel and nourished by the life of the Armenian Apostolic Church. His message was one of hope and responsibility, reminding the next generation that they are the spiritual heirs entrusted with safeguarding and continuing the mission of the Church.

In his pastoral message, Archbishop Derderian also expressed gratitude and commendation for the resolute leadership of the parish priest, the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan. He praised the dedicated service of Fr. Saribekyan, whose collaborative work with the Parish Council and auxiliary organizations has strengthened the parish family and enriched its ministry. The Archbishop highlighted the spirit of unity and devotion that continues to inspire the faithful community of Scottsdale in their collective witness of faith and love.

Following the service, parishioners gathered at Melikian Hall for a celebratory luncheon. The festive gathering was filled with joy and fellowship as the community honored St. Apkar Armenian Church as a “religious, spiritual, and cultural jewel” of the Armenian-American community in Scottsdale. For sixteen years, the parish has stood as a beacon of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage, nurturing the Armenian identity of its faithful and serving as a home for prayer, worship, and community life.

The anniversary celebration was a testimony of gratitude for the past and a hopeful vision for the future of St. Apkar Armenian Church.