Milestone Celebration For St. James Armenian Church Of Los Angeles

St. James Armenian Church celebrated a milestone 75th anniversary of establishment on Sunday, December 17, 2017. The day’s celebrant was His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and Mexico. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian participated in the service.

Assisting the Primate at the Holy Altar were the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Pastor of the host parish and the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian and the deacons of the St. James parish. During the service, Archbishop Derderian recognized the Sunday School students and encouraged the youth to remain steadfast and further their Christian education with renewed zeal. Recently published prayer books by the Western Diocese were distributed to the students. The Sunday School’s superintendent and Christian Education Council Chairlady Mrs. Gail Chelebian was also honored by the Primate for her dedication and selfless service. As a token of his gratitude, the Primate presented an icon to Mrs. Chelebian.

In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, long-time parishioners and Diocesan donors Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Arpi Barsam were recognized by the Primate, who presented them an icon and expressed his gratitude to the couple for their decades of selfless service rendered to the St. James Parish and the Western Diocese.

The parish’s 75th anniversary celebration coincided with the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian’s 25th anniversary of ordination and consecration into the Priesthood. On the special occasion, the Primate congratulated the merited priest with wishes of renewed pastoral service for the glory of God. A special cross-stone album was presented to Fr. Haroutioun.

Members of the parish council received crosses from the Diocesan Primate in recognition of their devout service to the St. James parish. 

A reception was held following the service. Bearing the theme Rejoice, the jubilee banquet officially kicked off a series of celebratory events planned by St. James Armenian Church in the upcoming year.

Hye Spirit medals were presented by the Diocesan Primate to Linda Kalaydjian and Marina Barsoumian who were honored for their unwavering service to St. James Armenian Church.

All altar servers and members of the St. James Choir received Badarak CD’s from the Primate.