St. Apkar Armenian Church in Scottsdale Arizona marked its 5th anniversary of consecration on Sunday, October 19, 2014. On the auspicious occasion, the Primate travelled to the Arizona Parish where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Archbishop Derderian was assisted at the Holy Altar by the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan and the deacons of the host parish.
In his sermon, the Primate reflected on the significance of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the lives of the faithful. “The focal point of my message is the preservation of the Christian identity as the most important ingredient in the lives of the faithful. The Gospel of Christ, our Lord allows us to keep intact within us the image of the Almighty God in our spirituality,” said His Eminence in part addressing the congregation.
During the service, the Primate, assisted by Father Zacharia, consecrated the stained glass windows and frescoes of the church.
At the conclusion of the service, in a procession led by the Primate, the parishioners participated in the blessing and dedication of the children’s playground whose main benefactor is Dr. Vardges Vandian. The Primate thanked Dr. Vandian for contributing to the livelihood of the youth of St. Apkar Armenian Church through his generous donation. Archbishop Derderian also officiated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mesrop and Marian Megerdichian Senior Living Residence.
A festive luncheon, donated and catered by Gevorg and Erica Pchakjian, was held at the Melikian Hall of the parish. During the program, St. Apkar’s parishioners marked the 20th anniversary of Father Zacharia Saribekyan’s ordination into the Priesthood. The entertainment was provided by the Hyeland Ensemble Lisa Mahlebjian Buzzard, Paul Maranian and Robert Takoushian.
In his remarks, the Primate reflected on the significance of the historic day in the life of St. Apkar Armenian Church. “On this historic day in the life of St. Apkar Armenian Church, we are celebrating the 5th anniversary of the consecration of the parish, the 20th anniversary of Father Zacharia’s ordination and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Ladies Society. We highly commend the dedicated pastoral service of Father Zacharia Saribekyan who has been the spiritual leader of the community since 2007. Inspired by the Living Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, you share a common vision of preserving the Christian values which you collectively hold in reverence. I pray that you continue to uphold the ancestral Christian Faith of our forefathers and continue to cherish the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church.”
The Primate recognized parishioners Hagop Naldjian, Bedros Touresian and Hoory Dikranian with “Hye Spirit” medals for their selfless service and valuable contributions to the parish life. He congratulated the honorees encouraging them to continue to serve the St. Apkar parish with a renewed sense of dedication and zeal.
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