St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in San Diego celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla hotel.
It was joined by Mayor Todd Gloria, as well as 240 other guests.
Mayor Gloria praised the Armenian American community for being a vital part of San Diego's multicultural population and congratulated them on the successful construction of their new sanctuary.
The evening's festivities included a black-tie-optional dinner and dance, live and silent auctions, and music by the Allen G Orchestra.
The event raised $142,000 for the church, and additional funds were donated by benefactors David and Lois Butterfield.
Kathy Kassardjian, who co-chaired the gala, noted that the church's goal is to expand its facilities and provide space for community and youth events.
San Diego Church Consecration
After more than 15 years of planning and construction, the new St. Sarkis Armenian Church in San Diego was consecrated on Jan. 29th.
The three-day celebration, from Jan. 28th to 30, was overseen by Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America and Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian.
More than 350 attendees, including clergy, public officials, parishioners, friends, and special guests, participated in the Opening of the Door Ceremony on Friday, the Consecration on Saturday, and the first regular Divine Liturgy service on Sunday.
The church was decorated with new stained-glass windows, paintings, mosaics, crosses, and icons for the consecration.
COVID-19 protocols were observed, and an overflow tent outside the sanctuary accommodated additional parishioners.
A Consecration Banquet and Recognition Ceremony was held on Saturday evening at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, with more than 320 people in attendance.
The banquet featured performances by the Spyurk String Quartet and included speeches, awards, and videos of the church's building process.
The weekend concluded with an Armenian Luncheon and Cultural performance.
It showcased the talents of the church's youth and heritage instructors, including Armenian vocalists, dancers, and recitations.
Armenian Community in San Diego
The Armenian community in San Diego began to form in the 1920s as Armenian families settled in the area.
However, it was not until the mid-1960s that the first Holy Badarak services were celebrated in San Diego by Rev. Fr. Shahe Semerdjian, with occasional services taking place mainly at St. Andrew Episcopal Church in La Mesa.
In 1970, the Western Diocese appointed a Parish Council, led by Mr. Parsegh Khoubessarian, to manage church affairs diligently and devotedly until his untimely passing.
Three years later, the Armenian Apostolic Church of San Diego was officially established, with the first elected Parish Council sworn in by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian,
The church eventually became an integral, administrative, and canonical part of the Armenian Church of North America, Western Diocese.
On July 7, 1977, at a special meeting held under the auspices of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, 25 members of the parish voted in favor of purchasing the present property at 4473 30th Street in San Diego.
On Sept. 17, 1977, a fundraising banquet was chaired by Robert Agajanian, and contributions from just 17 members exceeded $50,000.
The acquisition of the property became a reality when two members of the Parish Council, Vartan Khosharian and Noubar Markarian, acted as guarantors of the loan.
Finally, on Nov. 27, 1977, the first church service at the new facility was held, with Rev. Fr. Shahe Semerdjian officiating.
From 1970 to 1980, visiting clergy from the Diocese officiated monthly services, and church-affiliated organizations were formed.
It included the Church Choir, Ladies' Society, Armenian and Sunday School, and A.C.Y.O.
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