San Diego Armenian Community Celebrates Blessing of New Sanctuary Foundation
On Sunday, May 31, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, officiated the blessing of the foundation of the new sanctuary in San Diego, California. Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, Parish Priest, Archpriest Manoug Markarian, and Archpriest Datev Tatoulian also took part in this joyous ceremony. The service also featured the voices of Deacons Yerevan Ohannessian and Levon Parsegov, and choir members, led by choirmaster Nishan Chadergian.
Against the backdrop of picturesque landscape and warm sunshine, this ancient rite consisted of blessing the site of the new church as well as anointing and laying of the foundation stones that were carved with Armenian crosses. The sanctuary’s generous benefactor, the Israelian/Butterfield family, was unable to attend, but will be individually honored and celebrated at the consecration ceremony in about a year’s time.
Sixteen godfathers placed the stones at the 16 pillars of the foundation, each representing a different Apostle and the evangelists of the Holy Gospels. The godfathers were named because of their generous stewardship of the Bridge to the Future project, which began in 2010 as a multi-year capital campaign to build a new church campus near Del Mar.
The godfathers were Khoren & Kathy Kassardjian, Paul & Rosemarie (deceased) Kalemkiarian, represented by Honorable Sharon L. Kalemkiarian , Alan & Mireille Yaghdjian, Carol Vassiliadis represented by Khoren Kassardjian, Gary (deceased) & Ilse Takessian, David & Annie Malcolm, represented by Kathy Kassardjian, Armen & Sevan Derderian, John & Cynthia Andonian, Jim & Jane Sahagian, Paul Esajian, represented by Karen Esajian, Jack (deceased), Garo & Nina Hachigian, Berge & Terry Minasian, Harry & George Krikorian, Noubar & Maida Markarian, Steven & Lisa Kradjian, and Jim & Beth Broussalian. Godfather of the Altar were Jack & Maro Kalaydjian, represented by Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Robert Aboolian, Parish Council Chairman, stated, “Our generation has been working hard and will continue along this path to complete the construction of this church campus. But remember, the purpose of our endeavors is to leave a legacy for the generations to come. Today, we see the first fruits of our community’s efforts, dedication, and selfless dedication towards this project. Our parishioners and spiritual leaders have demonstrated that they can work well together for the greater good of our church and community, so I am very optimistic about the future of this project.”
In his keynote speech, Archbishop Derderian said, “This historic day is the reflection of our Christian faith and witness to the vision of our ancestors, for their life’s journey has been with God, a journey of resilience and resurrection, a journey looking beyond the horizons. This historic ceremonial rite is an act, which strengthens our faith in God and our bond with the history of our nation, and is a bridge of our lives to the future. I wholeheartedly congratulate you as you launch the start of this monumental project. Be not afraid for the Lord will guide you and protect us all as long as we stay united in our prayers. I salute all the Godfathers and all those who have taken an active and leading role in this project. God, our Lord, will strengthen the foundation of our new house of worship through your dedication.”
Closing the short program, Rev. Fr. Berjekian commented, “A decade of hard work by our enthusiastic community and supporters throughout the Diocese brings us to this momentous occasion. It is indeed gratifying to know that future generations of our community will have a beautiful and blessed sanctuary in which to connect with their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Today, we move closer to the completion of this new edifice ensuring that future generations of our children and grandchildren will have an opportunity to be baptized and wedded in the heart of their mother church. With God’s blessings we will soon witness the physical manifestation of our new and glorious sanctuary.”
The Bridge to the Future project dates back to 2008 when the Trust Fund Committee of St. Sarkis Armenian Church purchased close to 14 acres of premium property in San Diego, California. In October 2014, the Conditional Use Permit was granted by the City Planning Commission, and in January 2016, the Coastal Commission approved construction of the site. In 2017, the project was taken over by the newly-formed Building Committee to oversee and facilitate the construction phases. Thanks to a very generous donor, an additional 4 acres of adjacent property was donated to expand the footprint of the campus.
When completed, the campus will feature a sanctuary designed to resemble St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, elegant social hall, youth center and gymnasium, education and cultural building with classrooms and a library, Armenian Heritage Park, picnic and meditation spaces, and abundant parking. Situated less than a mile from the ocean and just east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this valuable, 18-acre property promises to become the jewel of the Western Diocese and a destination for Armenians worldwide. The new property is located at 13860 El Camino Real in the City of San Diego between Del Mar Heights Rd. and Via de la Valle.
For more information, visit http://www.stsarkischurchsd.com or contact Building Committee Chairman Garo Hachigian, Parish Council Chairman Dr. Robert Aboolian, or Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian or call (818) 468-3157. To get on the mailing list for regular email updates, please send a request to info@stsarkischurchsd.com.
Link to download photos: https://we.tl/t-FjnV6ufuhP
Important Construction Updates
Choir Loft, Parking & More Progress on our new church is advancing at lightening speed. The choir loft is being constructed, interior of the dome has been drywalled, walls have been texturized, framing of the staircase is near completion, textured glass windows in the dome have been installed, and the exterior fire doors have gone in. Electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC, and fire alarm installation are close to completion. Outside, the landscapers have prepared the underground irrigation, the parking lot has been finished, and soon the driveway will be poured.
What’s Happening Next Month All the windows (except the stained glass windows) and the choir balcony will be installed. The dome will be completed, altar framing will be completed (including the stage or “bima”), sidewalks should be finished. In a few weeks, the widening of El Camino Real with the acceleration and deceleration lanes will be finished.
The magnificent altar and baptismal font are being designed by professional artist and sculptor Tigran Hovumyan with Ara Yavruyan under the direction of Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian. We are very pleased to announce that a substantial contribution has been made by an anonymous local family for the design and construction of both the altar and baptismal font. The stunning altar curtain, grandiose main chandelier, and gorgeous crosses for the steeples are in the process of being manufactured. The pews are currently being made in Nebraska.
Design Subcommittee For the past 13 months, the design subcommittee has been meeting weekly in three-hour sessions to select products, vendors, and suppliers for the church’s interior. This month’s work will involve decisions about the chandeliers, altar gate, light fixtures, wrought iron work, candle tables, carpeting for the stairs, donor signage, acoustical panels, and many more important details. They are doing an amazing job ensuring that our church will be beautifully and tastefully appointed, while honoring our Christian spirituality and enduring heritage.
Naming Sponsorship Opportunities The Building Committee is excited to present a list of sponsorship opportunities for the new sanctuary. We are still need $1 million in cash donations to complete this structure.
Your participation plays a vital role in preserving the spiritual and cultural identity of Armenians in San Diego, the Western Diocese, and around the world. To the extent possible, your donation will be recognized with a donor plate and/or inscription of your choice. All donations will be acknowledged. Thank you very much for joining us on this historic journey.
For sponsorship information, please contact Beth Broussalian at bethbrouss@san.rr.com or 858-342-8232.
Please click HERE for the list of naming sponsorship opportunities
Church Sanctuary & Campus Naming Sponsorship
NEW! Grand Chandelier in Center of Sanctuary | $38,000
Entrance Sign with LED Marquee | $30,000
Security Gate | $30,000
NEW! St. Matthew Fresco in Dome Corner Niche | $24,000
NEW! St. Mark Fresco in Dome Corner Niche | $24,000
NEW! St. Luke Fresco in Dome Corner Niche | $24,000
NEW! St. John Fresco in Dome Corner Niche | $24,000
NEW! Secondary Chandeliers in Sanctuary | $10,000
Large TV for Sanctuary | $1,200
Textured-Glass Windows in Church (Need 7) | $420 each
Main/Side Altar Candlesticks (Need 2) | $100 each
Revised Timeline
June_August 2021 Interior framing, complete first phase of parking lot and landscaping, ingress/egress lanes completed, driveway completed, construct choir loft, complete staircase, finish roofing, drywall, painting, electrical, flooring and plumbing.
September 2021 Pews, altar, baptismal font, chandelier, stained glass windows, and interior decor will be installed. Receipt of occupancy permit.
September 16, 2021 Blessing of the steeple and bell tower crosses, details to follow.
October 15-17, 2021 Consecration weekend, see below for details.
Donation Levels & Benefits
$1,000-$5,000 Recognition on the donation wall
$10,000 Cornerstone Level (donor/s receives an etched brick with dedication)
$25,000 Angel Level (donor/s receives a small khatchkar with dedication)
$50,000 Pillar Level (donor/s receives a medium khatchkar with dedication)
$100,000 Legacy of Faith (donor/s receives a large khatchkar with dedication)
We are grateful to the Western Diocese for shepherding us through this exciting time with its support.
Click to give online to the Building Committee. For more information, please contact Building Committee Chairman Garo Hachigian, Parish Council Chairman Yerevan Ohannessian, or Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian or call (818) 468-3157.
Temporary Church Facility
Parking for St. Sarkis Armenian Church Parishioners
Please park in the areas that the Greek Church has designated for our Parishioners. See the image below for designated parking.
How to Make a Pledge
Our fundraising campaign is a long-term endeavor. In addition to cash donations that are needed now, we welcome pledges that can be paid over time. A pledge is a commitment of financial support from a donor, who decides how and when the money will be paid. Pledges of all sizes are welcome and can be made at any time. To initiate a pledge, please contact Building Committee Chairman Garo Hachigian, Parish Council Chairman Yerevan Ohannessian, or Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian or call (818) 468-3157.
Committee Members
- Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, Parish Priest
- Garo Hachigian, Chairman
- Robert Aboolian, Vice Chairman
- Berj Arakelian, Secretary
- Artur Nersisyan, Treasurer
- Harry Krikorian
- Beth Broussalian
- Robert Buchaklian
- Vahe Manoushakian
- Yerevan Ohannessian
- Jim Sahagian
- Mary Ann Yaghdjian
Contact Info
Garo Hachigian, Chairman
About the Project
When completed, the site will feature a sanctuary designed to resemble St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, elegant social hall, youth center and gymnasium, education/cultural building with classrooms and a library, Armenian Heritage Park with a Genocide Memorial, picnic and meditation spaces, and abundant parking. Situated less than a mile from the ocean and just east of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this valuable land, which totals 18 acres, promises to become the jewel of the Western Diocese and a destination for Armenians worldwide.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Building Committee is to oversee and facilitate the construction of a church campus that will serve as a Bridge to the Future for all generations to worship, congregate, and maintain their Armenian identity. We assume this responsibility with humility, in recognition of our ancestors whose Christian faith never wavered.
Groundbreaking Ceremony | April 29, 2018
Professional Video
Video of Religious Ceremony
Text of Srpazan’s Speech
PDF of Pledge Card
Donate to the Building Committee
Resources
3-D Rendering of Campus Site Plan
Map of Property Location
Architectural Renderings & Floor Plans
Church Sanctuary
Social Hall
Cultural, Education & Library Building
Youth Center & Gymnasium
Pertinent Documents
Press & Media
Donation of 4 Acre Parcel
Coastal Commission Conditional Approval
Media Article about Groundbreaking