History

Written by Lisa Kradjian with assistance from Sonia Serpekian, Beth Broussalian, and material from St. John/St. Sarkis archives.

Introduction

The history of the Armenian Church community in San Diego begins with Armenians coming to the area in the 1920s. Badarak services were celebrated starting in the 1960s, and the first parish formed in 1970s under the auspices of Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Primate of the Western Diocese. St. John Garabed Armenian Church in central San Diego would be consecrated in 1981 and was the foundation of Armenian life in San Diego for 40 years. In 2022, its successor, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, was consecrated in north San Diego and its growing campus is now the hub of Armenian life in the county and beyond, a jewel in the Diocese.

Early Years

In the 1920’s, Armenian families began to settle in the San Diego area, getting involved in central and south San Diego neighborhoods and businesses. But it is not until 1965-68 that the first Holy Badarak services were celebrated in San Diego by Rev. Fr. Shahe Semerdjian. In these early years, occasional Badarak services took place mainly at St. Andrew Episcopal Church in La Mesa.

In 1970, the Western Diocese appointed a Parish Council under the dedicated chairmanship of Mr. Parsegh Khoubessarian, who managed church affairs diligently and devotedly until his untimely passing. On December 14, 1973, the Armenian Apostolic Church of San Diego was officially established. The first elected Parish Council was sworn in by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Primate of the Western Diocese, with Vahakn Hart serving as the first elected Parish Council chairperson and Bart Baron as the first elected Parish Assembly chairperson. It becomes an integral, administrative and canonical part of the Armenian Church of North America, Western Diocese, on December 27, 1973.

On July 7, 1977 at a special meeting held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, twenty-five members of the parish vote in favor of purchasing the property at 4473 30th Street in San Diego, formerly a synagogue. Later that year, on September 17, 1977 a fund-raising banquet chaired by Robert Agajanian yielded contributions from just 17 members exceeding $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. And on November 27, 1977, the first church service at the new facility was held, with Rev. Fr. Shahe Semerdjian officiating.

From 1977-1980 visiting clergy from the Diocese officiated monthly services, and church-affiliated organizations are formed, including the Church Choir, Ladies Society, Armenian and Sunday School, and A.C.Y.O. – organizations that have continued to grow and thrive to this day.

Consecration and History St. John Garabed

In 1980, Rev. Fr. Krikor Avak Kahana Hairabedian was appointed the first Parish Priest, having already served at the church since 1978. He was a devoted spiritual leader who served the church and community faithfully until 1982, with his wife, Yeretzkin Sara, and his children, Daniel (Later Fr. Yeghia, of Blessed Memory), Claire, Rose, Maral, and Ruth, who all fully devoted themselves to the life of the church and its organizations. Fr. Krikor also began the first Bible studies at the church in San Diego.

November 18, 1981: The church’s Consecration Ceremony and Banquet were held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian. The church was named St. John Garabed Armenian Church (Soorp Hovhanoo Garabed). Mr. & Mrs. Kegham Markarian & Family pledged to be the Godfathers of the church. The 16 Pillars of the Church (Godparents) were: Mr. & Mrs. Mathew Motchkavitz, Mr. & Mrs. Berge Minasian, Mr. & Mrs. Vahakn Hart, Mr. Harout Barsamian, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Kellejian, Mr. Haig Musurlian, Mr. Erik Musurlian, Dr. & Mrs. Greg Semerdjian, Mrs. Barbara Kiredjian Lorincie, Mr. & Mrs. Garo Artinian, Mr. & Mrs. George Kirazian Sr., Mr. & Mrs. George Kirazian Jr., Mr. Ted M. Donigian, Mr. Robert Agajanian, Mr. & Mrs. Sebouh Ohanian, and Mr. & Mrs. Vahan Serpekian. Mr. and Mrs. George Ovanessoff were Godparents of the Altar.

The hardworking early years of the church were times of hard work and joy for all involved. The first elected Parish Council of St. John Garabed had Garo Artinian as Chair and Joe Kellejian as Vice-Chair. The Armenian Sunday School was active from the very beginning. Mary Kellejian served as Superintendent in the early years of the school, with a cadre of devoted teachers giving instruction in the Bible, church history and Armenian language and music. St. John Garabed’s ACYO formed in 1975, prior to Fr. Krikor’s arrival. The ACYO hosted its first Diocese-wide ACYO Convention in 1981, under first president Yvette Kirazian, winning a merit award after just a few years. Melina Guzelimian served as the next ACYO President and Hasmig Demirjian served as the ACYO Advisor. The group was active in assisting with church banquets, singing in the choir, organizing youth beach parties, serving at Diocesan Summer Camp, and volunteering with Sunday School. They participated in ACYO Sports Weekends in Fresno, ACYO Conventions on both coasts and ACYO Central Council at the Diocese.

In 1983, Rev. Fr. Levon Arakelian became Parish Priest of St. John. Yeretzgin Grace was a strong support to the church, as was their son, the late Deacon Hrant. During the the 1980s-1990s, the church choir was led with great dedication by Alice Guzelimian and later by Deacon Nishan Chadergian. In 1987, Fr. Arakelian retired. Dr. Gregory Semerdjian, as deacon and Chairman of the Parish Council of St. John Garabed, continued the mission of the church until the arrival of new Parish Priest, Fr. Datev Tatoulian.

Starting in June 1990, the parish was led devotedly by Rev. Fr. Datev Tatoulian, after serving 16 years at the Reedley parish. He was helped by his dedicated wife, Yeretzkin Araxy Tatoulian, and their three children, Asbed, Arpy and Lory. His leadership guided the church during key formative years. In 1990-91, in particular, a new wave of Armenians began to emigrate from Baku, Azerbaijan, to San Diego, after the pogroms. Fr. Datev formed an aid committee, and with the assistance of many faithful church members, welcomed and helped settle more than a hundred families who became an integral part of our community and still are today.

In 1991, the Saturday Armenian Language School began offering instructional classes in history, language, dance, music and recitations. The Sunday School, A.C.Y.O., and Church Choir were revitalized and enjoyed many long and fruitful years of active involvement from young people and their entire families. The second time San Diego hosted an ACYO Convention was in 1991-1992, with Arpy Tatoulian as President and Debbie Derderian, longtime church volunteer and Sunday School superintendent, as Parent Advisor. The ACYO was active in the community, serving orphanges and soup kitchens, participating in Diocesan Summer Camp, and holding annual beach parties and bonfires. Many generous parent volunteers and donors helping their activities over the years, including the Yaghdjian, Ouzounian, Melikian and Derounian families and others.

Fr. Datev also established a Social Services committee, Annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Stewardship program, Annual Armenian Festival and bake sale, Annual Grape Blessing and picnic, Annual Church Anniversary celebration, and weekly Lenten educational programs. Virginia Dickie became the executive secretary and manager of the church office, a role she would serve in for many years. A bequest from the estate of the late Dirouhi Jingozian, a founding member of the Parish, financed renovation of the building adjacent to the church, to accommodate two additional classes and the growing activities of the ACYO.

In 1995, the St. John Parish Council, led by Chairman Robert Dabaghian, appointed a committee to raise the funds necessary to retire the mortgage on the church facility. The committee, chaired by Jack Hachigian, PhD, led a successful fundraising campaign. On June 4, a ceremony for the actual burning of the mortgage took place.

In the 1999-2000 year, the Parish Assembly voted to establish a Trust Fund for St. John and elected a committee of trustees to manage the trust. The Diocesan Council of the Western Diocese approved the Trust document, which was ratified on Oct. 1, 2000. Gary Takessian signed the declaration as the Parish Council Chair. The Trustees were Sosi Biricik, Noubar Markarian, Richard Manoogian, John Ohanian, Peter Ovanessoff, and Dr. Gregory Semerdjian. In 2003 Harry Krikorian was elected to the Trust Fund Committee as the chairman with additional trustees, Dr. Jack Hachigian, and Alan Yaghdjian. Many advisors have served on this important committee in ensuing years.

The Trust Fund was established with contributions received as far back as 1994 from church benefactors and contributors, including Dirouhi Jingozian, Mr. and Mrs. Barkev and Bessie Sanders, Queenie Kazandjian Murphy, Dr. Samuel Markarian, Fred Zaboleslani Moradi, Ermen Moradi, Dan Momjian, Connie Akashian, Vahe Akashian, Neshan Kechigian and Shooshan Kechigian.

In the midst of his ministry, also in 1999, Fr. Datev Tatoulian had a successful heart transplant. During that time, the Parish Council Chairman, Gary Takessian, together with the elected Parish Council and dedicated members of the church, managed the affairs of the church with great care and dedication. Upon his recovery, Fr. Datev resumed his ministry with renewed spirit and enthusiasm.

In May 2000, Fr. Datev was officially elevated to the rank of “Avak Kahana” by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II. In recognition of this special distinction and the 25th anniversary of Fr. Datev’s ordination, a ceremony and banquet were held in his honor. A sister church, St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Martakert, Karabagh, was also adopted. The ACYO Annual Walk-a-Thon was established to support the church in Karabagh, with numerous church members and generous donors participating each year.

St. John Garabed celebrated its 25th Anniversary in October 2002. The Kai Musurlian Library was dedicated, named after a longtime church member. A new deacon, Micah Jendian, is ordained. Over the years, Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian ordained Deacon Greg Semerdjian MD; Deacon Stephen Ovanessoff MD; Deacon Nishan Chadergian, sub-Deacons Vadim Asaduryan, Arno Khatchadourian, Gerard Chadergian (ordained Deacon in 2009 by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian) and several acolytes.

Upon the recommendation of Rev. Fr. Datev A.K. Tatoulian, encyclicals from His Holiness Karekin II were given to Vahan Serpekian, Deacon Greg Semerdjian MD, Deacon Nishan Chadergian, George Noroian, Virginia Dickie, and Yeretzgin Araxie Tatoulian by Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian as he concluded his remarkable tenure as Primate of the Western Diocese. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was elected Primate of the Western Diocese in 2003. Dr. Jack Hachigian was presented an encyclical by the newly-elected Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, at the Diocesan headquarters in Burbank, CA.

The youth continued to thrive during this time in Armenian Sunday School and ACYO. From 2004-2006, Deacon Micah and Aleen Jendian served as advisors to the ACYO, after being members themselves in the earlier days of the church and also teaching in Sunday School. The group built friendships during church sleepovers and parties, worked with sister parishes, volunteered at Hye Camp, and helped with Church picnics and special events. Scott Nalian served as ACYO Advisor from 2007 onward for several years. The ACYO grew in number to approximately 40 members and were extremely active and successful in ACYO Sports Weekends for several years running, with St. John Garabed ACYO celebrating their 35^th Anniversary in 2010.

In 2005, Harry Krikorian and a committee of church members oversaw the renovation of the church, banquet hall, and parking area on 30th Street. This renovation was made possible in part by a generous contribution from George Krikorian, Jr. The church continued to grow, and outgrow, its facility.

And in 2008, the Trust Fund received a bequest of $2.5 million from Dr. Sam Markarian for the purpose of purchasing land and building a new church campus. In November 2008, fourteen acres of land near the Del Mar area of San Diego were purchased for $3.5 million with a $1 million note to pay off in 5 years, a key motivator in the fundraising campaign that followed.

A consulting team was assembled that included Marcela Escobar-Eck and Kathy Riser of the Atlantis Group, Dennis Hyndman of Hyndman and Hyndman, John Leppert of Leppert Engineering, and Dudek Environmental, as well as several other consultants. In the two years after the land purchase, a master plan was formulated for the development of the new property. Reverend Father Datev Avak Kahana Tatoulian and choirmaster Deacon Nishan Chadergian conducted occasional Badarak services on the land. After months of planning and meetings with professional consultants, a master plan and application for a Conditional Use Permit was submitted to the City of San Diego.

In April 2010, the Bridge to the Future began — a fundraising mission and campaign led by Kathy Kassardjian, who would chair the campaign galas for many years that followed. Year after year, this committee raised funds to continue the new church building project. Thanks to a very generous anonymous donor, they received enough funds to pay off the $1 million note, and the 4 acres of adjacent property were paid off to expand the footprint of the campus.

On April 2, 2011, Fifty supporters donated $60,000 to a campaign aiming to raise $2 million for the first phase of the new church project in San Diego. The first gala took place on October 1, 2011. The Bridge to The Future Gala chaired by Kathy Kassardjian took place at the Grand Del Mar with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of Western Diocese, as the guest of honor. The event was a huge success as they raised $200,000 that evening.

In 2012, St. John Garabed celebrated its 35th Anniversary under the auspices and leadership of Rev. Fr. Datev A.K. Tatoulian. The 2nd Annual Bridge to the Future Gala was held on November 10 at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines to support the new church fundraising campaign. In 2013, the 3^rd Annual Bridge to the Future Gala was held on October 26 at the Hyatt Aventine La Jolla. Over $120,000 was raised to support the Conditional Use Permit approval phase of the new church fundraising campaign.

On September 25, 2014, with many church members of all ages present, the Carmel Valley Community Planning Board voted 6-4 to recommend final approval of St. John Garabed Armenian Church at the new property near Del Mar. On October 30, the San Diego Planning Commission unanimously approved the new church property and awarded the conditional use permit.

To support the Bridge to the Future Campaign, on October 19^th, 2014 more than 800 people attended a performance by the Gevorkian Dance Academy. Dancers of all ages took the stage at the Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista, CA. Proceeds supported the Bridge to the Future campaign.

Saint John Garabed Armenian Church’s application for a Conditional Use Permit received unanimous approval by the City Planning Commission October 30^th, 2014. Dozens of church members were present at the hearing.

In 2015, along with the entire Diocese, St. John Garabed commemorated the 100^th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a series of events at the church, UCSD, Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and Balboa Park including memorial services, vigils, performances, and lectures.

On January 14, 2016, in a historic vote, the California State Coastal Commission voted 11-0 to unanimously approve St. John Garabed Armenian Church’s application to build a new church campus near Del Mar, California.  The vote took place in the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chambers with a large group of church leaders and members present.

Rev. Fr. Datev Avak Kahana Tatoulian’s fruitful and devoted 26 years of ministry at St. John Garabed were celebrated with special events and appreciation in 2016. And on April 5, 2016: the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian became interim parish priest during a time of transition for the San Diego Armenian community. Later that year, July 1, 2016, Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan became the new parish priest of St. John Garabed and celebrated his first badarak there on July 10, after serving at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Santa Clarita, CA. On October 22, 2016, the 4^th Bridge to the Future Gala was held at the Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad raising over $120,000 to support the new church campaign.

On January 29, 2017, St. John Garabed’s Parish Assembly approved a move to the new church property near Del Mar, pending future Assembly approval of cost estimates and plans. It also approved the formation of a Building Committee to begin planning and cost estimates for building the new church property.

The Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, Diocesan Vicar General, was appointed new parish priest of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego on February 1, 2017. On May 20, 2017, St. John Garabed held its 40^th Anniversary Banquet. Just a few months later, on September 30, 2017, the 5th Bridge to the Future Gala, “Carnival in Venice,” was held at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina Bay Tower with great success for the new church campaign.

On January 12-14, 2018: the vibrant St. John Garabed ACYO hosted the 69th Annual ACYO-WD Convention, welcoming chapters from across the Western Diocese.

Also in January 2018, the Trust Fund Committee hands over the construction phase of the new church campus to the newly formed building committee to oversee the construction phases, headed by chair James Sahagian. Over the next year and a half, special Parish Assembly meetings are convened to discuss which structures are the most feasible to build first on the property.

With dignitaries, public officials and 500 faithful in attendance, St. John Garabed Armenian Church held its Groundbreaking Ceremony at the new church property on April 29, 2018, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and the leadership of St. John Garabed’s parish priest, the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian. A couple months later on June 2, 2018, St. John Garabed held its 41st Anniversary Banquet. The 6th Bridge to the Future “Victory Gala” is also held at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina Bay Tower on October 27, 2018. More than $220,000 is raised for the first phase of the new church property.

To end a momentous year, on November 11, 2018, a Special Parish Assembly meeting approved the St. John Garabed Trust Fund obtaining required entitlements for a residential care facility on the 4 acres adjacent to the new church property, and the securing of a loan to move forward with Phase One construction of the new church. 

The 42nd Church Anniversary Banquet was held at St. John Garabed on June 9, 2019 — the final one to be held at 4473 30th Street. The church would move from the facility after its final Armenian Christmas Hantes with the Armenian Sunday School, in early 2020, after decades of ministry, fellowship and memories at 30^th Street.

On November 9, 2019, the 7^th Bridge to the Future Gala was held at the Hyatt Aventine and raised $2.3 million. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Dave Butterfield and their family who donated over 2 million dollars, along with other generous donors.

In March 2020, the Covid-19 Pandemic and lockdown resulted in a temporary suspension of in-person church services and some delays in the building of the new sanctuary. However, church services continued online via the church’s YouTube channel. Bible Studies, sub-organization meetings, Parish Assemblies and other activities continue online via Zoom. Church services and coffee hour fellowships eventually resumed with social distancing and masks, at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Building and Consecration of St. Sarkis

On May 31^st, 2020, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, officiated the blessing of the foundation of the new sanctuary. Very Reverend Father Pakrad Dz V Berjekian, parish priest; Archpriest Manoug Markarian; and Reverend Father Datev Avak Kahana Tatoulian also presided over this joyous ceremony.

Construction of the new sanctuary commenced soon after in 2020 with the leadership of Harry Krikorian and Garo Hachigian along with several dedicated Building and Design committee members. For the two years that followed, church services were held at the chapel of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff, California, while the new church was being built.

On September 17^th, 2021, the primary and bell tower crosses were blessed and raised on the new church in honor of Fr. Shahe Avak Kahana Semerdjian and Yeretzkin Alice Semerdjian, by their family, for their years of dedication in leading the first Badarak services in San Diego in the 1960s and 1970s. The ceremony was officiated by his eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and Father Pakrad Dz V Berjekian, parish priest. Over 100 worshippers attended this once in a lifetime event.

On January 28, 2022, to start the historic Consecration Weekend, the Order of the Blessing of the Church and Opening of the Doors of the new sanctuary was led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Very Rev. Pakrad Dz V Berjekian. An awards ceremony was also held in the sanctuary honoring the early leaders and Godparents of St. John Garabed. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and Rev. Fr. Avak Kahana Datev Tatoulian also participated in honor of their legacy of service to St. John Garabed.

On Saturday, January 29, 2022, was the Consecration and Church Naming Ceremony, blessing of the 16 Godparents and Godparents of the Altar, presentation of Encyclicals from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and the naming of the church: St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. Many visiting clergy from around the world participate in the unforgettable consecration, which was also broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook. The 16 Pillars (Godparents) of St. Sarkis Church are: Khoren and Kathy Kassardjian, Paul and Rosemarie Kalemkiarian, Alan and Mireille Yagdhdjian, Carol Vassiliadis, Gary and Ilse Takessian, Davie and Annie Malcolm, Armen and Sevan Derderian, John and Cynthia Andonian, James and Jane Sahagian, Paul and Andrea Essajian, Dr. Jack, Garo and Nina Hachigian, Dr. Berge and Terry Minasian, Harry Krikorian and George Krikorian, Noubar and Maida Markarian, Steve and Lisa Kradjian, and Jim and Beth Broussalian. Godparents of the Altar are Mark and Marina Minasian.

The night of January 29 featured the formal Consecration Banquet and Recognition Ceremony at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, complete with awards bestowed on church leaders and volunteers by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese. Armenian music and dance were performed by the St. Sarkis Armenian Youth, directed by St. Sarkis Choir Assistant Director Sona Baghdasaryan, who also performed a new version of “Hayr Mer,” composed by longtime church leader and St. John Garabed Godfather, George Kirazian. And on Sunday, January 30, 2022, the First Badarak was held at St. Sarkis, with an Armenian Luncheon and Cultural program that followed on the tented church grounds, featuring the St. Sarkis youth, concluding three days of ceremonial events and hundreds of attendees.  The Consecration Weekend was co-chaired by Nora Balikian and Lisa Kradjian, with their dedicated committee.

New Era Begins

Joy and excitement filled the San Diego Armenian community in its busy first year at the new church site, as it still does. Tents for fellowship and coffee hour, and portable classrooms for Armenian Sunday School, accompanied the weekly church services in the new sanctuary. New young families in the area joined the church and its activities and still are – the numbers are growing. St. Sarkis held its first annual Parish Assembly Meeting on Saturday, January 29, 2023, under the auspices of Parish Priest Very Rev. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, and Parish Assembly Chairman, Robert Buchaklian, with Vice Chairman Scott Nalian and Secretary Sonia Serpekian. On Saturday, February 4, 2023 – St. Sarkis held its First Anniversary Dinner Gala at the La Jolla Marriott, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas and all members of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors designated April 24th, 2023 as ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY at their meeting on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023. The proclamation ceremony was led by San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson (District 2) and included remarks by St. Sarkis Parish Priest the Very Rev. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian, respected local community advocate John Dadian, St. Sarkis Parish Council member Kathy Kassardjian, and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.

In late May 2023, Tamar Pakchanian Shorr completed her two-year term as the first Superintendent of the new St. Sarkis Armenian Sunday School. She re-engaged the Diocesan curriculum, resumed school performances, and created an updated structure for the school after it was drastically disrupted during the pandemic, navigating youth activities through that difficult period and advising new superintendent Tatiana Kevork Carlson and the next generation of teachers and officers for the coming school year. 

The following month in June, the new St. Sarkis Youth Council also revitalized youth activities at the church by inaugurating Summer Teen Nights on Wednesdays to encourage Armenian youth to socialize and grow in their spiritual connection to the church. And on Sunday, October 8, 2023, St Sarkis’ newly launched ACYO chapter held its first meeting, with advisor Christina Kirakossian.

As church growth continued, on Thursday, June 22, 2023, the Carmel Valley Planning Board approved the PMG Project, the El Camino Assisted Living Facility, on the 4 acres of land adjacent to the St. Sarkis Church property — the first of several city and state approvals required for the senior housing project, which will provide a steady source of income to the church. The San Diego Armenian community filled the meeting room and offered several speakers to show its support.

On Sunday, August 14, 2023 St. Sarkis held its Annual Picnic and Blessing of the Grapes on the Church property. Hundreds in the Armenian community and wider San Diego community attended. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, St. Sarkis Ladies Society held its annual meeting under the leadership of co-chairs Marsha Zakaroff and Jeannette Manoushakian, after a successful year of special events supporting the new church.

January 28, 2024, St. Sarkis held its 2^nd Anniversary Banquet at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club with performances by the youth of the Armenian Sunday School and ACYO. The youth for all these years of the church’s history, have always delighted the parish with hantes events every Christmas and Graduation, as well as at the Anniversary and Bridge to the Future gala events. Its teachers, superintendents and volunteers over the years have been the lifeblood of the youth’s spiritual education.

With a large group of St. Sarkis parishioners in attendance, the San Diego Planning Commission voted unanimously on December 5, 2024 to approve the new El Camino Real Assisted Living development in Carmel Valley on the St. Sarkis Church site, a key milestone in the series of required approvals, which will continue in the coming year.

On January 26, 2025, St. Sarkis held its Third Anniversary Banquet under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Very Rev. Pakrad Dz V Berjekian at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club, chaired by Viviane Hovsepian, featuring performances of the St. Sarkis Armenian Sunday School and ACYO, directed by Choir Director Sona Baghdasaryan. The thriving spirit of the community was clearly evident on this special day.

Thanks to the commitment of incredible supporters and generous donors, St. Sarkis will continue its journey to complete the new Church Campus and grow the vital Armenian community in San Diego.

As the San Diego Armenian community reflects on its century in San Diego, the 50+ years of church life have given the community its unwavering compass. We are grateful for all who have served our Armenian Church community in San Diego for so many years.  Decades of devoted Parish Councils and Parish Assemblies; Ladies Societies and Choirs; Armenian Sunday School Superintendents, teachers and students, ACYOs – tireless, dedicated volunteers, too numerous to name here. Not to mention years of partnerships with local Armenian organizations. From fledgling parish to the consecrated St. John Garabed, to the newly consecrated St. Sarkis, the Armenian Church in San Diego continues to be the heartbeat of the Armenian people, the foundational cornerstone of faith and heritage for all ages. God bless our Armenian church and people of San Diego and the Diocese.

Conclusion

As the San Diego Armenian community reflects on its century in San Diego, the 50+ years of church life have given the community its unwavering compass. We are grateful for all who have served our Armenian Church community in San Diego for so many years.  Decades of devoted Parish Councils and Parish Assemblies; Ladies Societies and Choirs; Armenian Sunday School Superintendents, teachers and students, ACYOs – tireless, dedicated volunteers, too numerous to name here. Not to mention years of partnerships with local Armenian organizations. From fledgling parish to the consecrated St. John Garabed, to the newly consecrated St. Sarkis, the Armenian Church in San Diego continues to be the heartbeat of the Armenian people, the foundational cornerstone of faith and heritage for all ages. God bless our Armenian church and people of San Diego and the Diocese.