On Sunday, June 14, St. John Armenian Apostolic Church was blessed to welcome His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, for his annual visit to our parish.

The visit was a joyful occasion for the whole St. John community, especially as two of our altar servers were elevated in service to the Church. Grant Hillman was ordained to the rank of Acolyte, and Daniel Koloyian was ordained to the rank of Sub-Deacon.

These moments are a beautiful sign of life in our parish. They remind us that the future of the Church is already being formed at the holy altar, through prayer, discipline, service, and the willingness of our young people to offer themselves to God.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish gathered for a celebratory reception, where another meaningful recognition took place. Yn. Betty Sempadian was honored for her lifelong service to the Armenian Church, and especially to St. John Armenian Church. A special video presentation was shared in gratitude for her many years of faithful dedication, and an icon of Jesus Christ was presented to her by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and Parish Priest Fr. Mesrop Ash.

We congratulate Grant and Daniel as they continue their spiritual journey in the service of Christ and His Church, and we offer heartfelt gratitude to Yn. Betty for her enduring example of love, humility, and service.

May God continue to bless them, their families, and all the faithful of St. John.