Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
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His Holiness Karekin ii

catholicos of all armenians

In the western DIOCESE

HIS HOLINESS CONDUCTS OPENING OF

NEW CENTER OF

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE DESERT, RANCHO MIRAGE

June 17, 2005

On June 17, 2005 at 5:30 p.m. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, conducted the official Opening Ceremony of the newly
constructed Kirkjan Family Hall of the Armenian Church of the Desert
located in Rancho Mirage. His Holiness was accompanied by His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, His Eminence
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and several clergy. The Catholicos also
consecrated a Stone Cross.

Visiting Pastor of the Parish Rev. Dr. Fr. Stepanos Dingilian
welcomed the Catholicos of All Armenians, followed by Varoujan
Mgrdchian, Chair of the Parish Council.

His Eminence Archbishop Derderian expressed his joy stating that the
parish was fortunate in having the opportunity for the Catholicos to
preside over the opening ceremony. He continued that His Holiness
brings with him the faith of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
Primate then invited the Catholicos to deliver his message.

His Holiness commended the construction projects that have been
undertaken within the Diocese under the leadership of the Primate,
the success of which is undoubtedly also credited to benefactors,
building committees, parish councils, and the faithful. His Holiness
blessed the parish and in particular Mr. and Mrs. George and Tamara
Kirkjan, benefactors of the Kirkjan Family Hall, adjacent to which we
will soon see the construction of a new church under the auspices of
the Western Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The
message of His Holiness was translated to English by Rev. Fr. Ktrij
Devejian, Director of the Press Office of the Mother See.

A reception took place following the ceremony where faithful in
attendance had the opportunity to personally meet the Catholicos and
receive his blessings.

The memorable evening came to a close with the Benediction of the
Catholicos.

The first Divine Liturgy in Palm Desert was celebrated in 1976 at
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Church services continued at St.
Margaret’s Episcopal Church from 1977 to 2004, with priests and
deacons provided by the Diocese.

In 1999 a land of 4.6 acres was purchased in Rancho Mirage and the
following year the consecration ceremony was held presided by
Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian. Ground was broken in 2003 and
construction began. On December 19, 2004 Rev. Fr. Mikayel Kyuregyan
celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the newly constructed Kirkjan Family
Hall. On January 29, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate, presided over the Dedication of the Hall.

The Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert is located at:

38900 Vista Dunes

Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE

June 20, 2005

Burbank, California