ARMENIAN CHURCH OPENS IN SANTA CLARITA

AZG DAILY
27-01-2010

Diaspora

Church officials say they hope to team with local charities, teach
Armenian language to youth

After five years of planning and patience, the Santa Clarita Valley’s
growing Armenian population has a church of its own, The Signal reports

"It’s really important for us to bring the 600 or so families
together so they can have a social network," said Will Simonian,
parish council chairman.

The new space in Newhall is a way to reach out.

"We are trying to close the gap and become part of the community now
that we have our own church," Simonian said.

St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church is led by Father Nerses
Hayrapetyan, who called the new church "a blessing for the community."

Efforts for a church began in 2004 when a group of about five local
residents took the initiative to establish a church.

"We felt that the Armenian community should have more of a presence
in the Santa Clarita Valley," said Harry Soghomonian, parish council
treasurer.

The first services were held at Valencia High School five years ago.

After finding temporary locations throughout the Santa Clarita Valley,
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church has found a permanent home in
a 5,000-square-foot space on Kansas Street.

The church counts about 70 people as members so far, Soghomonian said.

As the church becomes more established, Simonian hopes to be able to
team up with local leaders to provide charity services for the Santa
Clarita Valley.

"We can be a positive strength and contribution to the community,"
he said.

At the same time, Simonian wants the church to be a place where
children can learn the Armenian culture and language since the Santa
Clarita Valley does not have an Armenian school.

he church has already established a weekend school, a youth
organization and a club for married couples to mingle, he said.

More than 30 kids have taken the Saturday classes, Soghomonian said.

"We’re just trying to do a lot of activities," he said. "It’s not
just a church where people come for service."