The Diocese
Posted: 04/12/2018
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, a groundbreaking ceremony for a new church campus in San Diego will take place on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Preparations are being made by the Building Committee under the capable leadership of the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Berjekian, parish priest of St. John Garabed Armenian Church.
The Bridge to the Future groundbreaking will feature a religious ceremony, speeches, youth participation, photo opportunities with shovels and hard hats, a lovely luncheon buffet, and fun surprises. The property is located at 13860 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130.
St. John Garabed’s current church property on 30th Street is in escrow, and the close of escrow is slated for June 16, 2018. The parish has 18 months from the close of escrow to vacate the current location, which will coincide with the targeted completion of the first structure at the new site.
Jim Sahagian, chairman of the Building Committee stated, “We anticipate a large crowd at the groundbreaking. Armenians throughout Southern California have been following our progress over the past eight years, including the obtaining of regulatory approvals that are enabling this momentous celebration take place. We realize we’ve taken on a major project, but are ready to roll up our sleeves to make this dream a reality.”
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.
For more information, visit www.stjohngarabed.org or contact Jim Sahagian at jspaloalto@sbcglobal.net. To get on the mailing list for regular email updates, please send a request to stjohngarabedsd@gmail.com.
