The Diocese
Posted: 04/15/2016
St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys celebrated a milestone on Sunday, April 10, 2016. The day marked the Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian’s 25th anniversary of ordination and consecration into the Priesthood.
The festivities commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the day’s honoree. The Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the service and delivered the homily. Archbishop Derderian commended Fr. Shnork’s committed service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the family of St. Peter Armenian Church. As a token of his gratitude His Eminence presented a chalice to Fr. Shnork. The Chairman of the Diocesan Council Joseph Kanimian Esq. participated in the service.
Following the service, the faithful gathered at the Karagozian Hall of the parish for a Luncheon and program in honor of Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mr. Derik Ghookasian, Chairman of the 25th Ordination Anniversary Committee. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian delivered the invocation. Guests enjoyed vocal performances by the St. Peter Angels Choir directed by Mr. Sevag Derderian and the Armen Tigranian Musical Students from Armenia.
A proclamation of Father Shnork’s 25th anniversary of ordination was presented by Congressman Brad Sherman who attended the banquet. Remarks were delivered by Joseph Kanimian, Esq. who reflected on Fr. Shnork’s visionary leadership the level of dedication with which the merited priest has served the flock of Christ. On behalf of the Parish Council, congratulatory remarks were also delivered by Mr. Barkev Hamalian and Mr. Mihran Shabaz.
In his congratulatory message to the honoree, the Primate wrote
“Beloved Father Shnork, because of your Christian spirit and pastoral leadership, you have earned the love and respect of the family of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys and the faithful community of the San Fernando Valley. In addition to your pastoral service at the parish level, you have you have served at the Diocesan level as an esteemed member of the Diocesan Council.
As a “good and faithful servant” and a “brave shepherd,” you have remained true and loyal to carrying out the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Indeed, the priest is in the greatest need of prayer throughout the course of his life. It is through prayer that nourishes the soul, quenches the thirst, gathers the thought and lastly, fills the heart with the word and breath of God. Through your life’s example, you are amongst the “chosen” in the vineyard of God. We commend your unwavering service rendered to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Armenian Apostolic Church and Christ’s flock. We pray for your health and ask the Almighty God to grant you and your loved ones long and healthy lives.”
In his remarks, Fr. Shnork thanked the Primate, the Organizing Committee, and the entire faithful for sharing the memorable day with him. He vowed to continue his service with a renewed sense of dedication and zeal.
