Devastating Fires In Los Angeles And Emergency Situations In Various Areas

To members of our communities in Los Angeles

With great concern, we are following the horrific destruction caused by the devastating fires in various parts of Los Angeles and monitoring the continuing emergency situation and conditions, especially in neighborhoods where large number of our communities members live.

The extent of the destruction caused by these uncontrollable fires is gradually becoming clear: the enormous and devastating losses are indescribable. These fires have completely destroyed Pasadena’s Sahag-Mesrob Christian School, burned vast areas, endangered thousands of lives, and demolished thousands of homes, schools, and businesses.

Unfortunately, many members of our community have lost their homes due to these fires and have been forced to take shelter in relatively safer areas.

The Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, is closely following the developments in the disaster areas and monitoring the state of our communities spread in the Greater Los Angeles area.

After learning of the tragic destruction of Pasadena’s Sahag-Mesrob daily school, the Primate immediately contacted the school’s board, and thanks to the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s willingness to avail a former school building in Pasadena, preparations are underway to accommodate the students of the burned-down school in that facility.

The Primate remains in constant communication with the pastors of the parishes in the affected areas, especially with Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Pasadena, and Fr. Haroutioun Tashjian, pastor of St. James Church in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas.

The pastors have reported that, fortunately, there have been no human casualties thus far, but tragically many members of the community have lost their homes and are now staying in hotels or with relatives.  The clergy and parish councils are extending helping hands and doing everything possible to assist community members, undertaking various support initiatives.

The Primate is offering prayers for Angelinos who lost their lives in this natural disaster and asks the Lord that he may grant speedy recovery to those who lost their homes and livelihood.

On behalf of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Hovnan extends his full cooperation to all and prays for everyone’s safety and well-being. The Primate is grateful to and prayers for all the first respondents, emergency workers, fire fighters and humanitarian assistance providers.

Our Diocese expresses full solidarity and support to the members of our communities in the Los Angeles area.

Chancellery of the Western Diocese
January 10, 2025