Mesrop And Mariam Megerdichian Senior Living Residence Opens In Scottsdale, Az

The long-awaited, much anticipated first Armenian senior living residence in Arizona is completed.  “Mesrop and Mariam Megerdichian Senior Living” in Scottsdale was blessed on Thursday, July 21, 2016, by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, with the participation of His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Parish Priest of St. Apkar, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan and the Rev. Fr. Paruyr Avetisyan, Mother See’s Director of the Information Services Department and the Director of the Intra-Church Relations Department, respectively.

The long-awaited, much anticipated first Armenian senior living residence in Arizona is completed.  “Mesrop and Mariam Megerdichian Senior Living” in Scottsdale was blessed on Thursday, July 21, 2016, by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, with the participation of His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hakobyan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Parish Priest of St. Apkar, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan and the Rev. Fr. Paruyr Avetisyan, Mother See’s Director of the Information Services Department and the Director of the Intra-Church Relations Department, respectively.

Dn. Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese accompanied the Primate's delegation.

The dedication ceremony was held following the consecration of the church frescos in the name of the Evangelists. Archbishop Derderian commended the artistic talent of Mr. George Galic and presented the artist a Certificate of Blessing and Commendation.

In a procession led by the Primate, the parish family of St. Apkar Armenian Church headed to the Mesrop and Mariam Megerdichian Senior Living Center which is located directly behind the Armenian Church Cultural Center on the grounds of St. Apkar Armenian Church, 8849 E. Cholla Street, Scottsdale.
 
With the participation of the clergy, Archbishop Derderian officiated the blessing and dedication ceremony. His Eminence blessed Mrs. Lilly Megerdichian, one of the Megerdichian sisters, and main benefactors of the Mesrop and Mariam Megerdichian Senior Living Center. Archbishop Derderian also blessed and expressed his wholehearted gratitude to Mr. Harry Demirjian, a major donor, and to Mr. Berj Manoogian, Chairman of the Building Committee. Certificates of Blessing and Commendation were presented to each. The Primate also commended the invaluable pastoral service of the Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan whose leadership has strengthened the Armenian-American community of Arizona.

The traditional blessing of the bread and salt was performed inside the center.
 
The gifts of Ojik Megerdichian (of blessed memory) and her sister Lilly made the building of the senior living residence possible.  Honoring the sisters’ wishes, the facility is named in honor of their parents, Mesrop and Mariam Megerdichian.