On Saturday evening, October 17, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a celebratory banquet marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in San Francisco. The banquet was held at Saroyan Hall of the Khachaturian Armenian Community Center, bringing together parishioners, members of the extended church family, benefactors, friends, and invited guests to celebrate this significant milestone.
In his remarks, Archbishop Khacherian reflected on the generous financial contributions and dedicated service that have contributed to the growth and advancement of the Armenian community in San Francisco. The Prelate expressed his appreciation for the vital role St. Gregory the Illuminator Church has played over the past sixty years in organizing, strengthening, and enriching the local Armenian community. Archbishop Khacherian emphasized that these achievements were made possible through the dedication and commitment of successive generations who established the Armenian parish and school, laying the foundation for a thriving community, preserving Armenian identity and traditions, and establishing a meaningful Armenian presence in various sectors of American society.
Addressing the many young people in attendance, Archbishop Khacherian emphasized the importance of youth participation in community life, describing their presence and involvement as both a source of strength and a blessing. Expressing his joy at seeing so many young members of the community gathered for the celebration, Archbishop Khacherian shared heartfelt reflections and offered words of encouragement and fatherly guidance, highlighting the importance of their continued involvement in shaping the future of the Armenian Church and community.
The cultural program of the 60th anniversary banquet featured the participation of students and graduating class of Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School. Zepur Kasparian, a student of the graduating class, delivered the opening remarks, while seventh and eighth grade students presented a group recitation.
Following the screening of a video highlighting the history, activities, and accomplishments of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church and its parish community, Mr. Mato Senekerimian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, delivered remarks on behalf of the Board.
Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the church’s remarkable sixty-year journey. He recognized with appreciation the devoted clergy, past and present members of the Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild, volunteers, benefactors, and friends who, throughout successive generations, willingly assumed responsibilities and generously contributed their time, resources, and service, with faith, love, and dedication to fulfilling the spiritual and national needs of the San Francisco Armenian community.
Rev. Fr. Badoyan emphasized that the church’s continued growth and accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of generations of dedicated individuals whose commitment and service have sustained the parish and strengthened the community. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the current members of the Board of Trustees for their tireless efforts, dedication, and accomplishments. On this special occasion, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire church family and Armenian community, wishing them many more decades of continued growth, prosperity, and success.
At the conclusion of the evening, Archbishop Khacherian presented special plaques of appreciation to Mr. Leo Donian and Deacon Ohaness Balian in recognition of their dedicated service and valuable contributions to the religious and community life of San Francisco’s Armenian community.
The memorable anniversary celebration concluded with a candle lighting ceremony and closing prayer, bringing to a close a special evening honoring sixty years of faith, dedication, and service to the Armenian Church and the San Francisco Armenian community.
