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About St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Serving Orange County since 1985
Our Story
History of St. Mary
Founding Years (1985–1989)
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church traces its beginning to April 1985, when His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, then Primate of the Western Diocese, celebrated the first Divine Liturgy for the Armenians of Orange County. This came in response to sustained appeals from community leaders, especially Mr. Antranik O. Zorayan. The Khatchadourian Choir sang, and more than five hundred faithful attended.
Afterward, the Primate appointed the first Parish Council, which met at the home of Paul and Rose Hachigian; Mr. Hachigian was elected the first Parish Council Chairman. The parish was initially named the “Armenian Apostolic Church of Newport Beach.” In March 1989, the parish purchased the current property for over $1 million.
Consecration and Growth under Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian (1992–2020)
On June 13–14, 1992, the sanctuary was consecrated and officially named St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, with Mr. & Mrs. Civan and Pina Kalfa serving as Godfathers. Fr. Moushegh Tashjian was appointed as St. Mary's first resident pastor and built enduring ministries including Sunday School, ACYO, the Zvartnots Youth Choir and Dance Ensemble, Mommy & Me, and Mr. & Mrs. Club.
He guided major improvements: stained-glass icons of the saints, a traditional Armenian belltower with cupola (1997), and the beautification of the sanctuary. He promoted pilgrimages and organized large cultural events. For nearly three decades, Fr. Moushegh shepherded St. Mary with love, humility, and vision. He retired in January 2020, leaving a thriving parish and a lasting legacy.
Campus Redevelopment (2021–2023)
With land assembled and plans finalized, the parish carried out a three-phase redevelopment led by the Building Committee chaired by Mark Asdourian and built by parishioner Wayne Simonian of Premier Construction:
- Phase 1 (2021–2022): New Educational Building and courtyard
- Phase 2 (2022): New parking lot with hardscape and landscaping
- Phase 3 (2022–2023): The Stambolian Family Hall — a modern assembly hall
This redevelopment was made possible by the generous lead gifts of the Bassenian, Meghrouni, and Stambolian families, along with the ongoing support of parishioners throughout the parish.
Looking Ahead
With new facilities, dedicated clergy under Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan, and strong ministries, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church remains a beacon of faith in Orange County — carrying forward its mission to glorify God, preserve Armenian heritage, and serve generations yet to come.
Meet Our Clergy
Clergy & Leadership
Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan
Vicar General of the Western Diocese · Parish Priest
Very Rev. Fr. Eremia Abgaryan was born on April 20, 1984, in the village of Aghavnatun, Armavir Province, Armenia. After completing his secondary education and compulsory military service, he entered the Gevorgian Theological Seminary at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in 2004, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2008 and his Master of Arts degree in 2010.
On October 31, 2010, he was ordained a celibate priest by Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, receiving the priestly name Eremia (Jeremiah). He served in the Church and State Relations Department of the Mother See's Chancellery, and in 2016 was invited to serve in the Western Diocese. In 2018, he successfully defended his doctoral thesis and was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite (Very Reverend).
Fr. Eremia served as parish priest of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Sydney, Australia, before returning to the Western Diocese where he now serves as Vicar General and as the beloved Parish Priest of St. Mary since 2025. Under his pastoral leadership, the parish has experienced renewed energy through inspiring liturgies, meaningful youth programs, and a deepened sense of fellowship among parishioners.
In addition to his parish responsibilities, Fr. Eremia has served as Diocesan Youth Director for the ACYO and frequently represents the Primate at interfaith gatherings, ordinations, and diocesan events. We are deeply grateful for his spiritual guidance and warmly welcome all to join our growing parish family.
Parish Council 2026
Our Church
The Western Diocese
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church is a parish of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, under the jurisdiction of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, with its spiritual center at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia.