Saint Yeghiche Parish

31/05/2026

14/05/2026

IN MEMORIAM 🕊️
Mr Megerditch (Mike) Boghossian
(1939–2026)

A Hokehankist (Requiem Service) for the soul of the late Mr Megerditch (Mike) Boghossian will be held on the 40th day of his passing, at the request of his daughter, Dr Sheila Boghossian, son, Dr Shahe Boghossian, and wife, Madelene Boghossian Yalkezian.

Date: Sunday, 17 May 2026
Time: Beginning of Divine Liturgy at 11:00 a.m.
Venue: St. Yeghiche Armenian Church
Address: 13b Cranley Gardens, London SW7 3BB

With profound sorrow and Christian hope in the Resurrection, we remember the life and passing of Mr Megerditch “Mike” Boghossian, lovingly known to many as “Doc Mike,” who entered into eternal rest on 12 April 2026 at the age of 87.

Mr Boghossian was a devoted educator, mentor, patriot, and faithful son of the Armenian people. A graduate of Aleppo College in 1958, he later continued his studies at Haigazian University, graduating in 1964. His lifelong dedication to learning and education culminated in receiving his PhD from the University of Florida in 1998.

Beginning in 1971, he served as a respected Biology and Chemistry teacher at the AGBU Hovagimian-Manougian School, where he dedicated decades of his life to the education and formation of young Armenians. In addition to his service there, he also taught at the Armenian Evangelical High School and several other non-Armenian schools, earning the admiration and respect of students and colleagues alike. Through his wisdom, discipline, and commitment, he helped shape generations of students, many of whom went on to pursue successful academic and professional careers.

A descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors and deeply connected to the Armenian communities of Tel Abiad and Raqqa, Mike Boghossian carried within him the living memory of his people. He was widely admired for his remarkable knowledge of Armenian history, culture, and the experiences of Armenian Genocide survivors. To many, he was a “living encyclopedia,” preserving stories, memories, and traditions that might otherwise have been forgotten.

His love for Armenian heritage extended to archaeology, historical artefacts, and cultural preservation. He possessed a profound sense of identity and responsibility towards his nation and Church, always encouraging younger generations to remain faithful to their roots and values.

Despite enduring many years of serious health challenges, including two open-heart surgeries, he faced life with courage, dignity, and unwavering strength. Until his final days, he remained intellectually active, thoughtful, and deeply engaged with the life of his family and community.

Above all, he was a devoted husband and father who took immense pride in his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Madelene Boghossian Yalkezian, his daughter, Dr Sheila Boghossian, his son, Dr Shahe Boghossian, and all those who cherished his friendship, wisdom, and presence.

Mr Megerditch (Mike) Boghossian’s life was one of service, resilience, learning, and faith. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones, former students, and the wider Armenian community.

“Memory of the righteous is blessed.”
— Proverbs 10:7

May the Lord grant rest and eternal peace to his soul and receive him into the light of His heavenly Kingdom.

05/05/2026

IN MEMORIAM 🕊️
HOKEHANKIST (REQUIEM SERVICE)

A Hokehankist (Requiem Service) will take place at St Yeghiche Armenian Church on the 40th day of the passing of the late Berj Boghos Kalaidjian.

The Divine Liturgy will begin at 11:00 am, followed by the Hokehankist service at approximately 12:30 pm.

His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan extends his heartfelt condolences to the Kalaidjian family, praying that the Lord grant rest to the soul of His servant and comfort to all who mourn.

As it is written: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

The prayer has been requested by the bereaved family: Mrs Sonia Kalaidjian, Mr and Mrs Vatche Kalaidjian, Mr Shahe Kalaidjian, and family.

Prayers will also be offered for the souls of the departed members of the Kouyoumjian, Daghlian, and Katchadurian families.

All are warmly invited to attend and join in prayer.

Date: 10 May 2026
Venue: St Yeghiche Armenian Church
Address: London SW7 3BB
Divine Liturgy: 11:00 am
Hokehankist Service: 12:30 pm

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In Loving Memory of Berj Boghos Kalaidjian (1936–2026)

Berj Boghos Kalaidjian was born on 7 March 1936 in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, to Shoghig and Boghos Kalaidjian. His early life was marked by the legacy of survival, as his father had lost almost his entire family during the Armenian Genocide. As the eldest of four children, Berj assumed responsibility from a young age.

Despite a challenging upbringing, he excelled academically, graduating from high school at the age of sixteen. He then pursued higher education at the American University of Beirut, where he studied Civil Engineering, graduating in 1958. His time in Beirut was formative, both intellectually and socially, and he maintained lifelong friendships with many of his classmates.

Following his studies, Berj began his professional career in Kuwait with CCC. During this period, he supported his parents and younger siblings for over a decade, demonstrating a deep sense of duty and commitment to family.

He later married Sonia, beginning a devoted partnership that would last 62 years. Together, they raised two sons, Shahe and Vatche, building a strong and loving family life.

In 1969, Berj founded his own construction company, Acmecon, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With foresight and determination, he contributed to the region’s early development, including work on one of the first desalination plants. His business grew alongside the rapid expansion of the city, reflecting his vision and leadership.

A man of strong principles, Berj chose independence over compromise, guided by his belief that integrity must always come first. He later returned to London, where he continued to focus on family life and personal pursuits.

In the next phase of his life, he moved to Monaco and became a full-time investor. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, he achieved success in this field and remained active well into his later years.

Berj had a passion for travel and exploration, visiting nearly one hundred countries throughout his life. He believed deeply in the value of cultural understanding and lifelong learning, often sharing this passion with his family.

He was known for his generosity, quietly supporting extended family members and others in need. Many considered him not only a relative or friend, but also a mentor and father figure.

Deeply proud of his Armenian heritage, Berj supported numerous Armenian causes, particularly those focused on education and the well-being of younger generations. In honour of his parents, he established a fellowship at the American University of Armenia, contributing to the future development of Armenia.

In March 2026, Berj celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by his family—a joyful and fitting milestone in a long and meaningful life.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a principled and accomplished professional; and a man of generosity, vision, and deep humanity.

May his memory be eternal.

Աստուած հոգին լուսաւորէ։

29/04/2026

26/04/2026

St Yeghiche Armenian Church episcopal Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide