September 26, 2024

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Reverend Dr. Vahe Simonian was the Interim Head of Staff when I arrived at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church in 2004. He quickly took me under his wing and mentored me in ministry. This care and concern were not traits he reserved for me. The entire church was blessed by his wisdom and leadership. During his time here, he oversaw the beginning of the contemporary worship service, the installation of air conditioning in the sanctuary, and the church’s transition from the thirty-year pastorate of Rev. Dr. Jim Morrison to the hiring of Rev. Dr. David Worth. Those interim years were essential for healing and preparing the congregation for the years ahead. But more than those larger movements of leadership, I remember Vahe for his friendship and laughter… a great model of pastoral ministry for me early in my career!

 

Earlier this year, on April 29th, Rev. Dr. Vahe Simonian passed from this life into the next. I was unable to pay him public tribute at the time because I was on sabbatical. But I wanted to share with you a reminder of the legacy we have been afforded here at Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church. Vahe is part of the cloud of witnesses who have been conduits of God’s blessing to us. For that we are thankful and we join with the Simonian family as they continue to mourn our loss.

 

In Christ,

Pastor Andrew Eagles