SANTA ANA, Calif.—The Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Orange County has announced and began a large scale renovation of its outdoor campus, hall, conference center and church. The comprehensive plan includes a four phased process whereby fundraising and construction run parallel with the ultimate objective to improve the safety and appearance of the entire complex. “The goal is not only to improve the church and hall structure, but rather to rejuvenate the entire community,” said renovation committee chairman Harout Guldjian.

Upon announcing the project and fundraising efforts, the support from the Orange County Armenian community has been overwhelming including, among various other large donations, $150,000 from Julian and Aleen Movsesian, $100,000 from Levon and Zarouhi Gugasian, $50,000 from Diko and Peggy Sulahian, $40,000 from Bedig and Maro Fermanian and $25,000 from George and Siroon Gemeyal.

On February 8, 2015, the kick-off launch dinner at 21 Oceanfront hosted by the Gugasians was a major success raising over $175,000.

The committee has thus far raised over $500,000 and set its aim high at $1M. The project’s gala / awards ceremony is slated for March 22, 2015 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, California with an expected attendance of 500 people. This gala is a combined effort with Ari Guiragos Minassian School with support from a united community. If you would like to learn more or participate, please contact the church office at (714) 839-7729.