Our churches and church facilities are peaceful places for communities to pray, congregate and support one another. They should not be subjected to arson, vandalism and hate crimes. My heart breaks for Very Reverend Father Smpad Saboundjian, the entire St. Gregory the Illuminator congregation and the greater Armenian American community for this unnecessary act of intimidation. I fully encourage the San Francisco Police Department’s investigation to swiftly determine the cause of the blaze and hold those responsible strictly accountable under the law.
