Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan has served as the Parish Priest of St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church of Arizona since 2007. His appointment to Scottsdale marked a new chapter of growth and spiritual enrichment for the parish, and under his visionary leadership, St. Apkar has flourished as a cornerstone of faith, culture, and service for Armenian Christians in the region. In 2024, the church celebrated its 15th anniversary, coinciding with Father Zacharia’s own milestone of 30 years in pastoral service—a testament to his enduring dedication to God and the community.

Born on September 27, 1968, in Yerevan, Armenia, Father Zacharia was ordained into the Holy Armenian Apostolic Priesthood in 1994 by the Patriarch Torkom Manoogian in Jerusalem. Before his service at St. Apkar, he spent a decade as the Vicar of the Armenian Community in Amman, Jordan, where he strengthened the spiritual foundation of the faithful and cultivated unity within the congregation.

Father Zacharia’s academic achievements demonstrate his commitment to both intellectual and theological excellence. He holds a Master of Arts in Electronic Engineering, specializing in optics and medical cybernetics, from Yerevan Polytechnic University. He later earned a Ph.D. eligibility in Philosophy at Yerevan University, focusing on the theological works of Shahan R. Berberian. His theological education was further honed at the Armenian St. James Theological Seminary in Jerusalem.

Father Zacharia is also an accomplished educator, having taught Armenian history and religion at the Yuzbashian-Gulbenkian Community School and Old and New Testament theology at the Theological Seminary of St. James. His lifelong commitment to education continues today as the head of St. Apkar’s Faith and Formation and Armenian Language School (FFALS), where he mentors new generations in faith and heritage.

In addition to his pastoral and educational roles, Father Zacharia is a prolific author. He has written four volumes of preaching, a collection of parables, and several children’s books, including the whimsical How a Spider Saved Christmas and Knock, Knock, Who Is There? His works are known for their moral lessons, vibrant illustrations, and interactive features, such as coloring pages for young readers. To date, he has published nine books, with another anticipated by Christmas 2025.

Father Zacharia’s life reflects an unwavering dedication to God, family, and community. Married and blessed with a son and daughter, he continues to inspire and guide St. Apkar’s parishioners with compassion, wisdom, and humility. His leadership ensures that the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church thrives for generations to come.