Pasadena Pastor’s 2,800-Mile Ride Throughout the West Will Benefit Orphans and Widows

Pasadena Armenian Church of the Nazarene Rev. Hovhannes Haladjian plans a 2,800-mile motorcycle journey across five western states to raise funds for 200 orphans and widows in Armenia and Lebanon. [Courtesy images]

Rev. Hovhannes Haladjian will embark on a 2,800-mile motorcycle journey across five western states to raise funds for 200 orphans and widows in Armenia and Lebanon.

The 65-year-old Pasadena pastor at Pasadena Armenian Church of the Nazarene, who was himself orphaned as a child, will kick off his “Ride for Hope” mission on September 7.

“When I was just four years old, my parents separated, and my father placed me in the Peniel Armenian Orphanage in Beirut, Lebanon, where I grew up,” Haladjian explains.

“Knowing what it feels like to live without the care of parents shaped my heart forever.”

The journey will span 11 days from September 8 to 18, covering Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. Haladjian aims to raise funds at $10 per mile, directly supporting specific orphans and widows lacking basic necessities.

The kickoff event will take place at 1747 Brigden Road in Pasadena at 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 7.

“Riding across the country allows me to draw attention in a unique way—a road trip not for leisure, but for hope,” the pastor said.

“Each mile represents both the challenge of the journey and the promise of support for those who often feel forgotten.”

A senior pastor at Pasadena Armenian Church of the Nazarene, Haladjian brings 37-plus years of ministry experience to this mission. His journey challenges conventional digital fundraising methods, offering a tangible approach to community support.

Community members can participate by attending the kickoff, making pledge donations, following the online journey or providing prayer support.

“My pastoral calling has always been rooted in the words of James 1:27, which reminds us that pure religion is ‘to look after orphans and widows in their distress,'” Haladjian highlighted.

The mission draws deeply from Haladjian’s personal history. After 24 years as founding pastor of Armenian Brotherhood Evangelical Church in Yerevan, Armenia, he now seeks to support 200 specific beneficiaries who lack food, clothing, medical care and educational support.

“I strongly believe that this journey is a powerful demonstration of God’s glory—showing the world that His love compels us to stand with the needy, to comfort the broken and to bring hope where there is despair,” Haladjian said.

“Each mile I ride represents $10 in donations, bringing hope, shelter, and care to those who have lost so much,” he said. Those wishing to help may donate by using Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal to send their donation to 7472577402.

There is a GoFundMe also, accessible by clicking here.