Witness, Share and Evangelize: Pastor's Life

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Pastor's Life - Peace be with you

Peace be with you - even in turbulent times
by Rev. Dr. Christine (Chris) Chakoian

When I was growing up, the 4th of July was a sacred holiday. Both of my parents served in World War II – they even met in the Army! It was clear that peace was not something to take for granted. So we celebrated – attending our town’s parade in the morning, and watching fireworks at night.

And in between, we would drive to the Armenian Congregational Church’s annual picnic. I loved watching the old people play backgammon, the men grill kebab, the women serve their hand-made baklava. It never dawned on me that they were celebrating peace too; so many of them had escaped the genocide.

I think of peace differently now than I did as a child. It is not a “given,” but a precious gift to be treasured. And, in this turbulent, uncertain season, I’m aware of how fragile this crucial gift is.

Rev. Dr. Christine (Chris) Chakoian serves as Pastor and Head of Staff of Westwood Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. She has served in this position since August 2019. She is called to lead the congregation in the ways of Christ. She previously served at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary as Vice President for Seminary Advancement. Her previous calls include Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, IL, and Community Presbyterian Church in Clarendon Hills, IL, as well as Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR, Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, and Overbrook Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio. She is married to John Shustitzky, Director of the Doctoral program in Applied Clinical Psychology at the L.A. campus of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Their daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Spencer Sohn, live in Albuquerque.

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The Church Financial Leadership Academy is a free resource for pastors and church leaders to access videos on various topics that are helpful for financial literacy and leadership. Sign up today using the registration code PCUSA.