Garabet Kechejioghlu holds a special place in the history of St. George Church in Derik, having played an important role in returning the church to the Armenian community in 1957.

After 1915, the church had passed out of the Armenian community’s control and for many years was not used for its original purpose. When St. George Church was put up for sale in 1957, the Armenians of Derik united to reacquire it. The necessary funds were raised through contributions from members of the community, and ownership of the church was registered in the name of Garabet Kechejioghlu.

He not only assumed responsibility for preserving the church but also personally participated in its renovation and cleaning, restoring the altar, windows, and other parts of the building. Although he later moved to Constantinople, for approximately 43 years he returned to Derik almost every year to monitor the condition of the church.

After Garabet Kechejioghlu’s death, his heirs handed the church keys over to the Demirci family, which had also supported the preservation of St. George Church for many years.

Today, St. George Church in Derik continues to stand as an important testimony to the historic Armenian presence. Garabet Kechejioghlu’s legacy was not merely a property deed but a commitment to preserving the community’s historical and spiritual heritage.