The following address was given by Dr. Lynn Cetin, chairman of the Holy Martyrs Parish Council, at the celebratory fellowship on Sunday, February 5, 2006, in honor of Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian’s elevation to “Dzayrakuyn Vartabed.”  Fr. Krikor Khachatryan, a guest clergyman from Armenia and Paris, was also present at the celebration.

Fr. Vahan, Fr. Krikor, family members, dear parishioners and friends,

As you all know, I have had many opportunities to get up here and speak to all of you over the past few years, but no opportunity will be as personally gratifying to me as this afternoon’s celebration.  We all rejoice in celebrating the successes of those dear to us.  Today we are here to do just that….today we are here to celebrate the elevation of our Hayr Soorp to the dignity Dzayrakuyn Vartabed or “senior Hayr Soorp.” 

This honor is an academic rank that is bestowed upon vartabeds who have shown outstanding leadership and educational qualities.  The rank is given only after the preparation and defense of a thesis.  Those of us close to you, Hayr Soorp, know how long and hard you worked on your thesis and how long you have been waiting for its defense.

By the invitation of Vehapar, two weeks ago Hayr Soorp went to Armenia to attend an ecumenical conference and defend his thesis.  All of us back home were excited, although not surprised, to hear the news that you had successfully defended and passed your thesis. 

His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who was also in Armenia last week, had the honor of elevating Hayr Soorp to Dzayrakuyn Vartabed.  All of us here today are proud of your accomplishments!

           Hayr Soorp, as it is stated in the Bible…. “Rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord God has blessed you…” and through you, Hayr Soorp, the Lord has blessed us, the Holy Martyrs family and the Armenian Church.

          On behalf of the Parish Council, the Diocesan Delegates and the entire Holy Martyrs community, I congratulate you for an honor so well deserved and so long overdue.  I am humbled to be a partner with you in your ministry.  May this be the beginning of many more successful journeys as you continue to spread the word of God through your ministry.

NAR:K - NARREC Pub. USPS #0808-000 Published Monthly by Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs Very Rev. Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Pastor 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway Bayside, New York 11364 Tel. (718) 225-0235 Periodicals Postage Paid At Flushing, New York Postmaster: Send Address Changes to NARREC 209-15 Horace Harding Expressway Bayside, NY  11364

          I thank everyone here today who helped me mobilize quickly and prepare for today’s truly special fellowship.

         Welcome home, Hayr Soorp, welcome Fr. Krikor, congratulations and may God bless you   always!