On Thursday, January 26, in the main auditorium of the Gevorkian Seminary in Holy Etchmiadzin, Hayr Soorp defended his thesis, entitled “The Apochryphal Writings in the Armenian Version of the New Testament,” in front of the Examining Committee appointed by His Holiness Karekin II, comprised of Bishop Yeznik Petrosyan, Bishop Mikael Achabahyan and Bishop Paren Avedikyan, and in the presence of a multitude of bishops, priests and guests including Professor Levon Zekiyan of the Pontifical Institute in Rome.

First. Fr. Vahan was invited to introduce his thesis and the new contribution it brings.  This was followed by a period of questions and answers, first by the members of the Examining Committee and then by the public.  At the end of the defense and following a brief consultation among the members of the Examining Committee, Bishop Yeznik announced that the Committee had found Fr. Vahan’s thesis and defense more than gratifying for the honor of Dzayrakuyn Vartabed.  The crowd then burst into a plaudit of congratulations.

          The same day, following the successful defense of his thesis, Fr. Vahan was received by His Holiness Karekin II in his Patriarchal Palace, where Vehapar congratulated Hayr Vahan and gifted him with a special pectoral cross, a visible sign of the honor bestowed upon Fr. Vahan.

         On Saturday, January 28, Hayr Vahan was elevated to the rank of Dzayrakuyn Vartabed (Chief Doctor of Faith) in the Monastery of Oshagan by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, with Very Rev. Fr. Sasoon Dz. V. Zmroukhdian as sponsoring clergyman.  Thus Fr. Vahan becomes one of the youngest Dzayrakuyn Vartabeds of our Diocese.

         Following a few days in Paris, Fr. Vahan returned to New York, accompanied by Fr. Krikor Khachatryan (from Paris), on the evening of Saturday, February 4.  As soon as he reached Bayside, Fr. Vahan wanted to be with his flock, learning that they were all gathered in Kalustyan Hall for a special evening sponsored by the Saturday Armenian Language School.  As he entered the hall, Fr. Vahan was welcomed with great love and enthusiasm, receiving a long standing ovation.

        The very next day, Sunday, February 5, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Hayr Soorp joined the parishioners of Holy Martyrs in the Church Auditorium where a special and lavish fellowship hour had been prepared by the Parish Council and a few friends.

            A congratulatory cake was rolled in by Parish Council Chair Dr. Lynn Cetin who, on behalf of our parishioners and friends and the entire Holy Martyrs family, congratulated Fr. Vahan on his elevation to the rank of Dzayrakuyn Vartabed.

            It was an honor to have Diramayr Seta and Fr. Vahan’s sisters Sara and Silva also present on this memorable day.

            Fr. Vahan then received the congratulations of a throng of parishioners and friends who had filled the auditorium.

            The joy of our parish was culminated on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, when we were honored by the visit of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian who conducted a special Vesper Service in the Sanctuary together with Fr. Vahan and our Deacons.  Later, at a special reception held in Kalustyan Hall, a video of the events held on the occasion of Fr. Vahan’s elevation was shown to the gathered multitude. The Primate spoke words of praise for our pastor and congratulated not only our parish but also Hayr Soorp’s family.  Holy Martyrs Church is truly blessed.