The weekend of June 3 and 4, 2006, will remain an unforgettable memory in the hearts and minds of Holy Martyrs parishioners, who were graced by the presence of the Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who had made time in his busy schedule to be with us on such an important occasion.

On Saturday evening, His Eminence conferred the degree of tbir upon young boys of our parish, some of whom sing in our Junior Choir and some serve at the altar.  During an impressive ceremony, the Primate blessed each boy by name and bestowed upon each of them the privileges associated with their new rank. Our new tbirs are Alex Calikyan, Nicholas Calikyan, Andrew Gazal, Vahe Gemdzian, Krikor Ghazarian, Arthur Ipek, Arden Koroglu, Matthew Krikorian and Alex Saglamer.  The Archbishop also blessed the veils of the young girls in the group, namely Nirva Aydin, Talar Aydin, Karine Demirjian, Patricia Demirjian, Carolina Gazal, Daniela Gazal, Christina Haroutunian, Diana Haroutunian, Christine Ishanyan, Markrete Krikorian, Lori Sanag, Hamaspure Vakilian, Talin Vakilian, Christina Vandian, Natalie Vandian.

On Sunday, June 4, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian was escorted to the altar by our deacons with the singing of Hrashapar by the choir. Our pastor Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian assisted the Archbishop at the altar during the celebration of the solemn Divine Liturgy.  Fr. Vahan also sang the moving hymn Undryalt as he knelt beside the celebrant. 

  Following his spirited sermon, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy His Eminence conducted the ceremony of ordaining four of our church’s acolytes to the sub-diaconate, John Alexanian, Aram Babikian, Shant Babikian, and Roy Seter, who have been faithfully serving Holy Martyrs at the altar over the years, granting them special privileges and the right to wear the deacon’s stole (ourar). 

An elegant banquet was held in Kalustyan Hall honoring our young sub-deacons as well as our senior deacons who were seated at the dais.  Dn. Frank Kabarajian served as master of ceremonies and proceeded to introduce the members of the dais, under the presidency of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, who were Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Parish Council Chairman Dr. Lynn Cetin, Deacons Garbis Martayan, Norayr Zakarian and Hagop Yaghliyan. 

A short program ensued, including as speakers Dr. Lynn Cetin, Krikor Ghazarian on behalf of the tbirs, and Roy Seter on behalf of the newly ordained sub-deacons.  Deacon Frank reminded everyone that today happened to be the 16^th anniversary of Fr. Vahan’s ordination to the priesthood, following which many congratulations and best wishes were expressed. 

After a glowing introduction by the master of ceremonies, who stated that among all the high-ranking clergymen of the Armenian Church all over the world, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian stands out as being one of the most distinguished, knowledgeable, pure princes of the Church, the Primate came to the podium to a standing ovation.  His Eminence congratulated the youngsters, their parents, the pastor and the organizing committee, and called up the new tbirs and sub-deacons to receive their gifts