Ordinations
On Sunday, October 5, His Eminence Abp. Khajag Barsamian, Primate, was the guest celebrant at the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, New York. On this day, the congregation was full of pride and joy as they witnessed the ordination of two deacons (Alexander Calikyan and Karnik Kiliciyan) and five subdeacons (Ara Arsenian, Armen Arsenian, Nicholas Calikyan, Vahe Gemdzian and Arthur Ipek). In addition, the Holy Order of Tbir was conferred upon seven young men (Brandon Ajamian, Christopher Cetin, Armen Demirjian, Andrew Halajian, Gregory C. Manuelian, Robert Naldjian, Stephen Sirounian); two choir members (Vartan Esenyan, Andrew Yenicag) were ordained as tbir, four choir ladies (Hilda Haroutunian, Tamar Kayserian, Hilda Sheshedian, Meline Yaziciyan) had their veils blessed and the new choir co-director's (Ruthann Turekian Drewitz) shabig was blessed. At the conclusion of the blessing ceremony a special gontag from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was presented to Dn. Hagop Sason Demirjian and Dn. Hagop Yagliyan for their lifelong service to the Armenian Church. “All these blessings are great opportunities for our Church to show that we are continuing in Christ’s mission in this parish,” said His Eminence, during the day’s homily.
An elegant celebratory luncheon was held in the church’s Kalustyan Hall following the ordination and blessing service. During the luncheon, the newly-ordained deacons had the opportunity to reflect upon the day’s events and thanked those in attendance for their love and support. Also in attendance was the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Director of Zohrab Information Center and Jennifer Morris, Director of Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Both spoke eloquently about the newly ordained, highlighting the fact that they knew most of the ordinands personally, thus making the day even more special for them. At the conclusion of the program, Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, parish pastor, was presented with a hand-cross from all the newly ordained, in appreciation of his teaching and dedication to the youth.
Click here to view photos.
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