PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
October 18, 2004

His Holiness Karekin II Elevates Rev. Fr. Boghos Baronian to the Rank of
Archpriest

On October 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, at the request of His Eminence Archbishop Datev Gharibian,
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Brazil, elevated Rev. Fr. Boghos
Baronian, parish priest of St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in Osasco
(Brazil) to the rank of Archpriest in recognition of Fr. Boghos’ long and
fruitful service to his flock.

His Holiness personally witnessed the zealous activity of Fr. Boghos during
his Pontifical Visit to the Dioceses of South America in May of this year.

During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Tiran Petrosian, a member of the Brotherhood
of Holy Etchmiadzin, read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin
II. The Catholicos of All Armenians congratulated Fr. Boghos, expressing
his conviction that this recognition given for the priest’s 20-year
experience and dedication would re-invigorate and inspire him to serve the
Armenian community in Osasco with greater devotion and love.

“You should be the soul of the Armenian community and your spirit should
give light to the national life of our people. Lead the Armenians with more
zeal and with your personal example of sacrifice, love, dedication to
service and patriotism”, noted His Holiness.

Rev. Fr. Archpriest Boghos Baronian, thanking His Holiness for the honor,
stated “Our gaze is always directed towards Holy Etchmiadzin, our Mother
Church and the home of every Armenian heart. Our hope is in Armenia and the
Mother See led and guided by Your Holiness.” Father Boghos further assured
the Pontiff of All Armenians that he would redouble his efforts and do his
utmost in bringing the mission of the Armenian Church to life in Brazil,
leading his flock to God, preserving the Armenian spirit and identity in his
community, and elevating the concepts of patriotism and love among the
people.

His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, Secretary General of the Department of
Inter-Church Relations of the Mother See, and members of the Brotherhood of
Holy Etchmiadzin attended the event.