PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
May 11, 2006
___________________
DELEGATES RE-ELECT PRIMATE
By Jake Goshert
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian was re-elected to the position of Primate during
the 2006 Assembly.
Speaking to the delegates after his re-election, the Primate thanked them
for their efforts to strengthen the Armenian Church and spoke about the joy
he feels from his job.
“On many occasions young people ask me why I became a priest, what was the
moving force. I tell them why I made the decision, and then I say it has
been a very fulfilling experience for me as a priest, as a clergyman for the
Armenian Church, as a servant of the Armenian Church,” he said. “I thank
God for giving me this opportunity. Even though life is not always smooth
— there are ups and downs and challenges — overall it has been a moving
experience.”
He said serving the Diocese for the past 16 years as Primate has been very
satisfying. He said it is a job made easier by the dedicated clergy,
devoted parish and Diocesan leadership, and the work of the Diocesan staff.
“It is the most rewarding experience for me as a clergyman, when I visit our
parishes to celebrate badarak and to ordain tbirs, sub-deacons, and deacons.
In one word, it is wonderful to visit parishes and to be in communion with
the parishioners and together to continue our communion with God, fulfilling
the mission of the Armenian Church,” he said.
— 5/9/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Delegates cast their vote for primate during the 2006
Diocesan Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Diocesan clergy line up to congratulate Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian on his re-election to Primate, during the Diocesan Assembly
on Saturday, May 6, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, addresses the
delegates at the Diocesan Assembly hosted by St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn,
NJ.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress