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Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
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June 14, 2007

Ordination of Deacons in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Eight recent graduates of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary were ordained
to the diaconate during the celebration of Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 3,
in Holy Etchmiadzin.

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
presided during the ordination service and liturgy, which was celebrated by
His Grace Bishop Markos Hovhannisian, Primate of the Diocese of Gegharkunik.

In his message to the newly ordained, Bishop Markos advised the deacons to
value their important responsibilities as bearers of the `rewarding yoke’ of
Christ.  He encouraged them to carry out their mission with devotion and
faith, as worthy followers of the Lord.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness received the new deacons in the
Pontifical Residence, and conveyed to them his fatherly love and blessings.