PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

August 24, 2009
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PRIMATE ORDAINS FIVE YOUNG SUB-DEACONS AT ST. GEORGE CHURCH IN HARTFORD

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited St. George Armenian Church of Hartford, Conn.,
on Friday, August 14, where he ordained five young men to the sub-diaconate.

The five altar servers – Shant and Artin Ghokasiyan, Todd Hebert, Jarod
Karanian, and Rafid Kasir – have been working hard to prepare for the
obligations that come with the next rung in the hierarchy of the Armenian
Church.

They said welcoming the Primate and taking part in the ordination service
was moving and memorable.

"It’s a culmination of years of serving the church," said Shant Ghokasiyan,
who with his brother Artin, has been shadowing his father, Deacon Ashot
Ghokasiyan, to absorb the ritual duties of an Armenian Church deacon.

"I’ve now reached the point where I take the half-burden of the cross,"
Shant said, referring to the new responsibilities he will assume as a
sub-deacon. "And I hope to continue on this path, and to offer more to the
Armenian Church."

Following services, the families of the newly ordained sub-deacons hosted a
reception in the church hall, with assistance from the parish council.

The Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, pastor of the St. George Church, thanked the
families and the entire church community for supporting and encouraging the
young men.

"When they grow up they will remember this impressive and uplifting
ordination," Fr. Zohrabian said. "I am certain that His Eminence’s blessing
and paternal advice will make a big and enduring impact on the participants
of the ordination."

He added that the altar servers will continue their training and service to
the Armenian Church.

"Ordination does not bring self-glorification because it is an effective
means of serving the church," Fr. Zohrabian said. "Moreover, it is a call
from God to serve the church to the best of our abilities. It is imperative
that we answer this call with a sense of seriousness and dedication."

"It’s good to be able to serve the Armenian Church and the Armenian
community," said Jarod Karanian. "Seeing Srpazan reminds me of how important
our task is."

Archbishop Barsamian congratulated the young sub-deacons and expressed his
pride at their commitment.

"These young men are taking another step on a path that will enrich and
illuminate their entire lives," the Primate said. "In this Year of Vocations
in our Diocese, there is no more hopeful sign for our church than the
devotion of these young men."

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Photo attached: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains five young men to the
sub-diaconate at St. George Armenian Church of Hartford, Conn.