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: [email protected]
Website:
November 23, 2009
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YOUNG ACOLYTES ORDAINED AT ST. JOHN CHURCH OF GREENFIELD, WI
On Sunday, November 15, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. John Armenian
Church of Greenfield, Wis., where he ordained three young acolytes and
joined the parish in the celebration of the church’s 69th anniversary.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and delivered a sermon
about the importance of giving thanks to God in the Advent season, and
throughout the year.
"In two weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a uniquely American
occasion, but the idea of giving thanks to God during a family meal is
hardly foreign to Armenians," the Primate said. "In our tradition, we give
thanks to the Lord for all His gifts."
"The Eucharist – which means ‘thanksgiving’ – is our way of remembering the
last days of Christ’s ministry: when Christ gave himself for mankind,"
Archbishop Barsamian said. "As Christians, we offer thanksgiving for this
gift, not just one time a year, but every week, through the holy badarak."
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a requiem service was held for Dn.
Sarkis Samuel Avakian, a longtime servant of the Armenian Church, marking
the 40th day of Dn. Avakian’s passing.
A gifted tenor, Dn. Avakian served for many years as a choir director,
helping other parishioners learn and sing the Gomidas badarak. He also
served on the parish council and numerous church committees, and was a
member of the Knights of Vartan.
Both at St. Mesrob Church of Racine, Wis., and at St. John Church of
Greenfield, Dn. Avakian inspired young people to carry forward the rich
heritage of the Armenian Church.
In 2003, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, bestowed the "St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal" on Dn. Avakian, in
recognition of his contributions to the Armenian Church.
"Today, we remember with gratitude the exemplary stewardship and service of
Dn. Samuel Avakian," the Primate said. "We definitely miss his physical
presence here in this sanctuary."
A supportive environment for parish youth
During the ordination service, three young men came forward to be ordained
to the rank of acolyte.
Arek Kashian, Donnie Rask, and William Seabrook began learning the duties
that come with this ordained office of the church at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary’s summer conferences, which they have been attending for three
years. Their training was supplemented by guidance from the Rev. Fr. Nareg
Keutelian, visiting pastor of St. John Church.
The parish is proud of the young men for their dedication, Fr. Keutelian
said. He added that members of the parish council and other lay leaders work
hard to foster a supportive environment for parish youth. The church has a
small Sunday School and is planning to start a combined Armenian and
religion class soon.
This month’s ordination "testifies to the ongoing life of a relatively small
community that nurtured three priests during their formative years: the Rev.
Fr. Sahag Kashian, the Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, and the Rev. Fr. Arsen
Barsamian," commented parishioner David Luhrssen after the day’s events.
"We are very proud of the three priests from our parish, and we are
continuing in that tradition of training young people," Fr. Keutelian said.
"We hope that some of these young people eventually will be ordained
priests."
Following services, a luncheon was held in the church hall, as some 100
parishioners gathered to mark the church’s 69th anniversary.
Archbishop Barsamian presented the newly ordained acolytes with crosses from
Holy Etchmiadzin. The Primate spoke about vocations and commended the young
men for their commitment to serving the Armenian Church.
"We express our gratitude to the founders of this parish, and to all the
dedicated servants of this parish, and to all those who have continued the
mission of St. John Church during the past 69 years," the Primate said.
William Seabrook, speaking on behalf of his fellow newly-ordained acolytes,
reflected on how Armenian cultural and spiritual traditions have helped
shape his identity. The program also featured the recitation of the poem
"Giligia" by Nicole Kashian and the performance of "Der Getzo" by Fr.
Keutelian.
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains Arek Kashian, William Seabrook,
and Donnie Rask to the rank of acolyte at St. John Armenian Church of
Greenfield, Wis.
Photo 2: Newly ordained acolytes with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the
Rev. Fr. Nareg Keutelian, visiting pastor of St. John Armenian Church of
Greenfield, Wis.