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:
December 29, 2009
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PRIMATE ORDAINS SUB-DEACON AT HOLY TRANSLATORS CHURCH IN FRAMINGHAM, MA
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in
Framingham, Mass., on November 21-22, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy
and ordained Michael Sabounjian, son of parish pastor the Rev. Fr. Krikor
Sabounjian, to the sub-diaconate.
On the eve of Thanksgiving Day celebrations, the Primate spoke about the
importance of giving thanks to God in the Armenian tradition. "Thanksgiving
is one of our points of contact with Jesus Christ himself," Archbishop
Barsamian said, pointing to examples of thanksgiving in Armenian prayers,
hymns, and in the structure of the Divine Liturgy.
"This week, we will all be reminded of the many things we can be thankful
for: our families, our health, the blessings of America, our heritage and
our homeland," the Primate said. "But there’s something else for us to be
thankful for, too. It was Christ’s sacrifice which brought mankind the gift
of salvation. And for us as Christians, that fact, above all others, is our
greatest reason for Thanksgiving."
‘A powerful experience’
On Saturday, November 21, the Primate shared an evening of fellowship with
members of the parish council. Archbishop Barsamian’s visit coincided with
the sixth anniversary of the consecration of Holy Translators Church, and
the Primate commended the parish leadership on their achievements in the
short period.
On Sunday, before the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, the community
gathered to witness the ordination of Michael Sabounjian to the
sub-diaconate. He has been preparing for nearly two years, both with his
father, Fr. Krikor, and at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary’s deacons training
sessions.
Michael was ordained to the rank of acolyte in February 2008. Now 16 years
old, he says he wanted to pursue the sub-diaconate because he realized that
serving on the altar allowed him to be "engaged in the Divine Liturgy in a
different way."
"It is a powerful experience," he said, "and having that experience as an
acolyte gave me the drive to keep trying."
Michael said learning the different parts of the Divine Liturgy came
naturally, though he did admit it was challenging to master the hymns and
chants in Armenian. That proved "the most fulfilling part of my training,"
he said, adding that over the past two years he has learned enough of the
language to be able to read in Armenian.
His brother, Arthur Sabounjian, who became a sub-deacon in 2003, was another
source of inspiration, as were the parish altar servers. Now, Michael hopes
he can become a role model to younger students. He is already helping train
two young parishioners to become acolytes.
Fr. Krikor Sabounjian leads a vibrant program for altar servers at Holy
Translators Church. Last February, Daniel Hyde and Ara Bablouzian were
ordained acolytes, along with Michael. Also at that time, the Primate
ordained Jeffrey Hyde, Christopher Seifel, and Michael Tutunjian as
sub-deacons.
"My hope is that when these kids come through, some of them will be inspired
to move on, and maybe be touched by God and called to the priesthood," Fr.
Sabounjian said.
There are also opportunities for young women to learn to serve the church,
he added. Some sing in the choir, while others assist during the Kiss of
Peace portion of the liturgy, and serve in other ways.
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Photo attached: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern), ordains Michael Sabounjian to the
sub-diaconate at the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham,
Mass. Assisting him is Michael’s father and parish pastor the Rev. Fr.
Krikor Sabounjian. Michael’s brother, sub-deacon Arthur Sabounjian, looks
on.