Big Turnout At Armenian Church Just Days After Priest Arrested

BIG TURNOUT AT ARMENIAN CHURCH JUST DAYS AFTER PRIEST ARRESTED
Story by Darren Duarte

WTNH, CT
May 15 2006

(New Britain-WTNH, May 14, 2006 6:35 PM) _ New Britain priest Krikoris
Keshishian, who is accused of sexual assault, is getting support from
some of his parishioners.

Keshishian is a priest at Saint Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church.

Outside parishioners react to allegations of sexual abuse against
their priest.

“That’s a shame. That’s a shame.”

Inside Father Krikoris Keshishian gave his first sermon since his
arrest Tuesday on child sexual assault charges.

Richard Hamasian says, “I would let him know and let the rest of the
world know that just as the world took Jesus to trial and crucified
him is what I felt this week with everything that took place.”

Father Keshishian is accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl inside
St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in May of last year. Many
in the congregation can’t believe the shocking allegation against
their pastor.

Lucy Shabazian says,”Some of our parishioners who have children in
Sunday school and have questioned their children and he has never
done anything that is out of the ordinary.”

A larger than usual crowd packed St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in
New Britain to support their priest during this tough time.

Susan Shabazian says,”He has been the epitome and strength of our
community for many, many years and we feel that he has been unjustly
accused.”

Folks from other Armenian churches in the area came to listen to
the pastor’s sermon. Up to now, the priest has not made any public
comments about the case. He’s out on bond and is due back in court
later this month.