PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
February 16, 2007
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DIOCESAN VICAR TO SUPPORT PRIMATE’S WORK
On March 5, 2007, V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian will begin serving as
Diocesan vicar of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
He served in the position before, from 1990 to 1995.
The position is the main deputy to Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate,
assisting him in performing administrative and pastoral duties. In the
absence of Archbishop Barsamian, Fr. Najarian will represent the Diocese at
various ecumenical, governmental, and administrative meetings, as well as
preside over meetings of Diocesan organizations.
Fr. Najarian will also aid the Primate by visiting parishes and working with
the Primate to address any issues that arise in the parishes. He will also
work with the Primate in implementing Diocesan policy, programs, and plans;
and aid in identifying and supervising candidates for the priesthood.
"I am pleased Fr. Najarian will be returning to the Diocesan Center on a
full-time basis. His advice, input, and friendship will be welcome," the
Primate said. "He is a man of deep personal faith and commitment to the
Armenian Church and community. I am certain his energy will strengthen our
entire Diocese."
A member of the Diocesan Council, for the past five years Fr. Najarian has
served as the pastor of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
Pennsylvania. Before that, he was pastor at the St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, Texas, from 2000 to 2002. From 1995 to 2000, Fr. Haigazoun was dean
and New Testament lecturer at the Kevorkian Seminary in Holy Etchmiadzin.
He also served as pastor of the St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, New Jersey,
from 1988 to 1990, acting vicar of the Diocese from 1986 to 1988, sub-dean
and lecturer at the Seminary in Etchmiadzin from 1981 to 1986, pastor at the
St. Peter Church in London from 1979 to 1981, and visiting pastor at the St.
Sarkis Church in London from 1975 to 1978.
Fr. Najarian was ordained a deacon in 1973 at Etchmiadzin in Armenia. He
was ordained a priest in 1975 at St. Sarkis Church in London, England. In
1983 he received the rank of Vartabed, and in 1986 that of Tsayrakuyn
Vartabed.
He received his bachelor’s degree in theology from King’s College in London,
England, in 1978, before doing post-graduate work at St. Andrews University
in Scotland from 1978 to 1979. In 1994, Fr. Najarian received his master’s
of history degree from New York City’s Columbia University.
— 2/16/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Starting March 1, 2007, Fr. Haigazoun Najarian will
serve as Diocesan vicar of the Eastern Diocese.