A Celebratıon of Servıce in Detroit

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, last Sunday, where he ordained two altar servers to the diaconate and joined the community in recognizing the dedication of several longtime parishioners.

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558

E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org

Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net

November 16, 2012

Recipients of the parish's "St. John the Forerunner Award" with the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

Recipients of the Diocese's "St. Vartan Award."

Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 11, with the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, parish pastor, assisting. During services, Archbishop Barsamian ordained Dr. David Aprahamian and Aram Sarkisian to the diaconate. The Rev. Fr. Abraham Ohanesian and the Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian took part in the ordination service.

Both deacons are active members of the parish. Dr. Aprahamian directs the parish's Altar Service Training Program and chairs the Men's Society. Mr. Sarkisian, who is currently pursing graduate work in Chicago, grew up at St. John Church and returns often to serve on the altar.

In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian spoke about the raising of Jairus daughter, stressing that faith in Christ helps overcome the worst adversity. "When doing the work of God," the Primate said, "do not be afraid."

Following services, the parish hosted a banquet titled "A Celebration of Service," to honor parishioners for their dedication to the Armenian Church.

Dn. Ohannes Boyajian, Almas Derderian, Mary Egigian, Peter Egigian, Alberta Godoshian, Sooren Gozmanian, Agnes Carman Hovsepian, Sirvart Mezian, Edward Papelian, Charles Stamboulian, Simon Tashjian, and the late Harry Keoleian were recognized with the parish's "St. John the Forerunner Award."

The honorees have been involved in various church organizations, from the Parish Council and Women's Guild to the choir and educational ministry. "Their service is ongoing. They are always present in the life and activity of the parish," Fr. Kochakian said.

The Diocese's "St. Vartan Award" was presented to Howard Atesian, Dr. Vincent Baylerian, Simon Javizian, Edward Korkorian, Arthur Mardigian, Dn. Richard Norsigian, Dr. Edward Sarkisian, and Dr. Gary Zamanigian. The honorees have served not only as Diocesan delegates and on Diocesan boards—such as the Diocesan Council and the Armenian Church Endowment Fund—but also on local parish committees.  

Emma Tabibyan Sogoian was awarded the "St. Gregory Medal" and Pontifical Encyclical. Mrs. Tabibyan Sogoian, with her late husband Kalousd, has supported a number of projects at Holy Etchmiadzin. In 2007, she donated 18 Armenian manuscripts to the Holy See. A longtime member of St. John Church, Mrs. Tabibyan Sogoian has also been a generous supporter of the local parish.

The parish plans to make the "Celebration of Service" banquet an annual tradition. Sunday's program also included a message by Dn. Mihran Hoplamazian. Karmen Santourian served as mistress of ceremonies.

The program concluded with an homage to Veterans Day: Dn. Rubik Mailian sang "I Vow to Thee, My Country" with the accompaniment of the parish's newly formed Komitas Bell Choir.

###

Photos attached.

Photo 1: Clergy and altar servers pose for a group photo following services at St. John Church.

Photo 2: Recipients of the parish's "St. John the Forerunner Award" with the Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

Photo 3: Recipients of the Diocese's "St. Vartan Award."