St. Sahag Church Welcomes New Pastor, Looks Forward to Future

 Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, Minn., this month as the parish marked the 10th anniversary of the church's consecration and welcomed its new pastor, the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan.

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

December 10, 2012

_______________________________________________

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, Minn., this month as the parish marked the 10th anniversary of the church's consecration and welcomed its new pastor, the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan.

On Saturday, December 1, Archbishop Barsamian and Diocesan Council members the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian and Lisa Esayian met with the pastor, parish council chair Avo Toghramadjian, and parish council members to help the parish create a strategic plan.

The meeting began with a prayer service and Bible study on First Corinthians ("one body, many members). Participants reflected on the importance of unity and the significance of each member's contribution of his or her unique skills to the healthy functioning of the parish.

Fr. Jebejian then outlined some elements of a "model parish," and Ms. Esayian presented ways in which the parish council might attract new members to St. Sahag Church and stressed the importance of communication between the council and the pastor.

The highlight of the day-long session was the development of a multi-faceted strategic plan for St. Sahag Church, which built on the vision of Fr. Barseghyan with input from all parish council members. The strategic plan promotes community outreach and communication, leadership development, multi-generational education, and the parish's financial stability.

The day concluded with a reception in appreciation of the supporters of St. Sahag Church.

Also on Saturday, Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese's Music Ministry coordinator, worked with the parish choir in preparation for Sunday's services.

On Sunday, December 2, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and elevated young parishioners Hagop Toghramadjian and Andy Ylitalo to the sub-diaconate. Both are active members of the parish, and regularly serve on the altar.

The Primate also formally introduced Fr. Barseghyan to the community, and wished him a fruitful ministry at St. Sahag Church. "Fr. Barseghyan is an energetic and capable young clergyman," Archbishop Barsamian said. "May our Lord guide him, and may He continue blessing the Armenian community of St. Paul."

Following services, 140 people gathered for an anniversary banquet in the church hall. Sunday School and Armenian School students recited poems, and parishioner Mariam Kocharian sang a selection of Armenian songs.

Parishioners congratulated the newly ordained sub-deacons, and welcomed Fr. Barseghyan with a celebratory cake. "There is full support of our new pastor," Mr. Toghramadjian said. "We all have the same mission of growing our parish."

Fr. Barseghyan thanked the community for its warm welcome since his arrival earlier this fall. "This is a new milestone for us," he said. "I look forward to working with all of you to reach new heights for our St. Sahag family. It is truly a blessing and joy to have your support as we embark on this new chapter of our parish history."

Mr. Toghramadjian also spoke to parishioners about Saturday's strategic planning session and encouraged them to come together to achieve the goals envisioned.

"There is a very upbeat feeling in our community," he concluded.

###

Photos attached.

Photo 2: Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan with Hagop Toghramadjian and Andy Ylitalo during the ordination service.

Photo 1: Altar servers and choir members pose for a group photo with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, and Fr. Aren Jebejian.

PublicRelations [publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org]