Deacon Ordained in Cleveland

St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, Ohio, welcomed Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), for a weekend of fellowship and worship that culminated in the ordination of longtime parishioner Murad Demirjian to the diaconate, on Sunday, April 7.

***

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

April 15, 2013

____________________________________________________

Deacon Ordained in Cleveland

St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, Ohio, welcomed Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), for a weekend of fellowship and worship that culminated in the ordination of longtime parishioner Murad Demirjian to the diaconate, on Sunday, April 7.

Arriving on Saturday, April 6, Archbishop Barsamian joined the parish ACYOA members for lunch and conversation. Young people had an opportunity to hear from the Primate about his ministry and to learn more about various Diocesan youth programs.

Later that day, Archbishop Barsamian met with members of the parish council and the community's Young Professionals group. They spoke about the importance of faith in daily life and shared recent accomplishments of the parish.

Concurrent with the Primate's visit, Dn. Rubik Mailian, chair of the Sacred Music Council, conducted a choir workshop on Saturday. The session focused on the music of the Divine Liturgy and the service of the ordination to the diaconate.

On Sunday, April 7, close to 200 people gathered to participate in the Divine Liturgy. The Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, parish pastor, celebrated the badarak, with Archbishop Barsamian presiding.

In his homily, the Primate spoke about last fall's pilgrimage to historic Armenia, emphasizing the perseverance of the Armenian spirit even in the face of one of the darkest episodes in Armenian history.

"Only recently, we could not even imagine raising our voices in prayer in an ancient Armenian church in historic Armenia," Archbishop Barsamian said. "But last September, our group was able to do just that in places like Aghtamar, Ani, and Dikranagert. When we open our hearts, everything is possible with God."

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian elevated sub-deacon Murad Demirjian to the diaconate. A longtime member of St. Gregory of Narek Church, Mr. Demirjian has served on the parish council and is the youth advisor for the ACYOA.

"He is proud of his Armenian heritage and he loves his church," said Fr. Sargsyan. "Dn. Murad is a dedicated servant of the Lord, whose involvement and enthusiasm is an example to the young people he inspires in our community."

The newly ordained deacon said he was humbled and moved during the service. "Today, as I accepted the responsibilities of a deacon, and heard the congregation affirm my worthiness for this role, I renewed my commitment to the three pillars of my life: faith, the Armenian Church, and my family," Dn. Demirjian said.

Dn. Rubik Malian led the choir in singing the hymns of the Divine Liturgy and the ordination service.

Following services, a reception was held in the church hall. Dn. Mailian, Nara Avetisyan, Hrant Bagrazyan, and students of the St. Gregory of Narek Armenian School performed musical selections, and master of ceremonies Frunz Yeranosyan and Armen Yerevanian recited poems.

Parishioners presented deacons Murad Demirjian, Serop Dimirjian, and Haig Arpajian with new stoles in appreciation of their dedicated service to St. Gregory of Narek Church. It was also announced that proceeds from Sunday's reception would be put toward the purchase of new robes for choir members and altar servers.

Archbishop Barsamian congratulated Dn. Murad Demirjian, and expressed his gratitude to the entire parish for their warm welcome and their energetic commitment.

"Dn. Murad is a son of the Armenian Church. His humility, openness, and commitment are qualities that will help him carry forward our Christian heritage and touch others with its message of love and hope."

###

Photos attached.

Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains Murad Demirjian to the diaconate at St. Gregory of Narek Church.

Photo 2: Fr. Hratch Sargsyan looks on as Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Dn. Murad Demirjian cut the celebratory cakes at a reception following services.

PublicRelations [publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org]