A Celebration of Service in Detroit

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. John Church of Southfield, MI, in May as the parish gathered for its second annual "Celebration of Service" program. On Sunday, May 18, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained parishioner George Boyagian to the rank of sub-deacon. The Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, parish pastor, and the Rev. Fr. Abraham Ohanesian assisted the Primate on the altar. Also participating was the Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian, Pastor Emeritus of St. John Church.

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PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Contact: Chris Zakian 

Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697  

E-mail: chrisz@armeniandiocese.org

Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net

May 30, 2014

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A CELEBRATION OF SERVICE IN DETROIT

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. John Church of Southfield, MI, in May as the parish gathered for its second annual "Celebration of Service" program.

On Sunday, May 18, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained parishioner George Boyagian to the rank of sub-deacon. The Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, parish pastor, and the Rev. Fr. Abraham Ohanesian assisted the Primate on the altar. Also participating was the Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian, Pastor Emeritus of St. John Church.

At a banquet following services, more than 250 people gathered in the church's cultural hall to honor several parishioners. Parish council chair Karmen Santourian served as mistress of ceremonies.

Edward and Janet Mardigian, longtime members of St. John Church, who were named as the Diocese's "Armenian Church Members of the Year" in 2013, were among those the parish thanked for their dedication to the Armenian Church. A video highlighting their work at St. John Church, the Diocese, and the Fund for Armenian Relief was shown during the banquet.

The parish's "St. John the Forerunner Award" was presented to Elizabeth Aprahamian, Nevart Godoshian, Jane Hovsepian, Helen Mekjian, Diramayr Virginia Melkonian, Rose Shahinian, and Sema Tafralian for their dedicated service, support, and stewardship to St. John Church.

The Diocese's "St. Vartan Award" was presented to Roseann Manoogian Attar, Jacqueline Melkonian ElChemmas, Barbara Zamanigian Haroutunian, Dolly Baltayan Matoian, and Katherine Sirapie Mekjian.

The community also extended its congratulations to Mr. Boyagian on his ordination.

In his benediction, Archbishop Barsamian congratulated all the honorees and encouraged them to continue their involvement in the life of the Armenian Church.

"Your dedicated service embodies the spirit of our Diocesan theme, ‘Living the Gospel of Christ,'" Archbishop Barsamian said. "Through your tireless efforts, St. John Church continues to flourish and to inspire young generations of Armenians to carry on the legacy begun here many years ago."

On Saturday evening, Archbishop Barsamian ordained altar servers and met with young people and their families.

George Anusbigian, Armen Arslanian, George Boyagian, Remi Bruck, Zaven Dadian, Steven Hagopian,  Kyle Johnson, Kyle Kalajian, Harry Kezelian III, Michael Ohanesian, Vartan Ohanesian, Harrison Poeszat, Nicolas Sarafian, Martin Shoushanian, and Tigran Terterian were ordained to the rank of acolyte.

The Primate also blessed candle bearers and lectors Gabrielle Anusbigian, Elizabeth B. Aprahamian, Sevana Mailian, Kennedy Poeszat, and Melanie Sarafian.

A reception, hosted by the parish council and the Celebration of Service committee, followed. Altar servers, their families, as well as other parishioners, had the opportunity to speak with Archbishop Barsamian, to ask questions, and to share news from the community.

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Photos attached.

Photo 1: Archbishop Barsamian ordains acolytes at St. John Church.

Photo 2: Altar servers pose for a group photo with clergy.