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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; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 11, 2014
____________________
A Deacon is Ordained in Framingham
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), traveled to the Church of the Holy Translators in
Framingham, MA, on Sunday, November 2, where he ordained Michael Sabounjian
to the rank of deacon.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Also present were the
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian. Rev. Fr.
Krikor Sabounjian, pastor of Holy Translators Church and Michael's father,
looked on as his son accepted a new responsibility in the Armenian Church.
"For me it was a proud moment being there not only as his father, but as his
pastor. I was awestruck at what he has accomplished in such a small amount
of time," said Fr. Sabounjian. "I pray for his continued commitment in the
journey he has ahead in following Christ."
A highlight of the service was the participation of the Boston College
Liturgy Arts Group, a Catholic liturgical association of which Michael is a
member. Among the hymns the group sang during the Divine Liturgy was the
Nicene Creed arranged in English by Michael.
"Over the years they have deepened my faith and pushed me to try new
things," Michael said.
At a reception following services, another Boston College group, The Bells,
performed three hymns with hand bells.
Archbishop Barsamian congratulated Michael on this milestone.
"Michael is one of a growing number of young people who are taking up roles
on the altar. It's a sign that a new generation is embracing the ways of our
church," Archbishop Barsamian said.
Also giving remarks was Fr. Findikyan, who worked with Michael during the
St. Nersess Deacons Training program. Michael said Fr. Findikyan inspired
him to study more deeply the theology of the Armenian Church. He credits his
father with teaching him about pastoral ministry.
"The two complemented each other and gave me a holistic view of what the
diaconate is," said Michael.
Michael is a senior at Boston College where he is majoring in philosophy
with minors in French and music. He has a deep interest in the music of the
Armenian Church. As his senior project in high school, he arranged and
adapted the music of Armenian hymns for English speakers.
A graduate of his parish Sunday School, Michael has served as a sub-deacon
and has also helped train young acolytes to serve on the altar at Holy
Translators Church. He has participated in various Diocesan programs,
including St. Vartan Camp and the summer conferences at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary.
He plans to continue his service to the Armenian Church in the coming years.
"You always feel that there's more to learn," said Michael. "I feel blessed
to have been given the opportunity to give all that I have in this new
ministry."
Parishioners were inspired to witness Michael's ordination last Sunday.
"This is big for the life of our church, since Michael is the first deacon
ordained in the history of our parish," said Fr. Sabounjian. "There was lots
of love and positive energy."
Yn. LuAnn Sabounjian added: "Sunday was a very emotional day in many ways.
It was so wonderful to see his ordination as he was surrounded by people who
love and supported him through the years. It was a very rewarding experience
for me as a mother."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Fr. Daniel Findikyan (left) and Fr. Krikor Sabounjian lead Michael
Sabounjian to the altar.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with the Sabounjian family.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 11, 2014
____________________
A Deacon is Ordained in Framingham
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), traveled to the Church of the Holy Translators in
Framingham, MA, on Sunday, November 2, where he ordained Michael Sabounjian
to the rank of deacon.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Also present were the
Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian. Rev. Fr.
Krikor Sabounjian, pastor of Holy Translators Church and Michael's father,
looked on as his son accepted a new responsibility in the Armenian Church.
"For me it was a proud moment being there not only as his father, but as his
pastor. I was awestruck at what he has accomplished in such a small amount
of time," said Fr. Sabounjian. "I pray for his continued commitment in the
journey he has ahead in following Christ."
A highlight of the service was the participation of the Boston College
Liturgy Arts Group, a Catholic liturgical association of which Michael is a
member. Among the hymns the group sang during the Divine Liturgy was the
Nicene Creed arranged in English by Michael.
"Over the years they have deepened my faith and pushed me to try new
things," Michael said.
At a reception following services, another Boston College group, The Bells,
performed three hymns with hand bells.
Archbishop Barsamian congratulated Michael on this milestone.
"Michael is one of a growing number of young people who are taking up roles
on the altar. It's a sign that a new generation is embracing the ways of our
church," Archbishop Barsamian said.
Also giving remarks was Fr. Findikyan, who worked with Michael during the
St. Nersess Deacons Training program. Michael said Fr. Findikyan inspired
him to study more deeply the theology of the Armenian Church. He credits his
father with teaching him about pastoral ministry.
"The two complemented each other and gave me a holistic view of what the
diaconate is," said Michael.
Michael is a senior at Boston College where he is majoring in philosophy
with minors in French and music. He has a deep interest in the music of the
Armenian Church. As his senior project in high school, he arranged and
adapted the music of Armenian hymns for English speakers.
A graduate of his parish Sunday School, Michael has served as a sub-deacon
and has also helped train young acolytes to serve on the altar at Holy
Translators Church. He has participated in various Diocesan programs,
including St. Vartan Camp and the summer conferences at St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary.
He plans to continue his service to the Armenian Church in the coming years.
"You always feel that there's more to learn," said Michael. "I feel blessed
to have been given the opportunity to give all that I have in this new
ministry."
Parishioners were inspired to witness Michael's ordination last Sunday.
"This is big for the life of our church, since Michael is the first deacon
ordained in the history of our parish," said Fr. Sabounjian. "There was lots
of love and positive energy."
Yn. LuAnn Sabounjian added: "Sunday was a very emotional day in many ways.
It was so wonderful to see his ordination as he was surrounded by people who
love and supported him through the years. It was a very rewarding experience
for me as a mother."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Fr. Daniel Findikyan (left) and Fr. Krikor Sabounjian lead Michael
Sabounjian to the altar.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with the Sabounjian family.