Two parishioners of St. Mesrob Church of Racine, Wis., were ordained to the diaconate by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), on Sunday, August 19.
Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian and Stan Sheridan are active members of the Racine parish, who have been working hard to prepare for Sunday’s ordination. Mr. Gabrielian has served as a parish council chair for six years; Mr. Sheridan, who studied at St. Nersess Seminary, is the longtime advisor of the ACYOA Juniors.
Under the guidance of Dn. Charles Hardy, the parish’s senior deacon, they learned the chants and hymns of the Divine Liturgy and other services of the Armenian Church. They received theological lessons from the Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, parish pastor. During their training, Gabrielian and Sheridan also visited the sick and elderly, and assisted with the parish soup kitchen—tasks they will continue to take up as deacons.
On Sunday, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. During the badarak, the Primate performed the ordination service.
“It is a great joy to see dedicated individuals stepping forward to serve the Armenian Church,” said Archbishop Barsamian. “May God guide you in your service and may He strengthen you as you take up the responsibilities of the diaconate.”
When asked about the significance of his ordination, Gabrielian responded with a passage from the ordination service: “Pour down the grace of your Holy Spirit so that I may be an example to others.” Sheridan said he prayed that he “may be worthy to receive grace from almighty God.”
“Joseph and Stan are worthy of ascending to the diaconate of St. Stephen,” Fr. Kelegian said. “I pray that they stay aware of the great grace and responsibility bestowed upon them.”
A luncheon and program followed services. Diocesan Council chair Oscar Tatosian, who was among the day’s speakers, congratulated the newly ordained and spoke about the importance of lay ministry.
“Earlier today we sang Orakh Ler (Rejoice, Holy Church), and indeed our church rejoices today,” he said. “This is a day of celebration—a celebration of our faith and of our unity in Christ.”
Parish council chair Steve Gengozian served as the master of ceremonies. Violinist Lillian Proctor performed musical selections.
The ordination was preceded by a Vespers service on Saturday, August 18.
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordained Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian (left) and Stan Sheridan (right) to the diaconate on Sunday, August 19.
Photo 2: The Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian delivers remarks during the luncheon that followed services.
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