In conjunction with the visit of the Diocese Primate His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of St. John Armenian Church, special ordination services were held during the Episcopal Divine Liturgy.

Prior to the singing of the Lord’s Prayer, Hayr Mer, the ceremony began when six devoted candidates were solemnly ordained to the rank of acolyte: Slavik Gevorkyan, Antonio Kazarian, Daniel Koloyian, Jack Oskanian, Daniel Stepanian, and Allen Torchiyan. These young men have been involved at St. John for many years in Sunday School, Summer Camp, ACYO, and serving on the altar. This moment solidified their commitment to be engaged in the liturgical life of the Church.

The highlight of the special service was the ordination of two young men to the rank of Deacon. This special honor is reserved for those who have truly dedicated their lives to service within the Armenian Church, not only on the Holy Altar but also as exemplary representatives of the Christian faith. The candidates were Nshan Kesecker and Kevin Kestekyan. During the ordination, the entire church proclaimed the worthiness of the great honor of the diaconate and felt pride that this two newly ordained deacons would fulfill their potential for the sake of the Armenian Church.

St. John Armenian Church congratulates the ordinates and their families. May God bless them in their services, and enlighten their minds and inflame their hearts to be apostles of the Armenian Apostolic Church.