An Armenian seminarian is ordained a priest

(SNAS) - On August 25, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, officiated at the ordination of the Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian at the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, in the presence of the community, family, and guests from around the country. The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan was the sponsoring priest, and two of the candidate’s uncles, Ara and Vartan Ajamian, served as godfathers. The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Rev. Fr. Nersess Jebejian, Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, and Rev. Fr. Mikael Devejian assisted in the ordination.

It was a momentous occasion for the Armenian community in North Texas, involving months of preparation. The former Deacon Justin Ajamian arrived in the community more than two years ago to assume duties as the deacon-in-charge of the St. Sarkis Church. Since that time, the prospect of a priestly ordination in the community has been greatly anticipated.

The sense of excitement in the parish was noted by Archbishop Barsamian, who said in his remarks: “I feel the inspiration in this community. And with such inspiration, what at first seems impossible becomes possible.”

Fr. Ghevond Ajamian will spend his 40-day period of seclusion at St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, after which he will return to take up pastoral duties at the Dallas church. A graduate of St. Nersess, who has also studied in Jerusalem and Armenia, Fr. Ghevond and his wife Yeretzgin Hasmik have a daughter, Noelle Srbouhi.