Fresno State Graduate Armen Devejian Ordained in Etchmiadzin

STAFF REPORT

Fresno State alumnus Deacon Armen Devejian was ordained a priest in the Armenian Apostolic church on Thursday, February 19, becoming the first American-born clergyman ever ordained in Holy Etchmiadzin.

Deacon Armen Devejian had first visited Armenia in 1990, while a student at Fresno State, participating in an Armenian study tour under the direction of Barlow Der Mugrdechian of the Armenian Studies Program.

For the past two and a half years Deacon Armen has been living in Armenia with his wife Paula, working as Foreign Press Secretary for the Holy See of Etchmiadzin. Deacon Armen’s parents Michael and Yeran Devejian and in-laws Bob and Sara Der Matoian were in attendance at the moving and emotional service.

On February 19 the Armenian Church commemorated the Feast of Saint Vartan the Commander and His Companions. A solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presiding. During the Liturgy, two deacons were ordained into the Holy Order of Priesthood by the celebrant, His Grace Bishop Vasken Mirzakhanian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Georgia.

Before a large crowd of faithful witnesses, His Grace placed his right hand on the two young candidates, and consecrated their foreheads and right and left hands with Holy Chrism (Muron), calling them by their new names. Deacon Armen Devejian was named Father Ktrij (the baptismal name of His Holiness Karekin II) and Deacon Vartan Movsissian was named Father Shahan.

Immediately following the ordination, His Holiness Karekin II, bishops and all members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, ascended the bema and congratulated the newly ordained by kissing their anointed foreheads and hands.

The worldwide Armenian Church also celebrates the “naming day” of His Holiness Karekin II on this feast day. During the Divine Liturgy, the faithful joined with the class of clergy in offering a special Pontifical Blessing service, wishing His Holiness a long, productive reign and a healthy and fruitful life.

Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian and Rev. Fr. Shahan Movsissian will continue their service to the Armenian Church in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, following their forty days of seclusion.