Seminary Alumni Honored by Catholicos

On February 25, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, acknowledged the special milestones in the service of individual clergymen from around the world, following the celebration of the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiantz at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Included in the distinctions and honors from His Holiness were several clergy from the Eastern Diocese of America. Four long serving priests of the Eastern Diocese were awarded the honored title of Senior Priest, or “Avak Kahana,” along with the honor of wearing the “dzaghga pilon” (floral cloak) and cross. These St. Nersess alumni clergy are: Fr. Vasken Kouzouian (of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, MA), Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian (St. Peter Church, Watervliet, NY), Fr. Krikor Sabounjian (Holy Translators Church, Framingham, MA), and Fr. Arakel Aljalian (St. James Church, Watertown, MA).

Four other devoted priests of the Eastern Diocese were distinguished with the right to wear the floral pilon. These seminary alumni are: Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (St. Mary Church, Washington, DC), Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian (St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Binghamton, NY) and Fr. Abraham Ohanesian (visiting priest at several mission parishes). Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan (Sts. Vartanantz Church, Chelmsford, MA) was also recognized.

We congratulate our clergy alumni who received these worthy distinctions from His Holiness.