St. Stepanos celebrated two milestones: the 20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian and the ordination of five altar servers.

On Saturday evening, June 20, the Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian was honored during a banquet in the church hall. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), presided.

The Armenian School students performed Hovhaness Toumanian’s “Foolish Man.” Arsen and Ariana Hovsepyan, Ani and Vahn Muradian, Davit Avedisyan gave musical performances, and the AGBU’s Antranig Dance Ensemble presented a special program.

A slide show highlighted Fr. Karadjian’s two decades of service to the Armenian Church. A native of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Fr. Karadjian studied at St. James Armenian Seminary in Jerusalem. He was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1994 by the late Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.

He continued his studies at St. Clement Ohridski University in Bulgaria, receiving a master’s in theological studies in 2001. Four years later, at the invitation of Archbishop Barsamian, Fr. Karadjian began serving as a priest in the Eastern Diocese. He has served as a Pastor of St. Sarkis Church of Charlotte, NC; a visiting priest at St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton, NY; and St. Paul Church of Syracuse, NY. Fr. Karadjian and Yn. Mariam Karadjian began serving at St. Stepanos Church in July 1^st. 2013.

“I am grateful to all the people whom our Lord has sent into my life-people who have helped me, supported me, and guided me,” Fr. Karadjian said. “I look forward to continuing my ministry here at St. Stepanos Church, and to work with all of the parishioners here to carry forward the mission of the Armenian Church of America.”

Archbishop Barsamian congratulated Fr. Karadjian on this momentous occasion. He also expressed his gratitude to the St. Stepanos parish for their dedication to the Armenian Church and their efforts to pass on the Christian faith to their children and grandchildren.

Reflecting on the centennial year of the Armenian Genocide, Archbishop Barsamian emphasized the legacy left by the martyrs of 1915, and encouraged parishioners in Elberon to think about how they will shape their own legacy for future generations.

“We learn from our martyrs that God will not forsake us-even when we are led to the Cross.  That He can transform sacrifice and loss into a greater purpose,” Archbishop Barsamian said. “We are blessed and honored now to be able to offer prayers of intercession to our newly-canonized Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. We must also honor them by being good stewards and guardians of our faith and heritage.”

On Sunday, June 21, 2015, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, where he bestowed the ranks of Deacon, Sub-Deacon, and Acolyte onto five dedicated and worthwhile youth of the parish. Assisting in the Liturgy were parish priest Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, assisted by several, returning out-of-town parishioners as altar servers, and two guest servers from California.

When the Divine Liturgy began, Archbishop Barsamian began the ordination of altar server Vahn Mouradian to the rank of Acolyte of the Armenian Church. Vahn has been a long-standing altar server who has a strong future in his service to the parish.

As the liturgy progressed, the ordination to the rank of Diaconate was bestowed upon sub-deacon William Corrigan. William has served this parish for many years and is mentor to other altar servers including Vahn, who is his cousin.

Upon the end of liturgy, his Eminence completed the ordination of acolytes Maurice Lahham, Chris Lombardi, and Greg Heitman to the rank of sub-deacon. Maurice has consistently been one of the most participative altar servers of St. Stepanos, for many years. Recently, he has also become the primary organist for this parish. Chris and Greg are both dedicated altar servers who have followed in the footsteps of faithfully serving their parish, just like their late, ordained grandfather.

The altar servers expressed their appreciation to Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian and Fr. Karadjian for teaching them the hymns and chants of the Armenian Church. They noted his patience and love, and said they looked forward to serving at St. Stepanos Church in their new roles.

“For as long as I can remember, becoming a deacon has always been a dream of mine, and I feel blessed to have accomplished that dream,” said William Corrigan. “I am grateful to everyone for being here with me today in celebration of my newly acquired rank of deacon. The belief and support you had in me have been overwhelming and much appreciated.”

Maurice Lahham said, “I want thank St. Stepanos church, Der Daniel and the parishioners for supporting me throughout the years. Der Daniel has spent countless hours Teaching me about the church rules, and preparing me to become a sub-deacon. I have enjoyed learning with Der Daniel and look forward to becoming a deacon one day with his help. During this time, Der Daniel also encouraged me to continue my religious studies at Saint Nersess’ Armenian Seminary as well as accompanying me to Jerusalem. With all of this studying I have been doing, now Der Daniel needs to watch out because soon I may be taking his job over! Again, I want to say how blessed I am to be ordained as a sub-deacon”.

Immediately after the Divine Liturgy, the communicants of St. Stepanos enjoyed the fellowship hour and celebration that was prepared by the families of those ordained. Each of the newly-ordained altar servers shared their thoughts and appreciation on their ordinations. Aida Kado, Parish Council Chair, presented the newly-ordained altar servers with special plaques in commemoration of this joyous occasion.

The entire St. Stepanos Armenian Church community congratulates its five newly-ordained parishioners and asks that God continue to bless them in their continued service to their community.

“It gives me great pride to see these young men stepping up to serve the Armenian Church,” said Archbishop Barsamian. “May our Lord continue to guide you and to inspire you in your new journey.”