Very Rev. Minassian Dies

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In the early 1960s, Minassian enrolled at Boston University and earned his master’s degree in religious education in 1962, a doctorate in theology in 1974, and his master’s degree in sacred music in 1982. He studied conducting under the renowned conductor of the Masterworks Chorale, Dr. Allen C. Lannom.

For the past 42 years, the Armenian community in New England was enriched by the grand vision and dedication of this extraordinary clergyman, teacher and musician. His ability to generate a choral group’s energy to focus intently on the music and its message has brought him great praise from the religious, secular and music communities at large. Under his tutelage, members of the Erevan Choral Society experienced an unparalleled opportunity to learn and explore Armenian music.

Minassian published several booklets on the Armenian Church, as well as several Armenian musical biographies, among them: A Brief History of the Armenian Church; This I Believe; Epiphany and Christmas in the Armenian Churchand Rouben Gregorian. He presented papers and served as panelist on Armenian music at Boston University, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Brown University, Tufts University and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. He has also conducted a series of seminars and choral workshops.

Though a serious musician and teacher, he had a wide reputation for his anecdotes, stories and jokes of both a serious and light-hearted nature. He had an uncanny ability to seize an opportune moment for comic relief.

He leaves his sister, Alice Palandjian and her husband Haroutune, as well as a brother, Zaven Minassian and his wife, Rachel. He also leaves many cousins, including Nancy Moscofian, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were on Thursday, July 31 at Holy Trinity Armenian Church. In addition, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian and Rev. Karekin Kasparian officiated at the consecration of his body during the funeral. Interment followed in Ridge Lawn Cemetery in Watertown.

Memorial gifts can be made to Holy Trinity Armenian Church.

Arrangements were made by the Aram Bedrosian Funeral Home.

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