PROVIDENCE — On Sunday, May 31, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, traveled here for a special celebration at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church.
More than 250 parishioners gathered to honor their pastor, the Rev. Shnork Souin, on his 20th anniversary of ordination into the holy priesthood; to recognize two longtime community members for their dedication to the Armenian Church; and to celebrate the ordination of three young men to the sub-diaconate.
At the beginning of services, Archbishop Barsamian presented Souin with a floral phelónion — a black liturgical vestment worn during morning, evening, and other special services in the church — in recognition of his two decades of service.
Souin celebrated the Divine Liturgy wearing the same vestments he wore during his ordination in the 1990s. The vestments were generously refurbished for the occasion by the church secretary, Fran Armstrong.
Three young men stepped forward to receive the rank of sub-deacon. Antranik Antranik, Garen Megrdichian and Adam Parnagian have worked alongside Souin to prepare for their new responsibilities as sub-deacons.
“In the four years I’ve been serving at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, all three of these young men have been serving at the altar and they have been working very hard,” Fr. Souin said. “I am proud of their accomplishments, and I look forward to their continued commitment to the Armenian Church.”