His Beatitude the Patriarch Sahak II of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Turkey has ordained three deacons.
On Sunday (09 February), 3 deacon candidates (Gisa Sargavak) Misak Çamyapan, Sevan Arapoğlu and Saro Ayvazyan, have been ordained through the imposition of hands of Patriarch Sahak II during the Eucharistic Celebration which took place at the Samatya Surp Kevork Armenian Apostolic Church. Sevan Arapoğlu and Saro Ayvazyan will continue their formation to become priests.
The celebration started with the entrance of His Beatitude the Patriarch into the church with the “Hrashapar” hymn. Then 3 candidate-deacons went to the altar on their knees accompanied by prayers and chants and here they have been ordained deacon by the Patriarch.
Following this ceremony, the Bible reading of the day was read by the parish priest, Rev. Zohrap Civanyan. During the ritual, Patriarch Sahak II was assisted by Father Zohrap Civanyan, Deacon Vagarshak Seropyan, Deacon Hachik Sarili, Deacon Alen Diran Nergis and the chorists. The Sahakyan Choir performed the hymns under Maestro Sevan Agoshyan.
In his sermon, Patriarch Sahak II briefly said:
“Jesus Christ spoke about bread and water many times, especially on their importance for the human life. Jesus expressed that hunger and thirst are difficult for humankind. Hungry and thirsty people give more importance to bread and water, and if we approach the Word of God with the same feeling of hunger and thirst, we can benefit from it much more.
The reason for a person to turn to God must be the hunger. If there is no hunger, there is no orientation. We should feel this hunger inside us when we come to churches; so, we will understand the Word of God better.”
After the sermon, the Holy Communion was distributed and in the final procession “Sioni” hymn was sung.
The faithful who filled the church completely had the opportunity to meet and talk to the Patriarch.
