Archbishop Khacherian Ordains Deacon Shavarsh Karapetyan
As Rev. Fr. Haroutioun
On Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2026, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, ordained Deacon Shavarsh Karapetyan into the ranks of the clergy of the Western Prelacy. The calling service, ordination, and anointing took place at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Montebello. Assisting in the ordination ceremonies were Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, Rev. Fr. Ashot Kambourian, retired pastor of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, together with deacons, scribes, and the choir.
On Saturday, April 25 at 5:00 PM, the Calling Service ceremony was celebrated by Archbishop Khacherian. During the service, Deacon Shavarsh Karapetyan, guided by his sponsoring priest, entered the cathedral on his knees and proceeded to the Holy Altar, where he publicly professed his faith. Deacon Karapetyan renounced all teachings contrary to the doctrine of the Church and affirmed his devotion to the Orthodox faith of the Armenian Church and its sacred canons. He was then formally called to serve in the spiritual ministry, with Mr. and Mrs. Ron and Goharik Gabriel serving as his godparents.
On Sunday morning, April 26, Archbishop Khacherian presided over the ordination at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, and anointed Deacon Shavarsh Karapetyan as a priest of the Armenian Church. The ceremony took place during the Divine Liturgy at the recitation of the prayer “For He is Merciful.” Led by his sponsoring priest, Deacon Karapetyan approached the Holy Altar on his knees and, through scriptural readings and prayers, was called to take upon himself the “sweet yoke” of Christ.
During the hymn “Giver of Life” (Gentanarar), Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian brought the Holy Chrism (Muron) bearing dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit, in procession to the Holy Altar and presented it to the Prelate. Archbishop Khacherian then anointed the candidate’s forehead and both hands with Holy Chrism, signifying the seal of the Holy Spirit, and bestowed upon him the priestly name Rev. Fr. Haroutioun.
Following the ordination, Archbishop Khacherian delivered a sermon emphasizing the central role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. Drawing from spiritual teachings, the Prelate explained that the sacred rites of the Armenian Church stand as clear expressions of the Holy Spirit’s presence, extending blessings from the Holy Altar into the lives of the faithful.
Concluding his remarks, Archbishop Khacherian addressed the newly ordained priest, stating,
“Beloved Rev. Fr. Haroutioun, by the grace of God and the seal of the Holy Spirit, you have received the calling of the priesthood and have been anointed accordingly. The name Haroutioun (Resurrection) has been given to you, the name of the greatest feast of the Christian world, so that you may be a witness to Christ’s Resurrection, a preacher of His faith, and a bearer of the hope of Resurrection in the life of your flock.” The Prelate extended his congratulations to the Western Prelacy family, as well as to the family and loved ones of the newly ordained priest, wishing him strength and unwavering dedication in his service.
Among those in attendance at the two-day ceremonies were the Chairman of the Executive Council, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and his wife Hasmig, members of the Executive Council Mrs. Elizabeth Boyajian, Mr. Ronnie Gharibian, and Mr. Jack Hadjinian, the faithful family of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, the family of the newly ordained priest, and members of the Armenian community.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the faithful approached the newly ordained priest at the Holy Altar to receive his first blessing through the traditional right-hand kissing.
In accordance with the canons of the Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Karapetyan will observe a forty-day period of spiritual preparation at the Western Prelacy headquarters in La Crescenta, beginning Monday, April 27, 2026.
