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PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
February 7, 2007
___________________
DECADE OF SERVICE BY FR. ODABASHIANHONORED
By Florence Avakian
Through his dedicated ministry, Fr. Simeon Odabashian has always been an
inspiration to people of all ages interested in serving the Armenian Church,
a role model of a young man who humbly dedicates his life to his faith and
community.
Over the past three years, he has shared his quiet yet strong passion with
the parishioners of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
where he serves as its pastor. Therefore, it took some doing by the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob parish council and parishioners to convince the priest,
known for his humility and modesty, to have a celebration of the tenth
anniversary of his ordination as a priest.
The special day on Sunday, December 3, 2006, began with Fr. Odabashian
celebrating the badarak, after which a champagne reception was held in the
church hall, hosted by the parish's Women's Guild and attended by more than
200 people. In honor of Father Odabashian, a special proclamation by Rhode
Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri was read at the event.
Guests of honor attending included Fr. Odabashian's parents Diramayr Zabel
and Norair Odabashian, along with his sister Marsha. Also honoring him was
Fr. Joseph Santos of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Providence.
In his message of tribute to Fr. Odabashian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), recalled
the day ten years ago when he ordained the young priest.
"It is always powerful to see one give his life whole-heartedly to service
to his church and to God. It is hard to believe that a full decade has
elapsed since that day," he wrote. "But it is not hard to believe that
Fr. Simeon has proven himself a worthy pastor and a true son of the Armenian
Church."
"Many people have benefited from Hayr Soorp's guidance," the Primate
continued. "Though Sts. Sahag and Mesrob parish is the most recent to be
blessed, I know many Armenians in many communities throughout the Diocese
who owe a lot to the pastoral leadership of Fr. Simeon."
Following his graduation from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St.
Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, Fr. Odabashian served as pastor of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, and then as coordinator of the
Diocese's Mission Parish Project, through which he served the spiritual and
administrative needs of small, growing communities throughout the Diocese.
He has also been an instructor of liturgical practice at St. Nersess. In
addition to his position as pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church,
he also represents the Eastern Diocese in the Joint Commission on the
Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Churches.
$1,400 IN GIFTS DONATED
Dn. Gary Alexander, who served as master of ceremonies at the celebration,
called Fr. Odabashian a long time friend.
With so many friends, more than $1,400 in gifts were sent in to celebrate
Fr. Odabashian's anniversary. Following his wishes, the money was divided
between Providence's sister parish, the St. Katoghigeh Church in Jervezh,
Armenia, and the Noubarashen Orphanage in Yerevan.
On behalf of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, a hand-cross made in Armenia
as well as a volume of "The Armeniad" was presented to Fr. Odabashian by
Parish Council Chair Linda Minassian during the celebration, organized by
co-chairs Elizabeth Kooloian and Joyce Avedisian.
Additionally, a letter from Fr. Fr. Shnork Kasparian was read. And the
audience was treated to a special performance of the Junior Choir of Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Church under the direction of Maestro Konstantin
Petrossian.
-- 2/7/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Simeon Odabashian, pastor of the Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, was honored by his parishioners for his ten
years of pastoral service on December 3, 2006.
# # #
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
February 7, 2007
___________________
DECADE OF SERVICE BY FR. ODABASHIANHONORED
By Florence Avakian
Through his dedicated ministry, Fr. Simeon Odabashian has always been an
inspiration to people of all ages interested in serving the Armenian Church,
a role model of a young man who humbly dedicates his life to his faith and
community.
Over the past three years, he has shared his quiet yet strong passion with
the parishioners of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
where he serves as its pastor. Therefore, it took some doing by the Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob parish council and parishioners to convince the priest,
known for his humility and modesty, to have a celebration of the tenth
anniversary of his ordination as a priest.
The special day on Sunday, December 3, 2006, began with Fr. Odabashian
celebrating the badarak, after which a champagne reception was held in the
church hall, hosted by the parish's Women's Guild and attended by more than
200 people. In honor of Father Odabashian, a special proclamation by Rhode
Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri was read at the event.
Guests of honor attending included Fr. Odabashian's parents Diramayr Zabel
and Norair Odabashian, along with his sister Marsha. Also honoring him was
Fr. Joseph Santos of the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Providence.
In his message of tribute to Fr. Odabashian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), recalled
the day ten years ago when he ordained the young priest.
"It is always powerful to see one give his life whole-heartedly to service
to his church and to God. It is hard to believe that a full decade has
elapsed since that day," he wrote. "But it is not hard to believe that
Fr. Simeon has proven himself a worthy pastor and a true son of the Armenian
Church."
"Many people have benefited from Hayr Soorp's guidance," the Primate
continued. "Though Sts. Sahag and Mesrob parish is the most recent to be
blessed, I know many Armenians in many communities throughout the Diocese
who owe a lot to the pastoral leadership of Fr. Simeon."
Following his graduation from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and St.
Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary, Fr. Odabashian served as pastor of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, and then as coordinator of the
Diocese's Mission Parish Project, through which he served the spiritual and
administrative needs of small, growing communities throughout the Diocese.
He has also been an instructor of liturgical practice at St. Nersess. In
addition to his position as pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church,
he also represents the Eastern Diocese in the Joint Commission on the
Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Churches.
$1,400 IN GIFTS DONATED
Dn. Gary Alexander, who served as master of ceremonies at the celebration,
called Fr. Odabashian a long time friend.
With so many friends, more than $1,400 in gifts were sent in to celebrate
Fr. Odabashian's anniversary. Following his wishes, the money was divided
between Providence's sister parish, the St. Katoghigeh Church in Jervezh,
Armenia, and the Noubarashen Orphanage in Yerevan.
On behalf of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, a hand-cross made in Armenia
as well as a volume of "The Armeniad" was presented to Fr. Odabashian by
Parish Council Chair Linda Minassian during the celebration, organized by
co-chairs Elizabeth Kooloian and Joyce Avedisian.
Additionally, a letter from Fr. Fr. Shnork Kasparian was read. And the
audience was treated to a special performance of the Junior Choir of Sts.
Sahag and Mesrob Church under the direction of Maestro Konstantin
Petrossian.
-- 2/7/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Simeon Odabashian, pastor of the Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, was honored by his parishioners for his ten
years of pastoral service on December 3, 2006.
# # #