In recognition of his forty years of dedicated service to the Armenian Apostolic Church Dioceses of Iraq & Canada, to Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto as well as Motherland Armenia, Mr. Ohan Ohanessian was honoured with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali medal.
On Sunday, June 7, 2015, on the Feast of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Grace Bishop Datev Hagopian, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of Romania celebrated Divine Liturgy, assisted by the Parish Priest, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, joined by the deacons, sub-deacons, acolytes, and choir members. The ceremony was presided by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of Canadian Diocese.
The Encyclical of His Holiness was brought to the Holy Altar in a procession and read by Fr. Zargarian to the congregation, in which the Pontiff highly praised Mr. Ohanessian’s invaluable devoted service to the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The honorees, Mr. and Mrs. Ohan & Anita Ohanessian received the prestigious medals from His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian.The Primates, in their heartfelt messages congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Ohanessian and encouraged others to follow the same path and work towards to betterment of the Church, a God pleasing and wonderful duty of each Christian. Primate Hagopian spoke of the Ohanessian family’s long years of dedication to the Armenian Church and shared his memories of the warm and inviting atmosphere at Abgar & Araxie Ohanessian’s residence in Baghdad where all clergy members enjoyed their love and respect and were always welcomed.
His Grace Bishop Hagopian delivered the sermon, emphasizing the importance of the church in the lives of the faithful, encouraging parishioners to follow our Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him at all times.
The faithful parishioners congratulated Mr. & Mrs. Ohan & Anita Ohanessian and their children, Dina, Abgar, Anne & Taline to them on this much deserved recognitio
On this joyous occasion, following the Divine Liturgy and in honour of Mr. Ohanessian, a formal reception was organized by the Pastor and Parish Council of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church that took place in AGBU. Ohan Ohanessian’s family members and friends joined the clergy in celebrating this honourable gentleman’s long years of devotion recognized by the highest order of the Armenian Church.
Following the welcoming remarks by Mrs. Sella Kaltakjian and prayers by both bishops, Mr. Ara Boyajian and Mrs. Apet Alpay, former and current chairs of the Diocesan Council, delivered their congratulatory messages. On behalf of the Ohanessian family, Anne & Taline Ohanessian delivered their message and congratulated their parents on this well deserved recognition.
Fr. Zargarian read the congratulatory messages of His Eminence Archbishop Avak Asadourian, Primate of the Armenian Church in Iraq and His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Armenian Church Western Diocese, who praised Ohan Ohanessian for his persistent faith and hard work as well as conveyed their well wishes to his wonderful family.
As a token of appreciation, Bishop Hovakimian and Fr. Zargarian presented Bishop Hagopian the Holy Cross medal of Holy Trinity Armenian Church as well as the medal of the Canadian Diocese, appreciating his devoted services to the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The honouree, Mr. Ohan Ohanessian, joined by his wife Anita, addressed the guests by thanking His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians for the recognition and also conveying his sincere appreciation to Primate Hovakimian and Fr. Zargarian who had requested this award for him by witnessing and recognizing his contributions.
Ohan Ohanessian appreciated His Grace Bishop Hagopian for being there on this occasion and sharing their happiness. He also appreciated the wonderful team of the Parish Council who work with him and assist him in important duties of the Council.
Ohan Ohanessian specifically thanked his beloved wife Anita for standing by him throughout the years and supporting him.
The reception created a wonderful, warm atmosphere filled with joy and laughter where everyone present got to know more about Mr. Ohan Ohanessian.
