The devotional art of Fr. Garabed Kochakian—longtime Diocesan clergyman, art historian, and icon painter—took center stage with the opening of an exhibit of his icon paintings titled, “The Great and Holy Week: The Easter Story Through Armenian Sacred Art.”
The exhibition at St. John Church in Southfield, MI, on the evening of Friday, March 13—organized with the help of the parish Fine Arts Committee—reflected the artist’s devotion to both faith and craft.
Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was on hand for the occasion, joining Fr. Garabed and Yn. Roberta Kochakian, as well as parish pastor Fr. Aren Jebejian, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the exhibit to an eager and admiring public.
Speaking of the artwork on display, Bishop Mesrop said: “Der Garabed’s icons do more than please the eye; they open a window for the soul. Each painting, rich in color and form, invites viewers to enter the mystery of Christ’s Passion, Holy Week, and the radiant hope of His Resurrection.”
He went on: “With the aid of Der Hayr’s brush, one feels the Gospel speaking directly to the heart, lifting the spirit and reflecting the beauty that has been a hallmark of the Armenian Church.
Visitors to the ongoing exhibit are offered an experience that is contemplative, inspiring, and deeply connected to centuries of Armenian Christian tradition. Fr. Kochakian’s work reminds all who see it that sacred art is more than decoration: it is a living witness, guiding hearts toward the light of Christ and the hope of His Resurrection.