During a four-day pastoral visit to St. John Church in Southfield, MI, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined parishioners for a series of spiritual, educational, and fellowship events, culminating in the ordination of new altar servers and a celebration honoring a beloved clergyman’s milestone anniversaries.
The visit began on the evening of Thursday, May 28, with a welcome dinner with pastor Fr. Aren Jebejian, the parish council, and Diocesan delegates.
The following day featured meetings with local ecumenical leaders, and a heartwarming visit to Manoogian Manor, where the Primate blessed and prayed with the elderly residents.
A highlight of the weekend came on Friday evening, when more than 400 faithful gathered at the church to celebrate the 50th ordination anniversary of St. John’s former pastor Fr. Garabed Kochakian. Fellow clergy and lifelong friends traveled from across the country to honor Der Garabed and Yeretzgin Roberta, who were also celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
The evening featured heartfelt remarks by brother clergy from the Eastern Diocese, as well as from Armenian and sister churches across the country, who reflected on the countless lives touched by Fr. Garabed’s ministry over five decades. Among the speakers were Fr. Garabed’s seminary classmates Fr. Kevork Arakelian of the Western Diocese, and St. Nersess Seminary Board member Michael Zeytoonian, as well as Detroit television meteorologist Chuck Gaidica, who shared reflections on his longstanding friendship with the Kochakians.
A special toast was also offered by Fr. Hratch Sargsyan in honor of the couple’s golden anniversary.
Presiding over the occasion, Bishop Mesrop extolled Fr. Garabed’s half-century of ministry, which has included pastoral service in Worcester, Racine, and Southfield, as well as tenures as chancellor of the Eastern Diocese, and as a teacher at his alma mater, St. Nersess Seminary.
“Der Hayr has served with seriousness, love, reverence, and faithfulness,” Bishop Mesrop said. “He loves the Armenian Church—her worship, her theology, her tradition, and her beauty. That kind of faithfulness strengthens the whole church. Of course, Yn. Roberta has walked beside Der Garabed in this sacred journey with grace and strength, sharing in the joys and burdens of ministry. Today we also thank God for her life, her love, and her faithful partnership.”
In a touching expression of their enduring commitment to the parish they have served and loved, Fr. Garabed and Yn. Roberta generously donated $10,000 to the St. John’s Veterans Building renovation fund.
The weekend also included a special gathering with more than 60 members of the parish Women’s Guild, as well as a luncheon with parish acolytes and altar servers.
On Sunday, Bishop Mesrop celebrated an Episcopal Divine Liturgy and ordained new subdeacons and acolytes. A reception followed, giving the Primate an opportunity to meet with parishioners and celebrate the vitality of the community.
The visit concluded with expressions of gratitude to Fr. Aren Jebejian, parish leaders, volunteers, and faithful members whose dedication continues to strengthen the life of the Southfield parish.
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