The Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 2, marked the end of an era at Sts. Sahag and Mesrop Church in Providence, RI: the farewell badarak of longtime pastor Fr. Shnork Souin, before he embarks on retirement from an active pastoral ministry of 32 years.
For Der Shnork, the occasion had the added significance of coinciding with the 30th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood. The sanctuary was filled with parishioners from Providence and other communities, who came out to say farewell to Fr. Shnork and his family, and to express gratitude for their years of service.
His 14 years as pastor in Providence followed a 12-year pastorship at St. Mary Church in Livingston, NJ. But his service in the Armenian Church began in Canada, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in St. Catharines, Ontario, which Fr. Souin led for a decade. Indeed, he has the distinction of being the first priest of the Armenian Church to have been born in Canada.
Following the service, where Der Shnork delivered a sermon on the transitions of life, some 250 guests gathered in the church hall for a warmhearted reception, organized by Stephanie Masoian, Leona Bailey Tovmasian, Zara Vartanian, and many loving parishioners and younger church members.
Friends, family, and brother clergy shared their thoughts on the honoree and the impact of his ministry. Among the speakers were Der Shnork’s daughter Elizabeth Souin, his niece Liana Odabashian, Dn. Anthony Maldonado, Dn. Alex Calikyan, Rev. Hagop Manjelikian, Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Fr. Hrant Tahanian, and Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian.
In final remarks filled gratitude and affection, Fr. Shnork Souin reflected on his lifetime of ministry in the Armenian Church. He thanked his wife Yn. Julie and their children, and shared his intention to dedicate the next chapter of his life to spiritual care, hoping to serve as a chaplain, and to continue his service to the Lord Jesus Christ.