Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel spent the Feast of the Holy Assumption (August 18) at the St. Sarkis Church of Charlotte, NC—marking his first visit as a bishop to the parish he formerly served as a visiting pastor. For many of the parishioners, seeing their longtime friend enter the church to the hrashapar hymn was a moving experience.
During the badarak, the Primate ordained two parishioners to the diaconate. Sub-deacon Serop Krajekian was ordained as a full deacon—making him the first of such rank to serve the Charlotte parish. Daniel Zalinov was ordained as a sub-deacon, and is the first altar server raised in the local community to be ordained as such.
Most Joyous Day
“I think this might be the most joyous day I have experienced in the six years I have served at this church,” said parish pastor Fr. Samuel Rith-Najarian. “These two new deacons are exemplary models of faith and dedication to the church. I had no hesitation in saying, Arzhanee en: ‘They are worthy.’”
After his ordination, Dn. Serop reflected: “One of the reasons I decided to live in Charlotte with my family was the existence of an Armenian Church. It’s a blessing for me to be ordained as a deacon at St. Sarkis, surrounded by the lovely mosaic of this Armenian community, whose people live together as a big family.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Daniel led the blessing of grapes service and joined the community for a luncheon in the church hall.
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