Parishioners of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, recently gathered to joyfully celebrate the 20th ordination anniversary of their pastor, Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan.
The event on Friday, October 24, began in the church sanctuary, where the visiting Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was welcomed with the hrashapar service. In his blessing of Fr. Khachatur, Bishop Mesrop presented him with a floral pilon (cope) and shared a proclamation from His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, honoring Fr. Khachatur’s ministry.
To conclude the worship service, the leaders of four parish organizations presented their pastor with a new set of liturgical vestments.
Just prior to the worship service, Fr. Khachatur was delightfully surprised by the presence of Fr. Nerseh Khalatyan: a longtime friend and the godfather of his wedding, who flew in from Armenia to participate in the 20th anniversary event.
Other participating clergy included Fr. Tateos Abdalian, Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Fr. Vart Gyozalian, and Fr. Stepan Baljian.
Celebrating a Shepard’s Ministry
Some 250 parishioners and friends packed the beautifully decorated Kazanjian ballroom for the dinner-program that followed. Thanks to the generosity and artistic talents of committee member Elizabeth Hzor, a beautiful tapestry featuring Holy Etchmiadzin, prepared in Armenia, was hung behind the head table as a reminder of Fr. Khachatur’s birthplace in Armenia.
Greetings were offered by parish council chair Bruce Kayajanian, who expressed gratitude for Der Khachatur’s enduring spiritual leadership, which has been responsible for the growth and vitality of the parish. Anniversary committee chair Sandra Boroyan welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to her energetic and dedicated committee.
The program continued with a narrated slide presentation, “Celebrating Our Shepard’s Ministry,” by Deacon Ara Jeknavorian, who shared some of the lighter and lively highlights of Der Khachatur’s ministry. Sub-deacon Michael Kasparian, parish council chair of the Cape Cod Mission Parish, thanked Fr. Khachatur for his efforts to grow the mission parish.
Elizabeth Hzor and Elen Aghazarian offered recitations in Armenian, and Narek Kesablyan and David Arustamyan provided a piano musical interlude. ACYOA members prepared a heart-warming video which underscored how Fr. Khachatur has impacted the spiritual development of the parish youth.
Maria Kesablyan offered an insightful tribute to her father’s priestly service to the church, and Yn. Anna was presented with a large bouquet of flowers in gratitude for her support of Der Khachatur’s ministry.
A Testament to God’s Grace
Fr. Khachatur, filled with great emotion, recalled his journey to the priesthood and the special role played by his parents and grandparents.
“Having the opportunity to serve God’s people has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “These past 20 years have been a life-changing blessing and a testament to God’s faithfulness and grace. I am humbly grateful to His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II and His Grace Bishop Mesrob for this honor.”
He went on: “Let us continue, with grateful hearts, to serve the Lord together—ensuring that Saints Vartanantz remains a beacon of faith, love, and hope for generations to come. I ask you all to please pray for all the clergy, the faithful, the church and for me and my ministry—that it may always be pleasing to God and bear good fruit.”
Bishop Mesrob expressed his joy in witnessing such a wonderful parish tribute to a pastor’s remarkable ministry. He offered prayers that his service to the church would grow and strengthen.
“I am blessed to join this faithful community,” he said, “as you celebrate two decades of Der Khachatur’s devoted service, pastoral care, and spiritual leadership. His ministry has touched countless lives with faith, wisdom, and love for our Armenian Church.” The Primate applauded Fr. Kesablyan’s work at the Chelmsford church and the Cape Cod mission parish, as well as his ministry at St. Vartan Camp.
Members of the 20th anniversary committee, under the leadership fo chair Sandra Boroyan, included Peter Bogosian, Dara Hagopian, Elizabeth Hzor, Marky Juknavorian, Bonnie Chayes Yousefian, and Deacon Ara Jeknavorian.