Clergy Profile

Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian

Southfield, MI

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Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian was born in Salem, MA, in 1945 with the baptismal name Daniel. He holds a bachelor's degree in classical languages from Iona College, and a Master of Divinity degree from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary. Fr. Garabed also received a master's degree in art history from the University of Wisconsin, with a specialization in Armenian art and architecture.

He attended the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, and was ordained to the holy priesthood in 1976. Fr. Garabed began his service as an assistant pastor at the Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA. He eventually became the full-time pastor at the Church of Our Saviour before serving at St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, from 1982 to 1992. From 1992 to 1998, he served at the Diocesan Center in New York as chancellor of St. Vartan Cathedral and ecumenical officer. In 1998, Fr. Garabed took over the pastorship of St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield, MI. He served the parish until his retirement as pastor in 2015. In 2016, he started serving as visiting pastor to the mission parish in Atlanta, GA.

In addition to his official responsibilities, he finds time to paint Armenian illuminations and icons for churches. He has also authored several books on the Armenian Church and Armenian religious art. He also served as the chairman of the Ecclesiastical Arts and Architecture Committee of the Diocese and is often an advisor to new church construction projects.

He is married to Roberta (Carman) Kochakian.

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