On February 21-22, 2025, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan performed his first priestly ordination in the Eastern Diocese, ordaining Deacon Serop Krajekian into the holy priesthood of the Armenian Church, and bestowing him with the new name: “Father Nerses.”
The beautiful and uplifting ceremonies took place at St. Sahag Church of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, where Fr. Nerses Krajekian will serve as pastor, following the traditional 40 days of seclusion for a newly-ordained priest.
Bishop Mesrop recounted the extraordinary spiritual experience he and Fr. Nerses shared.
“The ordination was a powerful, unforgettable day,” he said. “My heart is still overflowing with joy and gratitude, because I had the honor of performing my first priestly ordination in our Diocese at St. Sahag Church in Minnesota. We were blessed to witness a divine mystery unfold right before our eyes, as Deacon Serop Krajekian was transformed into a new creation in the Lord: Father Nerses.”
Originally from Syria, Fr. Nerses previously served at St. Sarkis Church in Charlotte, NC. “Although I have served in the church since childhood, I never thought I would be a priest,” Fr. Nerses said. “But God’s plans are always surprising. Since my arrival in Charlotte in 2015, I served in St. Sarkis Church and was ordained deacon in 2019.”
When the parish entered a period of transition without a pastor in mid-2020, Dn. Serop led Sunday services, and delivered the homily, for three years. “I’m grateful to the parishioners and clergy who recognized my potential in serving the church, and encouraged me to enroll at St. Nerses Seminary,” he said.
On January 1 of this year, he began his service at St. Sahag Church, as its Deacon-in-Charge. The parishioners of St. Sahag Church organized a special service and reception on that occasion to welcome Dn. Serop, his wife Sevan, and their teenage children Aram and Meghry to the community.
“As I prepared for my ordination to the holy priesthood, I was grateful to Bishop Mesrop for his trust in me,” said the new priest. “Going forward, I pray that God will enable me to spare no effort in carrying forward the church’s mission, with reverence and holiness.”
A Divine Assignment
During the ordination weekend, the dramatic “Service of Calling” was held at the church on Friday evening, February 21. The following morning, February 22, Bishop Mesrop celebrated the Divine Liturgy and led the Service of Ordination, during which the new priest was formally blessed and anointed.
Longtime Diocesan clergyman Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan served as the sponsoring priest, with Avo Toghramadjian serving as the ordination godfather. Both held an honored place during the sacred and celebratory events of the weekend.
An ordination banquet in the church’s Ararat Hall was an opportunity for the faithful of Minnesota, guests, and clergy from around the Diocese to congratulate Fr. Nerses and his family.
The day was also a proud and exciting moment for the people of St. Sahag Church, who have gone without a pastor for more than a year. Parishioners did a splendid job of organizing the ceremonies and surrounding functions, and are eager to embark on a new era of spiritual leadership for the community.
In his remarks, Bishop Mesrop offered words of praise for the community and its new pastor. “A new priest means a new chapter, a new outpouring of grace, a fresh wind of the Spirit,” he said. “Just as a baptism fills a family with joy, just as a wedding brings celebration, so too will the St. Sahag community, our Eastern Diocese, and the entire Armenian Church rejoice today, because God has raised up a new shepherd to lead His flock.”
Hed continued: “To Der Nerses I say: This is your divine assignment. God has chosen you, equipped you, and He will sustain you. Yes, there will be challenges; but there will also be miracles. There will be moments of doubt; but even greater moments of divine strength. Stay faithful, stay humble, and tend to God’s flock.”
The ordination services were broadcast live on the St. Sahag Church Facebook page, where the recording can be watched.
Click the following links to learn more on the St. Sahag Church website, and to access a photo gallery on the ordination.
Above: Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan anoints the new Fr. Nerses Krajekian, during the latter’s priestly ordination at the St. Sahag Church of Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan (right) was Fr. Krajekian’s sponsoring priest.