Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was in Springfield, MA, on Friday, July 24, to preside over the Installation Service of the new pastor of the city’s St. Mark Armenian Church: Fr. Vardan Hayrapetyan.
The parish gave a warm welcome to Fr. Vardan, his wife Yn. Hasmig, and their son Rafael, as they opened a new chapter together in the life of both the Hayrapetyan family and the Springfield church.
“Der Vardan’s journey to the priesthood has been remarkable,” said Bishop Mesrop in his introductory remarks. “Before coming to our Diocese, he served as a chaplain in Armenia’s Armed Forces, standing beside our soldiers during the April War and the 44-Day War. He knows what it means to accompany people through fear, suffering, and uncertainty.”
After arriving in our Diocese in March 2025, Fr. Vardan spent more than a year preparing for pastoral ministry here, including an inculturation program at St. Nersess Seminary, and pastoral internships under the guidance of Fr. Diran Bohajian (in Fair Lawn, NJ) and Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan (in Worcester, MA).
“Now, God has called Der Vardan to stand beside the faithful of St. Mark—sharing their joys, carrying their burdens, strengthening their faith, and helping build a hopeful future for the next generation,” said the Primate.
He concluded with a prayer for Der Vardan, Yn. Hasmig, Rafael, and the entire St. Mark parish family. “May this new chapter be filled with faith, unity, spiritual renewal, and abundant blessings,” he said.