On Friday, April 30, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian was re-elected to a sixth term as Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) at the 108th Diocesan Assembly in Chicago, Ill.

Upon announcement of his re-election, clergy led a procession into the main meeting room, where parish delegates stood to welcome the Primate, as clergy approached Archbishop Barsamian one by one to offer their congratulations and to receive his blessing.

In his remarks to the Assembly delegates, Archbishop Barsamian outlined five areas where he would continue to concentrate attention as Primate. These include a more vigorous promotion of clerical vocations in the Diocese; the preparation and advancement of young adults into leadership positions within the church; and firmer management and development of the Diocese’s finances.

The Primate also reflected on his nearly 40 years of service as a priest in the Armenian Church, and said he is grateful to God for giving him the opportunity to serve the church for almost four decades.

Archbishop Barsamian then expressed his gratitude to the delegates, saying, “Today, once again, I thank you for your trust, and for asking me to continue my service in this Diocese as your Primate.”

This year’s election marked the 20th anniversary of Archbishop Barsamian’s original election at the 1990 Diocesan Assembly in Worcester, Mass. Prior to that, he served the Eastern Diocese as the grand sacristan of New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and as Vicar General.

“It’s an honor to serve in this Diocese—the Diocese that began more than 110 years ago when our forefathers brought with them to this new world the ancient apostolic Armenian Christian tradition.” Archbishop Barsamian said. “I renew my commitment to continue, with each one of you clergy and lay leaders, to make the Armenian Church stronger in America.”

Archbishop Barsamian said it is his goal to continue preparing young men to serve as priests in the Armenian Church to ensure that in the near future all Diocesan parishes are served by full-time pastors.

Cultivating young lay leaders is likewise important, the Primate said, encouraging delegates to “continue supporting young adults so that they are invited to take leadership roles in our parishes and in our Diocese.”

Turning to education, Archbishop Barsamian said the Diocese would focus on developing more programs aimed at helping children and adults learn about their Christian heritage and the Armenian Church. He stressed the need to use emerging media tools and modern technologies to bolster outreach initiatives.

The Primate also said he would continue working with members of the Diocesan Council to improve the management of the Diocesan Center to better serve the parishes and faithful of the Eastern Diocese, and to ensure the financial stability of the Diocese.

Lastly, Archbishop Barsamian spoke about the Armenian Church on a global level, and mentioned ways the Eastern Diocese might participate in efforts to strengthen the church. He affirmed his commitment to continue pursuing the restoration of administrative unity in the Armenian Church in a brotherly fashion. He added that such unity “is beneficial for the entire Armenian Church, Armenian people, and the Armenian nation.”

Other candidates in this year’s election were the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, pastor of St. David Church of Boca Raton, Fla., and the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, pastor of St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, N.J.

Upon announcement of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian’s re-election, clergy led a procession into the main meeting room, where parish delegates stood to welcome the Primate.

Clergy and lay delegates welcome the Primate after his re-election at the Diocesan Assembly.

In his remarks to the Assembly delegates, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian outlined five areas where he would continue to concentrate attention as Primate.

Source: www.armenianchurch.net