St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Church Of Fowler Celebrates Rev. Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian’s 30Th Anniversary Of Ordination

Thirty years ago, on June 20, 1988, Deacon Daniel Hairabedian was ordained into the sacred priesthood of the Armenian Church by the late Archbishop Torkom Manoogian.  This event took place in Chicago, Illinois at the Sts. Joakim and Ann Armenian Apostolic Church.  With the assistance of his late father, Rev. Fr. Krikor Hairabedian, Daniel was ordained as “Yeghia”.

A celebration took place at Fr. Yeghia’s parish, St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Fowler, on Sunday, September 16, after the Divine Liturgy.  Also in attendance for the church services, was Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, pastor of the St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena.

The church hall was at full capacity for the banquet and program.  The following clergy were present for the banquet:  Rev. Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Rev. Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Rev. Fr. Yessai Bedros of St. Paul Armenian Church, Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan of the St. Mary Armenian Church, and Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan.

Fr. Kevork offered the invocation and this was followed by the elegant meal.  Fr. Yeghia’s children, Dn. Daniel and Rakel, presented his biography.  Later in the program, Der Yeghia’s brother-in-law, Dn. Steven Adams showed some highlights of Fr. Yeghia’s ordination on the big screen.  The Primate’s congratulatory letter was read by Rev. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, who also offered remarks concerning the late Fr. Krikor Hairabedian.  Event organizers Dn. Ed Nikssarian and Dn. Mark Pryor offered some words and thanked all those who helped with the event.  The program was concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. Fr. Vartan Kasparian who also delighted all with some colorful comments.