The Diocese
Posted: 05/20/2016
The Western Diocese joins the Eastern Diocese in mourning the loss of the Reverend Fr. Arten Ashjian, who passed away on the evening of May 17, in New York. He was 96.
Der Arten was one of the sturdy pillars of the Eastern Diocese, whose ministry to our Lord showed no sign of relenting—even as he approached 70 years of service in Christ's vineyard. As a priest and pastor, scholar and ecumenist, patriot and community leader, he was greatly admired by his peers, and inspired countless young souls to more deeply embrace their church.
Der Arten was a member of the historic "Class of 1948": a group of seminarians from the Jerusalem Patriarchate, who were hand-picked by the late Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, and brought to America for further education and ordination, under the sponsorship of benefactors Alex and Marie Manoogian. The five seminarians were ordained by Archbishop Nersoyan in 1948, and a brotherly spirit prevailed among them throughout their lives. Alongside Fr. Arten were Fr. Vartan Megherian, Fr. Arnak Kasparian, Fr. Shahe Altounian, and Fr. Garen Gdanian. This historic and beloved group of priests proved indispensable to the progress of the Armenian Church in America—and Der Arten was chief among them, serving the church and community with every fiber of his being, through every moment of his life.
Fr. Arten is survived by Yeretzgin Mary, his beloved wife of more than 60 years, and their children Zovinar and Arra.
Click here to read biographical notes on Der Arten's remarkable life and ministry.
Visiting hours will be held at the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church (1131 North Street, White Plains, NY) on Sunday, May 22, from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. The dahn gark(wake) service will be held at 5 p.m. The Divine Liturgy and Final Anointing will be held on Monday, May 23, at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church, beginning at 10 a.m.
