His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, presided over the farewell of Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, the outgoing Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Ridgefield, New Jersey, and Vicar General of the Prelacy on Sunday, August 11, as he is bound for Athens to take over as Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Greece.
In his sermon, Fr. Sahag called on the faithful to continue contributing to the progress of their parish.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was served in honor of Fr. Sahag, who was elected to his new role in Greece on July 1. During the reception, Hratch Mesrobian, chairperson of Sts. Vartanantz’s Board of Trustees;
Col. Aram Sarafian, chairperson of the Prelacy Executive Council, as well as members of church-affiliated and sister organizations addressed the public.
In his message, Fr. Sahag expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, to the Prelate, and to Sts. Vartanantz’s Parish for granting him the opportunity to serve as Pastor. He said that collaboration was key to the community’s progress and brighter future.
His Eminence delivered the closing message:
“In the last decade, alongside his studies, Very Rev. Sahag Yemishian as Pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey, as well as in his role as Vicar General and director of the Datev academy, contributed greatly to the development and growth of our Prelacy.
“He has fulfilled all his duties scrupulously, earning respect and admiration not only for his person but also for the Holy See of Cilicia and the Armenian Church. We are sure he will bear the responsibilities as Prelate in line with full commitment, in line with his character.”