Newest Priest Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian Heads to Hartford

With a pronouncement of his faith, the approval of the Primate, and the blessing of the Holy Spirit, Dn. Igit Zohrabian became Fr. Gomidas.

The newest priest in the Eastern Diocese was ordained by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, in a two-day service at New York City's St. Vartan Cathedral, February 22 and 23, 2003.

"Of all the sacraments in the Armenian Church, the ordination stands out as the most impressive one," Fr. Zohrabian said during a reception following his ordination. "During the singing of the uplifting hymns and the recitation of meaningful prayers, I became truly moved. The Holy Spirit descended upon me, a humble person. It's definitely a transformation, not only by receiving a new name, but also by becoming a new creature. The old has passed away and the new has come."

Born in Tehran, Iran, in 1965, Fr. Zohrabian's family moved to Armenia in 1972. After graduating from the Seminary in Etchmiadzin, he came to America where he has served in the cathedral while furthering his education.

"I do not claim to have perfect knowledge relating to my career, but one thing is sure: I will be willing to serve my people with devotion, sacrifice, and purpose," Fr. Zohrabian said.

"Through his sacred vocation, Fr. Zohrabian will be a leader of the community, tending to the pastoral needs of the Body of Christ," the Primate said. "His ordination also offers all of us a unique opportunity to reflect on our own duties to God and to His Church."

Fr. Zohrabian has been assigned to the St. George Church of Hartford, Conn., where he assumed his duties following a 40-day period of meditation at St. Nersess Seminary. Earlier this year Hartford's previous pastor, Fr. Nareg Berberian, accepted a position at the St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL.

"[Fr. Zohrabian's] ordination is a fitting sign of devotion to the Armenian Church, reflecting commitment, dedication, and devotion to a deeply-rooted faith," said Clement Ashekian during the reception following the ordination. Mr. Ashekian and his wife, Julie, served as the godparents for Fr. Zohrabian's ordination.

Fr. Zohrabian was sponsored in his ordination by two priests, Fr. Ararat Kaltakjian and Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, who knew him during his years in the seminary.

"One thing I admire about Fr. Gomidas," said Fr. Gulgulian, "is he is very persistent and loves his Church more than anything."

Fr. Gomidas and his wife, Yn. Elen, have two young children, Angel and Krikor.