– Meghrig Parikian Needy Family Fund Established
– “Meghrashounch Badoumner”, authored by the Late Bishop Parikian, Published
– “Zareh Aznavourian” Children’s Choir Renamed “Meghrig Parikian” Children’s Choir
On Sunday, February 21, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church commemorated the fortieth day of passing of the late Bishop Meghrig Parikian, Great House of Cilicia monk, former Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, and beloved and long-serving parish priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Toronto. The Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service was presided by Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, and was celebrated by the Parish Priest, the Very Rev. Fr. Vartan Tashjian. Also present at the liturgy was Archpriest Rev. Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church and Vicar of the Armenian Diocese of Canada.
At the end of Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Tcharian delivered his sermon reflecting on the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from the paradise. Prelate Tcharian stated: “We all have a responsibility to look for the path of righteous and not sin, and the Great Lenten period gives us that opportunity even more so.”
He then went on to speak about the late Bishop Meghrig Parikian’s life and stated: “Bishop Parikian, a member of the Great House of Cilicia, served lovingly, served with dedication, served with his entire heart.” On the occasion of Bishop Parikian’s 40th day of passing, Prelate Tcharian announced that at the request of the Parish Priest’s and Board of Trustees of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church the Church has established the “Meghrig Parikian Needy Family Fund”, th entire proceeds of which will be donated to the needy families, a matter so dear to the late Bishop Parikian’s heart.
Prelate Tcharian then announced the publication of “Meghrashounch Badoumner”, a book authored by the late Bishop Parikian himself, which contains over 60 real life stories for today’s youth, that are built upon biblical foundations. Archbishop Tcharian thanked Doctor and Mrs. Jirair and Eky Ternamian as well as Archdeacon Manuel Shehirian who graciously sponsored the printing of the book. He also thanked Mrs. Suzie Kaltagian and Mrs. Maral Kavasian who worked day and night to have the book presented at this commemoration. The books will be ready for purchase in a couple of weeks.
Finally, Prelate Tcharian stated: “Bishop Parikian was a musician, wherever he went he established choirs. In Toronto, he established the “Zareh Aznavourian Children’s Choir”. In order for Bishop Parikian’s memory to remain an ever-lasting one, at the request of the Parish Priest and the Board of Trustee, I am happy to announce that as of today, the Children’s Choir of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church shall be renamed “Meghrig Parikian Children’s Choir”.
Following his speech, Archbishop Tcharian alongside Fr. Tashjian and Fr. Zargarian blessed the new stoles of the Children’s Choir and conducted Requiem Service for the late Bishop Meghrig Parikian.
The service ended with the Lord’s Prayer.