His Holiness Karekin II Elevates Rev. Fr. Boghos Baronian to the Rank of Archpriest
18.10.2004
On October 6, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the request of His Eminence Archbishop Datev Gharibian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Brazil, elevated Rev. Fr. Boghos Baronian, parish priest of St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in Osasco (Brazil) to the rank of Archpriest in recognition of Fr. Boghos' long and fruitful service to his flock.
His Holiness personally witnessed the zealous activity of Fr. Boghos during his Pontifical Visit to the Dioceses of South America in May of this year.
During the ceremony, Rev. Fr. Tiran Petrosian, a member of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, read the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II. The Catholicos of All Armenians congratulated Fr. Boghos, expressing his conviction that this recognition given for the priest's 20-year experience and dedication would re-invigorate and inspire him to serve the Armenian community in Osasco with greater devotion and love.
"You should be the soul of the Armenian community and your spirit should give light to the national life of our people. Lead the Armenians with more zeal and with your personal example of sacrifice, love, dedication to service and patriotism", noted His Holiness.
Rev. Fr. Archpriest Boghos Baronian, thanking His Holiness for the honor, stated "Our gaze is always directed towards Holy Etchmiadzin, our Mother Church and the home of every Armenian heart. Our hope is in Armenia and the Mother See led and guided by Your Holiness." Father Boghos further assured the Pontiff of All Armenians that he would redouble his efforts and do his utmost in bringing the mission of the Armenian Church to life in Brazil, leading his flock to God, preserving the Armenian spirit and identity in his community, and elevating the concepts of patriotism and love among the people.
His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrossian, Secretary General of the Department of Inter-Church Relations of the Mother See, and members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin attended the event.
