Mother See Saddened to Announce Death of Deacon Zorik Abeshian
On October 31, His Grace Bishop Movses Movsisian, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Southern Russia, informed the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin of the murder of Deacon Zorik Abeshian. Deacon Zorik, who served in Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Vladikavkaz, North Ossetia (Russian Federation), had disappeared en route to church earlier last month.
Law enforcement authorities found the dismembered body of Deacon Zorik on October 31, at the edge of the Vladikavkaz-Alagir highway.
Condemning this heinous crime, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin invite the faithful flock to offer solemn prayers to God for the eternal rest of Deacon Zorik Abeshian, and that the soul of this devout servant of the Armenian Church may be in peace.
We offer our deep condolences to the family and friends of Deacon Zorik, as well as to the Armenian community of Vladikavkaz. May the Holy Spirit grant them comfort and solace at this difficult time.
