Rev. Fr. Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian
It is very difficult to imagine Saint Sarkis Church without Der Asoghik. He is remembered today as a devoted and faithful servant of the church, a priest whose strength and dedication helped him accomplish his mission, while his gentle and forgiving nature earned him the respect and admiration of all.
Born on August 3, 1916 in Istambul, Turkey, to Harutiun and Pirijan Kilicciyan, Der Asoghik completed his Armenian education and was admitted to the Seminary in Jerusalem pursuing studies to become Vartabed. However, while in Jerusalem, Der Asoghik became ill and was forced to return to Istambul. Subsequently, he waas drafted into the Turkish Army and served for four years. In 1946, he married Anjel Emirhanian and together, they formed a strong and loving relationship which lasted more than fifty years. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Ani and Arpi.
He studied Armenian musicology and was an expert in reading Armenian musical notes. Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian was ordained priest in 1956 and became Parish priest of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ferkoy, Istambul. In 1959, Der Hayr was sent by the Great House of Cilicia to the United States and served at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. In 1962, Der Hayr became the pastor of the newly formed Saint Sarkis Church in Bayside, New York.
For the past 39 years, Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian served St. Sarkis Church with distinction, as pastor from 1962 to 1991, and Pastor Emeritus since 1991. With untiring zeal and dedication, he nurtured and guided the parish through the difficult formative years, overseeing its birth, growth and maturity, and at the time of greatest tragedy when St. Sarkis Church was left without a House of worship, Der Asoghik made enormous efforts to keep the Congregation together.
Der Hayr met the challenges of life with unshaken faith, dignity and patience. He extended his parental love for his family to the larger family of Saint Sarkis Church becoming in many ways our own father. His cheerful smile always greeted us, and many were blesses by his kind words, actions and thoughts. Throughout his years of service as parish priest, Der Asoghik married many of us, baptized our children and then watched with pride as they matured into responsible adults.
However, for the past years, together with his life partner Teretzkin Anjel, he waged a valiant battle to overcome illness. His last thoughts were of his beloved family, how much he missed the company of the Senior Citizens and especially how much he missed worshiping on the altar.
The Pastor, Board of Trustees and congregation of Saint Sarkis Church extend their deepest condolences to Yeretzkin Anjel Kelejian, his daughters, Ani, Arpi, his son-in-law Edward Bekian and Kevork Esayan and grandchildren, Ari, Adam, Varand and Nairi.
Dear Der Asoghik, your loving gaze will always protect St. Sarkis Church. We dearly miss you. Thank you for enriching our lives with your presence.
Your memory will always live in our hearts.
May God Bless Your Soul and May You Rest in Peace.
Amen
Born on August 3, 1916 in Istambul, Turkey, to Harutiun and Pirijan Kilicciyan, Der Asoghik completed his Armenian education and was admitted to the Seminary in Jerusalem pursuing studies to become Vartabed. However, while in Jerusalem, Der Asoghik became ill and was forced to return to Istambul. Subsequently, he waas drafted into the Turkish Army and served for four years. In 1946, he married Anjel Emirhanian and together, they formed a strong and loving relationship which lasted more than fifty years. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Ani and Arpi.
He studied Armenian musicology and was an expert in reading Armenian musical notes. Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian was ordained priest in 1956 and became Parish priest of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ferkoy, Istambul. In 1959, Der Hayr was sent by the Great House of Cilicia to the United States and served at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. In 1962, Der Hayr became the pastor of the newly formed Saint Sarkis Church in Bayside, New York.
For the past 39 years, Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian served St. Sarkis Church with distinction, as pastor from 1962 to 1991, and Pastor Emeritus since 1991. With untiring zeal and dedication, he nurtured and guided the parish through the difficult formative years, overseeing its birth, growth and maturity, and at the time of greatest tragedy when St. Sarkis Church was left without a House of worship, Der Asoghik made enormous efforts to keep the Congregation together.
Der Hayr met the challenges of life with unshaken faith, dignity and patience. He extended his parental love for his family to the larger family of Saint Sarkis Church becoming in many ways our own father. His cheerful smile always greeted us, and many were blesses by his kind words, actions and thoughts. Throughout his years of service as parish priest, Der Asoghik married many of us, baptized our children and then watched with pride as they matured into responsible adults.
However, for the past years, together with his life partner Teretzkin Anjel, he waged a valiant battle to overcome illness. His last thoughts were of his beloved family, how much he missed the company of the Senior Citizens and especially how much he missed worshiping on the altar.
The Pastor, Board of Trustees and congregation of Saint Sarkis Church extend their deepest condolences to Yeretzkin Anjel Kelejian, his daughters, Ani, Arpi, his son-in-law Edward Bekian and Kevork Esayan and grandchildren, Ari, Adam, Varand and Nairi.
Dear Der Asoghik, your loving gaze will always protect St. Sarkis Church. We dearly miss you. Thank you for enriching our lives with your presence.
Your memory will always live in our hearts.
May God Bless Your Soul and May You Rest in Peace.
Amen