Western Diocese

On Saturday afternoon, July 3, 2010, Funeral Services were held for Deacon Dr. Arra S. Avakian at St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno.  Officiating were Archpriests:  Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Parish Priest of St. Paul Church, Fr. Shahe Altounian; former Parish Priest of St. Paul Church; Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Parish Priest of St. Gregory Church of Fowler and Regional Vicar of the Primate; and Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Parish Priest of St. Mary Church of Yettem.  Assisting were Deacons: Allan Y. Jendian, Steven R. Adams, Varouj Altebarmakian and Akop Iskenyan. 

Presiding Priest Fr. Arshen eulogized the dedicated and knowledgeable servant's service to the Armenian Church.  The Regional Vicar of the Primate Fr. Yeghia read the letters of the Primates of the Western and Eastern Dioceses, Abp. Hovnan Derderian and Abp. Khajag Barsamian, respectively.  Epistle and Gospel readings were presented by Fr. Vartan and Fr. Shahe, respectively.  Also participating in the services were Rosa Pashayan and Ben Krikorian, vocalist and organist, respectively.

Preceding the Church Services a dignified service was conducted by members of the Knights of Vartan Brotherhood of which the late Dr. Avakian served as its Past Grand Commander in 1985-1987.  Officiating were Past Grand Commander Bob Der Matoian, Acting Commander; Fresno Commander Anton Kismetian, Acting Lt. Commander; Past Commander Allan Y. Jendian, Acting Chaplain; and Past Commander Ara J. Movsesian, Acting Marshall.  Jendian and Movsesian both served as Grand Chaplain and Grand Secretary, respectively, during the tenure of P.G.C. Avakian.  Over 50 Asbed Brothers paid their last respect to their departed brother.

After the services a Hokejash Memorial Luncheon was served in the St. Paul Haig Berberian Hall to the family and friends.  On behalf of the family, Master of Ceremonies Jendian thanked those present for their attendance.  Jendian and Movsesian read letters of condolences received, after which friends shared their memories of the late Dr. Avakian. He will be missed.