Deacon Garbis Karakavaf was, on the recommendation and request of the Primate of our diocese, HE Bishop Serovpé Isakhanyan, by HH Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, for his many years of commitment, his services to our church and his merits, with a patriarchal document the high " st Nerses-Shnorhali” Order of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church.
Last Sunday, June 12, at St. Sahak-St. Mesrop Diocesan Church, following the Holy Liturgy the handing over of the order.
The laudatory speech on this occasion was given by the former chairman of the diocesan advisory board and longtime friend of Deacon Garbis, Mr. Seropé Odabasyan, who introduced the person, friend and deacon Karakavaf.
Then the award certificate of the Catholicos was ceremonially brought into the sanctuary and read out by the parish priest Vahridsch Baghdasaryan.
Then the Primate, Bishop Serovpé, gave his word of blessing to Deacon Garbis and thanked him for his self-sacrificing service to the Armenian Church and presented him with the order and the certificate of award.
Finally, Deacon Karakavaf addressed those present and thanked His Holiness the Catholicos and Bishop Serovpé for finding him worthy of this Order. He also thanked his wife and family for their understanding and support throughout his many years of volunteer service.
During the award ceremony, the "Komitas" choir of the Cologne congregation sang a few songs.
Also present at the ceremony were Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian, deputy chairman of the diocesan advisory board, Orhan Barlik, other members of the diocesan advisory board, Ms. Shakeh Zeynalyan, chairman of the Cologne parish council, as well as other board members and the family and friends of Deacon Garbis.
DAKD
_
Photos: Edmond Haghnazarian
EN 
DE 
HY