On May 30, 2015, Bishop David ordained a new priest, Fr. Gregory Saroufeem, for the St. Mary and St. Mark Church of Manhattan. The ceremony took place at St. Vartan’s Armenian Cathedral and was attended by close to 400 parishioners. Formerly known as Nader Saroufeem, a pharmacist from New Jersey who regularly attended Mahattan services, Nader was ordained as Father Gregory. This was a historic event, as this was the first ordination for the Manhattan Church.
Prior to being ordained as a Priest, Father Gregory was first ordained as Deacon Athansius.
The ordination was attended by approximately 20 clergy from New York, New Jersey, New England states and Egypt. Father Gregory explained that he chose the name Gregory after St. Gregory the Armenian, the Illuminator.
Father Gregory is headed to Egypt for his forty day training and will return on July 10th. A reception is planned that afternoon, as he cannot serve the congregation without the reception. The congregation of St. Mary and St. Mark are looking forward to receiving Father Gregory and looking forward to his first mass at the Manhattan church on July 11th.
May God keep for us the life and standing of our beloved Bishop David and our beloved Fr. Gregory Saroufeem. Amen.
Congratulations to Fr. Gregory, his Family, and the congregation of St. Mary & St. Mark Church in Manhattan, NY!
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