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Kachadoor "Crosby" Kazarian's Years of Service to Armenian Church Recognized by Holy Etchmiadzin

Primate Presents Mr. Kazarian with St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal during Ceremony in Boca Raton, FL

By Paulette K. Doudoukjian

Kachadoor "Crosby" Kazarian, recipient of the St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal, bestowed by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. NEW YORK, NY - "I hope that I have served as an inspiration to others to follow in my footsteps," states Kachadoor "Crosby" Kazarian with characteristic humility. Mr. Kazarian was recently distinguished with one of the Armenian Church's highest honors: the "St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal" and Encyclical, bestowed on individual laymen by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in appreciation of their long years of service to the church.

Crosby has been an active member of the Armenian Church since he first stepped onto the altar at the age of 10. More than 55 years later, as a deacon of the church, he continues to serve faithfully on the altar. "For me, it's a great source of satisfaction to have been able to serve all these years," he explains.

Crosby was born and raised in Providence, RI, the son of Paul and Heripsime Kazarian. His father's family was instrumental in the incorporation of Providence's Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church back in 1913.

Keeping that tradition of involvement strong in Providence, Crosby not only served on the altar but also sang in the choir. He was associated with numerous church organizations throughout his early adulthood, including a tenure of service on the local parish council.

Later, he became involved in the church at the diocesan level, serving as a delegate and as chairman of the Diocesan Assembly, and holding a seat on the Diocesan Council. He has been a member of the St. Nersess Seminary Board of Directors and, most recently, served as on the Board of Directors of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund.

Crosby, and his wife of over 40 years, Araxie, relocated to Florida several years ago. He continues to be actively involved in parish life, serving as an avak sargavak (archdeacon) and as one of the godfathers of the parish.

"The dedication and commitment shown by Crosby throughout the years is most definitely an inspiration to all those who know him," remarked Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. "We are all blessed to have such an individual so actively involved in our Diocese."


RECOGNITION SERVICE IN BOCA RATON

Mr. and Mrs. Crosby and Araxie Kazarian On October 27, more than 200 friends and family members gathered at the St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL, to congratulate Crosby as he received this latest distinction. Archbishop Barsamian presided over the recognition service, which was followed by an elegant reception in the church's Mardigian Hall.

"This is the happiest day of my life," commented Crosby on receiving the St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, bestowed the award and signed the accompanying Encyclical.

The extraordinary evening was capped by a special presentation from the Knights of Vartan. Crosby has been closely involved with the fraternal organization for many years, serving a distinguished tenure in its leadership. As a Knights of Vartan Grand Commander back in 1983, Crosby was instrumental in establishing the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan, in Dearborn. He also spearheaded the annual Martyr's Day commemoration in Times Square.

Among the guests at the October 27 reception was a delegation from the Knights of Vartan, which including former Grand Commanders Simon Javizian (from Michigan), Jack Jandigian and John Ketchoyan, along with the latter's wife and former Grand Matron Rose Ketchoyan (all from California). They presented Crosby with a plaque on behalf of the present council, honoring his longtime dedication to, and leadership of, the organization.


CARRYING ON A FAMILY TRADITION

Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian, pastor of the St. David parish, describes Crosby as one of those rare members of the Armenian-American community, who became involved with the church at an early age and has remained faithful ever since.

Still, Crosby insists that while his years of service to the Armenian Church may be commendable, one needs to find inspiration in larger concerns. "Recognition can be important," he says; "but it's more important to encourage others to become involved."

Crosby is now urging his two sons, Gregory and Ara, to continue the family tradition by being active members of the church. His advice to them is simple and clear cut: "Regardless of what happens over time, keep your eye on the important target: the church community and its people."