Sebouh Chouldjian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian |
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Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian
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| Church | Armenian Apostolic Church |
| Diocese | Diocese of Gougark |
| See | Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin |
| Appointed | 3 June 1996 |
| Reign ended | 19 November 2020 |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 7 June 1987 |
| Consecration | 15 June 1997 by Karekin I |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Haik Sarkis Chouldjian |
| Born | 24 March 1959 Malatya, Turkey |
| Died | 19 November 2020 (aged 61) Yerevan, Armenia |
| Buried | Prelacy of the Diocese of Gougark, Vanadzor, Armenia |
| Nationality | Armenian |
Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian (born Haik Sarkis Chouldjian; 24 March 1959 – 19 November 2020) was an important leader in the Armenian Apostolic Church. He served as the head of the Diocese of Gougark in Armenia.
Contents
Life and Church Service
Haik Chouldjian was born in Malatya, Turkey, on March 24, 1959. He started his schooling in Istanbul. In 1969, his family moved to Gyumri, Armenia, where he finished his primary education.
Becoming a Priest
In 1978, he began studying at the Gevorkian Theological Seminary in Etchmiadzin, Armenia. This is a special school for training church leaders. In 1985, he became a deacon, which is a step before becoming a priest. He wrote a paper about old Armenian translations in 1986. After graduating, he worked in the church's main office.
On June 7, 1987, he became a celibate priest, meaning he chose not to marry. He was given the new name Sebouh. He continued to work in the church's administration.
Leadership Roles
In September 1987, he became the Vice Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Seminary. This meant he helped run the school. In 1989, he earned the rank of Archimandrite (Vardapet) after writing a paper about fasting in the Armenian Church.
In 1990, Father Sebouh was sent to be a spiritual leader for Armenians in Geneva, Switzerland. He returned to Armenia in 1991 to serve as a Vicar in the Diocese of Shirak. A Vicar is a local church leader.
Helping Armenia After Independence
After Armenia became an independent country, the Armenian Church had many new tasks. In 1993, Father Sebouh helped start the first Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia (CYMA). This group helped young people from Canada visit and assist Armenia.
In 1995, he took on two important roles. He became the director of a committee that managed church properties. He also led a group that worked to get back church buildings and lands that had been taken by the government during the Soviet era.
In 1996, he represented the Armenian Church on a committee for humanitarian aid in Armenia. On June 3, 1996, he was appointed as the Primate of the Diocese of Gougark. The Primate is the main spiritual leader of a church region.
Becoming an Archbishop
Father Chouldjian became a Bishop on June 15, 1997. He was part of the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Armenian Church from 2000 to 2007. This council helps guide the church. On May 18, 2012, he received the title of Archbishop.
Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian continued to serve as the Primate of the Diocese of Gougark. He passed away on November 19, 2020, due to COVID-19.
Running for Patriarch in Turkey
Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian was a candidate to become the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul) in Turkey several times. This is a very important spiritual role for Armenians living in Turkey.
Co-Patriarch Candidacy in 2010
In 2008, the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, Mesrop II Mutafyan, became ill. This made it hard for him to lead the church. The Armenian community in Turkey wanted to elect a "co-Patriarch" to help. Archbishop Sebouh was one of three candidates.
He believed the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul should connect Armenians in Armenia, Turkey, and around the world. He also thought it was important for Armenians and Turkish people to talk to each other.
In February 2010, Bishop Sebouh visited Istanbul. He encouraged people to continue the work of Hrant Dink, a journalist who promoted dialogue between Armenians and Turks. He also wanted the Patriarchate to stay out of politics.
However, in June 2010, the Turkish government did not allow the co-Patriarch elections. They said only a temporary leader could be chosen. This decision caused protests among the Armenian community. Archbishop Sebouh felt this decision went against new policies for minority groups.
Patriarch Candidacy in 2016 and 2019
In 2016, there were new calls for a Patriarch election. Archbishop Sebouh said he was ready to serve if the community believed he could help solve their problems. Protests continued as people felt denied their right to choose a leader.
In 2019, Patriarch Mutafian passed away. This led to more discussions about electing a new Patriarch. Archbishop Sebouh was seen as a strong candidate. He spoke out against rules that made it harder for bishops from outside Turkey to run. He believed these rules were unfair.
On December 5, 2019, Archbishop Sebouh released a statement. He said that he forgave those who caused him to be unable to run. He felt that the rules were changed specifically to prevent him from becoming Patriarch because he had strong support. On December 11, 2019, Bishop Sahak Mashalyan was elected as the 85th Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople.
Awards and Recognition
Archbishop Sebouh was a member of the Armenian branch of the International Academy of Natural and Social Sciences starting in 2000.
He received several awards for his contributions:
- The Fridtjof Nansen Golden Medal (2005).
- The Republic of Armenia Prime Minister's Medal (2006) for his work in church-state relations.
- The Hayrenik Gold Medal (2010).
On his 50th birthday in 2009, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan, praised Archbishop Sebouh. He highlighted his efforts in Christian education and helping the Armenian nation regain its spiritual identity.
Images for kids
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Archbishop Sebouh Chouldjian
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Archbishop Sebouh during Liturgy
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Archbishop Sebouh with representatives of Istanbul Armenian Community
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Archbishop Sebouh at the grave of Hrant Dink in Istanbul, Turkey
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Archbishop Sebouh blessing the faithful
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Archbishop Sebouh washing the feet of children during the Washing of Feet ceremony
See also
- Photo gallery of the meeting of the members of the Organization of Istanbul Armenians with Bishop Sebouh at oia.net
