Archbishop Datev Sarkissian, Former Western Prelate, Passes Away
Archbishop Datev Sarkissian, who served as Prelate of the Western United States from 1985 to 1995, passed away on Thursday in Holy Etchmiadzin, where he had been residing since leaving the Prelacy.
Western Prelate Archbishop Kegham Kacherian, the Religious and Executive councils, the Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, the area parishes and schools, with deep sorrow, announced the Sarkissian’s passing on Friday.
The late Archbishop Sarkissian was known for his great prowess and knowledge of Armenian church rituals and heritage. He served the church in many capacities, including as the Prelate of Aleppo and as superintendent of the Seminary at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia.
During his time as Western Prelate, Archbishop Sarkissian presided over the consecration of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Church in Orange County and the renovated St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. It was under his tenure when the Tufenkian and Ta pre-schools and kindergartens were established. It was also under the late Prelate’s leadership that efforts to publish textbooks for the Prelacy Armenian Schools.
Under his tutelage, the Western Prelacy was endowed with four young priests whose theological education was overseen by Arch. Sarkissian, who later ordained them.
Sarkissian’s final rites and interment will take place on Tuesday, February 24, at 10 a.m., at the St. Gayane Monastery in Armenia. He will be reposed at the monastic crypt at Holy Etchmiadzin.
Prelate Khacherian and the Prelacy also offered their deepest condolences to His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
Condolences were also express to Sarkissian congregation, brother, Vahe Sarkissian, his sister Tamar and their families, relatives and friends.
Prelate Khacherian has directed all Western Prelacy church to hold special requiem services in memory of the late Arch. Sarkissian, on Sunday, February 2.
