We join you in spirit and in prayer as you have gathered to pay your final respects to your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, esteemed community activist, and faithful son of the Armenian Apostolic Church and nation.
The loss of Khajag Sarkissian is being felt far and wide, for his service and contributions to our nation spanned decades and continents. I would like to take this opportunity to first and foremost convey the condolences of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
The name Khajag Sarkissian is synonymous with service. Here was a man who devoted six decades of his life to serving others and serving for the advancement of our collective life, for the triumphs of our nation were his triumphs and the pains of our nation his pains. In this Church and community especially, which he was so instrumental in forming, he was a constant, beloved, and respected presence. He was, as you know, a founding member of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church Saturday School, Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan School, and the local chapter of the ANCA. In addition, he lent his valuable input and contributions to our Church and nation as a member of our Prelacy’s Executive Council, of the ARF, Homenetmen, and Hamazkayin, and was a tireless advocate for the rights of the Armenian people and strengthening our homeland of Armenia and Artsakh.
I had the privilege of knowing Khajag for many years and enjoying a friendship based on mutual respect. He was, truly, an outstanding and honorable individual, a man of staunch faith with a kind and gentle soul and a generous spirit. He certainly left a mark on us all and a rich legacy that the hands of time cannot erase.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). Khajag Sarkissian still had more good work to do. Alas, following a purpose-filled and purpose-driven life characterized by faith, love, benevolence, and good deeds, He was called to rest from his labors in the Heavenly Kingdom where the Lord will say to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
On behalf of the Western Prelacy Religious and Executive Councils, I extend my condolences to you all, praying for the Lord to grant peace and solace to your hearts and souls as you cope with your loss.
May his memory remain ever-blessed.
Prayerfully,
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian
Prelate, Western United States
