By Rev. Shant Barsoumian
On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of his pastoral ministry and the publication of his 36th book, Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian was honored at a special event on Fri., Oct. 10, at the Armenian Congregational Church (ACC) of Greater Detroit. On the eve of the Feast of the Holy Translators, particular focus was given to Rev. Tootikian’s body of written work, with all 36 books laid out on display.
Minister, lecturer, administrator, scholar, prolific writer, and community leader, Tootikian is a member of many religious, educational, and philanthropic organizations, and a recipient of numerous awards. Currently he is the executive director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council and minister emeritus of the Armenian Congregational Church.
Many individuals from throughout the greater Detroit-Armenian community were given an opportunity to share their testimonials about how Rev. Tootikian’s works have impacted them and encouraged them throughout the years. His wisdom, insight, and skillful words through the whole spectrum of his publishing career have inspired so many in their spiritual lives as well as their cultural heritage, particularly in Armenian Christian history.
On this occasion, the Republic of Armenia’s (RA) Ministry of Diaspora awarded Tootikian with the coveted “RA Ministry of Diaspora Gold Medal.” This medal was given to him “in recognition of his notable services for Armenia-diaspora partnership, and for his contributions to the strengthening of relations between Armenia and the diaspora, as well as for his professional activities and his great contribution to the preservation of the Armenian identity.”
The event was chaired by Carole Basmadjian and Hourig Jacobs. The cultural/recognition evening began with the singing of the American and Armenian national anthems, sung by Deacon Rubik Mailian, accompanied by Susan Harrison on the piano. The invocation was offered by Rev. Shant Barsoumian, pastor of ACC.
Throughout the program, 3-minute testimonials were offered by 11 people in the following order: Carole Basmadjian, Hourig Jacobs, the co-chairs; Rodney Keteyian, moderator of ACC; Robert Kachadourian, lay leader and community activist; David Terzibashian, deacon and community activist; Williams Terian and Karnig Kazazian, family friends; Dr. Richard Marburger, former moderator of ACC and president emeritus of Lawrence Technological University; Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church; and Hermine Manoogian, representing the Hamazkayin Association.
The church was also honored with the presence of Rev. Garnik Tutikyan, a relative of Rev. Tootikian and president of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Armenia, who presented the Gold Medal from the Republic of Armenia to Tootikian. Many letters were received from dignitaries and church and organization leaders, of which only two were read. The first was a letter by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The second letter was by Zaven Khanjian, the executive director and CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America.
The keynote speaker of the evening was community leader and renowned literary critic Edmond Azadian, who described Tootikian as a man of vision, a role model of integrity and a leader of inspirational charisma. The evening’s program included a number of musical selections performed by Deacon Rubik Mailian, Emma Bagdasarian, Sevahn Merian, and Susan Harrison, as well as a beautiful recitation of the Armenian poem entitled, “The Sower,” by Dr. Taline Hagopian.
The program was also highlighted by a special “Kinetzon,” or book blessing, upon Tootikian’s latest book, My Life Journey, which was led by Archpriest Rev. Fr. Diran Papazian of St. John’s Armenian Apostolic Church.
Finally, Tootikian took the podium and thanked the organizers, the participants of the program, and all the attendees for sharing this special day with him and making the event a memorable one. He thanked God for blessing his life and for providing him with many opportunities to serve the Church of Jesus Christ, the Armenian Nation, and mankind. He then led the guests in singing the “Hayr Mer” and closed the evening with a benediction.
A lavish reception followed the evening’s program, and all who were present enjoyed the delicious food prepared by the ACC Women’s Fellowship.
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It Is an Honor to hear and read about the unique event ,where Our Kessabtsi honorable Dr. Rev Vahan tootikian was awarded the Gold medal of The RA ministry of Diaspora on his 55 anniversary of the ministry he achieved in so many different geographical areas .He will be An inspiring leader in our Armenian national life. Stepan Apelian and family