22001 Northwestern Highway    Southfield, Michigan   48075
Tel: (248) 569-3405    Fax: (248) 569-0716
Reverend Father Garabed Kochakian, Pastor

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St. John Armenian Church - Southfield Michigan. 
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Reverend Father Garabed Kochakian A Brief Biography

Fr. Garabed was born in Salem, Massachusetts in 1945. He has a B.A. degree in Classical Languages from Iona College, and a Masters of Divinity from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary and as well attend the Saint Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle NY. Ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1976 he began his service as Assistant Pastor of the Armenian Church of Our Savior in Worcester, MA and then as full pastor before serving at the St. Mesrob Armenian Church of Racine, WI from 1982-92. Prior to his arrival in Detroit, he was served in New York City at the Eastern Diocesan Center of the Armenian Church of the United States, where he held the post of Chancellor and Ecumenical Officer. Currently he still serves as Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese. Recently, Father Kochakian received a Master's Degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin with a specialization in Armenian Art and Architecture. Currently he serves as Chairman of the Ecclesiastical Arts and Architecture Committee of the Diocese as advisor to new church construction. He is married to native Detroiter Roberta [nee Carman] Kochakian, and in addition to his official responsibilities, he finds time to paint Armenian Illuminations and Icons for churches. He has authored several books on the Armenian Church and Armenian religious art.