In Memoriam: Archpriest Fr. Dr. Gorun Shrikian (1929-2014)

His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and the Religious and Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America announce with deep sorrow the passing of Archpriest Fr. Dr. Gorun Shrikian, who died early in the morning on Feb. 11, 2014, in Dearborn, Mich.

Rev. Father Gorun Shrikian
Rev. Father Gorun Shrikian

Visiting hours took place at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Dearborn, where Der Gorun served as pastor for more than 30 years. Interment was at Oakland Hills Memorial Garden Cemetery in Novi, Mich.

Heartfelt condolences are extended to Der Gorun’s immediate survivors, which include his three children, Anie, Dirouhie, and Movses; grandchildren; his brother, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Shrikian; and his sister Sosy Bidanian. His wife, Yeretzgin Arpine, predeceased him.

May his memory shine forever with our Lord and Savior, whom he served so faithfully.

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Archpriest Fr. Gorun Shrikian (baptismal name Pailag) was born on Jan. 28, 1929, in the village of Yoghoon-Olouk, Musa Dagh, to Archpriest Movses and Yeretzgin Nectar Shrikian. In 1939, the Shrikian family, along with many of their compatriots, established an all-Armenian town in the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon known as Anjar, where he completed his primary education.

In 1954, he married Arpine Makhoulian, and they were blessed with three children. After attending the Theological Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, he was ordained a priest in 1956, and named Gorun. He continued his theological education at the Seminary for two years while assuming teaching responsibilities.

Der Gorun and his family came to the United States in 1959 where he served as pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Granite City, Ill. In 1965, he was assigned to serve St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn. He served that parish for 33 years.

Der Gorun continued his theological education at Concordia Seminary and received his Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.E.) degree in 1967. He then entered the doctoral program and successfully earned his Ph.D. His doctoral thesis, “Armenians under the Ottoman Empire and the American Mission’s Influence on their Intellectual and Social Renaissance,” was published three years ago.

Der Gorun was a prolific writer and developed educational materials for Armenian schools, Sunday schools, and adult education classes. He wrote many articles and books for the Prelacy, many of which are used to this day. His articles on timely topics appeared regularly in the Prelacy’s monthly publication, Outreach. He served as chairman of the Prelacy’s Religious Council and the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).

Der Gorun retired in 1998, becoming pastor emeritus of St. Sarkis Church. He continued writing and lecturing, and remained alert and actively involved to the end. He has left behind a rich and enduring heritage of scholarship and service.

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

1 Comment

  1. I served with Der Gorun on the Board of Trustees for 12 years and 16 years as NRA. We had a very harmonious relationship and enjoyed many years of social and religious activities. My wife, Anna, accompanied Der Gorun on more than 1000 weddings and funerals,both local and away, at his request to sing Sharagon solos.We shall miss him dearly.

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