Vartan Kechichian

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Archbishop Vartan Kechichian, C.A.M. (Armenian: Վարդան Քեչիչյան; 13 September 1933 – 22 November 2017) was a Syrian-born Armenian Catholic hierarch. He served as a Titular Archbishop of Mardin for Armenians and Coadjutor Ordinary of Ordinariate for Catholics of Armenian Rite in Eastern Europe from 17 February 2001 until his retirement on 2 April 2005.[1]

Life

Archbishop Kechichian was born in the Armenian family in diaspora, in Syria. After the school graduation, he subsequently joined the Order of the Mechitarists in Venice, where he made a solemn profession on 15 August 1956. He was ordained as priest on 8 September 1959,[1] after studies in the Pontifical Gregorian University, Italy (1953–1959) with a licentiate in philosophy and theology.[2]

After his ordination to priesthood, he served in the different Mechitarists institutions in Italy, Lebanon, France, Argentina and Syria and in the same time made a pastoral work for the Armenian Catholics. Also from 1997 until 2000 he served as an Abbot Primate of Mekhitarists.[2]

On 17 February 2001 Vardapet Kechichian was nominated by Pope John Paul II and on 13 May 2001 consecrated to the Episcopate as a Coadjutor Ordinary. The principal consecrator was Patriarch Nerses Bedros XIX Tarmouni, the Head of the Armenian Catholic Church.[1]

Archbishop Kechichian retired from office, before reaching the age limit. He died on 22 November 2017 at age 84.[2]

References

  1. 1.[1.2][1.3]"Archbishop Vartan Kechichian, C.A.M. †". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. David M. Cheney. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
  2. 2.[2.2][2.3]"È morto il vescovo mons. Vartan Kechichian, dei padri Armeni Mechitaristi". genteveneta.it (in Italian). 23 November 2017. Retrieved 8 December 2017.