MARCHER BIOS

Dcn. Vahe Abovian
Born: 1976, in Yerevan, Armenia
Interests: Spirituality, theology, history, urbanology, classic cars, wind surfing

Vahe Abovian received his primary and secondary education at Yerevan’s Suren Spandarian school, and in 1993 he completed his education with honors. During his school years, Vahe stood out among his peers as a person that was active in all aspects of school life, always eager to serve and lead when called upon. Vahe’s instructors have played a major role in his development as a person, and in turn he has left an enduring memory with them of a leader with fresh and unique perspectives and attitude towards life.

In 1993, he was admitted to attend Vazgenyan Theological seminary in Sevan, where he continued his life long education until 1997. The seminary years served as a catalyst for the opening of a new, infinitely wide horizon, where he again seized the opportunity to grow as a person and hone the skills necessary for the road ahead.

In 1997, Vahe moved to the U.S. and since then, he has resided in the city of Glendale. As he acquainted himself with the new environment and culture, he realized the need for new approaches to the challenges facing the Armenian community. Thus, he pressed for action, and as an answer to his calling Vahe decided on his new course. In order to instill healthy and optimistic sentiments in our youth, he involved himself with youth and student movements. In 2001, he played a pivotal role in founding and organizing the United Armenian Students. Since its establishment, this organization has completed many important works and has become one of the most respected and revered organizations of the community. It is in this environment where Vahe truly invests all his energy and capabilities, striving to find new approaches and perspectives to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow.

In 1997, Vahe Abovian married Armine Arakelian. Today he’s the father of two daughters Ani and Nareh, who are being raised in a spiritual and harmonic atmosphere. Since 1998, Vahe has been attending and serving, as a Deacon, at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood. In addition to his involvement to the religious life of the congregation, he has also organized and led the youth of the parish.

In September 2004, he began to pursue the “Master of Divinity” program at the Claremont School of Theology. This has been an opportunity for Vahe to prepare himself for the esteemed life and mission of a priest, who is sensitive to the dreams, difficulties, and limitations of the community.

Vahe Abovian has performed outstandingly as a father and a husband, as a friend and a colleague, as a community leader and church servant. He is an individual who vigorously aims to understand the complexities of today’s society and the challenges that face humanity. In his thoughts and actions he has shown great competence in providing explanation for these challenges. “Journey For Humanity” is a new opportunity for him to meet people and explore their world, their dreams, and their limitations. This is an experience that will enable him to, again and again, do his utmost to fulfill his life’s calling: to serve and, with undying dreams, new ways, and his life’s example, lead our “community” into the spiritual and moral renaissance.

“There is so much evil and intolerance in the world that sometimes we think that it is the way the world and humanity should function. It hurts; we must nurse our ailing humanity, but we do not do anything to find a cure for its disease, because we have gotten used to that pain. We must not get used to it, we cannot get used to it, because humanity needs us and there is so much to do for each and every one of us.”