Fr. Souin's Letter of Application Stating his Intention to Enter the Priesthood

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June 13, 1992

His Grace, Bishop Hovnan Derderian Primate

Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada

615 Stuart

Outremont, Quebec H2V 3H2

Surpazan Hayr

Let me first start by expressing my love and pride in not only who you are but for what you have become for the glory of the Church.

Putting into words why one would pursue a call to the service of God seems almost useless and impossible because it is a matter of the heart, although I know that you will understand. I will, however in these few lines, make the effort to mirror my inner conviction and reconfirm the commitment I made during our discussion Monday.

As you know already, I was raised in a God fearing family closely bound to the teachings and rituals of the Armenian Church. My faith and commitment grew with education and doubt. Doubt, at least in my mind, served only to strengthen my faith. Perhaps you might say that St. Thomas has an extra special place in my soul. In my late teens, I attended the st. Nersess summer studies program where my devotion and faith in the Armenian Church flourished. From this early age I, deep down, felt a special affinity to ,a vocation in the service of Christ, but, felt somehow afraid to verbalize my feelings.

There are many facets for why I know that I want to go into the Priesthood. Perhaps the greatest reason is for the sense of purpose, direction and service. I would look forward to the opportunity to work with and educate our people. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the youth. Like you, I recognize that they are our greatest resource and I feel a sense of responsibility to give of myself whatever I might have to offer.

I have always been mystified and inspired by the sacramental and liturgical beauty of the Armenian Church. This must be cultivated and preserved in Canada. This fact gives me a great sense of purpose, and optimism.

I am excited by the prospects and challenges facing me. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I believe that the Holy Spirit has moved me to this enlightenment. I can not think of a plainer way to express my thoughts at this time.

I have over the years continued to grow with faith, maturity and for lack of a better word certainty in this calling. Today, is the time for me to face the fact that anything less than witness to this calling would be an injustice to not only myself but to the Church. I thank God for a loving and supportive wife who is encouraging me to follow my heart in this matter. I am prepared to make certain sacrifices to bring this to its fruition if that is God's will. I will do my best to take the joys and frustrations hand in hand. Surpazan Hayr I hope that you will pray for me and my family. You always have and always will be a motivation to me.

Now to Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more than all that we ask or think, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations. (Eph. 3:20-21)

With love, asking for your prayers,

Gregory Haig Souin