Longtime Detroit Priest's Art Showcased in Exhibition

Fr. Garabed Kochakian's 50-year career as a pastor is celebrated through his lifelong passion for sacred art.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:24pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic religious object such as a cross or chalice, repeated in a tight grid pattern in the style of Andy Warhol, conceptually representing the fusion of artistic expression and spiritual devotion.The vibrant sacred artwork of Fr. Garabed Kochakian, on display at St. John Armenian Church, celebrates his lifelong dedication to both the arts and the Armenian Christian faith.Salem Today

The St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, Michigan is hosting an exhibition showcasing the artwork of its emeritus pastor, Fr. Garabed Kochakian, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year. The exhibition, titled "The Great and Holy Week: The Easter Story Through Armenian Sacred Art," features Kochakian's artwork, which he has combined with his priestly ministry over the decades.

Why it matters

The exhibition highlights how Kochakian has uniquely blended his artistic talents with his religious calling, using his artwork to commemorate and share the Armenian Christian faith. As an emeritus pastor, Kochakian's artistic legacy provides a distinctive way to honor his decades of service to the community.

The details

Before becoming a priest, Kochakian pursued art, taking courses at the Vesper George School of Art and the Boston Museum School of Fine Arts. He developed skills in music and visual art from a young age, playing the trombone in his high school marching band and entering local art competitions. Kochakian then combined these artistic talents with his priestly calling, incorporating his artwork into his ministry over the past 50 years.

  • Kochakian was born on April 24, 1945 in Salem, Massachusetts.
  • The exhibition opened on March 13, 2026 and was presided over by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.
  • Kochakian is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year.

The players

Fr. Garabed Kochakian

The emeritus pastor of St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, Michigan, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination and is being honored through an exhibition of his sacred artwork.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

The Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, who presided over the opening of the exhibition.

St. John Armenian Church

The church in Southfield, Michigan that is hosting the exhibition showcasing Fr. Kochakian's artwork.

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What they’re saying

“Faith was on exhibit – in a very literal sense – these past few weeks at St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit in Southfield, Michigan.”

— Harry Kezelian, Author

What’s next

The exhibition will remain on display at St. John Armenian Church through the end of April, allowing the community to continue celebrating Fr. Kochakian's artistic and spiritual legacy.

The takeaway

This exhibition highlights how a lifelong passion for the arts can be seamlessly integrated with a calling to religious service, creating a unique way to honor an individual's decades of commitment to their community and faith.