NEW BRITAIN (CT)
The Herald
By Jason Vallee
05/11/2006
NEW BRITAIN - Parishioners from St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church have rallied behind their beloved priest, Krikoris Keshishian, saying the allegations of sexual assault against him are both shocking and likely untrue.
Keshishian, who has been with the church since September 1994, was arrested on Tuesday on a sealed warrant for charges of fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury or impairing morals of a child stemming from an alleged incident in May 2005.
For parishioners and staff at the church, the charges come as more than a surprise. Several of the church's congregants said that despite what comes out in court, they would be unable to believe he is guilty of any wrongdoing.
"There is no doubt in any of our minds that he is the best of the best. He is pure at heart," said Diana Cummings, parishioner for five years. "I would trust him with any of my kids. He shows general affection in a beautiful, caring way and it's sad that it might be seen in a wrong light like this."