By Jason Vallee
The Herald
May 11, 2006
http://www.newbritainherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid
=16619816&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=10110&rfi=6
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.
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| The outside of St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church on Wednesday. The church’s priest has been arrested and charged with fourth-degree sexual assault on a 12-year-old in 2005. Parishioners have rallied behind him, saying that the alleged incident result |
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."
Congregants said Wednesday that rumors around the church indicate the arrest is in relation to assistance Keshishian provided to a 12-year-old girl.
According to the rumor, several children were playing on a table when she slipped and fell. The parishioners said he attempted to catch her to prevent injury and that is when the alleged touching occurred.
Archdeacon Aram S. Khachoian, who has been with St. Stephen's for 30 years, said the charges are outside Keshishian's character. He described the priest as a hard-working, friendly person who wouldn't consider anything that may harm another.
Parishioners have already begun doing what they can to support Keshishian, who they say has been forced to live secluded since the arrest. George Rustigian, member of the board of directors, confirmed Wednesday that several parishioners have begun calling others to hold a show of solidarity and respect.
"It's a movement that has been done by the parishioners," Rustigian said. "It can be difficult to try and show your support individually with something like this, but collectively they can come together and show they are behind him."
The board of directors has not had an opportunity to meet on the issue and a representative said it is not prepared to release a statement.
The show of solidarity will be held Sunday during the regular services at 10 a.m. at the church, Rustigian said.
Jason Vallee can be reached at jvallee@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 236.
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