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	Big Turnout at Armenian Church Just Days after Priest Arrested By Darren Duarte WTNH May 14, 2006 http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=4902592 (New Britain-WTNH, May 14, 2006 6:35 PM) _ New Britain priest Krikoris Keshishian, who is accused of sexual assault, is getting support from some of his parishioners. Keshishian is a priest at Saint Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church. Outside parishioners react to allegations of sexual abuse against their priest. "That's a shame. That's a shame." Inside Father Krikoris Keshishian gave his first sermon since his arrest Tuesday on child sexual assault charges. Richard Hamasian says, "I would let him know and let the rest of the world know that just as the world took Jesus to trial and crucified him is what I felt this week with everything that took place." Father Keshishian is accused of molesting a 12-year-old girl inside St. Stephen's Armenian Apostolic Church in May of last year. Many in the congregation can't believe the shocking allegation against their pastor. Lucy Shabazian says,"Some of our parishioners who have children in Sunday school and have questioned their children and he has never done anything that is out of the ordinary." A larger than usual crowd packed St. Stephen's Armenian Church in New Britain to support their priest during this tough time. Susan Shabazian says,"He has been the epitome and strength of our community for many, many years and we feel that he has been unjustly accused." Folks from other Armenian churches in the area came to listen to the pastor's sermon. Up to now, the priest has not made any public comments about the case. He's out on bond and is due back in court later this month.
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