Before taking the cloth, his name was Toros Ayloghlanian. His father, Ohan Ayloghlanian, was a shepherd -- a simple, traditional, hard-working man. Despite the fact that he was illiterate, Ohan always wished, and tried to ensure, that his son became an educated man. He spared nothing for the education of his son. It became a parable and was mentioned in the schools that "Ohan Emmi sold his only cauldron to buy school books for his son." This happened in Gurin, during the time when Terzian was a teacher.
Terzian was appointed headmaster of the school 'Jarangavorats Of The Catholicossate Of Sis' during a visit to Gurin by the Catholicos of Cilicia, His Excellence Mkrtich Kefsizian. Toros was admitted to this school thanks to the direct intercession of Terzian -- much like Gegham Antikajian, who continued to remain a civilian, while Toros Ayloghlanian took the cloth and was baptized Fr. Khoren Dimaqsian.
Thanks to his administrative capabilities and erudition, Archbishop Khoren became Vice-Prelate and preacher of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Mersin while he was still a young, but quickminded, priest. He was already an esteemed clergyman with a notable personality when he was appointed Prelate of Yozgat. Having been very efficient in carrying out his duties there, he was liked by everyone, without exception. He rose very quickly to the rank of Bishop, thanks to his devotion to national and community matters, his capabilities, and his common sense.
Having a vacancy, the See of the Prelacy of Gurin invited Bishop Khoren Dimaqsian to become Prelate, as it was his birthplace. This allowed the homesick Bishop to return to Gurin. The period during which he carried out his duties was quite productive. His efforts marked the beginning of a dynamic era of awakening in educational, national, and religious fields.
Bishop Khoren Dimaqsian was equally loved by all the inhabitants of Gurin, despite the evangelical saying, "A Prophet is without honor in his own country."
He had strong communication skills. In his looks, gestures, and words, as well as in his relations and work, sincerity was the dominant feature. He was quick and decisive in the manner in which community works were carried out.
He was a good administrator; his ability stemmed from his unbiased and humble mind. He used to examine and observe the facts in a serious and realistic fashion. Without any preference or bias, he listened to people's requests and demands. He assuaged the people and helped to reconcile differences among them.
He was a builder; within a short period of time he succeeded in raising the wall surrounding the cemetery, and he also initiated the construction of the Prelacy building, as well as the houses belonging to the community. There was a strong sense of unity between his honor and his active personality.
He liked education; he focused all his efforts on the reform of the community school and of other schools. He had already succeeded in reforming the community school to a more desirable situation. He rarely left the school; he spent all his spare time there, giving lectures, listening and encouraging. He always made sure that teachers' salaries were paid on time. He shared the financial burden of the administration to make the teachers happy. During his tenure, teachers were not neglected people.
He was a preacher; his preachings had an original sublimity. He spoke to teach, in the simple language understood by people, with very beautiful parables. The way he talked was very interesting.
The vandalism of the Turkish government drowned -- in blood -- all efforts directed at construction and a healthy awakening for the overall benefit of the public. Everyone is familiar with the political events of 1915. In all the regions, it was the same genocidal treatments, with all its savageries.
Archbishop Khoren Dimaqsian was martyred, like many others, during the initial period of the First World War. He will surely be remembered as a vital part of the history of our church, along with other notable religious figures.