St. Sarkis church opened for services on November 18, 1990, with Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian celebrating the first Badarak since the Church was consecrated, assisted by Very. Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian and Archpriest Asoghig Kelejian. The choir under the direction of the new choirmaster, Archdeacon Sarkis Apelian, and the organist  Gail  D'Onofrio participated in the service. Afterwards, a thanksgiving Banquet took place at Terrace on the Park with Jack Chadrjian as MC.

Excerpts from his First Sermon: " The Feast of the Exhalation of the Cross (Khachverats ) has a special meaning for me today, because His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, Prelate, has appointed me as the Pastor of St. Sarkis Church. It is indeed a challenging task to shepherd a dispersed flock, while completing the Doctoral requirements at Colombia University. However, to avoid being simply a preacher, but to be a bearer of the Cross as well, I accepted this position for the sake of the progress of Christ's Flock, the parish of St. Sarkis. Part of my Knowledge and experience in the service of building up the community, by creating comprehensive programs. which I plan to Accomplish by:

• Reviving the Sunday School and strengthening the Armenian Language School for our children,

• Offering Bible Study sessions and courses in Armenian Church History and Liturgy for youth,

• Establishing a monthly lecture series on various issues facing the Armenian church Today,

• Organizing social and cultural activities for our Senior Citizens.

Last minute preparations and details were carefully monitored, including work done by the construction crew headed by Kenny Chadrjian to make the Hall presentable and the kitchen functional, and Haroutiun Zilelian helping with last minute construction matters. The decorations of the Hall included over a hundred paper flowers secured on branches of birch trees. This was truly a "Family Affair" with young and old working together. The young people served as waiters, the kitchen was overflowing with Ladies Guild members preparing the plates and it was not surprising to see some of the attendees eating in the kitchen for lack of available seats in the hall. Filled with people, the entire Church was pulsating with life and energy.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees and Board of Wardens played a major part in the reconstruction efforts of the Church. In the intervening period between the burning of the church and 1996, the Prelacy Executive Council appointed a "caretaker" Board to guide and nurture the Church through these difficult times. We would like to acknowledge its members.

Board of Trustees 1991

Jack Chadrjian, Esq.-Honorary Chairman 1991-1993

Bedros Givelekian - Chairman

Nubar Talanian  - Vice/Chairman

Leon Karibian - Treasurer

Isabel Derian  -  Secretary

Zaven Andrikian, Dr. Aram Cazazian, Dr. Arthur Kubikian, Suzanne Hagopian, Michael Haratunian and Frank Kabarajian - Advisors.

Board of Trustees 1994-1996

Bedros Givelekian - Chairman

Edward Barsamian and Antranik Boudakian - Vice/Chairman

Jack Davitian - Treasurer

Dr. Louiza Kubikian - Secretary

Ara Artinian, Guy Boyadjian, Dr. Aram Cazazian, Michael Derian, Suzanne Hagopian, Michael Haratunian, Dr. Arthur Kubikian and Nubar Talanian - Advisor.

On September 29,1996, at the General membership meeting, the first Elected Board of the Trustees of St. Sarkis was voted. Dr. Hratch Zadoian, Prelacy Executive Council Representative, oversaw the elections. The following individuals were elected to serve for a two years period.

Board of Trustees 1996-1998

Bedros Givelekian - Chairman

Edward Barsamian and Antranik Boudakian - Vice/Chairman

Dr. Aram Cazazian and Dr. Arthur Kubikian - Treasurers

Dr. Louiza Kubikian - Secretary

Karl Alajajian, Ara Artinian, Edward Bekian, (1996-1997) Advisors

Virginia Zerdelian (1997-1999), Manouk Gostanian and Dr. Raffi Zohrabian - Advisors

Alternates: Hairo Baghdassarian, Guy Boyadjian, Kegham Dirielian, Hovnan Giveleghian and Yervant Sarkissian.

On October 27, 1996, on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Cross, Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian conducted a special service blessing the newly elected Board of Trustees.

Auxiliary groups

The Ladies Guild

The oldest of all St. Sarkis auxiliaries, has played a major role in the revival and expansion of Church activities. Hard working and resourceful, the ladies have been involved in numerous projects organized to benefit our church including the purchase of all equipment.  A series of four successful Garden Parties from 1991 to 1994, three at the residence of Mary and Edward Arslanian and one at Dr. and Mrs. Agop Hazarian, have brought substantial revenues . Some of the activities of the group have included Lenten Lunches, Atlantic City trips, Christmas Parties, Easter Egg and Cake sale, weekly coffee hours after Church services, and other projects. Of special interest to the Ladies Guild have been the "Bazaars and Food Fairs" organized since 1992. With Isabel Derian as the first chairlady in 1992, Chadrjian Hall was filled with and array of merchandise, numerous display booths, food tables, an eating area, and lots of people looking for a bargain. This yearly event continues to draw a big crowds and is considered a major fundraiser for the Ladies Guild. In subsequent years, some of the Chairladies of this event have been Arpi Artinian, Louiza Kalustian and Sandy Shamlian.

Since 1991, the chairladies of the Ladies Guild have been Sandy Shamlian and since 1996, Amy Gostanian. The present Executive Committee is comprised of Mary Arslanian, Maral Harutunian, Louiza Kalustian, Annik Giveleghian, Margo Sarkissian and Anoush Dirielian. In the past, since 1991, Agavni Baghdassarian, Suzanne Hagopian, Isabel Derian, Arpi Artinian, Arshalouise Ghazaryans and other have served on the Executive Board. The Ladies Guild is an active group pf dedicated ladies who have worked diligently for the benefit of St. Sarkis Church, contributing with generous yearly pledges towards mortgage payments.

Suzanne & Hovsep Hagopian Armenian Saturday School

Upon the completion of the new St. Sarkis Church, and with the generous donations of Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian, the "Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday Language School" resumed classes in September 1991 with 34 students registered. The official dedication of the school took place on November 1, 1992. A beautiful bronze plaque was unveiled after Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian cut the ceremonial ribbon to the school and each classroom was blessed. At present the school has 51 students and offers classes from kindergarten to 6th grade. The curriculum include Eastern and Western Armenian language, religion and history as well music and dancing classes. They yearly activities include Christmas and Year End Hantes, Halloween Party for the children and several fundraising Dinner Dances.

The primary purpose of the Language School is to expose our youngsters to the Armenian Language, History and Cultural  Heritage, and every effort is made by our dedicated Principal and teachers to fulfill this important task. We proudly present our highly qualified teachers: Very. Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian-Principal, Rev. Asoghig Kelejian, Mary Arslanian- Academic Adviser, Renee Baghdassarian, Natalie Gabrelian, Houri Ghoogassian, Siran Jamgotchian, Jeanette Nazarian (Academic Adviser), Haigouhi Yepremian, and Dr. Aram Cazazian - Board of Trustees Liaison. Our very active PTA (Parent Teacher Association) with Ani Nercessian as president, includes Ankin Julfayan - vice president, Nadia Aprahamian- Secretary, Raffi Stepanian- Treasurer, Shirley Kesisyan- advisor. The Saturday Language School gratefully remembers and honors the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian for their generosity and devotion to the perpetuation of the Armenian Language.

Sunday School

Jeanette Milian and Tamar Harutunian, two dedicated young ladies, have taken on the challenging job of teaching children Christian Education. Parents are encouraged to bring their youngsters to Church every Sunday. Classes start at 11:30 and the curriculum follows the Armenian Religious Education Committee (ANEC) guidelines.

The Choir

The new St. Sarkis Church has blossomed under the leadership of the talented choirmaster Archdeacon Sarkis Apelian,  a graduate of Antelias Seminary.  Every Sunday, the Choir uplifts the souls of the believers singing the Divine Liturgy inspired by the depth and inner beauty  of centuries old Armenian Hymns. The organist of the choir are Gail Kasparian D'Onofrio, who has been playing the church organ for over 30 years, Juliette Milian and John Sarian. The choir has yearly membership meetings and annual Choir Day when Hayr Soorp blesses the Choir and the Deacons. Members of the Choir are: Hasmig and Hampig Azarian, Levon Bouldoukian, Annig Giveleghian, Ania Groves, Vahram Guiragossian, Maral Harutunian, Mary Haroutunian, Aret Mousaian, Anahid Sagatelian, Margret Sarkissian, Sandy Shamlian, Magi Thomassian, Rose Vartabedian, Barkev Vartanian and Mary Yacoubian.

Serving the altar

Arch Deacon Zaven Katzakhian; Deacons: Dr. Carlo Bayrakdarian, Thomas Thomassian, Michael Gostanian and Kevork Berberian.

Sub deacons: Dr. Ishkan Bayrakdarian, Bedig Kalajian and Hrair Berberian.

Acolytes: Yervant Kayaian, John Megerian, Ari Dirielian, Michael Thomassian. Nishan Boyadjian and Greg Chilingirian. 

Bible Study Group

The inception of the St. Sarkis Bible study was due to a group pf Church members who were thirsty for the Word of God. Under the spiritual leadership of Very. Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian, the group officially began in September 1992. Over 20 members regularly attend the weekly classes on Tuesday nights.

Along with Bible studies, seminars are held focusing on teaching of Jesus Christ and the Church as they relate to our daily life. Since May 1994, Youth Bible study classes have also been introduces for the teen group.

The Mr. and Mrs. Club had its debut in April 1992, when a Dinner Dance was organized at the Metro- Bistro Cafe in Forest Hills. Met with instant success, the Club got off a good start with over 100 people signing up for membership in the first year. Originally set up as a couples club, the group soon diversified their activities to include the entire family. Certain activities have become a trade mark of the club such as Halloween parties, Dinner Dance, picnics as Christopher Morley Park and Ski trips to Hunter Mountain. Other were quite organized by Mrs. Nadia Isguzar and featuring adult and children's fashions and the presentation of three plays  under the directorial skills of  Mrs. Nadia Isguzar, "Beauty and the Beast" a children's play, "Taghaganin Ginuh", a satire, and "Menk Hairen Chenk Hosir" in December 1997. still other activities involved cultural programs, two fundraisers, one at the home of  Drs. Kubikian, the other at Drs. Karakash and also individual fundraisers associated with personal birthdays and anniversaries. The Executive Committee of the Mr. and Mrs. Club includes Drs. Arthur and Louiza Kubikian, Dr. Aram Cazazian, Edward and Coharig Barsamian, Edward and Arpi Bekian, Takouhi Menzildjian, Nadia Isguzar, Guy Boyadjian, Adrine Nercessian and Arek Andonian. As with other auxiliaries, the goals of the Club have been to assist the Church financially , to bring together and include the whole family in our outings and of course to have a lot of fun in the process. Blessed with dedicated, innovative and talented members, the Mr. and Mrs. Club has made substantial annual contributions to the mortgage fund and has donated the china and glassware presently used for Church activities.

Basketball

After many years of absence from organized Basketball, St. Sarkis once again made its presence felt in the Armenian Churches  Sports Association by fielding 2 teams: Juniors and Men's teams in 1991.

For the first year, the coach for both teams was Army Bostanian. Under the nurturing hand of Edward Barsamian, Sports Program Coordinator, a new Basketball powerhouse was born with orange and blue representing the St. Sarkis colors. In 1992, the program grew with the addition of a Senior team and Sako Jamgotchian as the new coach of the Junior and senior team. In 1993, a Girls team was Formed with Manuel Rakoubian and Marie Norhadian as coaches, and Arto Arabajian as technical advisor to the St, Sarkis coaching staff. By 1997, the program grew to include two junior, two senior, one girls and one men's teams with 69 players participating in the program ( the largest in the League). Several more coaches were added , Mihran Akyemenicyian, Alice Zobian, Daniel Kubikian, John Lennox, Vartan Ohanessian, Hagop Simonian, Raffi Jamgotchian and Henry Gasper. 

The highlights of the program came in 1995, when the Seniors team, under the coaching of Sako Jamgotchian, won the  Championship and brought to St. Sarkis Church the much coveted Basketball Championship Trophy. In 1997, with an undefeated record, the Senior A team, under the coaching of John Lennox, brought home the First Place Cup.

Some of the activities of the Basketball Program include yearly Christmas parties and end of season Award Ceremonies. In addition, for several summer, Three on Three Basketball Tournaments took place on church grounds, with trophies given to the winning teams.

Senior Citizens Group

In 1994, the Faith and Mission committee of the Bible study group introduced the idea of having a weekly Senior Citizen Day at St. Sarkis Church, with the purpose of promoting spiritual growth, informational awareness and social interaction among the elderly.  The entire Bible study group was supportive of this undertaking. 

The program started on  October 25, 1994, with three senior ladies attending Today, we average between fifty to seventy seniors per Wednesday. Our Seniors enjoy the enriching spiritual lessons taught by Hayr Soorp, and also the physical activity conducted prior to lunch. They also share their talents with the entire St. Sarkis community at yearly Talent Shows.

The highlight of the Senior Citizens Group was a three day outing to Green Acres, on June 5, 1995. This trip was organized by Hayr Soorp and attended by 44 people who had a memorable time. By serving our Senior Citizens, we express our filial gratitude to their incomparable sacrifices. We look forward to serving our Senior Citizens as the most integral part of our community. Organizers of the program are Alice Alajajian, Julie Chilingirian, Karnitza Varoujian, assisted by Nataly Hamamjian, Rita Manoukian, Takouhi Orangian, Sam Sheshedian and other devoted members.

Friends of St. Sarkis is led by Mr. and Mrs. Khajag and Sylvia Tirakian, an enthusiastic and dedicated couple, who has organized three very successful Dinner Dances. Their efforts have provided excellent entertainment and major financial contributions to St. Sarkis Church. Their long term objective is to establish a Day- Care Center for St. Sarkis Church.

Table Tennis Club, was organized in January 1997, this new sports activity is under the skillful leadership of  Dickran Toma and Sarkis Nercessian. It started with a small group of players with one table but soon expended to include three tables and appropriate equipment. There is a lot of excitement and energy with members looking forward to Monday and Thursday nights for a good game, good company and plenty of exercise.

The club has organized several tournaments such as men's singles and men's doubles with seven teams playing. Two very successful Dinner-Dances were given by the Table Tennis members with the proceeds donated to the Church.

Young Couples Club, is the newest auxiliary of the Church. Its members will have their first events in September 1998. The committee is made of Arthur and Annette Givelekian, Dicran and Scarlet Arakelian and Sylvia and Khajag Tirakian.

The teens Mission, Group took its roots in November 1996 and is experiencing a healthy growth under the guidance of Very. Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian. It started off with a successful thanksgiving. The Teens Group meets every two weeks on Saturday to discuss religious and social issues relevant to the youth.

Some of their activities are community oriented such as planting of flowers to beautify the grounds of the Church. Sub deacon Bedig Kalajian is in charge of the program.

Kids summer Program

In the summer of 1996, a group of 23 youngsters, ages 3-12, participated in a St. Sarkis Church sponsored Summer Adventure Program. Every Friday morning the youngsters were greeted by very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian, Program Director: Alice Alajajian, coordinator; and the staff of Julie Chilingirian, Sylvia Tirakian, Rita Manoukian, Janette Milian ,and Tamar and Nanor Harutunian.

The eight week program included Christian Education, arts and crafts, storytelling sessions, short plays, visit to the Bronx Zoo, swimming pool, picnics, birthday parties and other activities. It was a very successful and much appreciated program by children and parents alike.

The Youth Club, has organized several get together "Super Dances" under the supervision of  Edward Bekian.

Church Activities

At the NRA meeting in 1994, Very. Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian was elected to serve as chairman of the Prelacy Executive Religious Council. On February 17, 1995 He was appointed Vicar General.

   Dedication / Awards- On May 31, 1992, as part of the Anniversary of St. Sarkis Church, a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened Chadrjian Hall in memory of Oscar and Margaret Chadrjian. Officiating at the event was Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian with Jack and Lita Chadrjian and the entire Chadrjian and Derian families present. Michael Haratunian was MC. of the event.  On  November 1, 1992, the Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday Armenian School dedication took place with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the blessing of the classrooms by  Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian.

On May 23, 1993, with Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian officiating, the Nercessian Library was officially opened in the Pagoumian Hall. following the luncheon, a biography of Mr. and Mrs. Barouir and Maria Nercessian, both survivors of the Genocide was read. Mary Arslanian was the Mc.  The Bookstore associated with the Library has been manned by the late Hrant Chitchian and Khosrof Khatchadourian, and presently by Vartan Malakhanian.

On December 12, 1993 the Onnig and Valentine Pagoumian Hall was officially dedicated with Mrs. Valentine Pagoumian and her son George, cutting the traditional ribbon. Officiating was Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. A luncheon followed with Dr. Sonia Karakash as MC.

Outstanding members of St. Sarkis Church have been granted special honors for devoted service to the Church and Prelacy. Prince of Cilicia: Jack Chadrjian 1990, Princess of Cilicia: Suzanne Hagopian 1987, Knight of Cilicia: Michael Haratunian, Zaven Andrikian 1986 and Bedros Givelekian1993.

   Religious Activities  included all Religious Services, Blessing of the Flag, the traditional "Vidjag", "Blessing of the Grapes", "Blessing of Basil", Blessing of Stained Glass Ordination of Deacons and Acolytes, Thanksgiving service for His Holiness Karekin II, Feast of Sts. Ghevontiantz with St. Sarkis Church hosting the Armenian Prelacy Clergy, Relic of St. John in St. Sarkis Church, St. David and St. James celebrations. Siamanto Academy students were encouraged to read from the Scriptures on the eve of Christmas and Easter and Deacons and Choir's Day were celebrated each year.

St. Sarkis Church Name Day have been celebrated each year. Since 1993, chairpersons of this important event have been Guy Boyadjian, Karl and Alice Alajajian, Harry and Juliette Milian, Hairo Baghdassarian, Antranik Boudakian and Edward Barsamian. In 1997, Archpriest Asoghig Kelejian, Pastor Emeritus of St. Sarkis Church celebrated his 40th Anniversary of Priesthood.

St. Sarkis Church Anniversaries have also been celebrated every year with Dr. Arthur Kubikian, Mary Arslanian, Varujan and Luiza Kalustian, Edward and Arpi Bekian and Dr. Raffi Zohrabian serving as chairpersons. In 1995, on the occasion of the Fifth Anniversary of St. Sarkis Church, a video on the history of the Church was produced together with a Booklet saluting the Auxiliary Bodies. Dr. Aram Cazazian was the chairman of this event.

   Religious Visits - His Holiness Karekin II visited the New York area to preside over the Cilicia Symposium in November 1993, informally visiting St. Sarkis Church and Jack Chadrjian at his residence.

In October 1997, His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia made his first pontifical visit to the Eastern United State . Several Board of Trustees members were actively involved with the preparations of this visit including Bedros Givelekian, Chairman of the New York Pontifical Visit, Dr. Aram Cazazian , Dr. Louiza Kubikian, Antranik Boudakian and Edward Barsamian. A major role in security was provided by the III Police Precinct, namely Lt. Mark Mundell and Sgt. Jean Sullivan. His Holiness visited St. Sarkis Church on October 6, performing a Hrashapar service followed by a reception and Achahampuir. On August16, 1998, His Grace Bishop Oshagan Choloyan, the newly elected Prelate of Eastern United States and Canada, made his first official visitation to St. Sarkis Church on the Holy Virgin Mary (Blessing of the Grapes). His Grace was warmly received and welcomed by the St. Sarkis congregation with a special luncheon in his honor following Church services.

   Cultural Activities included several lectures and slide presentations on topics such as "Armenian  Frescoes in New Julfa" by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, "An Everest Adventure" by Dr. Walt McConnell, "History of the Cilician See, its role, past and present" by Hayr Soorp. Also, His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian was honored as Author of the Year in 1994 with a presentation of his latest books.

Talent shows were organized by Hayr Soorp such as four Senior Citizens Talent Shows and three Armenian Youth Talent Shows. Also in 1997, John Sarian organized a "World Music and Dance Festival" with participation of Nevart Zeronian, Alejandro Olmedo,  Azadouhi Anmahian, Kathleen Moore, Sandy Shamlian and Karen Tchougourian. 

In 1998, ARDOUDIG, a Prelacy Juniors' Choir, Concert was presented with Very. Rev. Meghrig Parikian conductor. It included students from the Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian and Nareg Saturday Schools.

In October 1995, Ara Manoukian and Garine Kocharian performed two plays: "The Bear" and "Soghomon Tehlirian's Heroic Deeds" as part of the Cultural; Month at St. Sarkis Church.

    Special Events In March 1997, St. Sarkis Church, under the Chairmanship of Drs. Arthur and Louiza Kubikian and Dr. Aram Cazazian, successfully organized "Health Expo 1997". Officially opened by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, this Health Fair provided a forum for dissemination of health related information to the Armenian community. It involved the participation of over 40 health professionals and four local hospitals., with lectures, diagnostic test, videos and information on number of medical conditions. a booklet was printed on this occasion.

St. Sarkis Church has hosted and was associated with numerous events, some of which are enumerated here: several Graduation Ceremonies of St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Very  Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian Director of the Program; St. Gregory of Datev Reunion Seminars; visits to the Old Age Home; clothing Drive for Armenian; April 24 Genocide commemorations with Badarak & Memorial Luncheon, together with St. Illuminator Church and  Armen Garo Chapter of ARF in 1994; participation in Times Square April 24 Commemorations; demonstration at the UN against Azerbaijan to lift the blockade against Armenia; seminars on Badarak.

Other activities included: Tribute Luncheon for Gail D'Onofrio, organist of the Church; Dinner Dance given by Annig and Hovnan Giveleghian; New Years Eve celebrations; Armenian Dance classes with Arsen Anoushian; several Thanksgiving luncheons in honor of the 111th Police Precinct in Bayside and other events.

Some of the Church members have used personal events such as birthdays and anniversaries to raise funds for the Church with major donations received from Bedros Givelekian' s 60th birthday Testimonial Diner and George Pagoumian' s 50th birthday. Other donations were received as a result of Mrs. Rose Baghdassarian' s 90th birthday, Dr. Arthur Kubikian and Mrs. Nadia Hazarian' s birthdays, Edward and Coharig Barsamian' s 25th Anniversary and Dr. Sonia Karakash' s recital.

The traditional picnics at Plattsdeutch Park was continued one more year in 1992. Since 1993, St. Sarkis Picnics have been held on church grounds. Chairman for these events have been Albert Derian, Ara Artinian, Kegham Dirielian, Edward Barsamian, Thomas Thomassian, Guy Boyadjian and others.

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