On March 21,1960, under the leadership of  Gordon Derian, the corporation named St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Long Island was formed. The officers of the said corporation at that time were:  Gordon V. Derian, Sam T. Vosganian, Vartkes Tertzakian, Carnik Midinian, Garo Agopian, Eli Kimatian, Edward Peterson, Mourad Sebouh Nersessian and Norik H. Stepanian, with Martin Kimatian and Robert Derian added by January 31, 1961.

The Church property was acquired on September 29, 1960 for $57,000.00 with a $40.000.00 mortgage. Prior to the purchase, a banquet was organized in May 1960 to raise funds for the down payment. Extensive repairs and alterations necessary to transform the building into a suitable Armenian Church delayed the consecration until 1962.

Several committees were formed to prepare the newly acquired church for consecration. One of those, the Architectural and Building Committee was headed by Vartkes Giragosian, Harold Manoogian, Sarkis Minasian, Ara Serian, and included Michael Haratunian-Chairman of the Building Committee, Lee Hamptian-Designer of the Altar Area, Vahe Amirian- Structural Engineer, Armen  Boyajian-Civil Engineer and Krikor Hovivian- Artist who presented sacred works of art in the Altar area.

On May 20, 1962. His Grace Bishop Hrant Khachadourian, Prelate, conducted the Most Holy of all Sacraments, the Consecration of the newly formed Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. His Grace was Joined by Rev. Asoghig Kelejian, recently appointed permanent Pastor of the church as well as Rev. Moushegh Der Kaloustian, Rev. Vahrich Shirinian, Rev. Torkom Hagopian and members of the clergy from many states. The Holy Oil - Chrism used to anoint St. Sarkis Church was prepared and blessed by His Holiness Zareh I. Avedik Akopiantz, a dedicated supporter of the church, served as the Godfather of the newly consecrated St. Sarkis Church and Edward Sahagian was the Master of Ceremonies at the Banquet following the Consecration.

From the very first day of the purchase of the church building, a small and dedicated group came to join the newly forming parish. Through their efforts and sacrifices, St. Sarkis Church was able to open its doors and grow into a beautiful Armenian church with facilities including a large hall doubling as a gymnasium and banquet hall, an auditorium for school plays, and classrooms upstairs. there were tough times when "voluntary assessments" were imposed on each member to meet the expenses of the parish.

There was an atmosphere of a close knit family at the old St. Sarkis Church, that is why used to say "the St. Sarkis Family" instead of the St. Sarkis Parish. Husbands and wives, sons and daughters, it was not unusual to see entire families embracing many aspects of church life and actively participating in church activities. The entire Kasparian Family attended church services every Sunday. Father George was at the door, mother Alice Kasparian sang in the choir and daughter Gail played the organ. the Bedrossian and Baghdassarian families always kept close ties with the church.

Araxie Derian, Satenig Manoogian, Ardemis Papazian, Mania Bedrossian, Banzali Ajemian and other ladies, affectionately called "The Sunshine Girls", were always present at Sunday Badarak to give their blessings to those who served on the Altar and to assist with any task. However, one person, Mr. John Alexanian could be considered as the Patriarch of the church. He loved his church, he was present every Sunday greeting people, standing at the entrance with his friends George Kasparian. Together with his wife Rose, the Alexanians were and unusually dedicated couple, who devoted much time and energy helping people. The Board later named Mr. Alexanian as honorary Board of Trustee Member and in 1986, he became one of the 16 Godfathers of the new St. Sarkis Church.

Many outstanding individuals and their families played active roles in the early years of St. Sarkis church. Among them were Hairabedian, Derian, Callian, Postian, Serian, Hagopian, Haratunian, Petrossian, Manoogian, Pagoumian, Chadrjian, Peterson, Arakelian, Tashjian, Nersessian, Vartabedian, Patinian, Karibian, Davidian, Krikorian, Kouyoumjian families and many others. 

Since the inception of the Saint Sarkis Church through 1991, Reverend Archpriest Asoghig  Kelejian faithfully served the parish. With untiring zeal and dedication, he nurtured and guided the parish through the difficult formative years, overseeing its birth, growth and maturity, and at the time of greatest tragedy when St. Sarkis church was left without a House of Worship, Rev. Kelejian held the Congregation together. In 1982, on the occasion of his 25th Anniversary of ordination as priest, the St. Sarkis parish presented Der Hayr with the keys to a new car in appreciation of his many years of spiritual guidance and devoted service to the Armenian Church.

During the years 1962 to 1985, major changes occurred in St. Sarkis Church. Extensive renovations of the two existing halls, Chadrjian Hall and Pagoumian Hall were completed, the kitchen and bathrooms were remodeled with the help of contractor Haroutiun Zilelian, and the mortgage was paid in full by 1971. The late 70's ushered in a new era in the history of St. Sarkis Church with the involvement of a group of young men who continued the process started almost two decades ago. New projects were undertaken to meet the needs of the growing community. At this time St. Sarkis Church was enjoying a period of tranquil growth and development with each Church Body expanding their activities.

Board of Trustees 1962

Vartkes  Tertzakian   Chairman, with John Alexanian, Gordon Derian, Vartges Giragossian, George Kasparian, Edward Peterson, Mourad Sebouh, Michael Tabibian, Edward Tashjian and Nishan Vartabedian serving as advisers.

Board of Trustees 1982

Frank Kabarajian  Chairman, with Edward Barsamian, Karnig Bedrossian, Edward Bekian, Albert Derian, Jack Davitian,  Bedros Givelekian, Varujan Kaloustian and Vartkes Manuelian as advisors.

Board of Trustees  1983-1985

Bedros Givelekian  Chairman,  with Edward Barsamian, Karnig Bedrossian, Edward Bekian, Jack Davitian, Albert Derian, Kegham Dirielian, Manouk Gostanian, Frank Kabarajian and Varujan Kalustian advisor and Haroutiun Zilelian joining in 1985.

Church Auxiliaries:

The Ladies Guild, was one of the first auxiliaries of the Church. A group of very dedicated and enthusiastic ladies, they worked untiringly to meet their first objective - a functional kitchen with Yervant Kouyoumjian serving as "Chef". The first chairlady of the group was Beatrice Hoplamazian. In later years, Doris Manoogian and Suzanne Hagopian diligently served as chairladies of the group. Activities such as Atlantic City bus trips, Christmas Dinner, participation in St. Sarkis Festivals and St. Sarkis Name Day celebration, coffee hours after Badarak, plays, Lenten Lunches, White Elephant Bazaars and sale of articles obtained on consignment kept the ladies active and busy. In the late 70's, new chairladies such as Aida Kabarajian, Asdghig Zilelian and Aghavni Baghdassarian brought fresh ideas and renewed energy to the group.

St. Sarkis Sunday School, was very active with Mrs. Rose Alexanian as superintendent and later Mrs. Mary Haratunian. Some of the teachers included Mrs. Postian and Mrs. Callian

St. Sarkis Armenian Language School, was established in 1961 with six classes and fifty students. The first principal was Garbo Afarian with Therese Zakarian, Anasik Krikorian, Alice Coharian, Vehanoush Mergian and Frank Kabarajian as teachers. From 1978, for several years, St. Sarkis Saturday School and Sunday School held classes together on Sunday in order to attract more students. C lasses were eventually switched to Saturday morning as the number of students increased. since  1978, the principals of the school included Rima Sukiasian, Therese Vosgerichian and Sirpuhi Mark who served as principal of the school from (1981-1997). The teachers included Lusig Bedrossian, Janet Demirjian and Maro Bulbulian. An active and dedicated school committee which worked for years included Amy Gostanian, Aida Kabarajian, Suzanne Hagopian and Aida Alpian. Elaborate Christmas and year end Hantes, Dinner Dances, Halloween parties and egg and Chorag sales at Easter were some of the school activities. After the fire in 1985, the St. Sarkis Language School held classes at All Saint Episcopal Church, holding their activities at the Church Hall or at Holy Martyrs Armenian church.

The Choir, under the skillful leadership of Mrs. Acabi Navassardian, developed into an excellent singing group, with Nina Agabian and Gail Kasparian playing the organ. Mrs. Gail Kasparian D'Onofrio has continued as the organist of the Church to the present day. Blessed with beautiful voices, Choir members such as soloists Yeretzgin Anjel Kelejian, Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian and Mrs. Marcelle Kouyoumjian added a special meaning to the Divine Liturgy. After Mrs. Navassardian' s retirement, several other people served as Choirmasters, Mrs. Varsen Sarkissian, Tenor Armen Guirag, Maestro Manoug (Nonu) Krikorian and Arch Deacon Frank Kabarajian. Serving on the Altar were Arch Deacon Frank Kabarajian and Deacon Bedros Bedrossian, Kegham Yezdanian, Aleen Kouyoumjian, Avedis Kurkjian and Karnic Bedrossian .

The Family Circle Club, under the chairmanship of Hagop Voskerijian organized such activities as Easter Egg Raffle, Bingo parties,  Sunday afternoon luncheons and other activities. Mr. Voskerijian also organized a theatrical Group.     The Young Couples Club,  with Garo and Nevart Ipek as Chairmen, organized plays and Bazaars.

Basketball Program, in 1967, the Armenian Churches Sports Association was formed for the purpose of establishing a sport that would bring  the Armenian youth together and create an environment of friendly competition. St. Sarkis Church was one of the original charter member churches with Harry Pattinian and Sarkis Minasian participating in the inception of this program.  For dour years, from (1969-1973), George Postian, an active member of the St. Sarkis church, served as Commissioner of the Association. The St. Sarkis Church participated in the program fielding a Senior Boys Team and the addition of a Girls Team in later years. The Basketball Program remained active until the early eighties. Some of the coaches included George Postian, Charles Pattinian and Michael Derian. Following the renovation of the Chadrjian Hall, a basketball type court was also provided for the Armenian Youth. The color of the team were purple and white.

Activities:

Picnics: For many years, Plattsdeutch Park in Hempstead provided the picnic grounds for St. Sarkis Church. Volleyball and basketball games, traditional soccer matches between the younger and older generations, picnic tables, refreshments booths, a large hall in case of rain, a functional kitchen with a large outdoor grill, Armenian music for dancing (sometimes the live band of Bob Tashjian), and of course always the delicious shish and lule kebob and Armenian delicacies, all these ingredients made Plattsdeutch Park the ideal place to spend a memorable Sunday. Many of us have fond memories of times gone by, such as memories of Karnig Bedrossian cooking breakfast for the early comers.

Saint Sarkis Festivals: Started as a three day event, with the full support and participation of all church auxiliaries including members of  Homenetmen of Bayside. The street surrounding the Church were blocked off, and the festival featured a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as, rides and games, sale of food, vendors, indoor Bazaar and Flea market, etc. These festivals started in 1981 and continued for 5 years. they were a major money generating activity and these funds were used to improve and renovate the church. Although much time, work and planning was needed to prepare for this event, it was always rewarding to see the enthusiasm of parishioners and neighborhood people enjoying all these activities. Attendance at time was estimated at 6,000 people for the three days. Individuals who have contributed to its success included: Karnig Bedrossian, Hagop Voskerijian, Frank Kabarajian, Bedros Givelekian, Edward Barsamian, Edward Bekian, Albert Derian, Haroutiun Zilelian, Kegham Dirielian, Vincent Basmajian, Hairo Baghdassarian, Thomas Thomassian, Hatchig Julfaian, Jack Davidian, Arshag Kazandjian and others.

Health Fairs: A sequence of 4 Health 

fairs from (1982 - 1985) were organized as part of the National Health Screening Council for Volunteer Organizations to promote health care education and wellness. several times St. Sarkis church was selected one of the sites of this program. Dr. Arthur H. Kubikian working together with Hagop Voskerijian, chairman of the Family Circle Club, coordinated these successful activities. Participants received screening test for basic health indicators, consultations, distribution of pamphlets, etc. Health Expo generated useful information and provided an opportunity for the Armenian physicians, dentists, and health related professionals.

Welcoming religious On the occasion of His Holiness Karekin II visit to New York  n June 1983, His Holiness visited St. Sarkis Church. There was a Hrashapar and reception in the Chadrjian Hall for the parish to meet Vehapar. Previously, Vehapar had visited St. Sarkis Church several times as Srpazan Karekin Sarkissian.

Dedications / Testimonials: The years 1982 and 1983 marked several events in the history of St. Sarkis Church. Two Halls and Library were dedicated: Chadrjian Hall, in memory of Oscar and Margaret Chadrjian, Pagoumian Hall , in memory of Kevork and Anitsa Pagoumian and Pagoumian Library with Mr. & Mrs. George Pagoumian as Godfather of the Library Bookstore. A Testimonial Dinner also celebrated Arch Deacon Frank Kabarajian' s 20 years of service to the church.

Celebration of Mortgage Burning: On February 7, 1971, on the occasion of St. Sarkis Name Day the Mortgage Burning ceremony took place with Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian celebrating Mass. Following the service, the congregation gathered at Leonard's of Great Neck  to celebrate this milestone. Master of ceremonies of the event was Jack Chadrjian, Esq.

Special Anniversaries: The 22nd St. Sarkis Church Anniversary  with Hairo Baghdassarian, chairman, honored past Board of Trustees Chairmen. Booklets were printed for the 20th and 22nd Anniversaries recapping the activities of the Church. St. Sarkis Name Day was celebrated every year.

Church Administration: For many years, the secretary of the Church was Rose Sarian. Since July 1979, Mr. Mardirous Minas-Haftvani has been the secretary of St. Sarkis Church. His Tireless efforts in keeping records and assisting Archpriest Asoghig Kelejian, and the Board of Trustees have contributed to the smooth day to day operation of the Church.

The Library-Bookstore was manned by Hagop Voskerijian and Khosrof  Khachadourian and Garo Desteroglu served as custodian of the Church.