A Legacy of Love and Service:

Over the next 15 years, Dr. Cazazian chaired the board for two 6-year terms, with a short 2-year intermission in between. During those years, our community saw growth in both participation and the quality of programs and initiatives the church offered. Dr. Cazazian encouraged everyone to join the movement; he kept board members engaged and made sure all auxiliaries felt seen and appreciated. His working style was hands-on. He took on no job or responsibility as beneath him. If the board decided the kitchen needed a new grill, you would see it delivered and loaded into the back seat of his white Mercedes-Benz. But that wouldn't stop him from putting on his tuxedo and joining Aram Vehapar's entourage during the pontifical visits to NY.

Dr. Cazazian served with passion. He told me he volunteered as the bus driver for St. Illuminator’s school while running a dental practice in Woodside. Then he sponsored milk for the students at that same school. He sat on various committees and worked tirelessly for the benefit of the Armenian community. Yet his focus remained on St. Sarkis Church. I can testify to the countless hours that he and Dr. Louiza, the amazing duo, invested in St. Sarkis. I can also attest to the joy he felt seeing the results of that hard work. During his chairmanship, we worked to secure the church's finances and celebrated the burning of the mortgage. We developed our signature programs and initiatives, such as the Summer camp and the youth ministry. Our Saturday school attendance reached unprecedented levels, and we hosted many faith-based and cultural events. Dr. Cazazian used to say, "St. Sarkis must be a cultural and spiritual Armenian center," and he knew we were becoming successful in achieving that goal. 

His hard work did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. After submitting a detailed report of our progress and achievements to our Prelate at the time, Archbishop Oshagan, I requested that His Eminence honor Dr. Cazazian with the Eagle of the Prelacy, the most prestigious award in the Prelacy. In 2009, Dr. Cazazian received the Eagle of the Prelacy at a formal banquet, where his family and loved ones gathered to share his joy.  And two years ago, the current board members of St. Sarkis Church organized a celebration at the Crest Hollow Country Club to pay tribute to and honor our past leaders, the men and women who served with great dedication on the Board of Trustees for almost 65 years, and to specially recognize the dedication of Dr. Aram Cazazian. 

Working with Dr. Cazazian taught me so much and allowed me to get to know him. I could share countless stories of how he touched my life and the lives of so many in so many different ways, but I want to highlight one. 

I sat in his dental chair waiting for him to fix my tooth. When he walked into the room, he saw that I was visibly upset. This was more than the usual nervousness I feel during my dental visits. He wanted to know what was wrong, and I told him what was bothering me. He said, “pan me che yavrous,” and he injected me with the anesthesia. He started talking to me while I waited for the anesthesia to take effect, and he said. Sometimes you have to learn how to let go and not fight. When an emotional person comes to you with excessive affect, don't fight them; just say, "I see how upset you are," and you'll defuse the negative emotions. Don’t fight and don’t take things personally. I was a young priest then, and I had the theoretical wisdom, but I needed the grounding experience that came from real life. That conversation not only grounded me but also made me understand the following words of Christ in a new and practical way:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Matthew 5:38-42)

These words are not excuses for passivity and weakness, but a whole different way of understanding the power of generosity and love. Not because the recipient always deserves the best, but because generosity and love are the cornerstones of who you are. 

And I can attest that Dr. Cazazian held these cornerstones of generosity and love deep in his heart. I feel fortunate to have known him, worked with him, loved him, and received that generosity and love. I also know that our church, the St. Sarkis Church of Douglaston, became the place where Aram Cazazian shared and received that generosity and love through his service and the countless friendships he built there over the years. 

They say that history is written by the conquerors, maybe. 

But I also know that a person is the author of their history. 

Dr. Aram Cazazian wrote his history in St. Sarkis Church, 

a history that we cherish and respect, 

a history that we will never forget, 

a history that will continue to inspire everyone who takes on the commitment of serving God and serving people seriously. 

May He rest in eternal peace. Amen.