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On the evening of Friday, May 15, 2026, the parish of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church had the honor and privilege of hosting the National Representative Assembly (NRA) Banquet of the Eastern Prelacy at the Hilton LaGuardia Airport Hotel. The evening brought together clergy, delegates, parish leaders, and faithful from across the Eastern Prelacy for a beautiful gathering of fellowship, celebration, and recognition.
The banquet program was masterfully guided by Master of Ceremonies Col. Aram Sarafian, Chairman of the Prelacy Executive Council. The evening began with the national anthems beautifully performed by Ms. AnnMarie Hazarian, a member of the St. Sarkis Church choir, followed by the invocation offered by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Annita Nerses, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church, warmly welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, the clergy, delegates, and guests gathered for the 2026 Eastern Prelacy National Representative Assembly Banquet. Reflecting on the meaningful days of meetings, prayer, and discussion that preceded the banquet, she emphasized that the evening offered something equally important: “the chance to gather as one family rooted in our faith.” Dr. Nerses spoke about the shared calling of Armenian churches throughout the diaspora “to keep the light of the Armenian Church burning brightly in every community we serve,” while highlighting the importance of fellowship, friendship, encouragement, and unity. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honor two beloved members of the community whose quiet dedication, generosity, and faithful service continue to strengthen the life of the Church. In addition, she introduced the evening’s young musical artists, noting the importance of preserving Armenian culture and passing it on to future generations through the gifts and talents of youth. Her remarks beautifully set the tone for an evening marked by warmth, celebration, gratitude, and renewed fellowship.
The evening was further enriched by inspiring musical performances throughout the program. Angelina Tolozyan performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, Gavotte en Rondeau, and Groong by Gomidas, showcasing both technical brilliance and deep artistic expression. Ms. AnnMarie Hazarian’s heartfelt renditions of “Yerevan” and “Pari Arakil” added a festive and emotional spirit to the celebration.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Eagle of the Prelacy” award to Dr. Arthur Kubikian, presented by Fr. Nareg Terterian. In his tribute, Fr. Nareg reflected not only on Dr. Kubikian’s decades of faithful service to St. Sarkis Church and the Armenian community but also on his intellectual curiosity, humility, and joyful spirit. He spoke warmly of Dr. Kubikian’s lifelong dedication to learning, his thoughtful engagement with parish life, and his devotion to family and faith. Fr. Nareg also shared several personal and humorous anecdotes that beautifully captured the warmth and humanity of both Dr. Arthur and Dr. Louiza Kubikian, describing them as an inspiring example of faithful service, leadership, and Christian marriage. (See Full Text Here)
His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, honored Dr. Arthur Kubikian with the “Eagle of the Prelacy” Award.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Kubikian reflected with humor, gratitude, and deep affection on his nearly five decades of involvement with St. Sarkis Church. Speaking about the symbolism of the Eagle award, he noted that one definition he discovered described the eagle as representing “vision and resilience in facing life’s challenges,” qualities he said perfectly reflected the journey of St. Sarkis Church itself. He recalled the difficult years following the devastating 1985 church fire, the rebuilding of the parish community, and the faithful leadership of clergy and parishioners throughout the decades. Dr. Kubikian also expressed his joy in witnessing the flourishing life of today’s St. Sarkis parish, especially the growth of the younger generation serving in the altar and choir, and praised the dedicated service of the Board of Trustees, church organizations, volunteers, and the inspirational spiritual leadership of Fr. Nareg Terterian over the past twenty years.
Another moving moment of the evening followed with the presentation of the inaugural “Woman of the Year” award to Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian, also presented by Fr. Nareg Terterian. In his remarks, Fr. Nareg reflected on Nayda’s extraordinary ability to transform personal pain into compassion and service, comparing her life to the Gospel image of Christ feeding the multitude after a moment of grief. He described her as “the yeast” within the Armenian community; someone whose quiet dedication, leadership, generosity, elegance, and love have enriched every aspect of parish and community life. Through heartfelt stories and personal memories, he highlighted her devotion to children, families, Armenian education, church ministries, and the countless unseen acts of kindness that have touched the lives of so many. (See Full Text Here)
His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, honored Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian with the “Woman of the Year” Award.
In her heartfelt acceptance remarks, Mrs. Voskerijian humbly expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the profound role the Armenian Church has played throughout her life, from her childhood years in Aleppo, Syria, to building her family in New York. She spoke movingly about turning to the Church during times of personal adversity, finding within the sanctuary “solace, peace, and calm,” and discovering strength and purpose through serving God and the community. She also expressed deep appreciation for the spiritual guidance and support she received throughout the years from His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian and the current pastor of St. Sarkis Church. Concluding her remarks, she dedicated the honor to all those who serve the Church faithfully and selflessly for the glory of God, while warmly thanking her family and friends who traveled from near and far to celebrate the occasion with her.
The evening concluded with an inspiring address and benediction by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who reflected on the importance of faith and service within the life of the Armenian Church.
The banquet came to a joyful close with the singing of “Giligia,” leaving all in attendance with a renewed sense of pride, gratitude, and hope for the future of our Church and community.
St. Sarkis Church extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, donors, organizers, and participants who helped make this memorable evening a great success.