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On Thursday, May 14, 2026, following the opening session of the annual Eastern Prelacy National Representatives Assembly, delegates were transported to St. Sarkis Church to join our community in celebrating the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Archbishop Khoren Toghramajian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, reflecting on the meaning and spiritual significance of Christ’s Ascension.
Following Badarak, the Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church warmly welcomed the delegates with a festive dinner themed “A Bite of the Big Apple,” offering guests a joyful taste of New York hospitality and fellowship. Delegates and guests were welcomed with warm hospitality and delighted by an abundance of delicious homemade food and charming New York–themed décor.
The highlight of the evening was the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Salt & Light Ministry. A special video presentation traced the history and growth of the ministry, beginning with the 2015 National Representative Assembly, when a resolution was passed to establish faith-based youth ministries throughout the churches of the Eastern Prelacy. St. Sarkis Church was selected as the pilot parish for this important initiative.
The video highlighted how, in 2016, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian began gathering the parish's youth for small, faith-centered discussions that connected Armenian Christian values to the realities of growing up in the modern world. Initially known as “Youth Connect,” these gatherings formed the foundation for what would later become the Salt & Light Ministry.
As the ministry expanded, facilitators and mentors from the parish community were recruited and trained to lead breakout discussions and cultivate a deeper understanding of Armenian Christianity and a faith-centered way of life. Twice each month, young people between the ages of 10 and 17 gathered for fellowship, home-cooked meals, social activities, and meaningful conversations rooted in faith and identity.
The presentation also reflected on the ministry’s annual retreats, community outreach efforts, Christmas celebrations, summer gatherings, and collaborations with other youth organizations. Over the years, Salt & Light has become a vibrant and transformative presence within the life of St. Sarkis Church. The ministry inspires greater youth participation in Badarak, the choir, altar service, parish service projects, and community events. What began as a small gathering eventually has grown into a thriving ministry of more than 100 young members and over 20 facilitators.
Following the presentation, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, invited more than 40 original members of the Salt & Light Ministry, those who joined when the ministry was founded in 2016, to come forward and be recognized by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate.
The evening also featured a musical performance by Tonee Marino, an emerging young artist, veteran member of Salt & Light, and altar server of St. Sarkis Church, who performed his hit song, “Jan, Jan Hayastan.”
The celebration concluded with an elegant dessert and coffee reception prepared by the Ladies Guild. Delegates and parishioners alike departed deeply impressed by the warmth, hospitality, and vibrant spirit of the St. Sarkis community.