Fr. Nareg Terterian Inspires Couples at Sixth Annual New England Couples Ministry Gathering

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, nearly 100 participants, including parishioners and clergy from Armenian churches in Watertown, Cambridge, Belmont, and surrounding communities, gathered at Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church for the Sixth Annual New England Couples Ministry Gathering. The evening brought together couples for fellowship, prayer, and meaningful conversation about the challenges and blessings of Christian marriage.

The program began with welcoming remarks by Rev. Avedis Boynerian and an opening prayer offered by Rev. Fr. Ghazar Bedrosian. Participants enjoyed dinner with music by Marina Margarian, followed by interactive games that added warmth and laughter to the gathering.

Mrs. Nairy Baljian-Bell introduced the evening's guest speaker, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, New York, and a licensed mental health counselor.

In his presentation, “Willing the Good of the Other: Marriage Through Every Season,” Fr. Nareg combined Christian theology, psychological insights, humor, and experiences from his pastoral life and counseling practice to explore the complexities of married life.

Drawing inspiration from St. Thomas Aquinas' definition of love as “willing the good of the other,” Fr. Nareg emphasized that love is not merely an emotion but a conscious choice and lifelong commitment. Marriage, he explained, is a sacred vocation that calls spouses not simply to find the right person but to become people capable of loving one another well.

Using the four seasons of marriage as a framework, he explored the changing dynamics of relationships: Spring, marked by expectations, family influences, and emotional differences; Summer, when daily responsibilities can overshadow emotional intimacy; Autumn, when conflicts require understanding, forgiveness, and repair; and Winter, when broken trust and resentment call for deeper healing and renewal.

Throughout the interactive presentation and lively question-and-answer session, couples were encouraged to reflect on their relationships, examine their emotional patterns, and discover practical ways to strengthen their marriages. Fr. Nareg emphasized that healthy marriages are not defined by the absence of conflict but by the willingness to repair emotional wounds, restore trust, and grow together.

Connecting his clinical experience with the teachings of the Armenian Apostolic Church, he reminded participants that marriage is a sacrament sustained by God's grace and that the Holy Spirit remains active throughout every season of married life.

The gathering's impact was reflected in the overwhelmingly positive evaluations submitted by most participants. More than 92% rated the event as excellent or very good, while 97% reported gaining practical ideas for strengthening their relationships. All respondents said they felt more confident handling relationship challenges, and nearly 97% said the gathering encouraged them to be more intentional about understanding, appreciating, and wishing the good of their spouses or future partners.

The evaluations also provided valuable direction for future Couples Ministry gatherings. Communication and conflict resolution emerged as the leading priorities, followed by appreciation, affection, and quality time. Participants expressed a desire to listen more attentively, demonstrate greater care, and navigate disagreements more constructively.

The evening concluded with words of appreciation by Pn. Dr. Arpi Boynerian, a blessing to the couples by Archpriest Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, the singing of Hayr Mer (The Lord's Prayer), led by Rev. Fr. Vazken Kouzouian, and a benediction offered by Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian together with the attending clergy.

Special appreciation was extended to the organizers, participating clergy, and this year's host parish, Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church, for their dedication to making this annual gathering a meaningful opportunity for couples across the New England Armenian community.

The gathering reaffirmed a central message: lasting love is not simply something we feel, but something we choose, practice, and nurture every day, sustained by God's grace.