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St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Bayside, New York, hosted the 2026 National Representatives Assembly of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Eastern Prelacy, from May 14–16, 2026. Clergy, delegates, parish leaders, and representatives of Armenian community organizations gathered for three days of prayer, reports, discussion, and decision-making.
The Assembly opened with prayers offered by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy. Delegates reviewed credentials, elected Assembly officers, heard reports from the Executive Council, and participated in focused discussions on membership, bylaws, budget and finance, and spiritual renewal.
Der Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, welcomed the delegates and encouraged them to reflect on the Church’s recent past in order to shape a meaningful vision for the future. He emphasized the importance of keeping the Church relevant in the lives of the faithful, especially the youth. Dr. Annita Nerses, Chair of the St. Sarkis Board of Trustees, also welcomed the Assembly and thanked the many volunteers, planning committee members, Ladies Guild, and transportation team who helped make the gathering possible. She discussed the importance of strengthening the bonds between parishes, sharing best practices, and working together more effectively in ministry, operations, governance, stewardship, and the cultivation of next-generation church leaders.
A video message from His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was presented, focusing on 2026 as the Year of Spiritual Renewal. His Holiness reminded the Assembly that the Armenian Church continues to live and grow through active renewal across generations.
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, reflected on the 2026 theme of Spiritual Renewal, inspired by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s declaration following his recent pontifical visits to Eastern Prelacy communities. Archbishop Anoushavan described the Armenian Church as the “birthplace” and “armor” of the Armenian soul, emphasizing that faith has shaped Armenian identity through worship, culture, education, service, and resilience. He urged delegates to return to their parishes as ambassadors of renewal, encouraging families, churches, youth ministries, and community organizations to promote a “spiritual spring” through prayer, worship, education, and active service.
Special presentations highlighted the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Eastern Prelacy and the work of Little Bird Armenian Development in the border villages of Syunik. Delegates also heard greetings from representatives of the Eastern Diocese and Armenian community organizations, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility in preserving Armenian faith and identity.
Throughout the Assembly, delegates discussed several important areas of Prelacy life, including clergy needs, parish membership, youth and college ministry, financial stewardship, bylaw procedures, absentee voting for homebound parishioners, and educational initiatives for spiritual growth. The Assembly approved the 2026–2027 budget, adopted resolutions on parish engagement and membership, extended an absentee-voting pilot program, and approved a new spiritual renewal initiative focused on teaching the faithful about the Badarak, the catechism, the liturgical calendar, and the history of the Armenian Church.
The Assembly also held elections for the Religious Council, Lay Council, and Prelate. We congratulate Archbishop Anoushavan on his re-election as Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy for a third term, and pray that God continues to bless and guide him throughout his journey of faithful service
The 2026 National Representatives Assembly concluded on May 16 with closing remarks and benediction by Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, followed by the singing of “Giligia.” The next National Representatives Assembly will be hosted by All Saints Armenian Apostolic Church in Glenview, Illinois, in 2027.