It is with deep sorrow that His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Religious and Lay Councils mourn the passing of Dr. Dertad Manguikian in Fairfax, Virginia. He was 82.
Dr. Manguikian was born in Aleppo, Syria, to Yervant and Ardemis Manguikian, Armenian Genocide survivors who were able to provide for their children in a loving and joyous household notwithstanding the difficult circumstances of the time.
After excelling in school, he attended Aleppo college and then moved to Lebanon to attend the American University of Beirut. He graduated from AUB’s School of Medicine in 1966. At the time, he chose to pursue a residency in Ophthalmology, a field in which he became an outstanding practitioner.
It was at AUB, too, where he met his future wife, Seta. They celebrated 53 years of marriage in January.
After completing residency, Dr. Manguikian pursued a fellowship at the University of Iowa, specializing in the medical and surgical management of glaucoma. He married Seta in Los Angeles in 1970. They had three children: Tina, Andre, and Alex.
The family later moved to the Washington area, where Dr. Manguikian became Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and eventually became residency director at the George Washington University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology. He was introduced to a retiring physician, Robert Dupree M.D., by his friend and colleague, Paul Gavaris M.D. Dr. Manguikian worked with Dr. Dupree for several years in private practice and then established his own private practice, Fairfax Eye Associates. He became a highly skilled and renowned cataract surgeon. His son, Alex, has followed in his footsteps at the practice established by his father. Dr. Manguikian retired in March 2020 at the age of 79.
The Armenian Church was the spiritual foundation of Dr. Manguikian’s childhood and remained so through his life. He considered the Church the fabric that kept his family close and deeply connected to the Armenian community. Recognizing the vital role of the Armenian Apostolic faith at the very core of Armenian national identity, he served the Church in countless capacities, from the parish level all the way to the Holy See of Cilicia. He had been reelected a member of the Central Executive Council of the Holy See in December 2022. Along with his private and professional obligations, he devoted himself fully to the Armenian Church. Dr. Manguikian cherished opportunities to give back to his community, to advance the Armenian cause, and to honor his rich heritage as an Armenian and a Christian. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I bestowed upon him the honorific title of Prince of Cilicia in 2022.
He is survived by his wife Seta; his children, Tina Arda, Andre Levon, and Alex Dertad; as well as his four grandchildren, and his brother Bedros. He was preceded in death by his brother, Arshak, and sister, Yeran.
Viewing and wake service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 5:30-7:30 pm, at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home (Fairfax, Virginia), and the church service, on Wednesday, November 29, 10:00 am at the chapel of the same funeral home, followed by the interment at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Reddy2Fight Foundation or Soorp Khatch Church (Bethesda, Maryland).
The Prelate and the Religious and Lay Councils extend their condolences to Dr. Manguikian’s family members and loved ones. May God illuminate his soul.