ARAX CHARKOUDIAN (August 26, 1928 – January 9, 2025)

His Eminence, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, and the Religious and Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy learned with sorrow of the passing of Ms. Arax Charkoudian, an educator and servant to the community of St. Gregory Armenian Church of Indian Orchard (Massachusetts), on January 9 in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was 96.  

Born on August 26, 1928, in Springfield to the late Nishan and Azniv (Sanjian) Charkoudian, Arax Charkoudian lived a life defined by passion, service, and tribute to her Armenian American heritage. 

She earned a M.A. in Education and initially taught History all over the Northeast US, and taught English in Izmir, Turkey, on a Fullbright scholarship. She served her community with dedication and steadfastness. As board chair of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church, her leadership and organizational skills left a lasting impact. She contributed significantly to Springfield’s downtown neighborhood and led historic walking tours for the Springfield Museums.  

Arax Charkoudian is survived by her brother Levon Charkoudian of Newton, MA, nieces, nephew, and many grandnieces and grandnephews.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Gregory Church in Indian Orchard. Archbishop Anoushavan and the Religious and Executive Councils extend their condolences to her family.