ST. SARKIS CHURCH CELEBRATES FEAST DAY WITH ORDINATIONS AND YOUTH PERFORMANCES

The celebration of St. Sarkis Feast Day at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, on Sunday, February 16, was certainly etched in the memory of all who were present. During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, administered the sacrament of ordination for John Hovig Megerian to the rank of Deacon and for 12 altar boys to the rank of Acolyte, including Haig Anastasian; Alessandro Felice; Aris Givelekian; Andrew Gorgissian; Eddy Hazarian; Gregory Keshishian; Anthony Marino; Raffi Megerian; Ari Megherian; Armen Megherian; Erik Nalbandian; and Avedis Terterian.

Following the Divine Liturgy, over 150 parishioners gathered for an inspiring reception in the church banquet hall. The Master of Ceremonies, Deacon John Megerian, beautifully and inspirationally spoke of the importance of faith and the Church in his life and the journey of faith guided by his mother, Archbishop Anoushavan, and Fr. Nareg. After remarks from Der Nareg and Board of Trustees Chair Annita Nerses, Archbishop Anoushavan presented certificates to all those who were newly ordained. The celebration included performances from the parish youth, including a youth choir singing sacred hymns and solo vocal performances by AnnMarie Hazarian, Hasmik Mouradian, and Sarafina Yazicyan, accompanied by Haikouhi Megerian; guitar performances by Shahen Faisel, Armen Megherian, and Ari Megherian; a piano solo by Avedis Terterian; and Tonee Marino singing his hit “Hayastan,” with Andrew Gorgissian, Aram Nenejian, Levon Nenejian, and Gary Nercessian performing Armenian dance. 

Some of the newly ordained acolytes shared their thoughts following the ceremony. 

“Since I started serving here, my faith has genuinely been taken to another level,” said Tonee Marino. “I really look forward to serving on the altar every Sunday.” 

He said he was “proud to be a member” of St. Sarkis Church. “I’ve made it a goal to hopefully inspire others to embrace their faith on a higher level, emphasizing the importance of attending church, and doing so with purpose.” 

Fellow acolyte Andrew Gorgissian, also ordained on Sunday, echoed Marino’s feelings. 

“Ordination is a special step in a man’s life, marking the moment when he answers the call from God to serve the church and the community,” he said. “Together, we were called to be the future leaders of our community, inspiring the next generation to follow in our footsteps.”