NEW ENGLAND PARISHES GATHER FOR INAUGURAL PRELACY REGIONAL SEMINAR

Clergy and lay leaders from across New England gathered on Saturday, October 4, at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in New Britain, Connecticut, for the inaugural session of the Prelacy’s Regional Seminar series. The initiative aims to foster collaboration and provide practical guidance on parish leadership and administration. 

The day opened with a prayer by Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Worcester. His Eminence Archbishop Khoren Toghramadjian, Pastor of St. Stephen’s, welcomed the more than thirty participants and expressed appreciation for their commitment—especially meaningful as the parish marked its 100th anniversary that weekend. His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, highlighted this initiative of the Executive Council as a way to create a more immediate link between the Prelacy and the Boards of Trustees and raise awareness of common projects under development. 

Executive Council Chairman Col. Aram Sarafian, joined by fellow Council members, introduced the seminar’s agenda, which focused on strengthening cross-parish cooperation and improving operational practices. The morning presentations covered the history and identity of the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the origins of the two Catholicosates, and traced the growth of the Armenian Church in America—from the arrival of the first Armenian immigrant in 1619 to the establishment of the Eastern Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia.  

Interactive discussions followed, led by Executive Council members, addressing membership growth, donor stewardship, Prelacy services to support parish operations, and administrative best practices. Participants praised the seminar for its informative content and for creating opportunities to share experiences with fellow church leaders.

The Prelacy plans to continue the Regional Seminar series with upcoming sessions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Later that evening, many attendees joined the centennial celebration of St. Stephen’s at the Sarah Parker Memorial, concluding a day of reflection, learning, and fellowship.