NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY OPENS

With the blessings conveyed in a prerecorded message by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, clergy and lay delegates from across the Eastern Prelacy opened the 2026 National Representative Assembly, hosted by St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, NY, on Thursday, May 14, as they began outlining the vision and activities for the year ahead in full sessions through Saturday, May 16. The sessions are held at the Double Tree Hotel in East Elmhurst, NY.  

“As you know, I have declared this year as the Year of Spiritual Renewal,” the Catholicos said. “Spirituality is the essence of being the Church and the core of the Church’s missionary outreach.” 

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, delivered the Opening Prayer, followed by the appointment of a Temporary Tivan formed by Movses Shrikian, Esq., Chairman, and Ms. Bea Movsesian, Secretary. This was followed by a roll call, the credentials report, and the election of a Nominating Committee. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis, and Annita Nerses, Chairwoman of the local Board of Trustees, offered welcoming remarks on behalf of the hosting church.  

In his message, His Eminence reflected on the imperative of spiritual renewal, in line with His Holiness’ annual proclamation. “I beseech you all, as the ambassadors of this august body, upon returning to your respective communities, to kindle the hearts of your co-parishioners, diligently and zealously, with the message of spiritual renewal,” Archbishop Anoushavan said. “We should all, as the Prelacy, churches, and sister organizations, promote a spiritual spring in our families and communities.” 

A permanent Tivan was elected, co-chaired by Michael Guzelian and Simoné Topouzian with Berj Bardizbanian and Shirley Saryan as co-secretaries. Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Church (Bayside) in representation of the Eastern Diocese, and Mr. Garo Tashian on behalf of the Hairenik Association, greeted the meeting. Attendees heard special presentations by Col. Aram Sarafian on “Seventieth Anniversary: History of the Armenian Church of America,” and by Stephen Haroian on “Little Bird Armenian Development; Making an Impact in the Border Villages of Syunik.”  

The meeting’s first day concluded with the presentation of the Executive Council report to the plenary. Through May 16, representatives will review the activities of the Eastern Prelacy over the last 12 months and discuss priorities and initiatives for the fulfillment of its mission.

Crossroads will provide full coverage of the proceedings and decisions of the Assembly in its upcoming issues. Stay tuned for updates on key developments, reflections from participants, and highlights from this pivotal gathering in the life of the Prelacy.