DR. ARTHUR KUBIKIAN AND NAYDA VOSKERIJIAN RECEIVE PRELACY AWARDS

On the evening of Friday, May 15, the parish of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church hosted the National Representative Assembly banquet at the Hilton LaGuardia Airport Hotel, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate. The evening brought together clergy, delegates, parish leaders, and faithful from across the Eastern Prelacy for a gathering of fellowship, celebration, and recognition. 

The banquet program was guided by master of ceremonies Col. Aram Sarafian, Chairman of the Prelacy Executive Council. The evening began with the national anthems performed by Ms. AnnMarie Hazarian, a member of the St. Sarkis Church choir, followed by the invocation offered by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate. 

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Annita Nerses, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church, reflected on the meaningful days of meetings, prayer, and discussion that preceded the banquet and emphasized that the evening offered something equally important: “The chance to gather as one family rooted in our faith.” Dr. Nerses spoke about the shared calling of Armenian churches throughout the Diaspora “to keep the light of the Armenian Church burning brightly in every community we serve,” while highlighting the importance of fellowship, friendship, encouragement, and unity. 

The evening was further enriched by violinist Angelina Tozlyan, who performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, Gavotte en Rondeau, and Groong by Gomidas, showcasing her technical brilliance, and AnnMarie Hazarian, whose renditions of “Yerevan” and “Pari Arakil” added warmth and emotion to the celebration. 

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Eagle of the Prelacy” award to Dr. Arthur Kubikian by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan. In his tribute, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian reflected not only on Dr. Kubikian’s decades of faithful service to St. Sarkis Church and the Armenian community but also on his intellectual curiosity, humility, and joyful spirit. In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Kubikian reflected with humor, gratitude, and deep affection on his nearly five decades of involvement with St. Sarkis Church.  

Another moving moment of the evening followed with the presentation of the inaugural “Woman of the Year” award to Mrs. Nayda Voskerijian, which was also presented by Archbishop Anoushavan. In his remarks, Fr. Nareg reflected on Mrs. Voskerijian’s extraordinary ability to transform personal pain into compassion and service, comparing her life to the Gospel image of Christ feeding the multitude after a moment of grief. He described her as “the yeast” within the Armenian community; someone whose quiet dedication, leadership, generosity, elegance, and love have enriched every aspect of parish and community life, including her service as member of the Executive Council of the Prelacy. 

In her heartfelt acceptance remarks, Mrs. Voskerijian humbly expressed her gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the profound role the Armenian Church has played throughout her life, from her childhood years in Aleppo, Syria, to building her family in New York. She spoke movingly about turning to the Church during times of personal adversity, finding within the sanctuary “solace, peace, and calm,” and discovering strength and purpose through serving God and the community.  

The evening concluded with an inspiring address and benediction by the Prelate, who reflected on the importance of faith and service within the life of the Armenian Church. 

The banquet came to a joyful close with the singing of “Giligia,” leaving all in attendance with a renewed sense of pride, gratitude, and hope for the future of our Church and community.