PRAYER AND FELLOWSHIP AT CLERGY CONFERENCE

As part of the National Representative Assembly, the annual Clergy Conference was held on Wednesday, May 13, at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston. 

The gathering, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, opened with a prayer, the reading of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s special message, and welcoming words by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church. The conference was chaired by Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Pastor of St. Stephen’s Church (Watertown, MA), and Rev. Fr. Samuel Ajemian, Pastor of All Saints Church (Glenview, IL), served as secretary. It included the presentation and discussion of the Religious Council’s Annual Report, election of clergy delegates to the National Representative Assembly, a lecture on the development and beauty of church music across various Christian traditions by Archpriest Fr. Bedros Shetilian, Pastor of St. Gregory Church (Indian Orchard, MA), Vespers services, and a festive dinner. 

Throughout the conference, the clergy came together in prayer, reflection, fellowship, and meaningful dialogue, strengthening their shared commitment to the Church’s spiritual life and mission. 

On Thursday, May 14, the clergy visited Cedar Grove cemetery in Flushing (Queens) and officiated a funeral service in memory of four clergy members who served the Eastern Prelacy (Very Rev. Fr. Ghevont Martugesian, Archpriest Fr. Khachadur Giragosian, Archpriest Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, and Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der Kaloustian), Yn. Angele Kelejian and Yn. Vartouhi Der Kaloustian, and benefactors Suzanne Hagopian and Bedros Jivelekian.