“THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”: HONORING ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S 40 YEARS OF SERVICE
This Sunday, November 24, the Eastern Prelacy community in the United States will come together to celebrate a significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian’s service in America. The event, themed “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1), underscores the Archbishop’s steadfast leadership and guiding principle in nurturing the spiritual lives of his parishioners over four decades. Fittingly, this celebration coincides with the beginning of a week when Americans reflect on gratitude and unity during Thanksgiving.
The day will begin with a Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, followed by a banquet at Terrace on the Park in Corona, New York. Both events will center on thanksgiving for Archbishop Anoushavan’s enduring dedication to faith and the Armenian people.
A native of Beirut, Archbishop Anoushavan began his spiritual journey at the Armenian Seminary of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias. After being ordained a celibate priest in 1972, he was sent to the United States in 1984 to continue his service, where he has since played a pivotal role in strengthening the Armenian Apostolic Church across the diaspora. As Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy since 2018, he has emphasized unity, education, and cultural preservation, while his leadership and faith have earned him the respect of his flock.
The banquet’s theme, “The Lord is my shepherd,” underscores Archbishop Anoushavan’s pastoral care and unwavering guidance of the Armenian community through triumphs and challenges, particularly over the past four years, which have been marked by significant and, at times, dramatic events. Throughout his tenure, Archbishop Anoushavan has consistently turned to this scripture as a source of strength and inspiration, emphasizing faith as the foundation of resilience.
The Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis will provide a spiritual prelude to the day’s celebrations, offering parishioners an opportunity for reflection and prayer. The banquet at Terrace on the Park will bring together clergy, community leaders, and parishioners to express their gratitude and honor a legacy of devotion.
In a time of global uncertainty, the celebration will highlight the enduring role of faith and leadership in preserving cultural identity as well as the spirit of gratitude, that most Christian of virtues. As His Eminence has expressed, “Jesus, as the Loving and Caring Son of God, as well as a true teacher, healer and our brother by human nature, brings us the greatest message that as the source of life, He is always ready to grant us the fullness of life, here and after.”
This special day is expected to draw attendees from across the region, united in their appreciation for Archbishop Anoushavan’s 40 years of dedicated service. We look forward to breaking bread with you on this joyous occasion.