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It is a great honor to present Dr. Arthur Kubikian, a devoted member and faithful servant of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, whose commitment to our parish spans nearly five decades.

Dr. Kubikian’s affiliation with St. Sarkis Church dates back to 1978, when our parish was still located in Bayside. From the very beginning, he has generously offered his time, talents, and professional expertise in service to both the Church and the wider Armenian community.

Most notably, Dr. Kubikian is one of the sixteen Godfathers of the newly consecrated St. Sarkis Church in 1990, which has been a historic milestone in the life of our parish. 

A member of St. Sarkis Church for more than 45 years, Dr. Kubikian has continued to demonstrate his leadership and dedication through many years of active service. He has served on the Board of Trustees for 17 years, including 2 years as Treasurer, and represented our parish as a delegate to the National Representative Assembly for 8 years.

Among his many contributions, Dr. Kubikian organized four Health Fairs between 1982 and 1985, providing valuable medical services and education to the local Armenian community in Bayside. He later co-organized two major Health Fairs in 1997 and 2010, bringing together four major hospitals and more than fifty healthcare providers in an extraordinary effort to promote health awareness and community care.

Beyond his administrative and professional contributions, Dr. Kubikian has enriched the intellectual and cultural life of our community by organizing numerous symposia, lectures, and book presentations on a wide range of topics, including medicine, law, accounting, mental health, Armenian cultural heritage, and the Armenian Genocide.

Even after relocating to New Jersey in 2018, Dr. Kubikian has remained closely connected to St. Sarkis Church, continuing to participate actively in parish life and often joining the choir when he joins us for the Badarak celebration.

Dr. Kubikian was born in Bucharest, Romania, into a deeply religious Armenian family where prayer and Bible reading were part of daily life. From an early age, he served on the altar of the Armenian Church, often under the guidance of Archbishop Vazken, who would later become His Holiness Vazken I, Catholicos of All Armenians. 

In 1960, Dr. Kubikian and his parents immigrated to the United States via Beirut, Lebanon, with the assistance of ANCHA in relocating Armenians from communist countries, eventually settling in Los Angeles in 1961.

His academic and professional accomplishments are remarkable. Dr. Kubikian earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1968, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California in 1974. That same year, he married fellow dentist Dr. Louiza Puskulian, and together they served as Captains in the United States Army Dental Corps from 1974 to 1976, stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

In 1976, Dr. Kubikian and his young family moved to New York, where he opened his dental practice in Sunnyside, Queens, and later in Roslyn. Over a distinguished 43-year career in private practice, he also dedicated himself to education, serving for 37 years as Clinical Assistant Professor of Endodontics at New York University College of Dentistry. His professional honors include being named a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and a Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine.

Armenian Organizations & Community Service

Among organizations he served are:

  1. Keynote Speaker at the 10th Anniversary of the passing of His Holiness Vasken, of blessed memory, held at the Diocese in 2004.
  2. Speaker, ANC Armenian Genocide Commemorations in 2003 and 2004 held at City Hall, New York City. 
  3. The Knights of Vartan in various capacities, most significantly twice as Co-Chair of the Armenian Genocide Commemorations in Times Square in 1998 and 2006.
  4. Armenian American Health Professional Organization, AAHPO, Vice Chair of the organization for 20 years, and most significantly Vice Chair of the Armenian Medical International Congress, AMIC, held in New York City in 2009.
  5. Children of Armenia Fund, COAF, supporter and donor since 2005. The Kubikians have donated a dental office in Miasnikian, Armenia in 2009.
  6. In 2015, Drs. Arthur & Louiza visited Lebanon and had a private audience with H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. 

 

One of the qualities I admire most about Dr. Arthur Kubikian is that, despite all his accomplishments, he has never stopped learning.

He listens attentively to my sermons, and after church, he often shares thoughtful feedback, reflects on what resonated with him, and occasionally suggests ideas or perspectives I might consider if I were to expand on a particular topic.

Many times, he has recommended books, articles, and lectures that he himself has been reading and studying. Conversations with Dr. Arthur are never superficial. They are thoughtful, enriching, and intellectually alive.

That intellectual hunger, combined with his humility and faith, is one of the many reasons he is so deeply respected and loved by those who know him.

Dr. Arthur also has a deep love for music and life’s simple joys.

I still remember sitting beside him in his Toyota Avalon some 2 decades ago, as we drove through the scenic roads of Lake George while Ray Charles’ “Hit the Road Jack” played in the background. Arthur was tapping on the steering wheel, completely enjoying the moment. A simple but memorable image, one that captures his warmth, joyfulness, and appreciation for life.

Dr. Arthur Kubikian is the proud father of his 2 sons, Danny & David, and a grandfather of 5 beautiful grandchildren. Recently Drs. Arthur and Louisa celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, a living testament to faithfully and intentionally living the vocation of the Sacrament of the Holy Matrimony. 

I would like to share a personal, humorous story that captures the spirit of Dr. Arthur and Dr. Louiza Kubikian.

A few years ago, on a beautiful Wednesday morning, Drs. Arthur and Louiza came to church because Dr. Louiza wanted to have what she described as “a quick 20-minute discussion” with me regarding a project she was spearheading at the time.

Well… four hours later, when that “20-minute discussion” finally came to an end, Dr. Louiza suddenly realized that Arthur had disappeared for the entire duration.

“Where is Arthur?” she asked.

I told her, “He’s in the sanctuary.”

Surprised, she asked, “What is he doing in the sanctuary?”

Without hesitation, I answered, “He’s praying.”

She looked at me and said, “Who can pray for four hours?”

And I replied, “Anyone who’s married to you!”

Of course, we say this lovingly because behind the humor is a beautiful truth. Prayer is not only about bringing our requests, petitions, and even complaints before God. Prayer is also gratitude and praise. And perhaps during those four hours, Arthur was offering all of the above.

But with all seriousness, no tribute to Dr. Arthur would be complete without recognizing his beloved wife, Dr. Louiza Puskulian Kubikian, who has been a true powerhouse within our church and Armenian community. Through her leadership, energy, dedication, and countless years of service, she has left a lasting impact on the life of our parish. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Dr. Louiza received the prestigious Queen Zabel Award of the Armenian Prelacy on November 18, 2012, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. Together, Arthur and Louiza have been an inspiring example of faith, service, leadership, and commitment to our community.

Tonight, we recognize not only a distinguished professional but also a loyal parishioner, dedicated leader, and humble servant whose decades of commitment have strengthened and enriched our church community in countless ways.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Arthur Kubikian to receive the Eagle of the Prelacy award.