On Saturday, July 4, 2026, Archpriest Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, the Pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, NY, represented His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Eastern Prelacy, at the opening ceremony of the Navasartian Games, hosted by Homenetmen NY.
In his speech, Fr. Nareg welcomed everyone to New York and conveyed the Prelate’s blessings, love, and prayers. He emphasized that Anoushavan Serpazan believes that the Armenian community thrives when sister organizations collaborate.
Fr. Nareg shared a personal story with the athletes and the audience, noting that he had watched his son play the day before. When his son felt sad about his team's loss, Fr. Nareg reminded him that while individual teams may win or lose, it is ultimately Homenetmen that wins. He explained that the true victory lies in bringing Armenian youth from different states together to compete, form friendships, and take pride in their identity and heritage.
He praised the organizers, coaches, and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to ensure the success of the Navasartian Games. He noted that just two months ago, St. Sarkis Church hosted the National Representatives Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, and now Homenetmen NY is hosting the Navasartian Games. While some may think our communities are exhausted by these events, Fr. Nareg stated that these occasions energize us and leave us feeling rejuvenated.
Fr. Nareg also shared that Homenetmen was the first organization he joined, and the core message of "Partsratsir Partsratsour" – "Rise & Elevate" – has been a guiding principle in his life. He expressed hope that this motto will continue to inspire future generations.
Finally, Fr. Nareg acknowledged Archpriest Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator's Armenian Cathedral in New York City, and Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian, Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Ridgefield, NJ, and invited them to deliver the invocation together.