The Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America held its annual National Representatives Assembly, the legal governing body of the Prelacy, in Watertown, MA from May 29-31, 2025. In addition to our pastor, Der Nareg Terterian, and our Yeretsgin Annie, St Sarkis was well represented with 4 delegates, to include members of the board of trustees, past and present. Also in attendance from our parish was our delegate to the World Representatives Assembly in Antelias, Lebanon in 2027 and delegates to the National Association of Ladies Guilds. This annual meeting of all clergy and lay delegates is an opportunity for parishes to evaluate the health of the Armenian church, our parishes, and the Executive and religious councils that manage regional affairs for the church.
With over 100 clergy and lay delegates in attendance, the meetings comprised of large plenary sessions and reports by the various governing bodies and the executive council. As delegates, we were advised of the Prelacy’s annual budget, financial challenges, and voted on the operating budget for the following year. His Holiness Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia also addressed/blessed the assembly via recorded message and wished us a successful NRA.
On the second day, the delegates engaged in substantive breakouts on topics to include bylaws amendments, budgeting, membership and best practices. The purpose of the breakouts is to prepare delegates and church leaders/clergy for the coming year. Our St. Sarkis delegates were dispersed among the various topic groups to participate in discussions and contribute to outcomes from the sessions. At the end of a full day of breakouts, the plenary session reconvened for feedback and resolutions to be proposed to the entire delegation and voted on.
Throughout the meetings, all attendees actively participated in prayer services, to include a beautiful full Badarak service at the host St. Stephen’s Apostolic Church in Watertown. The attendees were also treated to incredibly delicious meals, graciously prepared by the Ladies Guild and community leaders/volunteers from St Stephen’s parish. The social connections forged among clergy and lay delegates were also a valued byproduct of these meetings and created an environment for sharing and understanding the parishes’ shared and unique challenges.
All St Sarkis participants were grateful for the regional engagement and remain available for interested St Sarkis community members to share their experiences in greater detail at upcoming forums or informally at church events.
With over 100 clergy and lay delegates in attendance, the meetings comprised of large plenary sessions and reports by the various governing bodies and the executive council. As delegates, we were advised of the Prelacy’s annual budget, financial challenges, and voted on the operating budget for the following year. His Holiness Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia also addressed/blessed the assembly via recorded message and wished us a successful NRA.
On the second day, the delegates engaged in substantive breakouts on topics to include bylaws amendments, budgeting, membership and best practices. The purpose of the breakouts is to prepare delegates and church leaders/clergy for the coming year. Our St. Sarkis delegates were dispersed among the various topic groups to participate in discussions and contribute to outcomes from the sessions. At the end of a full day of breakouts, the plenary session reconvened for feedback and resolutions to be proposed to the entire delegation and voted on.
Throughout the meetings, all attendees actively participated in prayer services, to include a beautiful full Badarak service at the host St. Stephen’s Apostolic Church in Watertown. The attendees were also treated to incredibly delicious meals, graciously prepared by the Ladies Guild and community leaders/volunteers from St Stephen’s parish. The social connections forged among clergy and lay delegates were also a valued byproduct of these meetings and created an environment for sharing and understanding the parishes’ shared and unique challenges.
All St Sarkis participants were grateful for the regional engagement and remain available for interested St Sarkis community members to share their experiences in greater detail at upcoming forums or informally at church events.