St. Sarkis Church Receives Letter from His Holiness Aram I
St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church is honored to share that we recently received a gracious letter from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, following his historic pontifical visit to the Eastern United States. In his message, His Holiness expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception offered by our parish and for the ongoing moral and financial support extended to the ministries of the Holy See of Cilicia.
On behalf of our community, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian sent a formal response conveying our deep gratitude for His Holiness’s paternal blessings and reaffirming our parish’s continued commitment to supporting the sacred mission of the Catholicosate.
We remain thankful for the spiritual guidance of His Holiness Aram I and pray for his continued strength as he leads our Church with wisdom and devotion.
Translation of Aram Vehapar's Letter
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor ofSt. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Douglaston, NYDear Der Hayr &Honorable Members of the Board of Trustees,Upon concluding our pontifical visit to our three prelacies in North America and returning to Antelias, we would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the love and respect you showed to the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia and us.With this letter, we express our deep appreciation for the moral and financial support you have shown to the institutions that carry out the ministry of our Holy See. We can testify that it is through the unconditional support of friends and benefactors like yourselves that the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia continues its ministry in the service to our nation. Having known you on a personal level, we are deeply convinced that your love and support towards the Catholicosate will continue with the same spirit and dedication.We pray to our benevolent God to keep you and your loved ones under His divine blessings.Greetings with warm paternal love.Prayerfully,Aram ICatholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
Translation of Der Nareg's Response
His Holiness Aram I
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia
Antelias, LebanonYour Holiness,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church and our entire parish community, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your gracious letter and your warm paternal blessings. It was truly an honor and a profound joy to welcome Your Holiness during Your Pontifical Visit to our church.
Your presence among us strengthened our faith, uplifted our spirits, and reminded us once again of the vital mission carried out by the Holy See of Cilicia. We remain deeply committed to supporting the sacred ministries of our Catholicosate, not only out of duty, but out of love for our Church and devotion to the spiritual and national heritage entrusted to us. Your inspiring leadership continues to guide and encourage us in this sacred work.
Please know that our parish stands ready to serve with the same spirit of dedication and unity that Your Holiness so kindly acknowledged. We pray that God may grant you strength, wisdom, and long years in the service of His Church and our Armenian people.
With filial respect and prayerful love, I ask for Your Holiness’s blessings upon our community, our families, and our ministry.
Prayerfully,
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian
Pastor, St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church
Douglaston, NY