One of our most special events of the year is our Sunday of Graduates celebration which was held this past Sunday, June 8 2025. This year’s group of graduates was especially impressive, inspiring tremendous hope and excitement for the future of our Armenian identity and faith in America.
Our thirteen graduates received a special blessing from Der Nareg just after his sermon. Der Nareg encouraged the graduates to remember that the light of God is within each of us, guiding us toward the way of Christ. He advised them not to give in to desires, but instead to faithfully commit themselves with dedication and goodness in all they endeavor.
A celebratory luncheon was held after Badarak. Dr. Annita Nerses, Chair of the Board of Trustees, congratulated the graduates for their outstanding achievements and for reaching this important milestone.
Our graduates were introduced and conveyed a special message about what St. Sarkis has meant to them.
- Haig Anastasian will be attending University of Miami to major in Business & Finance. “St. Sarkis Armenian Church has shaped my character and life, offering a sense of community that is unlike anything I’ve experienced elsewhere. Being surrounded by people who share my faith and heritage has taught me the values of compassion, humility, and service. Through Salt and Light programs, volunteering, and other events, I’ve grown into someone who leads with empathy, serves with purpose, and takes pride in their identity. The Church didn’t just nurture my spiritual growth, but it gave me confidence, strengthened my moral foundation, and connected me to a supportive family that continues to inspire me. St. Sarkis has become more than a place of worship; it is a place that I can call home.”
- Sareen Bedrossian will be attending Fairfield University studying Medicine. “In 2016, my family moved from Michigan to New York. As hard as it was to adjust to a new environment and a new school, one thing that made me feel at home right away was the St. Sarkis Armenian Church and community. I still remember my first day at the St. Sarkis Saturday School and how nervous I was walking in. However, I was greeted with a warm welcome by the teachers and students, and felt right at home hearing the familiarity of the Armenian language and songs. Over the years, attending church services, Saturday School and other activities such as AYF and Salt & Light Youth Group strengthened my ties, not only to the community, but also to my culture, faith and heritage. Today I can say that I am a proud Armenian Christian and, especially as I enter my college years, I will always look to connect with the local Armenian Church and community wherever the next few years may take me. I am grateful to St. Sarkis Church for showing me that as long as you belong to an Armenian church and community, you will always feel at home wherever you are.”
- Nanor Danyal will be attending University of Massachusetts Amherst to study Computer Science.
- Ani Feisel will be attending Farmingdale State College studying Clinical Psychiatry. “St. Sarkis Church has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s always felt like a second home. It’s where I’ve made close friends, grown up surrounded by a caring community, and stayed connected to my Armenian heritage. I used to come to Saturday school here every Saturday when I was younger, and now I work at that same school, which has become a meaningful part of my life. Being around the kids and watching them grow has taught me patience, empathy, and kindness. St. Sarkis isn’t just a church to me it’s a place that’s helped shape who I am and continues to be one of the most influential parts of my life.”
- Briel Felice will be attending St. John’s University to study Criminal Justice. “Even though St. Sarkis is a church; to me, it personally is like a second home. I really learned where my faith really deepened and where my new everlasting friendships started. I can't forget about all the amazing memories i've made there. It's more than just a building, it's a community where not only me, but everyone feels supported, connected, and loved. St. Sarkis has honestly made my life so much better. It has opened its arms to me by offering me working experiences and community service.”
- AnnMarie Hazarian will be attending Long Island University Post to study early childhood education. “St. Sarkis Church has had a special place in my heart for more than 14 years. Whether it was attending Saturday School or Sunday Badarak, I always felt like it was a second home to me. I've met all my lifelong friends when attending St. Sarkis. I've grown closer to my faith and I thank Der Nareg for that. Thank you for the best years of my life.”
- Emelia Kasparian will be attending St. John’s University as a pre-med major. To me, St Sarkis Church means family. “My family and I have been a part of St Sarkis ever since I was little. When my grandmother, great grandmother, and grandfather passed away, they were all honored in St Sarkis. I stopped participating in the church for a while, but it never stopped being important to me. Aside from the fact my family participates and was involved in the church, I also made some incredible friends that are basically family to me. The bonds I created and the relationships I formed are like no other and I will forever be thankful to St Sarkis for connecting me with them. Another aspect of family I'm thankful for is the people I met during my time dancing with Nor Yeraz. I've been out with an injury for over six months, but the connections I've made in that group are so incredibly special to me. I thank St Sarkis with my whole heart for being an outlet for me to build friendships and relationships with fellow Armenians, and for becoming a second family who welcomed me with open arms.”
- James Kasparian will be attending Quinipiac University majoring in Health science studies. “St. Sarkis Church has been a constant and meaningful presence throughout my life. It has shaped me both spiritually and personally. I attended the Saturday School from kindergarten through graduation. I actively participated in the basketball program and the Salt & Light and AYF youth groups, I’ve built lasting friendships and deepened my understanding of my faith. Just being in the presence of this church has helped me grow closer to God and strengthened my connection to the Armenian community. Through every stage of my life, St. Sarkis has provided a sense of belonging. St. Sarkis Church will always be my second home.”
- Levon Nenejian will be attending Long Island University majoring in Health Science. “St. Sarkis Church has been and will always be home away from home for me. Our church is a place where I can truly be myself & have gained my cultural and religious foundation, a church that I have made friends that I can call my brothers from many activities, youth groups and serving the alter. I will be forever grateful & thankful for St Sarkis for being a huge part of my life.”
- Taleen Nenejian will be attending Hofstra University as a pre-med major at the school of biomedical sciences. “St. Sarkis Church holds a very meaningful place in my life. I have been attending the church since I was a baby, and over the years, it has become like a second home to me. Through this community, I have formed lasting friendships and strong connections. I’d always looked forward to going to Saturday School and Summer Camp, being able to see all my friends and strengthen both my faith and Armenian identity. The experiences I've had at this church have shaped my values, who I am as a person, and have given me a sense of belonging. This church has always felt like a supportive environment where I feel at peace, and can be who I truly am. To me it is not only a place to express your faith, it is the place where I've grown up, and been shaped into the person I am today. No matter what is going on in my life, I always find myself back at St. Sarkis. It has been and will always be, a part of who I am.”
- Gary Nercessian will be attending Leghigh University to study computer science / business. “St. Sarkis Church has been much more than a place of worship for me—it has been the heart of my spiritual and cultural upbringing. I was baptized here, took my first steps in faith as an acolyte, and found lifelong friendships that have shaped who I am. Under the guidance of our priest, Der Nareg, I’ve received wisdom that has left a lasting impact on my faith and character. Through St. Sarkis, I embraced my Armenian heritage more deeply, joining the Nor Yeraz Dance Ensemble and participated in spiritual retreats that deepened my understanding of Badarak and the meaning behind our Sunday services. Growing up, the church became my second home—a place where I not only learned about God, but also about myself, my roots, and the values I carry with me as I begin this next chapter. This fall, I will be attending Lehigh as a student in the Computer Science and Business (CSB) Honors Program, where I hope to grow both intellectually and personally. I plan to carry the faith, discipline, and sense of community that St. Sarkis has given me into this next stage of life, staying grounded in what I’ve learned and continuing to grow in my spiritual journey.”
- Norayr Sargisyan (garj) will be attending St. John’s University majoring in Pharmacy. “Since I recently started coming to St. Sarkis Church, I’ve been given the opportunity to connect with Armenian peers my age. I immediately felt welcomed and became part of the wonderful community this church has built. I’m truly grateful for that. Being surrounded by people who share my culture and values has made me feel more grounded and proud of my heritage.”
- Niko Yaziciyan will be attending New York Institute of Technology to study Mechanical Engineering. “Attending St Sarkis Church for many years, I have been very blessed to be able to get involved in many different activities and have been able to build a sense of community amongst the people that I have met in this church. when I first attended St. Sarkis, I did not least expect to meet anyone let alone to the point that I can call them my family today. ever since attending St Sarkis church i have also been able to realize how important my culture is to both me and my people.”
Congratulations to our incredible graduates! Our St. Sarkis parish is very proud of them! May God bless them on their journey.