One of our most special events of the year is our Sunday of Graduates celebration which was held this past Sunday, June 14, 2026. Our 2026 group of graduates are especially impressive, inspiring tremendous hope and excitement for the future of our Armenian identity and faith in America. This year, our St. Sarkis parish was blessed by the presence of Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who offered his blessings to the graduates during the celebration.
In his sermon, Der Nareg expressed his joy in honoring these remarkable young men and women, many of whom he personally baptized and who have grown into active and faithful members of our parish community.
As the graduates prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, Der Nareg encouraged them to reflect not only on what they hope to do, but more importantly on who they hope to become. He reminded them that Scripture and Christian wisdom call us to ask, “What kind of person am I going to become?” rather than focusing solely on the careers we pursue.
Emphasizing that freedom is one of God’s greatest gifts, Der Nareg explained that every choice we make shapes our future and our character. He urged the graduates to be mindful of the values and principles guiding their decisions so that, in the pursuit of success and opportunity, they never lose sight of who they are or the faith that grounds them.
He assured them that St. Sarkis will always be their spiritual home—a place to which they can always return for guidance, strength, and community whenever they feel uncertain or in need of direction. And, finally, to be guided by the principle of mercy and love so that as they climb the ladder of life, they will have the grace to look back and extend their hand to those that have not yet made it in their lives.
A celebratory luncheon was held after Badarak. Dr. Annita Nerses, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Simon Bardizbanian, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees, congratulated the graduates for their outstanding achievements and for reaching this important milestone.
Each of our graduates were introduced to receive a gift, and conveyed a special message about what St. Sarkis has meant to them:
Anais Bardizbanian is graduating High School and will be attending University of Notre Dame majoring in Aerospace Engineering. "St. Sarkis Church has always been more than just a church to me, it has been my second home. It has helped shape my faith, deepen my connection to my Armenian heritage, and surround me with a community that feels like family. Through the church, I have built lifelong friendships and meaningful connections like no other that will continue to stay with me throughout my life."
Alex Demirdjan is graduating High School and will be attending Purdue University to study Computer Engineering. "Saint Sarkis means home. When I was 7, I would look forward to my grandpa taking me to Church on Sundays to serve on the Altar. I felt welcomed by Der Hayr, the other Altar servers (who gave me guidance), and the parishioners. On Saturdays, I looked forward to Saturday school where I would see my friends, enjoy eating during snack time, and listen to Digin Mary Arslanian’s captivating stories of biblical events and Armenian legends. On Fridays, I looked forward to attending Salt and Light. Salt and Light brings together our local Armenian community where we gather to share a meal and learn about our religion."Whether its Salt and Light on Friday, Saturday School, or serving on the Altar on Sunday, to me Saint Sarkis has been a 3 days a week home where I have always felt welcomed and encouraged to grow spiritually and as an Armenian."
Tristan Forkan is graduating High School and will be attending Stonybrook University to study Computer Science. "St. Sarkis Church has given me a strong sense of community and faith. Through volunteering and attending events, I have met many supportive people and learned the importance of helping others."
Vahan Gostanian is graduating High School and will be attending St. John's University to study Business. "St. Sarkis Church means a lot to me. It is a place where I can strengthen my relationship with God. It's also a hub for me to connect with my community and it has also been the root of so many of my friendships."
Anahit Indzhigulyan is graduating Binghamton University with a degree in Psychology. "St. Sarkis Church means a lot to me because it is where I grew up and spent many important moments of my life. The church has always felt like a second home, and the people there are like a big family to me. It is a place where I have built lasting friendships, strengthened my faith, and felt a strong sense of community and belonging."
Ara Indzhigulyan is graduating High School to attend St. John's University. "St. Sarkis Church has been an important part of my life since childhood. Growing up in the church community has given me a strong sense of faith, friendship, and belonging. The church feels like a second family to me, and it is a place where I have learned valuable lessons, made meaningful memories, and built lasting connections."
Gregory Keshishian is graduating High School and attending St. John's University to study cybersecurity. "St. Sarkis means the whole world to me because it’s strong cultural presence in my life. Which has been rooted in me since I was young. Helping me to decide to pursue a higher education to further my career, for the hope to accomplish more with like-minded people and help the following generation of Armenian youth."
Joseph Marino is graduating High School to attend St. John's University to study Computer Science. "St. Sarkis Church feels like home to me because of the strong sense of community I feel when I am there. When I meet another Armenian person, even if I don't know them, they are like family."
Hovsep Terterian is graduating High School to attend St. John's University to study Finance. "St. Sarkis Church has always been more than just a church to me—it has been my second home. Growing up here strengthened my faith and helped shape the person I am today. Some of my favorite memories come from Saturday School, especially being taught by Mrs. Mary Arslanian. Her kindness, dedication, and even the chocolates she handed out at the end of each lesson made learning about our history something I always looked forward to. After graduating from Saturday School, I became a teacher's helper and eventually a religion teacher for grades K–6. Mrs. Mary's example played a large role in inspiring me to take on that responsibility and give back to the next generation. I am incredibly grateful to St. Sarkis for the friendships, faith, guidance, and opportunities it has given me throughout my life, and I will always carry those lessons with me wherever I go."
Tro Torossian is graduating High School and attending Hofstra University to study Civil Engineering. "Saint Sarkis church has always been a 2nd home to me growing up. I looked forward to all events held here to see all my friends I grew up with. Saint sarkis church brings me closer to not only god but all my friends."
Taline Vartanian is graduating High School and attending St. John's University to study Business Management. "As a graduating high school senior, St. Sarkis Armenian Church has been a meaningful source of identity and support for me throughout the years. It has provided me with a deep connection to my heritage, faith, and community, giving me a strong foundation to carry with me into this new chapter of life. The church offers a sense of belonging and guidance as I prepare to transition to college. Its commitment to supporting education and encouragement reflects its investment in my success. The church’s celebration and blessing of graduates reminds me that I am supported as I pursue my future."
Rita Wanessian: Graduating High School to attend Hofstra University to study speech pathology. "St. Sarkis Church has been a big part of my life since I was little. From Saturday school to the Salt and Light Youth Group, it has always made me feel welcome and like part of a family. It is where I feel most connected to my faith, roots, and culture. St. Sarkis Church has also introduced me to some of the most important people in my life, who I consider lifelong friends. Not only have I grown in my understanding of my culture and faith, but I have also learned to be a leader. Through assisting teachers at Saturday school and being involved in the Junior Executive for the AYF, I’ve learned to take initiative and work for what I want. St. Sarkis Church has watched me grow from a little Armenian girl into an independent, hardworking woman."
Maral Zeitlian is graduating High School to attend Long Island University to study English & Creative Writing. "Growing up as a Diasporan Armenian, community was the biggest aspect of maintaining my culture, friendships, language, faith and traditions. St. Sarkis is what upheld all of that for me. It has stayed true to the parts of my life no matter how much change I’ve gone through and no matter what, I knew it was the place I could always rely on and call home. It has been there for me every Sunday and every holiday. When I needed to feel God’s tie, when I wanted to get away from my American life and stay close to my Armenian life, when I felt like I needed to give back to the community and volunteer or help out. It will be a big part in my next step in life as I move on to college and a constant reminder of my identity in every stage of life."
Congratulations to our graduates!