Church History
The History of Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Douglaston
In 1962, the founding fathers of Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church began a sacred journey in the service of the Lord, their spiritual mission guided by the creative vision of the belief. St. Sarkis Armenian Church overcame numerous difficulties and significant transformations, from a simple parish house in Bayside to a magnificent edifice in Douglaston.
Beginnings
St. Sarkis Armenian Church began in 1960 when a 110-year-old church was purchased in Bayside and, following extensive repairs and alterations, transformed into a suitable Armenian Church. On May 20, 1962, His Grace Bishop Hrant Khachadourian, Prelate, consecrated the newly formed St. Sarkis Church.
In the following years, until 1985, the parish was transformed into an active Armenian church, due mainly to the efforts of the pastor Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian and many outstanding individuals and their families. Auxiliary bodies such as the Choir, Ladies Guild, Family Circle, and others support and expand the activities of the Board of Trustees. A Saturday Armenian Language School and Sunday School were established, and a Basketball Program was formed.
Tragedy
On the night of May 21, 1985, the bell tower of St. Sarkis Church was hit by lightning, and the resulting fire destroyed the church. The parish left without a House of Worship was devastated by the tragedy. Soon afterward, however, St. Sarkis Parish feverishly began the road to recovery and healing. For the next five years, St. Sarkis Church held services at All Saints Episcopal Church, 214-33 40th Avenue, Bayside.
The following years proved to be difficult ones. Tough decisions had to be made, problems were sometimes insurmountable, critical financial worries and setbacks with permits and construction had to be overcome. Without a House of Worship of their own, Rev. Kelejian made enormous efforts to keep the parish together.
A New Hope
On May 30, 1986, the Board of Trustees located and acquired a lot near the prestigious Douglaston. A small group of key community leaders, including Jack Chadrjian, Esq., chairman of the Fundraising Committee; Michael Haratunian, chairman of the Building Committee; Hovnan Givelekian, architect Diran Donikian, construction manager; Bedros Givelekian, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Frank Kabarajian devoted their time, energy and resources to the completion of this project.
In October 1986, the St. Sarkis Community gathered to witness the solemn Ground-Breaking Ceremony, which signaled the beginning of the construction of the new church. Archbishop Mesrop Ashjian, a Prelate, presided over the ceremony.
A New Church Rises
On May 20, 1990, five years after the old Church was destroyed, the consecration of the new St. Sarkis Church took place. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, officiated, assisted by Archbishop Mesrop Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, and other clergy, including Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian and Rev. Asoghig Kelejian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church.
On Sunday, September 15, 1991, on the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian celebrated the Badarak and delivered his first pastoral message. Appointed by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian as the new Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Hayr Soorp accepted the responsibility and challenge of providing the spiritual guidance and leadership needed to reorganize the St. Sarkis Parish.
A Very Special Lady
Throughout the nineties, one particular lady’s generosity and support were felt in all aspects of church life. Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian’s deep commitment to the welfare and financial survival of St. Sarkis Church was expressed through many generous donations, including the construction of “Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian” Saturday Language School. Upon her death in 1995, she bequeathed part of her estate to the Church and School, thus securing its perpetual spiritual and financial welfare.
Inspired by the appointment of Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian as Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, auxiliary bodies revitalized past activities and introduced new ones: the newly named Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday Language School opened its doors in the new school building; St. Sarkis Basketball program was started; Bible Study classes began; Sunday School opened; Mr. and Mrs. Club was formed and the Choir of the new St. Sarkis Church blossomed.
New Activities
In the mid-nineties, one important addition to the church's service projects was the establishment of the Senior Citizens Group in 1994, which promoted spiritual growth and social interaction among the elderly. Several other auxiliaries were also added, including Friends of St. Sarkis, Young Couple Club, Teens Mission Group Kids Summer Program, Table Tennis Club, and Yeraz Dance Group.
Welcoming Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian
On May 22, 2005, St. Sarkis Church welcomed its third priest, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian. This 15th Anniversary marked yet another beginning in the church's history: the ministry of its youngest priest.
On March 15th, 2009, the church celebrated the burning of the mortgage.
Beginnings
St. Sarkis Armenian Church began in 1960 when a 110-year-old church was purchased in Bayside and, following extensive repairs and alterations, transformed into a suitable Armenian Church. On May 20, 1962, His Grace Bishop Hrant Khachadourian, Prelate, consecrated the newly formed St. Sarkis Church.
In the following years, until 1985, the parish was transformed into an active Armenian church, due mainly to the efforts of the pastor Archpriest Asoghik Kelejian and many outstanding individuals and their families. Auxiliary bodies such as the Choir, Ladies Guild, Family Circle, and others support and expand the activities of the Board of Trustees. A Saturday Armenian Language School and Sunday School were established, and a Basketball Program was formed.
Tragedy
On the night of May 21, 1985, the bell tower of St. Sarkis Church was hit by lightning, and the resulting fire destroyed the church. The parish left without a House of Worship was devastated by the tragedy. Soon afterward, however, St. Sarkis Parish feverishly began the road to recovery and healing. For the next five years, St. Sarkis Church held services at All Saints Episcopal Church, 214-33 40th Avenue, Bayside.
The following years proved to be difficult ones. Tough decisions had to be made, problems were sometimes insurmountable, critical financial worries and setbacks with permits and construction had to be overcome. Without a House of Worship of their own, Rev. Kelejian made enormous efforts to keep the parish together.
A New Hope
On May 30, 1986, the Board of Trustees located and acquired a lot near the prestigious Douglaston. A small group of key community leaders, including Jack Chadrjian, Esq., chairman of the Fundraising Committee; Michael Haratunian, chairman of the Building Committee; Hovnan Givelekian, architect Diran Donikian, construction manager; Bedros Givelekian, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Frank Kabarajian devoted their time, energy and resources to the completion of this project.
In October 1986, the St. Sarkis Community gathered to witness the solemn Ground-Breaking Ceremony, which signaled the beginning of the construction of the new church. Archbishop Mesrop Ashjian, a Prelate, presided over the ceremony.
A New Church Rises
On May 20, 1990, five years after the old Church was destroyed, the consecration of the new St. Sarkis Church took place. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, officiated, assisted by Archbishop Mesrop Ashjian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, and other clergy, including Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian and Rev. Asoghig Kelejian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church.
On Sunday, September 15, 1991, on the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian celebrated the Badarak and delivered his first pastoral message. Appointed by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian as the new Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Hayr Soorp accepted the responsibility and challenge of providing the spiritual guidance and leadership needed to reorganize the St. Sarkis Parish.
A Very Special Lady
Throughout the nineties, one particular lady’s generosity and support were felt in all aspects of church life. Mrs. Suzanne Hagopian’s deep commitment to the welfare and financial survival of St. Sarkis Church was expressed through many generous donations, including the construction of “Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian” Saturday Language School. Upon her death in 1995, she bequeathed part of her estate to the Church and School, thus securing its perpetual spiritual and financial welfare.
Inspired by the appointment of Very Rev. Anoushavan Tanielian as Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, auxiliary bodies revitalized past activities and introduced new ones: the newly named Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday Language School opened its doors in the new school building; St. Sarkis Basketball program was started; Bible Study classes began; Sunday School opened; Mr. and Mrs. Club was formed and the Choir of the new St. Sarkis Church blossomed.
New Activities
In the mid-nineties, one important addition to the church's service projects was the establishment of the Senior Citizens Group in 1994, which promoted spiritual growth and social interaction among the elderly. Several other auxiliaries were also added, including Friends of St. Sarkis, Young Couple Club, Teens Mission Group Kids Summer Program, Table Tennis Club, and Yeraz Dance Group.
Welcoming Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian
On May 22, 2005, St. Sarkis Church welcomed its third priest, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian. This 15th Anniversary marked yet another beginning in the church's history: the ministry of its youngest priest.
On March 15th, 2009, the church celebrated the burning of the mortgage.