Fr. Nareg Terterian serves as the pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston, New York, where he leads his parish in spiritual guidance, counseling, and community support. His relevant and inspirational homilies connect deeply with his congregation, while his weekly blog offers additional reflections on faith and life. He is well-respected for his ability to preach the Word of God in ways that resonate with his flock.
Fr. Nareg is dedicated to both family and youth ministries, bringing his extensive education and counseling expertise into his work. He is a graduate of the Armenian Theological Seminary in Lebanon and holds an M.A. in Pastoral Theology and an M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John’s University in New York. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor, he was ordained in 2004 and has served St. Sarkis Church since 2005, offering support through marriage counseling, youth engagement, and personal development programs.
His wife, Yeretsgin Annie, plays an essential and supportive role in his ministry, reflecting the Armenian tradition of collaborative pastoral care. Together, they embody a partnership of faith, with Annie contributing significantly to the church’s family and youth programs. She offers insights into marriage counseling and enrichment workshops, sharing her experiences as a wife and mother. The couple’s relationship and their journey as parents to Hovsep, Laurie, and Avedis serve as an inspiring model for other families in the community.
Fr. Nareg and Yeretsgin Annie’s strong partnership is a cornerstone of their shared ministry. They support one another as they guide their congregation through the joys and challenges of life. Fr. Nareg’s commitment to counseling extends to organizing grief workshops. He draws on his pastoral and mental health expertise to accompany parishioners through their emotional journeys, providing support in times of joy and hardship alike.
A significant part of Fr. Nareg's ministry focuses on marriage counseling and enrichment. He helps couples navigate challenges by offering personalized counseling sessions and workshops focusing on building emotional intimacy, effective communication, and conflict resolution. His work fosters stronger, more spiritually grounded marriages, supporting couples in building resilient relationships.
In addition to family ministry, Fr. Nareg is deeply committed to the spiritual and emotional growth of youth and young adults. He founded the Salt & Light Young Adult Ministry at St. Sarkis Church, providing a welcoming environment where young adults can explore their faith, engage in meaningful conversations, and cultivate a sense of community.
Fr. Nareg’s personal experiences as a husband and father further enrich his ministry, as they allow him to relate to the challenges of family life. Through his marriage workshops, youth programs, and pastoral counseling, he demonstrates a deep commitment to nurturing both individual and relational growth within his community.
