A distinguished and long-serving pastor of the Eastern Diocese announced his retirement recently, after 47 years of faithful priestly ministry.
The Rev. Fr. Untzag Avak Kahana Nalbandian, pastor of Holy Ascension Church of Trumbull, CT, will enter a well-deserved retirement effective January 18, 2026. Born in Lebanon, and a graduate of the Melkonian Institute and Holy Etchmiadzin’s Gevorgyan Seminary, he was ordained into the priesthood by then-Primate Archbishop Torkom Manoogian on September 24, 1978, at St. Sarkis Church in Niagara Falls, NY.
He led that parish and St. John the Baptist in Greenfield, WI, before taking on the pastoral leadership of Holy Ascension Church in 1984.
The following interview with Fr. Nalbandian was conducted on September 26 by Heather Tarpinian, the parish council chair of Holy Ascension Armenian Church, where Der Untzag has served as pastor for 41 years.
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HEATHER TARPINIAN: Thank you for your time for this interview. On September 24 we had an in-person Parish Council meeting when you announced your retirement. While it was difficult news to hear, we lovingly support your decision and pray for your and your family’s continued good health and happiness. I thought this last interview with you, Der Untzag, will be very beneficial for all those you served for 41 great years and to record some history of our church.
I know you commented on different occasions that in those 41 years no two were identical. Thanks to your steadfast, unique, farsighted leadership skills, you tirelessly lead us with fresh ideas. You clearly and sincerely explained to us in detail why you are retiring now and that you are leaving your parish with love, good feelings and memories. We will all miss you, your faithful leadership, your amazing Yeretzgin Setta who is vital to the success of your ministry and your wonderful talented children, who also voluntarily served this church for many years. Would you please reflect on your ministry from your ordination day to the present?
FR. UNTZAG NALBANDIAN: Thank you Heather for doing this interview and I so appreciate you giving of your precious time. Before I speak about myself, I want to thank you for all your service and especially leadership these last six years as PC Chairman, which includes the Covid-19 period. As we say in Armenian, you became my right arm.
You know, I was ordained priest at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Niagara Falls, NY on September 24, 1978 by then Primate, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. We had approximately 120 families then. I served two years and at the same time I did my graduate degree in Counseling at Niagara University. Later, in 1993, while I was the pastor here in this parish, I graduated with another Master’s degree in Religious Studies from Sacred Heart University.
After Niagara Falls, Torkom Srpazan assigned me as the pastor of St. John Armenian Church in Greenfield, WI. I stayed there a little more than 3 years and at the time we had some 200 families. I must say, not only was I new in those two parishes, but I was also new in this country. Archbishop Torkom Manoogian invited me to come and serve in the Eastern Diocese. When Yeretzgin and I arrived in New York from Paris, France, we stayed 3 days in New York and met with Torkom Srpazan at the Diocese. He once again explained the system here and informed me of some important articles of the Diocesan By-laws. Before we flew to Buffalo, NY, he gave me 3 books: The Diocesan By-laws, Deacon’s guidebook and the Pew Book, and he said, “You should write me a monthly report about your activities.”
At the time there were no internship programs for the deacons like me. I had been ordained deacon in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in 1973 by Archbishop Housig Santourian. With the support of the parishioners, in 1978 I started my “Journey of Parish Ministry” in this Diocese. I had already graduated from the Kevorkian Seminary of Holy Etchmiadzin in 1974.
HEATHER: So you came to our Trumbull parish from Wisconsin?
FR. UNTZAG: Yes, on January 18, 1984, I came to Trumbull’s Holy Ascension Armenian Church. Mardy Azarian, then the Parish Council Chairman, gave me the list of 98 paid members and the addresses of some 250 families. Among other things, he informed me the church had a $205,000 mortgage. The community warmly welcomed me and my family on my first Sunday, after Badarak in the church hall where I met many of them. Here we are, after 41 years, we still have more than 98 paid members and our mailing list is approximately 275, even though I have done close to 300 funerals and some 70 families have moved out of our state.
HEATHER: Those are impressive statistics. What are some of the accomplishments of your 41 years here in this parish?
FR. UNTZAG: You mean what are OUR accomplishments! I have said many times and I will say here too that whatever has happened in that period, it happened because of all those who wanted it to be done. Any parish priest cannot do much by himself without the support of his parishioners.
Within five months after my arrival, I invited Archbishop Torkom Manoogian to consecrate the church. That first major event brought some 200 people together, both for the consecration and at the banquet when the parishioners raised over $100,000 for the church mortgage. We also invited the former pastor, Rev. Fr. Levon Arakelian from California, under whose leadership our present church was purchased in 1978. After that we built the two Side Altars which also included the new baptismal font. Then followed the placement of 10 religious paintings, which were done by three artists, Margaret Azarian, Frank Covino and Varoujan Hedjinian of Boston. Later we added two more by Rafael Petrossian, an artist from Armenia.
In addition, we enlarged the church hall and named it Agahigian-Sherinian Church hall after the benefactor’s family — Let alone the fact that we have spent probably close to a million dollars on church property renovations and repairs, including the enlargement and of the entire parking lot, complete with new asphalt. In 1994 we placed a Khachkar in memory of our 1915 Genocide martyrs, now canonized saints, which was blessed by the Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian in the presence of some 300 parishioners and friends. Two years later in 1996, we placed the Armenian Alphabet monument, of which you were one of the co-chairs with Judy Gavoor. When Archbishop Torkom Manoogian as Patriarch visited our parish unofficially to do a recording in our church, he wanted to take a picture of him and me in front of the Armenian Alphabet monument.
In 1996 at a banquet presided by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, we burned the church’s $205,000 mortgage in the presence of some 200 parishioners. Later, we created a Memorial Brick Garden behind our Khachkar monument. Parishioners placed bricks in memory of their deceased family members. The idea was to have an annual outdoor requiem service for all our beloved deceased. Since then we are doing exactly that — hopefully the future pastors will continue this tradition.
HEATHER: Many have complemented your success in bringing unity to this community. How did you do it?
FR. UNTZAG: It’s an important and very good question. From the moment I arrived in this parish, I made it clear I am the pastor of all. That is why from my first day I welcomed ARS, AYF, ASA, American Armenians and overseas Armenians. The best example will be our Dorothy Bengoian, who years ago was the President of the Armenian Relief Society (local and international) and here she is for the past 30 years, so much involved in the life of this parish — Parish Council Chairman, Women’s Guild, Editor of our weekly newsletter, helped with all secretarial work when I did not have a secretary, Sunday School and more.
HEATHER: One of your personal characteristics which I have always admired is your profound humility, Der Untzag, it is paramount to any successful leader. Tell me about the charitable work during your time here in our parish.
FR. UNTZAG: We have sent close to $600,000 to Armenia and Artsakh since the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. In addition we had special collections for non-Armenian related causes to help others in natural disasters, earthquakes, tragic events here in this country and overseas. We also, together with the Megerian Rug Company in New York, sold over $25,000.00 worth of rugs, designed by us with Armenian motifs like Mt. Ararat, Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, the Lord’s Prayer, Khor Virab and many others, a significant portion of which went to help needy families in Armenia. I am very proud of our parishioners’ generosity and those who contributed from outside of our parish.
HEATHER: One of your many talents is teaching. How many interns, deacons or priests have you mentored?
FR. UNTZAG: Five interns passed through our parish and three of them are serving successfully in their parishes. One sadly passed away and the fifth one is a visiting priest.
HEATHER: Some parishioners may ask, why are you retiring at this time, especially as we are preparing to celebrate an important milestone in the history of our church — the 95th Anniversary?
FR. UNTZAG: I knew you would ask this question Heather. I have always said, when my time comes, I must retire at a time when things are good, both financially and with no problem in the parish. I am especially grateful it is also a time when I am, by the grace of God, physically healthy and active! It will be good for my successor to come at a time when the parish is preparing for such a celebration. Indeed, that’s what happened when I came to this parish in 1984 — as I mentioned above, within 5 months of my arrival, the consecration of this church took place. And that created great excitement.
I am happy to say I am resigning from my pastoral ministry at this positive time. I confess, it was not an easy decision, neither for me nor for Yeretzgin, and our three children who grew to adulthood in this church. Yes — not easy as we have been part of this Holy Ascension family and they have been part of us, for the past four decades. We are deeply grateful for all the good and precious memories we take with us.
HEATHER: That answer makes a lot of sense. Another one of your admirable qualities is your boundless energy. I recall a time when you, in addition to your parish work, you were commuting to New York to work at the Diocese for around seven years. Please tell me about that time.
FR. UNTZAG: Yes, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian asked me in 1999 to come 2-3 times a week to the Diocese. He assigned me to be the Director of Ministries and work with the educational departments. It was not my request, as I had my Trumbull parish, but I agreed. After all, the Primate is the spiritual leader and superior of our Diocese. We, the clergy are his soldiers.
That was a different experience for me and I enjoyed working with the different department heads, as well as the Central Councils of the Choir Association, ACYOA and the Women’s Guild until 2006. During that period, important much needed and practical books were published. For example, Welcome to the Armenian Church; Frequently Asked Questions About the Armenian Church; Series of Liturgical booklets; The Wonderful Alphabet; and Frequently Asked Questions on the Badarak. Also, during that period, we organized workshops for the Junior Choirs, released a Badarak CD sung by the teenagers of combined Junior Choirs, whose numbers were increased to 24 in the Diocese. Many lay and clergy from our Diocese and even Armenia were involved in the publications of these books.
HEATHER: It is clear you have been an integral part of the Eastern Diocese administration too. You are an expert in time management! In all these years, many of us realize you love your church, your faith and the Armenian culture. As part of your ministry, you have balanced the two very well, creating of a lot of wonderful and interesting events. Is there anything you wish to say about it?
FR. UNTZAG: During these past four decades I have invited close to 100 lay and clergy guest speakers, scholars, including non-Armenians. I have invited world renowned Genocide experts, Dr. Vahakn Dadrian, Dr. Richard Hovanessian; experts of ancient and modern Armenian literature, Dr. Peter Cowe, Dr. Kevork Bardakjian, Dr. Abraham Terian; writers Hagop Garabents, Ara Kalayjian, Nancy Krikorian; Biblical scholar, Rev. Dr. Paul Tarazi; politicians like Senator Joe Lieberman and Congressman Christopher Shays, Trumbull’s First Selectman, just to name the few.
Besides them we brought well-known choirs, such as Yerevan Chorale and Orchestra of the late V. Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minassian from Boston, Chookasian Ensemble from Fresno, CA, Vahan Artsruni from Armenia and other talented musicians. Our people enthusiastically attended each of such events — they were thirsty for them.
You know Heather, many times lay as well as some of my clergy brothers have said, “Fr. Untzag, it seems you love Armenian culture.” Can an Armenian priest be the servant of the Armenian Church without loving the Armenian heritage which is intertwined in so many ways with our religion? Look at our music, architecture, poetry, literature, the art of manuscripts, Khachkars and more. Religion and our Armenian culture is everywhere in our lives and ministry. Each has its place. I equally love our religion, her liturgical services, prayers and hymns. I pray the new generation can also familiarize themselves with everything that is ours, feel them and live the beauty of all that we have. We know of many non-Armenian famous people who have highly appreciated our Armenian Christian culture. There is no time to quote them here, but I have quoted them many times in my sermons and writings.
HEATHER: Your creative ability to include a variety of speakers and topics has enriched the diverse members of our community. In your very busy parish responsibilities, you also published two books during these past 12 years and released three CD’s two with your children. Again, I complement you on your time management skills.
FR. UNTZAG: Yes, you are correct, I authored two books, one in 2013 Fate Faith Fun and the other Reflect Recharge Renew in 2024. Both times our Diocesan Primates officiated at the unveiling of my books — for the first book, it was Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and for the second one, it was Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan. I must say the church sold 300 of the first book and the proceeds went to our church. I also gifted over 100 to the clergy, friends and family, including Armenia — Yerevan University, Writer’s Union of Armenia, Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin etc. The second book was also sold and what’s left with me is maybe 30 copies out of the 250 printed copies.
You, Heather, and Dean Shahinian, Esq. were the major sponsors of my second book. I am forever grateful to you both. With Dean Shahinian I served in the Diocesan Council in early 1990’s. He is a very devoted person — to our religion and Armenian Church. My purpose was to educate our people, give hope and encourage them to be better and not bitter. My first book was more personal and I included samples from my ministry.
As to the CD’s the first was done with Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, my son Hovig and Maral. The second was with my daughter, Dr. Ani, and the third was only me playing on the piano some Armenian and other songs. For sure, music has been part of the Nalbandian family. As you know, my three children played the organ during Badarak, funerals and weddings.
And now, the next generation, my 6-year-old granddaughter, Angelina Siroun, happily joins in the music-making and learning! She has been a happy presence at Badarak since she was a baby. Those who know me know I like to laugh. When Sirounig was 2 years old and she saw the curtain closed the first time, she shouted, “Babig (Grandpa) is playing peek-a-boo!”
HEATHER: I am one of the many who have enjoyed your books and CDs. Your children have inherited your musical gift. Although your retirement is well-deserved and timely in your life, it is heartbreaking to your flock because we love and admire you and your family. What else would you like for us to know about your retirement decision?
FR. UNTZAG: The Primate, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan agreed that my last Badarak in our parish will be on Sunday, January 18, 2026. I thank our parishioners, past and present generations for giving me the opportunity to serve them these past 41 beautiful years. I thank each of them for their full support. I enjoyed all my ministry and especially here, where I spent more than half of my life and a little less than the life of this 94-year-old wonderful parish.
The vast majority of you understood me and my ministry well and extended your willing help in everything we planned to do. I met so many good people here and throughout our Diocese. I believe in the goodness of every person, even those who do not agree with us and at times may cause difficulties. As one theologian said, “God does not create junk.” Yes, occasionally we had challenging times, but together we overcame all our difficulties.
During these past 41 years, I have given or written over 3,000 homilies, reflections, meditations and messages on different occasions. I do not wish to repeat anything here. In conclusion, however, I will say if I have hurt anyone unintentionally, I am sorry and I ask their forgiveness. And if anyone thinks that they have hurt me, they can be sure I have forgiven them long time ago. I wish the best to this wonderful community. Pray for me and my family.
In conclusion, I thank Yn. Setta, who stood not behind me, but next to me all these years wherever we were assigned. She has done a lot for this parish and most of the time quietly. Maybe it’s proper for me to quote here one of the parishioners, the late Theresa Harabedian, who one day asked Yeretzgin, “Where were you trained to be such a good Yeretzgin? You are so good natured — a peacemaker. You bring everybody together.” And of course, I thank my three children, Hovig, Maral and Dr. Ani, who were each very much involved in the life of the parish.
And once again, I thank you Heather for helping me so much especially these past seven years and prior to those years. I thank the present and past Parish Council members, Diocesan Delegates, deacons, altar servers, choir members, organists, conductors, Women’s Guild, Golf committee, Sunday and Armenian School principals and teachers, mailing group, FB and weekly newsletter editors, cultural committees, Pledge committee, 3-day Bazaar Committee, Picnic Committee, Armenia Day Committee, and all who served in any way they could to make this parish a spiritual, joyful, and kind Christian community.
My appreciation to our most senior deacon, Thomas Dabakian who became the first “St. Nersess Shnorhali” medal recipient from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in this parish for his services. Here is a deacon who served his church for the past 65 years almost every Sunday and stood by his church in most challenging times. It is not possible to give the countless names who have given of their time, talent and treasurer in abundance. Most of all, we were able to keep this church community together, provide weekly Liturgical services, celebrate all the sacraments and funerals, and meet the spiritual, religious and cultural needs of our faithful — to bring our people closer to God. As always, we were guided by Jesus’ last instruction before his Ascension: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).
HEATHER: Thank you Der Untzag and we wish you and your lovely family health and happiness and an enjoyable retirement.
FR. UNTZAG: Thank you Heather, and may God continue to bless this wonderful church community and increase the number of dedicated parishioners like you. I am happy to see that you are following the footsteps of your father, Harry Tarpinian, who was a member of the Building Committee, whose main task was to sell the old church and purchase our present church in Trumbull. God bless them all, I know they did what they could at the time. I pray more young men will choose this enjoyable, important, God-pleasing vocation.
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