With the deepest sorrow and regret, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America wishes to inform its leadership of the death of the Reverend Fr. Karekin Avak Kahana Kasparian, who passed away on April 29, 2026, a few weeks short of his 96th birthday.
Fr. Karekin was a truly unique figure in the modern history of the Armenian Church. His inexhaustible energy and warm, open-hearted personality made him an indispensable servant of our Diocese. But he was a soldier of the Armenian Church in its broadest sense: indomitable in spirit; protective of our distinctive ways of worship; passionate about expanding the church’s influence into the world.
And he was always, above all, deeply committed to raising up new generations of pastoral leaders, armed with all the tools of the present age, to guide our people along the path of our Lord, and carry the Armenian Christian heritage into the future.
In more than fifty years as a priest—and even longer as a servant of the church—Der Karekin showed himself to be a good shepherd, as our Lord described: a man who dedicated all of his strength and talent to the welfare of his flock. Our Diocese was blessed to have his faithful, loving service throughout these years—energizing the church’s ministry in so many different ways. Countless individuals, and the Armenian Church as a whole, will always honor his pioneering efforts.
Der Karekin was born in Aleppo, Syria, on May 18, 1930, and given the baptismal name Hovannes. He graduated from the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon, and later continued his education in America, at the Episcopal Theological Seminary (Cambridge, MA), at Harvard Divinity School, and at Boston University School of Theology.
He went on to serve his church as layman, deacon, and priest. And in every role, Der Karekin was an example to his peers, embodying the truest spirit of Christian ministry. His efforts invigorated the ACYOA, St. Nersess Seminary, and the Diocesan educational programs. His leadership inspired clergy and laymen alike to answer the call of apostleship to Christ.
He introduced the Clinical Pastoral Education program to our church, in its preparation of clergymen. And he was a counselor and aid to some of the greatest churchmen of the past century—including Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, and Catholicos Vasken I.
In the aftermath the 1988 Armenian earthquake, Der Karekin led the Diocesan HAVAD committee, which took clergy to our homeland in its time of need, to nourish the flame of faith among our beleaguered people.
His expansive spirit was well suited to the large stage of diocesan and worldwide activity. But Der Hayr was equally at home in the down-to-earth, personal setting of parish life. His early years included tenures as pastoral assistant at the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, and as deacon-in-charge at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Chicago.
But his ministry would become synonymous with our community in Westchester County, NY, where Der Karekin was the guiding force of its St. James parish for more than twenty years, building up the faithful and leading them in the construction and consecration, in 1998, of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains. He was the church’s energetic pastor until his retirement in 2014—and he continued thereafter to bless our lives with his activity, wisdom, and gracious presence.
Of course, such heroic service was not rendered in isolation. Throughout his ministry, Der Karekin was strengthened and supported by Yeretzgin Dawn. Their tender marriage was a true partnership, in every sense of the word. God blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Meline and Lori, who with their families have likewise become upstanding members of the community. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go to them all at this time.
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Karekin Kasparian are as follows:
Visiting hours will be held at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church (1131 North St., White Plains, NY) on Monday, May 11, from 2 to 5 p.m., with the dahn gark (wake) service at 5 p.m. (A light buffet meal will follow.)
The Divine Liturgy and Final Anointing will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church, beginning at 10 a.m. As Primate I will preside over the service. Burial will follow, with a hokejash taking place at the church.
Clergy wishing to participate in the services should contact Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan through the church office, at (914) 422-0931.
The family has asked that memorial donations be directed to St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church (1131 North St., White Plains, NY 10605), or St. Nersess Armenian Seminary “Fr. Karekin Kasparian Summer Program Scholarship Fund” (486 Bedford Rd., Armonk, NY 10504).
In the meantime, may our Lord grant rest to His servant Der Karekin Avak Kahana Kasparian, and remember him on the great day of His judgment. With the words of Holy Scripture, we pray: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15).
Prayerfully,
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
Primate