With deep sorrow and profound regret, the Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of the Reverend Fr. Arsen Avak Kahana Barsamian, who passed away on June 12, 2026, at age 94.
In the course of 66 years of priestly service, Fr. Arsen’s ministry touched generations of our faithful people. Born Steven Barsamian on April 6, 1932, in South Milwaukee, WI, he discerned a calling to the priesthood at a young age, setting aside a promising future in music to devote his life to the service of God and the Armenian Church. Through the generosity of benefactors and the guidance of church leaders, he pursued theological studies at the Catholicate of Cilicia in Lebanon, at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and at several American institutions of higher learning.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1960 by Archbishop Sion Manoogian, Fr. Arsen served Armenian communities in Milwaukee, WI; Waukegan, IL; West Allis, WI; Richmond, VA; and Watertown, MA. Throughout those decades of ministry, he was joined by his beloved wife, Yeretzgin Varteni, whose warmth, kindness, and devotion enriched every parish they served. Together they raised three children and became cherished friends and spiritual companions to countless faithful.
Many will especially remember Fr. Arsen’s long ministry at Watertown’s St. James Church, where he served alongside the late Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian. The two priests formed a remarkable partnership. Fr. Dajad was known for his outgoing personality and energetic leadership, while Fr. Arsen’s gifts were quieter but no less profound. Gentle, thoughtful, and deeply pastoral, he connected with people on a personal level, offering wise counsel, compassionate friendship, and a calming spiritual presence.
No less remarkable was the relationship forged with the Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, when the latter became pastor of St. James. Their partnership encompassed Der Arsen’s final years of active pastoral service, and then a further two decades after his retirement, when he was the church’s Associate Pastor Emeritus. A beautiful father-and-son quality existed between them, that could be witnessed in their mutual support and honored affection for each other. But at the deepest level, Der Arakel and Der Arsen were true brothers in Christ, whose respective talents complemented each other, and magnified each other’s priestly ministry.
Throughout his life, Der Arsen embraced the role of teacher and author, dedicating himself to helping Armenian Christians rediscover the richness of their spiritual heritage and cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in their daily lives. Through his books, articles, and pastoral guidance, he offered a vision of faith marked by dignity, peace, and devotion.
The family has written an overview of Der Arsen’s faithful life, which can be read below.
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Arsen Barsamian are as follows:
Visiting hours will be held at St. James Armenian Church (465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA) on Thursday, June 18, from 4 to 7 p.m., with the dahn gark (wake) service at 6:30 p.m.
The Divine Liturgy and Final Anointing will be held on Friday, June 19, at St. James Church, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will preside over the service. Burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery.
Clergy wishing to participate in the services should contact Fr. Arakel Aljalian through the church office, at (617) 923-8860.
Memorial donations in remembrance of Der Arsen may be directed to the following churches: St. James Armenian Church (465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472); Holy Resurrection Armenian Church (P.O. Box 143, South Milwaukee, WI 53172); and St. James Armenian Church (834 Pepper Ave., Richmond, VA 23226).
The karasoonk (40th-day memorial) for Der Hayr should be observed on Sunday, July 26.
May our Lord grant rest to His servant Der Arsen Avak Kahana Barsamian, 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).
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The Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian (1932-2026)
The Reverend Father Arsen Barsamian, devoted clergyman of Watertown, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, with his family by his side. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Yeretzgin Varteni Mikirditsian Barsamian.
Fr. Arsen was the devoted father of Lucine MacMasters and her husband George of Watertown, Steven Barsamian and his wife Dorian of VA, and Raffi Barsamian and his wife Lilit of CA; and the loving grandfather of Lucine Avedikian Abrahamian (CA) and Harry Andrew Barsamian (VA) and their families. He was pre-deceased by his brothers, Harry and Arthur, sisters Mary Jane Kornblum and Goldie Barsamian. He is survived by brother Bruce Barsamian, and sister Patricia Barsamian Antaramian (both in the Chicago area) as well as many loving members of his extended family.
Fr. Arsen Barsamian (baptized Steven) was born on April 6, 1932, in South Milwaukee, WI, to Shnork and Anjel Barsamian. He was the fifth of seven children. He completed his primary and secondary education in South Milwaukee and graduated from high school in June 1950. The following year he received a full scholarship to study music at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, but due to financial difficulties, he had to leave after completing one year of study.
He forsook a career in music to follow his calling into the priesthood. Through the efforts of the late Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, Walter Vartan of Evanston, IL (owner of Lakeshore Photo Engraving in Chicago) generously served as his benefactor. Vartan underwrote all his educational expenses during his six years of theological study. Fr. Barsamian studied for two years from 1951-1953 at the Catholicate of Cilicia in Lebanon, and for one year in Jerusalem. He furthered his learning at Kendall College, Seaburg-Western, and Garrett Biblical Seminary.
He married Yeretzgin Varteni in Crete, Greece in 1959 and brought her to Milwaukee, WI, to continue pursuit of his ministry and start a family. On March 13, 1960, he was ordained into the holy priesthood by then-Primate Archbishop Sion Manoogian at St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Racine, WI, and appointed pastor of St. George Armenian Church of Waukegan, IL, where he would serve for the next four years.
During his ministry, he would go on to serve parishes in Waukegan, IL (1960-1964); West Allis, WI; Richmond, VA; Watertown, MA; and other locations within the Eastern Diocese.
Fr. Arsen became the Associate Pastor at Watertown’s St. James Church in 1989, where he served the parish in ministry alongside Pastor Fr. Dajad Davidian and Pastor Fr. Arakel Aljalian. He served in that capacity until his formal retirement in 2002, although Fr. Arsen continued long afterwards to be an active part of St. James parish and its worship life as Associate Pastor Emeritus, and remained a beloved and exemplary leader of the community.
As a lifelong learner and teacher, Fr. Arsen has written and recorded extensively on topics of Armenian religion and history. His writings can be found at www.armenianexperience.net.