On May 31, Holy Ascension Church of Trumbull, CT, celebrated pastor Fr. Untzag Nalbandian’s 45th ordination anniversary in an event presided over by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan. The Friday evening gathering also celebrated the publication of Fr. Nalbandian’s second book: Reflect Recharge Renew.
After a Gospel reading and brief prayer on healing, Master of Ceremonies Dn. Thomas Dabakian welcomed everyone by reminding them of the purpose of the gathering. Dorothy Bengoian, editor of Fr. Untzag’s newly published book, among her remarks said, “Der Untzag shared his weekly reflections in our weekly newsletter during Covid. His intention was not to write a book but to keep in touch with his parishioners during this difficult and unprecedented time. Fr. Untzag has the ability to put his thoughts on paper for the reader.” The result is this book.
Remarks were made by the benefactors of the book, Dean Shahinian of Washington DC; Adrienne Kachadourian of Binghamton, NY; and Heather Tarpinian of Branford, CT (who is also the parish chair of Holy Ascension Church). Additional sponsors Dr. Sarkis and Marita Nazarian of Arkansas were unable to attend the event. The late Andy Topalian, also a sponsor, passed away recently.
A welcome surprise was the presence of Albert and Zvart Amato from Niagara Falls, who had both served on the city’s parish council when Fr. Untzag was assigned to the parish in 1978. Albert spoke and remembered some stories from those years.
Other remarks were made by the daughters of Fr. Untzag and Yn. Setta, Dr. Ani Nalbandian and Maral Nalbandian. They spoke about Fr. Untzag as an exemplary father who encouraged them to achieve their best, at the same time teaching them to play the piano and be good Armenian-Americans. Ani also played a piano selection, “Armenian Eyes.”
Dn. Kit Kaolian presented a slide retrospective giving a glimpse of the past 45 years of Fr. Untzag’s life and ministry at his three parishes. It began from his ordination in 1978 at St. Sarkis Church in Niagara Falls, NY, by the hand of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, then-Diocesan Primate. (Click here to watch the presentation.)
Heather Tarpinian reflected on Fr. Untzag’s 40 years of service in Trumbull parish and said, “Fr. Untzag’s clergy brothers ask him when he is retiring; but not his parishioners. Fr. Untzag has been in this parish for 40 years, and as he says, he did not have two identical years here. Every year was different and equally exciting for him and for the parish. Fr. Untzag is wise, intelligent, hard-working, kind and humble.” Heather also acknowledged the services of Fr. Untzag’s three children to the church, as they all played the organ on Sundays during Badarak, and noted especially the precious services of Yn. Setta, who stood by her husband’s side all these years.
On behalf of the entire parish, Heather unveiled a portrait of Fr. Untzag standing at the altar of Holy Ascension, where he has celebrated Badarak for the past 40 years. The oil painting was done by well-known Branford artist Marc Anthony, who also was present at the event.
In his remarks, Fr. Untzag thanked all the benefactors and sponsors of his book, and all who donated to the church in his honor. He said, “Tonight more than you honoring me, it is an opportunity for me to thank you for allowing me to serve you for the past four decades.”
Fr. Untzag spoke briefly about his book, which has 141 chapters encouraging readers to reflect on a topic or person, and renew their own lives for better. He emphasized he had no intention to write this book, but the pandemic motivated him to start sharing weekly reflections, now all contained in the volume. He thanked Yeretzgin Setta for all her support, as well as the Primate for presiding at this special event.
Following Bishop Mesrop’s remarks, the beautiful Armenian “kinetson” custom–when wine is poured over a newly published book–took place.
In his remarks, Bishop Mesrop warmly spoke about the honoree, stressing his profound appreciation for Fr. Untzag’s service to the Armenian Church. He shared, ”Fr. Untzag even has inspired me. I regularly read his weekly reflections.” He presented Der Untzag with a hand cross before offering the benediction.
At a reception in the church hall, guests enjoyed the joy-filled, relaxed atmosphere as Fr. Untzag signed copies of his book.
By Dottie Bengoian