The Eastern Diocese was deeply grieved by the passing of Artemis Nazarian, the gracious benefactor of the Armenian Church, nation, and numerous institutions, who passed away on April 9, 2020, at the age of 88.
Artemis Nazarian was a remarkable woman in every aspect of her life: a true exemplar of an entire generation of our people, who was beloved throughout the Armenian world, at every level of our community.
She enjoyed a beautiful, tender marriage to her beloved husband, Nazar, with whom Artemis shared a life of consequence, influence, and productive activity that was at once patriotic and deeply faithful. Always by each other’s side, the Nazarians built up our church, community, and homeland through their generosity and vision.
In a message to Diocesan leaders, Bishop Daniel Findikyan said: “Artemis was herself a woman of wisdom, discernment, and taste; a patron of the arts, and a lover of beauty in all its forms. She left a lasting impression on countless individual lives, and lifted us all up with her graciousness.
“Above all else, Artemis was a great friend: a friend to individuals and to our entire community. Her warm heart, her tender kindness, her devotion to family—these qualities were grounded in an abiding faith in God. As a descendant of a long line of servants of our Lord, she believed that it is God’s will that His children should perform good works in this world. Artemis Nazarian surely succeeded in that vocation throughout her life.
“We bless her memory, and convey our deep sympathies to her family. We send our prayerful blessings to Artemis’ lifelong soul-mate, Nazar, and to their exemplary children, Seta, Levon and Claudia, and their families.”
In his message sent on the day after Easter, observed as Merelots in the Armenian Church (Remembrance of the Departed), the Diocesan Primate added: “This is a time of grief for so many in our world, and our own humble community has not been spared. On this day of merelots, please offer a prayer for the departed friends we have all lost.”
“In the meantime, may our risen Lord shine the light of his grace on his true servant, Artemis Nazarian, and remember her in his heavenly kingdom.”
The Nazarian family has created a touching memorial website with memories of Artemis Nazarian, messages from those whose lives she touched, and information on memorial donations. Please take a moment to read about her remarkable life on the site titled Remembering Artemis.