Boca Raton, FL, Parish Celebrates Pastor's Milestone
26 January 2012
Parishioners of St. David Church of Boca Raton, Fla., gathered last weekend to honor their pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, on the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood.
The celebration began on Saturday, January 21, with a banquet in the church's Mardigian Hall. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided over the event, which drew more than 250 guests.
"Hayr Sourp holds a special significance for me because he was the first priest to be ordained by my hand," said Archbishop Barsamian. "He is a man of deep faith, and has unlimited love for his people and heritage."
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A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Fr. Berberian grew up in a pious family and attended church on Sundays. Inspired by his parents Kevork and Nevart, and by relatives in the priesthood, he decided to begin seminary studies at an early age.
He entered the seminary at Holy Etchmiadzin, was ordained a deacon, and traveled to the United States in 1988 to continue his education at St. Nersess and St. Vladimir's seminaries in New York. He was ordained to the holy priesthood at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on July 26, 1992.
"It was an extraordinary day in my life," he said of his ordination. "I felt a spiritual rebirth."
During Saturday's banquet, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, the dean of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral who mentored Fr. Berberian, shared fond memories of Fr. Berberian as a seminarian.
Recalling his days as the dean of St. Nersess Seminary, Fr. Chevian said that "the greatest sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that a teacher can have is when one of his students succeeds in his chosen vocation, and even exceeds expectations. For me, one of those success stories is Fr. Berberian."
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese's Ecumenical Director, spoke about Fr. Berberian's scholarship and pastoral ministry.
Fr. Berberian holds master's degrees in divinity and sacred theology, and a doctorate degree in ministry. He served parishes in Houston, Texas; Richmond, Va.; and Hartford, Conn., before being assigned as pastor of St. David Church of Boca Raton in 2002.
Parish council vice chair Carol Norigian presented Fr. Berberian with a Michael Aram decorative piece on behalf of the parish council. She stressed Fr. Berberian's gift for bringing together the community by organizing spiritual and cultural activities.
Fr. Berberian's niece, Joelle Awad, who travelled with his sister and other family members from Los Angeles, spoke about her uncle's spiritual influence on their family. The parish ACYOA members sang Armenian songs and offered instrumental performances. Taniel Koushakjian served as the master of ceremonies.
Before concluding the evening, Archbishop Barsamian presented Fr. Berberian with a plaque in recognition of his milestone.
Inspiring future generations
On Sunday, January 22, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. In his sermon, he recalled the day of Fr. Berberian's ordination, which occurred on the Feast of the Transfiguration, and spoke about the parallels between the transformative experience of Christ on Mt. Tabor and that of a man being ordained into the holy priesthood.
"Every time we look on a priest, every time we receive a sacrament from his hand, we testify to the transformation he has undergone," Archbishop Barsamian said. "And so we re-establish our own relationship with God as members of His flock."
During the service, Gregory Merjian was ordained to the order of sub-diaconate and Arlen Avedyan to the order of diaconate. Both worked with Fr. Berberian to prepare for their new duties.
Working with young people has been one of the hallmarks of Fr. Berberian's ministry. In his 20 years as a clergyman, he has witnessed the ordinations of some 50 altar servers. "I love working with young people, and making them realize their important role in the community," he said.
In addition to training programs for altar servers, he has developed the parish's Junior Choir, ACYOA Juniors and Seniors chapters, and its Young Adults Group.
"As long as God is with me, I will continue my humble service," Fr. Berberian said.
Fr. Berberian reflects on his call to serve in a special video prepared by the St. David parish. Click here to view the video.
