Global
Posted: 05/08/2026
With profound sadness we inform the passing of the Rev. Fr. Karekin Avak Kahana Kasparian, a lifelong and devoted servant of the Armenian Church. At the directive of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a Requiem Service for the late clergyman will be held on Sunday, May 10 in all Diocesan Parishes.
Reflecting on Fr. Karekin's pastorate, Archbishop Derderian stated "Karekin Kasparian, was a devoted servant of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a faithful shepherd of Christ’s flock, and a priest whose life stood as a living witness to the sacred vocation of the holy priesthood.
Ordained by Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, later Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, for decades, Fr. Karekin served the Armenian Apostolic Church with unwavering dedication, humility, and spiritual conviction.
His ministry was distinguished not merely by the many honors and ecclesiastical recognitions bestowed upon him, but above all by his genuine love for the faithful entrusted to his care and his tireless commitment to guiding souls upon the path of righteousness and salvation.
Fr. Karekin also played an instrumental role alongside the visionary founder of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, contributing greatly to the formation and strengthening of theological education and the preparation of future generations of clergy within the Armenian Church. His enduring legacy will continue to live on through the countless faithful, students, and spiritual sons whom he inspired through his wisdom, pastoral care, and steadfast example.”
May his memory remain forever blessed and may his lifelong example of sacrificial service continue to inspire generations to come.”
Fr. Karekin Kasparian's Biography (Courtesy of St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary)
He will always be remembered for his foundational role in establishing the seminary in Evanston, IL, as a young deacon. Known then as Deacon Hovhannes, he was instrumental in opening the seminary in 1961 under the leadership of its founder, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. He also played a key role in developing the Summer Conferences and the Deacons’ Training Program, initiatives that continue to educate and inspire thousands of Armenian youth more than six decades later.
Over the course of his remarkable ministry, Fr. Karekin held numerous roles at the seminary, including assistant dean, dean, faculty member, board member, and founder and director of the Summer Conferences. Most recently, he served as Armenian Language Instructor, continuing to shape our seminarians in their preparation of the priesthood.
His presence remained constant and vibrant with seminarians, and especially during the Summer Conferences, where he joined young participants in Bible studies, worship, and fellowship, always eager to build relationships with the future leaders of the Armenian Church.
In July 2022, a beautiful icon of St. Nersess the Great was anonymously donated to the seminary’s St. Hagop Chapel in his honor — a testament to the deep gratitude and affection he inspired.
Ordained to the priesthood on May 18–19, 1974, by Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, he was given the name Karekin in tribute to Catholicos Karekin Hovsepiants, under whom he had studied in Antelias. Both Archbishop Manoogian and Archbishop Nersoyan served as guiding mentors in his pastoral and liturgical formation.
His pastoral legacy extended beyond the seminary. In 1971, while serving as dean, he was appointed part-time deacon-in-charge of the Westchester, NY, Armenian community, where he worked alongside local families and seminarians to establish what would become St. James Armenian Church. More than fifty years later, that mission has grown into the thriving parish of St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, on May 18, 1930, Fr. Karekin pursued advanced studies in Cambridge, MA, earning master’s degrees from Episcopal Theological School and Harvard University. His Harvard thesis, “Confession in the Light of Psychotherapy,” reflected his deep interest in the intersection of psychology and pastoral care. He also completed Clinical Pastoral Education training at Worcester State and Boston City Hospitals, an experience he later made a requirement for seminarians at St. Nersess, recognizing its transformative impact on clergy formation.
Throughout his life, Fr. Karekin remained deeply committed to nurturing future generations of clergy and laity alike. He initiated Mission Programs for parishes without pastors and established educational pilgrimage programs through the ACYOA Armenian Studies Program (ASP) under diocesan sponsorship. The intent of ASP was to introduce young Armenian Americans to their spiritual heritage and cultural legacy through month-long educational pilgrimages.
His administrative and educational service at the diocesan level was equally extensive. He served as a member of the Central Council of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America, the Armenian Schools’ Educational Council, and as Executive Secretary of the ACYOA, in addition to serving two terms on the Diocesan Council. At the request of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, he also developed the Clergy Support Ministry and organized regional clergy retreats, while mentoring numerous young priests with wisdom and care.
His broader service to the Church included close collaboration with Catholicos Vazgen I, whom he served as interpreter during the 1968 visit to the United States and later as a special assistant in Etchmiadzin. In recognition of his many contributions, he received numerous honors, including the privilege of wearing a pectoral cross and the rank of Archpriest. More recently, he was awarded the Saint Ghevont Yerets medal at St. Nersess Seminary, granted by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and presented by Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
Fr. Karekin’s legacy is one of faith, service, mentorship, and love for the Armenian Church. He leaves behind a lasting imprint on St. Nersess Seminary, on generations of clergy and faithful, and on all who had the privilege to know him. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Yeretzgin Dawn, a loving father to his daughters, Meline Kasparian Longacre (Evans) and Lori Kasparian Costa (Matthew), and a cherished grandfather.
May our risen Lord Jesus Christ remember his true servant Fr. Karekin Kasparian at the coming of his Kingdom, and console his loved ones.
