In Memoriam: Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian (1930-2026)
With profound sadness, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary mourns the loss of the Rev. Fr. Karekin Avak Kahana Kasparian, a lifelong and devoted servant of the Armenian Church.
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 current 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.
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Karekin Kasparian are as follows:
Visiting hours will be held at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church (1131 North St., White Plains, NY) on Monday, May 11, from 2 to 5 p.m., with the Dahn Gark (wake) service at 5 p.m. A hokejash meal will follow.
PLEASE NOTE: The family has requested that members of the public wishing to pay their respects on this occasion should attend the Dahn Gark service on Monday, May 11.
The family has asked that memorial donations be directed to St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church (1131 North St., White Plains, NY 10605), or St. Nersess Armenian Seminary to fund the “Fr. Karekin Kasparian Summer Program Scholarship Fund,” which was established in 2024 on his 50th Anniversary of Ordination. Checks can be made out to St. Nersess Seminary with “Fr. Karekin – Summer” in the memo and mailed to 486 Bedford Rd., Armonk, NY 10504. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE
Attendance at the Divine Liturgy and Final Anointing will be limited to the family and clergy, at the family’s request. It will take place on Tuesday, May 12, at St. Gregory the Enlightener Church. Mesrop Srpazan will preside.
May our risen Lord Jesus Christ remember his true servant Fr. Karekin Kasparian at the coming of his Kingdom, and console his loved ones.
