From the Pastor's Desk

About the Book

Der Nerses’s well-crafted, heart-felt messages have enriched the life of St. Gregory’s parish over the years. They give a new appreciation pastoral calling of the Armenian Church’s patron saint, St. Gregory: to enlighten and guide his flock. They are a light unto our feet and a window into the life of a vibrant parish.

Tom Samuelian

This newest source of spiritual renewal is a must read especially for us as

Armenian Orthodox Christians in our search for the truth and the Good News of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ and should serve as a source of much needed spiritual renewal among our people.

Fr. Vartan Kassabian

‘From the Pastor’s Desk’ gives an enlightening account of the Sacraments, Feast Days, Armenian Church customs, etiquette and traditions, Canon Law, and local and global issues. Archpriest Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian has eloquently woven Scripture, poetic prose, and humor in his book that teaches, inspires and reaffirms one’s faith in Christianity. A must-read for young and old alike.

Jeanette Nazarian, Sunday School Superintendent

About the Author

Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian is the pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Philadelphia. His baptismal name was Haroutiun.

He graduated from the Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon in 1972.  As Archdeacon, he served the two Armenian communities of Isfahan and Abadan, in south Iran.

In 1981 was invited by the Prelate of Eastern Prelacy, His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, to serve Detroit Community as teacher and choir director.

He was ordained priest on February 22, 1987 by the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian in New York . He received his Master of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from St. Louis University in Spring of 1991.

His publications are: “Your Church and You,” “The 4 Ceremonies of the Armenian church” which is the English and modern Armenian translation of “Blessing of the Water,” “Antasdan,” “Opening of the Portal” and “Blessing of the Grapes.” “Ceremonies of Sunrise, Peace and Compline” with modern Armenian and English translations, “Ceremonies of Holy Week,” English translation in brief.