Mayda Garabedian, Admin. Assistant
Archdeacon Nazareth Nazarian
Nazareth Nazarian began serving the Armenian Church at the age of seven as CandleHolder at St. Sarkis Church in Varna, Bulgaria. He immigrated to Palestine at the age of eleven and joined Soorp Nigoghaios Church, in Jaffa, Palestine first as a choir member then as Alter Server. He received his Oorar in 1959 by His Eminence Yegishe Derderian. In 1962 he immigrated to the United States and began attending St. Gregory The Apostolic Church as a Deacon. In 1967 he was ordained as Archdeacon by His Eminence Archbishop Hrant Khachadourian. He was elected Secretary of the Board of Trustees for three consecutive terms. In 1994 he was awarded a Kenahadakir plaque as a token of gratitude for unselfish efforts in which he devoted to serve his church from His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian.
Maroush Nigon, Choir Director
Choir Director – Maroush Paneyan Nigon, soprano, is soloist and choir director at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Philadelphia. She has given many recitals over the years for both Armenian and non-Armenian audiences. On several occasions, she has appeared as featured soloist with the KNAR Armenian choral group. She has appeared with the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Haddonfield Symphony Orchestra and the Chestnut Hill Symphony Orchestra. She is an active member of the Bel Canto Lyric Opera Company and has participated in many of their performances as a soloist. The company performs operatic excerpts at venues throughout the Delaware Valley and New Jersey. She has been a featured artist in a recital sponsored by the Armenian Prelacys Musical Armenia at Weill Recital Hall in New York. Recently, she gave a benefit recital for St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. In addition to the standard classical works in Italian, German and French, she gives special care to the interpretation of Armenian songs and sharagans. She teaches music to all grades at the Armenian Sisters Academy and gives private voice lessons.
Karina Adriano, Organist
Organist – Karina Adriano, a graduate of the Musical College of Tbilisi and the State Music Conservatory of the Republic of Georgia. She was the official pianist at the four star international Metechi Palace Hotel, in the city of Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, in 1995. From 1981 to 1988, she was the permanent pianist of the Republic of Georgia Philharmonic orchestra, performing solo concerts, accompanying guest soloists and playing with the full orchestra. During these years, she toured throughout the former Soviet Union. She also made guest appearances on numerous local television shows. Between 1992 and 1993, she toured Israel, Turkey and Greece. Karina joined our Church as organist in 1998.
Jeanette Nazarian, Sunday School Co-Director
Jeanette Nazarian has been serving St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Philadelphia since the age of 15 when she joined the choir. Serving in various capacities as choir member, treasurer, and president, she expanded her horizons by later teaching in the Sunday School. Since 1994 she has served as co-director of the schools religious education program. Ms. Nazarian has been a member of the Prelacys Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) for twelve years, assisting to develop and implement a uniform religious curriculum as well as serve on several ad hoc committees. She is also the academic advisor of the Christian Education Council. She is a graduate of the Prelacys St. Gregory of Datev Institute and teaches classes at the Institute. A graduate of St. Josephs University and Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Ms. Nazarian is senior occupational therapist at The Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, PA.