Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, members of the clergy, the Religious and Executive Councils are mourning the passing of Archpriest Father Nareg Shrikian who passed away on Tuesday, September 12.
Father Nareg was born in 1926 in Musa Ler. He enrolled at the Seminary of the Holy See of Cilicia in Lebanon in the early 1950’s and was ordained to the priesthood in 1955. Fr. Nareg’s first pastoral mission was in Anjar, Lebanon, where he was instrumental in the construction of St. Boghos Church as parish pastor and the expansion of “Harach” School as Principal. In 1963 he relocated to the United States, where he subsequently served as parish pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco, Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, St. Garabed Church in Hollywood, Armenian Apostolic Church of Orange County (later Forty Martyrs), Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, and St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Fr. Nareg also served on the Religious Council for decades as member and Chairman.
He played a large part in the construction and expansion of a number of churches and schools, and alongside his pastoral duties was also an educator. Furthermore, he was a gracious benefactor, contributing financially to the advancement of the Seminary and Armenian schools as a token of gratitude for the role of these institutions in our national life. Fr. Nareg served with unwavering faith and devotion, earning the love and respect of his flock.
Extreme Unction will take place during funeral mass on Monday, September 18, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, followed by interment at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.
The Prelate, Clergy, Councils, and faithful of the Western Prelacy expressed their condolences to Fr. Nareg’s children, Tsolag, Nektar, Salpi, and Nairy, sister Sossy Bidanian, and their families.
I remember him from my family’s time at Holy Martyrs in Encino. God bless his soul.
Der Nareg was more than an arch priest he was an immovable pillar of faith and national strength. He lived the life he preached in every way and every day he was the model of our faith. We are fortunate to have been blessed by him. Astvadz hokeen loosavoreh.
Hoghe vrat tetev ella sireli mer Der Hayr.
A man of devotion to his Christian faith and his people has passed away. God bless his soul. May he rest in peace.
Der Nareg was the role model for all clergy, a man of true faith, a giver and not a taker. He will be missed, he was respected and loved.
Dear Nareg was a personal friend of our family, our parish priest at Holy Martyrs and was invited as a speaker at several Armenian Genocide Commemorations here in Las Vegas….a truly gifted man of God and a passionate speaker when it involves the Armenian Cause! We will truly miss him…Our sincere sympathies to his children and family. May God Bless his soul…..Hriyr & Jackie Dadaian
A very sad event, indeed. Father Nareg was such a good person, kind and loving. He was the priest who married my husband and I his first year as parish priest at St. Gregory Armenian Church in San Francisco.
God rest him in peace! Condolences to family and friends! 🙁
Heaven became richer and we get poorer! We have the same situation in Romania since our Hayr Surp passed away in April 13th. But we all remember him dearly and…we hope from his Heaven to see us. God rest them in peace!