Parish Council

The parish council is composed of members elected by St. Hagop’s parishioners; they serve two-year terms, with a maximum of six consecutive years, and participate in the church’s governance. Parish council members attend monthly meetings and – both during and between meetings – tend to governance issues confronting the church. A nominating committee, elected by the congregation, presents a slate of parish council candidates to the congregation at St. Hagop’s annual meeting every February; the congregation votes to elect its parish council members. Also, parish council members serve as greeters during church services, and manage plate collections on Sundays. Contact any member below for more information.

Michael Shahnasarian

Chairman

Mike has served two terms on parish council and as parish council chairman for two years. He has been a leader in the construction of our church hall, in overseeing hall rental and staffing, and has led the St. Hagop pledge stewardship initiative. He earned a doctorate in psychology and, along with a license to…

Grace Austin

Vice Chair

Grace has served on nominating committee for one term and is currently serving in her second year on auditing committee. She is chairing the gala banquet for our 2017 Diocesan Assembly. Grace is originally from Gainesville, FL. She has lived in the Tampa/St Petersburg area for more than 25 years. She is a graduate of…

Chuck Begian

Treasurer

Chuck Begian is originally from Detroit, MI. He has been living in Tampa Bay since 1993, and has been involved with St. Hagop since 2001 serving on the parish council as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and on various committees. He holds two degrees in Computer Science (BS from the University of Michigan, MS from Johns…

Haig Yaghoobian

Secretary

Haig Yaghoobian, originally from Providence, Rhode Island, is a musician by avocation and an accomplished recital pianist. He has been a regular performer at chamber music venues throughout the US and Europe for more than fifty years. Haig has been an active contributor to non-profit cultural, religious, and civic organizations, including service as Executive Director of…

John Arsenault

Sexton

John was born in Chelsea MA to Mary Tashjian and Mike Arsenault. After graduating Chelsea High, he went on to the University of Massachusetts to earn a BBA in Business Administration. John was recruited to work as a DOD civilian employee in AAFES, managing post exchanges and base exchanges for the next five years on…

Teresa Haidarian

Member

Teresa has lived in the Tampa area since 1978 and has been an active member of St. Hagop Armenian Church for nearly twenty years. She is a long-time member of the women’s guild and currently serves as secretary. She has volunteered to maintain and supply our buildings for several years. She served on the church…

Rita Keshishian

Member

Rita was born in Istanbul, Turkey, and immigrated to the United States at the age of two. Raised on Long Island, New York, Rita attended The Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, New York. Rita is married to Ara Keshishian and has two grown children, and two granddaughters. Originally a snow bird to…