Etching by Vartkes Kaprielian Publication of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909 Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Pastor

Office: 401.831.6399 Hall: 401.831.1830 Fax:401.351.4418 E-mail:[email protected] Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org

Vol. XXXXVIII No. 3 March 2013

From Der Hayr’s Desk … image of God.

Eternity In The Heart Of Man The work of the Holy Spirit is to set eternity in our hearts by leading us to Christ from Whom springs of From the beginning of creation until now, man has living waters will flow to our hearts giving us something advanced in technology, medicine and exploring the beyond human technological advances, or anything that oceans, the planets, with a determination to reach out man could imagine - eternal life. Jesus said to the and explore all of creation. We live in an age of Samaritan woman: “But whoever drinks the water I give incredibly advanced technology. We have computers them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will and cell phones that put the world at our finger tips. become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal What will man discover or invent next? I am sure life” (John 4:14). Again in the Book of Revelation we amazing and unthinkable things. Our children and read: “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be grandchildren will undoubtedly enjoy technological their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living advances that are beyond our imagination. water…” (Rev. 7:17).

However, one may ask, with all these advances, will man As we approach and anticipate the celebration of the succeed in extending life thousands of years? After all, Resurrection of our Lord, let us also remember His God has set eternity in the heart of man and human suffering, even unto death, that we may one day rise and beings have tried to find the so called “fountain of enjoy the gift of eternal life with Him. youth” from the beginning of time. In the book of Genesis, we read: “Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.’” Even though we The Lenten Season is upon us. don’t take the number of years literally, nevertheless, God is saying to humanity that He will not allow human Please make a commitment to attend beings to live eternally in this fallen condition. Adult Bible Study -- Monday

Unfortunately, or better yet, fortunately, one thing Evenings at 7 pm human beings cannot do is to live this physical life eternally. No doubt, advanced medical breakthroughs may extend life and the quality of life, but not eternally. Not allowing man to live eternally separated from Him, Please Join Us Each Wednesday is actually a demonstration of God's love and mercy for humanity. God sent His only begotten Son Jesus to Evening for Lenten Vespers 7 pm restore mankind to his original nature created in the Schedule for Membership/Stewardship

Lenten Vesper Services Our 2013 Membership and Stewardship Years have begun. Please remember to remit your completed and updated Wednesday, March 6 form along with the appropriate payment as soon as AYF/Homenetmen will host the possible. Our Membership Dues for the 2013 year are as

Median Day of Lent Dinner at 6 pm follows: Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian will be the guest □ $100 (26 & older) □ $50 Senior Citizen (65 & older) speaker. □ $25 (18 - 25 yrs. of age) For your convenience, we offer the availability of credit Wednesday, March 13 card transactions. Information is on the Membership CEC will host a Fellowship Hour following /Stewardship Form or you may contact the Church Office the Lenten Vesper Service. at 401-831-6399 for further information. Your continuous and unyielding support is what sustains the well being of Wednesday, March 20 our Church. Ladies' Guild will host the Lenten Dinner at 6 pm Harold Nazarian will be the guest speaker. NEWS from the BOARD ROOM

Holy Week Schedule Cash Receipts Jan 2013 2013 Total Plate Donations $ 2,838 $ 2,838 Palm Sunday, March 24th Church Dues 11,425 11,425

Morning Service 9:30 am Requiem Services 3,374 3,374 Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Youghakin 9,270 9,270 Turunpatzek Opening of the Gates 12:00 pm Funerals: Service, In Lieu 1,600 1,600 of Flowers & Hokejash Godfather of the Opening of the Curtain Stewardship 6,857 6,857 Dale Quam Capital Improvements 500 500 Other 3,895 3,895 Maundy Thursday, March 28th Washing of the Disciples’ Feet 7:00 pm Total Receipts 39,759 39,759

Betrayal of Jesus (Khavaroom) 8:00 pm Total Disbursement 27,427 27,427

Good Friday, March 29th Excess Cash Receipts 12,333 12,333 (Disbursements) Commemoration of Christ’s Burial 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, March 30th Armenian Relief Society Evening Service 7:00 pm “Ani” Chapter News Divine Liturgy 7:30 pm March 2013 Note: Pupils of the Mourad Armenian School and Sunday School will receive Holy Communion on Saturday, March 30th EASTER FOOD DRIVE for the R.I. COMMUNITY at 10:00 am. Adults are also invited. FOOD BANK --- March 1 to April 1. Donations may be left at the church. Let us help our neighbors in need. Easter Sunday, March 31st Morning Service 9:30 am ARS “ANI” AND “ARAX” CHAPTERS will sponsor Divine Liturgy 10:00 am its 10th ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE for the RI Blood Sermon 11:00 am Bank on Sunday, April 7 from 10am to 2pm in the Chapel room in the basement. Each pint of blood helps 3 øðÆêîàê Ú²ðº²ô Æ ØºèºÈàò people. Donors may give starting at age 16. These úðÐܺ²È ¾ Ú²ðàôÂÆôÜÜ øðÆêîàêÆ donations are made in memory of our martyrs.

Please call: Steve at 573-7888 or Joyce at 354-8770. Krisdos Haryav ee Merelots PLEASE SAVE THE DATE. A “HYE HAWAIIAN Orhnyal eh Haroutuinun Krisdosee SUMMER NIGHT DINNER- DANCE” - will be held on July 13 at the Marriott Hotel, Providence. Watch for Christ is risen from the dead further details. Blessed is the resurrection of Christ ARS EASTERN USA’S UNDERGRADUATE and Parishioners, Please Support Your Church LAZARIAN GRADUATE 2013 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS are available. Contact ARS Eastern Stewardship Envelope Books for 2013 are now Regional Office mailto:[email protected]. Deadline for available from the Office, Pongal or Lower submitting applications is April 1, 2013 Church Hall.. Please obtain yours as soon as APPLICATIONS for the PROVIDENCE ARS ‘ANI’ possible. A Board of Trustees member will be CHAPTER UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP and the DOROTHY LEYLEGIAN SCHOLARSHIP are available to assist you. now available. Must be a RI Resident and in second year of college. Call Karen Pilla – 274-1033 or email [email protected] Deadline for submitting Additional Christmas Youghakin applications is April 1, 2013. Donations

Mrs. Lucy Kanarian $ 50 “God could not be everywhere so He invented Mothers” Donations MOTHER’S DAY 2013 Kenneth and Varteni Murphy and Family, Megerdich The Providence “Arax” Chapter of the Armenian Relief and Sandra Megerdichian and Family, and John and Society will host a Mother’s Day Celebration on Saturday, Taline Mkrtschjan and Family $ 250 May 11, 2013 at 6:00 PM in Aramian Auditorium. in Loving Memory of Mariam Mkrtschjan

The Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia has issued an Providence Homenetmen Chapter $ 100 announcement that 2013 will be dedicated to The For use of the facilities Armenian Mother. We look forward to honoring all Armenian mothers and their enduring influence and contributions in our lives and community. Due to rising printing costs, donations to help off-set printing of the Gantegh would be greatly Due to limited seating and a need to make appropriate appreciated. preparations, we ask that you RSVP to Marlene Vichabian at 508-336-5793 or Anoush Taraksian at 401-946-3987. Admission is $20 for adults and $10.00 for children 12 The Following Donations Were Made years of age and under. In Appreciation For Receiving The Gantegh

We also wish to remind the community that undergraduate Mr. Ardashes Nahabedian $ 100 and graduate scholarships are available and that there is a deadline for applying. Inquire with any executive member Mr. Simon Sarkisian $ 75 of the “Arax” and/or “Ani” Chapters for specifics and applications or online at ARS Eastern USA. Parishioners Margaret Stepanian, Vice Chair If you would like to receive your issue of the Gantegh electronically, please forward your email address to the Church Web Site: Please consider making a donation to the Sts. info @ stsvartanantzchurch.org Vartanantz Church Outreach Program. The Program’s purpose is to provide financial help for This would help to defray our costs greatly. We those parishioners who have fallen on hard times. appreciate your consideration. All donations should be designated for “Outreach Program” and please note if you would like your Donations to the Rejuvenation Fund donation to remain anonymous.

Recent Donations to our Outreach Program We very gratefully thank the following parishioners who have made donations to our Bedrosian, Adam and Bilzerian Families $ 250

in sincere appreciation of the many friends and revived "Rejuvenation Fund" to help defray relatives who remembered Oppie on her first the costs of our much needed renovations: anniversary Mrs. Mariam Norigian $ 100

In honor of her son-in-law, Mark Phillips’s birthday

Your generosity is very much appreciated. If you and your family would like to host the March 24 Hagop and Aghavni Alahverdian; Alice Bedrosian, Margaret Sunday Fellowship following Church Services, Kedonian and Helen Page; Zakar. Mushek, Zartar and Charles Bogoian; Beatrice Manoian Bouris; Margaret DerManouelian; please call the Church Office at 831-6399 to Violet Garabedian; Diramayr Rose Kassabian; Azniv and reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one Sarkis Parseghian; Sarkis Stepanian; Roxie Surabian

March 31 or in celebration of a special occasion. Easter Sunday --- No Requiems April 7

Meron Arevian; Sarkis Chapian; Yeghsapert Elizabeth, Easaya Spiritual Bouquet Cards are available for and Charles Garabed Kenoian, and John P., Patrick, Sally and Prayers for Healing Nora Costigan, and Albert Vincent Reizian; Sarkis and Anneg or Kopoian and Avedis and Zabel Demoorjian; Hagop and Prayers for the Deceased Arshalouys Madoian; Vartoohe and Babig Marabian, and These cards are to be sent by you to the family Gulizar Ayvasian; Harabed and Margaret Saropian; Hagop, Dickran, Diramayr Anna, Naima and Janette Tashjian, Ki indicating your intentions. They may be obtained at Diarbi, George Simonian, and Ghezaleh and Sami Azrak the Pongal or from the Church Office. Donation for the April 14 cards is $10 each. Please complete the appropriate Sumpat Barsamian; Margaret Benjamin; Lucille and Qurken form with the requested information so that Der Hayr Berberian; Michael Charles Der Hagopian; Maritza may offer Silent Prayers for the individual(s) during the Dolbashian; Armenoohy Asarigian George; Harry appropriate time during the Divine Liturgy. Kachadourian; Peter Mantaian; Vagashag and Berjoohi Melikian, and Kachadoor and Zaghig Zoragian; Bedros and Mariam Navoian, and Zakar, Moushek and Zartar Bogoian; Mark Plante; Madeline Sahagian; Michael Peter Sahagian; Sarkis and Marie Sarkisian REQUIEM SERVICE

March 3 April 21 Baghdasar, Souren, Boghos, Siranoosh, Minas and Elmas Charles Akalarian; Krikor Alexanian; Victor Derderian; Arzoomanian and Anna Nahabedian; Hagopos, Ovsanna and Avedis and Arshalouys Der Manouelian; Khachig and Anoush Dr. Kegham and Shavarsh Nartouni Ayvasian; Arsen and Kibarian, Harouitune Boyajian and Boyajian and Kibarian Mariam Babikyan and Aghavni Derderian; Parancum, Setrag Families; Martin Kojoian, and Mary and Peter B. Melikian; and Alice Bagdasarian; Artacky Berberian; Minas and John Hovannes Kushigian; Rosine Maviyan; Baidzar Stepanian Margaret Dayian; Helen Fashjian; Satenig and John Hovhannes Garabedian; Dikranouhi and Krikor Krikorian; April 28 Mariam and Yervant Manoogian; Haig Markarian, Sr; Archie and Lucy Arakelian, Osky Cascone, and Aristakes and Aroussiag Minassian; Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian and Hripsime Vartanian; Nishan Aznavorian; Seboo Barsoian; Melkon "Mal" Norigian; Moushegh “Joe” Najarian; Gulizar Guzel Bedrosian and Zartar Menissian; Altoun, Manoug and Sarkisian; Yeranuhi and Harpet Sarkisian; Mugurdich Barkev Chamalian and Haiastan Avedisian; Margaret and Shaljian; Kazar and Almas Simonian and Zartar Atamian; Vagashag Derderian; Zabel, Armenag and Aram Johnson; Hrayr, Rouben, Vehanush, Stepan, Antranig and Vartan Peter H. Jordan; Elizabeth Kaprielian and Joseph Pill; Sahag Stepanyan; Karapet Tashian and Marinos Mouradjian; Harry Sarkisian; Robert Torkomian

March 10 Helena, Hagop, Lawrence, Daniel and Dawn Adoian; Asadoor and Elmas Avakian; Haig Martin Baligian; Anna Casciano, Eternal Rest Mary Karibian and Parensem Antonian; Lousik Dadayan;

Jouhar Dappinian, Melkon Derderian, Toni Christina Budnick, Varsenig Melikian Williams and Soukias and Tourvanda Setian; Garabed, Mariam and Entered into Eternal Rest on January 21, 2013 Manoog Der Kachadourian and Haroutoon Andonian; Harold in North Carolina and Sally Goolgasian; Karapet Khoulian; Sarah Leylegian;

Aram Markarian and Yeghishe and Vergine Basmajian; Leo Robert S. Bogosian

Marsoubian; Paramaz Narzakian and Robert Hagopian; Entered into Eternal Rest on February 1, 2013 Genevieve Pelkey; Gregory Portukalian; Elizabeth, Hagop and Robert Tevekelian

Lucy Tavanian March 17 Entered into Eternal Rest on February 10, 2013 Frances Kizirian; Harry, Kapriel and Marinos Krikorian; Abraham Movsessian; Gevork Odabashyan; Kathy Grace Peterson; Sahak Sahakian; Zaven Tenkarian, Vahram Samuelian, Heghine Manasian and Louise Vartanian

Fortieth Day Requiem Service Calendar of Events

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for March 1-31 Easter Food Drive – ARS “Ani” Chapter March 6 Lenten Fish Dinner sponsored by the Robert S. Bogosian AYF and Homenetmen Chapters will be said on March 17, 2013 Guest Speaker: Der Aram Stepanian The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for March 13 Fellowship following Lenten Vespers Lucy Tavanian hosted by the Men's Club March 17 ANEC Presentation - Historical Atlas of will be said on March 24, 2013 by Dr. Vartan Matiossian 1 pm March 20 Lenten Dinner sponsored by the Ladies' Guild; Guest Speaker: Harold Nazarian

Attention Mar 31 Easter Dinner sponsored by the Deadline for the submission of articles, pictures etc. Providence Homenetmen to the Gantegh for publication is the 15th of the Apr 7 ARS Blood Drive 10am - 2pm in the month prior to the issue. Please adhere to the Lower School Auditorium deadline and email your submissions Apr 14 Hamazkayin Society presents “The Way [[email protected]] as this facilitates the We Were” 2 pm @ Scottish Rite Center editing process. Thank you for your cooperation. Apr 16 Annual Youth Day sponsored by the Der Hayr and the Board of Trustees Martyrs’ Committee Apr 28 Martyrs' Day Commemoration 12:45 pm Monument site in North Burial Ground May 5 May Brunch sponsored by the Ladies’ Please visit our website at Guild following Church Services http://www.stsvartanantzchurch.org May 11 Mother’s Day Dinner sponsored by the for information regarding our Sunday and ARS “Arax”Chapter 6 pm Aramian Aud. July 13 “Hye Summer Night” Dinner Dance Armenian Schools, Church organizations, Sponsored by the Ladies’ Guild & the upcoming events as well as general ARS “Ani” Chapter at the Prov. Marriott

information regarding your Church Nov 2-3 Armenian Fest 2013 at Rhodes

ARS Blood Drive The Scholarship Committee of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church is pleased to announce that applications are now available for the In Memory of the Charles Yaghoobian, Jr. Scholarship Grants for 2013. Scholarship Grants will be awarded to qualified members of all Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide three Armenian Churches in RI. Applicants must be dues paying members of their church. Scholarships are limited for up to 3 Sunday, April 7, 2013 years only. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for consideration. For an application and a list of eligibility 10 am to 2 pm requirements you may contact: Nathalie Yaghoobian, 353-2488. The deadline to submit completed application and all Lower School Auditorium documentation is April 1, 2013. Please be sure to bring a form of identification [i.e. driver's license] when you donate. For appointments, http://www.ribc.org code 0611 The Vaughn Avedisian Memorial Scholarship Fund is once again offering scholarships to Rhode Island students who attend a non-profit post-secondary institution that offers either a two-year associate or a four-year college degree. Those 2013 Providence AYF Junior Executive interested should contact John Takian at [email protected] for a copy of the application and President – Hagop Taraksian requirements. The deadline to submit completed Vice President – Giovany Aktchian application and all documentation is April 6, 2013. Treasurer – Taleen Simonian

Recording Secretary – Rachel Minassian

Cooresponding Secretary – Ani Comella Our Mourad Armenian School Students

Our Armenian School meets each Saturday from 9:15 am thru 1 pm. Our expert teachers provide excellent instruction in the language, grammar, culture, religion, arts / drama, music & dancing as well as ASL classes Armenian as a Second Language classes for English speaking students. Parents are strongly encouraged to enroll their children in the Mourad Armenian School. Preserve our heritage --- bring your child to Armenian School. You will help him/her to learn their mother tongue, and become more aware of their rich heritage ---all while making new friends.

Our First Lenten Fish Dinner This past Wednesday, the ARS "Ani" and "Arax" Chapters hosted the Lenten Fish Dinner for over 80 people. A wonderful meal was enjoyed by all. Proceeds from the dinner were forwarded to the Mourad Armenian School.

Lenten Vespers Guest Speaker for the Lenten Vespers was Harold Nazarian.

The students of the Mourad Armenian School participated in the readings during the Vesper Service.

Two weeks ago, the Men's Club of Sts. Vartanantz Church did it's small part by providing a delicious chicken and pasta dinner with salad and dessert to the less fortunate. 12 men and one woman from our church might have been doing a good thing, but if you want my opinion, I think we were the ones that benefited. It's not until you see how the less fortunate live on a day to day basis, that you really appreciate just how good things are at home for yourself. All of those that volunteered plus 4 others that were not there donated the money needed to pay for all the dinners, as a result costing the club nothing. Good Show to all that were there.

The Providence Mission, a Christian refuge for the If anyone is interested in being a part of this homeless, located on Cranston St. in South worthwhile group, just reply. We will be going back Providence, provides food, shelter and spiritual help again in the near future. to men and women who have fallen on hard times. Steve Elmasian, Men's Club

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Providence "Varantian" AYF Victory Ball Saturday, January 26, 2013

Over 350 people were at this year's VBall that took place on Saturday night. John Berberian and his band were the entertainment. The chapter remembered those this community has lost, moved members to the rank of alumni, danced all night long with their families and guests and raised over $2000.00 for our brothers and sisters in Syria.

PROVIDENCE HAMAZKAYIN

presents

“THE WAY WE WERE” ENSEMBLE

IN THE MUSICAL DRAMA: “THE HYE LEGION-THE GAMAVOR STORY” By HOURIG PAPAZIAN-SAHAGIAN, ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR

SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2013 at 2:00 PM

“THE WAY WE WERE” The repertory ensemble of folk artists brings historic themes of Armenian life onto the stage of today through theatricals, music and song. Members of the Troupe represent a cross-section of over three generations, born and raised in the . They derive their inspiration from the enduring soul of the Survivors, who are their cultural and spiritual mentors.

“THE HYE LEGION-THE GAMAVOR STORY” The story of the Gamavor Movement recounts the true-life adventures of daring rescue missions during the Genocide years. At that time an alarm sounded throughout the United States: the Turks were killing Survivors and orphans while torching villages again! These selfless Gamavor men, Genocide Survivors themselves, left the safety of their homes in the U.S. and returned to Historic Armenia to search-and-rescue Survivors and orphans. They went back into the Turkish killing fields to face certain death!

Though set in the 1920’s, the play’s final scene ends on a hopeful note, pointing to a future of freedom and independence for Armenia. While the play is filled with intrigue, adventure and romance, it also features a dozen songs we all know and love.

The performance will be held in the Scottish Rite Masonic Center at 2115 Broad Street, Cranston. We anticipate the availability of ALMA’S GAMAVOR EXHIBIT for viewing in the Dining Hall of the Center. It is interesting to note that an impressive number of our Rhode Island were among these notable legionnaires. Margaret Stepanian

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Kim Chrones Markarian, daughter-in-law of Shnorick B. Markarian and daughter of the late Angela Chrones, was Recently named 2013 Elementary Art Teacher of the Year by the Rhode Island Art Education Association. Kim is a 2006 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Rhode Island College. She teaches at the Hoxie and Norwood Elementary Schools in Warwick. Kim is also an instructor for the Young Artists Fashion Program at the RISD. Mrs. Markarian volunteers for many non-profit organizations such as the Tomorrow Fund. A former Mrs. Rhode Island, professional model and fashion coordinator, Kim resides in East Greenwich with her husband, Robert. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Christin and Alexandra.

Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee’s 16th Annual Armenian Youth Day Visit to the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown, MA Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The ALMA visit is limited to 40 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to secure a place, we request that you kindly submit this signed permission form to the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee’s Youth Day Sub- Committee – to either Joyce Yeremian ([email protected])(401-354-8770) or Martha Jamgochian ([email protected])(401-723-3344) before Saturday, April 6, 2013.

Parental Permission Form for Students Attending (Ages 8 to 14 only)

To the Volunteers of the Armenian Youth Day Sub-Committee (Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee):

I would like to register my son/daughter for this year’s Armenian Youth Day visit to ALMA that will be sponsored by the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee on Tuesday, April 16. My son/daughter will participate in planned tours and activities of the museum, and I give you my permission for him/her to attend. I know that the Armenian Youth Day Sub- Committee will provide bus transportation and that volunteers will chaperon.

Parents and invited youth must agree to the following requirements in making this reservation:  Arrive at Sts Sahag and Mesrob Church, Egavian Hall for 8:30am on April 16.  Be on site at Sts Sahag and Mesrob Church at 2:45pm to provide transportation home when the group arrives back from ALMA.  Provide a box lunch or brown bag lunch. Beverages will be provided.  Ensure that breakfast has been eaten before arriving at Sts Sahag and Mesrob Church --- no snack foods will be available.  Dress appropriately for a museum visit (casual attire and comfortable walking shoes since the group will participate in museum tours and activities).

*Please note: A parent must accompany any child who has allergies and/or serious medical condition. In addition, the parent must have all medications needed, i.e. inhaler, Epi-pen. **Participating parents must help chaperon.

Complete & return the bottom of this form by the deadline. Retain the top for reference.

You have my permission to obtain medical attention for my child, should an emergency arise.

______PRINT NAME OF CHILD Age ______PRINT NAME OF PARENT GRANTING PERMISSION SIGNATURE OF PARENT

In case of an emergency on April 16, you may reach me by calling: Parent’s Cell # Parent’s Work # Home Phone # Other Phone # Parent’s EMAIL Address for future reference:

Important Dates to Remember

March 31 Homenetmen Easter Dinner April 7 ARS Blood Drive April 14 Hamazkayin Society --- "The Way We Were" April 16 Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee 16th Annual Armenian Youth Day April 28 98th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Gathering at 12:45 pm at the monument site May 5 Ladies' Guild May Brunch May 11 ARS “Arax” Chapter Mother’s Day Dinner