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 F ax:401.351.4418

Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Assistant Pastor E-mail:info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org

Vol. LI No. 2 February 2016

His Grace

Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian

On Sunday, February 7th, Sts. Vartanantz Church will be celebrating its name day. We are very honored to announce that His Grace, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will be the celebrant for the Divine Liturgy.

Following the Divine Liturgy, our Ladies' Guild and Men's Club will once again host our Annual Vartanantz Celebration Dinner under the auspices of His Grace. A delicious traditional Armenian dinner will be prepared by the members of our Ladies’ Guild.

We are proud to announce that Kenneth and Sandra Bogosian as well as last year's honorees [last year's event was cancelled due to bad weather] Vartges Engustian, Harry Kushigian, Antranig Mesrobian, John Takian and Joyce Yeremian will be honored as “Distinguished Parishioners” of Sts. Vartanantz Church during the Celebration. Their lifetime achievement is recognized by their many years of continued dedicated service to their Church.

Please make your reservations for this wonderful event by contacting the Vice Chairperson, Jean Goshgarian Michael at 401-499-9341 by January 31st.

The Christian Education Committee is excited to invite all the young adults of our community

to become a part of these wonderful fellowships:

High School Bible Study and Fellowship First Meeting: Friday, January 29

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Fermanian Hall

Ages: All High School Students

Group Leader: Der Kapriel

Young Adult Bible Study and Fellowship First Meeting: Thursday, February 4

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Place: Fermanian Hall

Ages: 18-30

Group Leader: Michael Markarian

Come and enjoy the opportunity to be with your peers in a supportive setting as you:

Get to know God’s word better

Discuss Jesus’ direction for your life

Experience how Jesus answers the questions of your heart

Find God’s answers to daily issues

Develop a closer personal relationship with Jesus

Social activities will also be planned for each group, giving everyone the chance to get to

know one another better while having some fun.

During the first meeting of each group, the members will decide which day and time is

best to meet in the future. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call the

church office at 831-6399.

Great Lent is upon us. Please Join Us for Adult Bible Study

on Monday Evenings at 7 pm

Schedule for Lenten Vesper Services

Lenten Vesper Services begin on February 10th and will continue through March 16th. Vespers Services will begin at 7:15 pm. On select dates, the Vesper

Services will be preceded by a Lenten Dinner at 6:00 pm.

The schedule for Lenten events is listed below:

Wednesday, February 10 Our Board of Trustees will host the Fellowship Hour

following the Lenten Service.

Wednesday, February 17 ARS "Ani" and "Arax" Chapters

will host the Lenten Dinner at 6 pm

Wednesday, February 24 The Men's Club will host the Fellowship Hour

following the Lenten Service.

Wednesday, March 2 AYF/Homenetmen will host

the Median Day Lenten Dinner at 6 pm

Wednesday, March 9 CEC will host the Fellowship Hour

following the Lenten Service.

Wednesday, March 16 Ladies' Guild will host the Lenten Dinner at 6 pm

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 20th Morning Service 9:30 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Turunpatzek Opening of the Gates 12:00 pm

Godfather of the Opening of the Curtain: Vahe Oharonian

Maundy Thursday, March 24th Washing of the Disciples’ Feet 7:00 pm Betrayal of Jesus (Khavaroom) 8:00 pm

Good Friday, March 25th Commemoration of Christ’s Burial 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, March 26th Evening Service 7:00 pm Divine Liturgy 7:30 pm

Note: Pupils of the Mourad Armenian School and Sunday School will receive Holy Communion on Saturday, March 26th

at 10:00 am. Adults are also invited.

Easter Sunday, March 27th Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sermon 11:00 am

With Great Appreciation

Der Gomidas, Der Kapriel and the Board of Trustees are very honored to announce that the Family of our beloved Arch Deacon and Choir Director, Souren Mouradjian, recently made the following donations in his memory:

$60,000 to the Sts. Vartanantz Church Endowment Fund “in Memory of Deacon Souren Mouradjian who was devoted to his Church and faithful Choir Director of Sts. Vartanantz Church for 62 years.”

$15,000 to establish the “Deacon Souren Mouradjian Endowed Choir Fund” “in memory of Deacon Souren Mouradjian who was devoted to his Church and faithful Choir Director of Sts. Vartanantz Church for 62 years.” Funding “To be used for the following: purchase of new music, repair and maintenance of the organ, sound system, funding for private conducting, organ, and voice lessons for directors, organists and soloists who are dedicated, faithful and committed to the choir. Can also be used for lessons for altar servers who are also equally faithful and committed. Additional needs to further the development of musical and vocal skills of choir and altar servers may be considered.”

May God grant his blessings on the Mouradjian Family and may His perpetual light shine on Souren always.

Armenian Christmas Eve

Armenian Christmas

Godfather of the Cross

Michael Simonian

**************************************************************************************

Sunday School Family Breakfast

Recently, our Sunday School Teachers, and Students along with their parents enjoyed a

delicious breakfast and gathering. The theme for this month's breakfast was "Prayer". After

the breakfast, each child made a "Prayer Journal" in which they are to record their prayers and

whom they are intended for. Different types of prayers, how to pray and whom to pray for

were discussed. The students will also be discussing and then adding a new scripture to their

Journal each week. Yeretzgeen Debbie taught the children a very easy way using their fingers

to help them in deciding which type of prayer to say for their intended person. The students

are looking forward to our next Family Monthly Breakfast on February 14th where they will

learn of our new theme!

Future Sunday School Family Breakfasts will

take place on March 13th, April 10th and May

8th.

ARS “ANI” CHAPTER NEWS ATTENION HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS:

ARS EASTERN USA’S Undergraduate & Lazarian Graduate 2015 Scholarship Applications are available. Website scholarship page www.arseastusa.org. Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016

Providence ARS “Ani” Chapter Undergraduate Scholarship Applications are now available. Must be a RI Resident and in second year of college. Call KAREN PILLA – 274-1033 or Email KPIilla1015@gmail.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016

Varoujan and Rose V. Karentz Scholarhip Fund Details and information will be forthcoming soon.

Wednesday, February 17 --- ARS “Ani” and “Arax” Chapters will host Annual Lenten Dinner in the Fermanian Fellowship Hall 6pm

Sunday, February 28 –ARS Day- Requiem for Deceased ARS Members - followed by Coffee Hour after Church Services.

ARS “Ani” and “Arax” Chapters will be sponsoring their Annual EASTER FOOD DRIVE for the R.I. Community Food Bank March 1 through March 25. Please leave food donations in the back hallway. Be a good neighbor and donate to help the less fortunate.

Sunday, April 3 - ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE in MEMORY of OUR SAINTS of the 1915 GENOCIDE. 10am to 2pm in the lower hall. Please call Joyce -354-8770, Steve-573-7888, Sandra-885-7772

Men's Club Goes Back in Time at the Smith Hill Library

The Men's Club of Sts. Vartanantz has become a member of the Friends of Smith Hill Library since so many of us have roots in Smith Hill and have spent time growing up there. Books have been donated for the library to sell as a fundraiser. We recently gave a small donation in gift cards as prizes for a kids Halloween party.

While there one day we noticed the clock was not working and was told it had not been working for quite a while. We asked the librarian if he could get it down, we could fix it. With the Men's Club picking up expenses for materials, chairman Tom Kizirian disassembled, cleaned, and rewired the clock and made a new back for it. Here is the front and back of the original clock for the library.

The wording on the back says:

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Men's Club

November 2015

That clock has seen the history of our community change from the time of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide to today as we have come full circle giving back something precious to a new generation of people.

Steve Elmasian Treasurer, Men's club

Sts. Vartanantz Church Outreach Fund

Please consider making a donation to the Sts. Vartanantz Church Outreach Fund. This program’s purpose is to provide financial help for those parishioners who have fallen on hard times. All donations should be designated for the “Outreach Fund”. Also, please note if you would like your donation to remain anonymous.

Recent Donations

Anonoymous $ 300

Dirahayr and Diramayr Nazarian $ 200 In Loving Memory of their daughter, Christine Nazarian White

http://www.arseastusa.org/mailto:KPIilla1015@gmail.com

Altar Candles

Ms. Margaret Stepanian in Loving Memory of Steven Stepanian

Altar Flowers

Bedrosian, Adam and Bilzerian Families in Loving Memory of Oppie Bedrosian

Ms. Sue Aramian, Mrs. Margo Ragan and Ms. Cheryl Apkarian in Loving Memory of Martha Aramian

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Taraian, Sr. in Loving Memory of Michael Makokian

Donations

Dirahayr and Diramayr Nazarian $ 200 in Loving Memory of their daughter, ChristineNazarian White

Raffi and Lisa Tatarian $ 200 in honor of their daughter’s, Nayri Aleza’s, Fortieth Day Blessing

Mrs. Starre Najarian $ 100 in appreciation for Der Hayrs’ visits and prayers also to all who expressed Best Wishes for a Quick Recovery from her recent illness

Jason and Nora Simonian $ 100 in Honor of their son, Michael, serving as Godfather of the Cross at Christmas

Ms. Melissa Simonian $ 100 in Honor of her nephew, Michael Simonian, serving as Godfather of the Cross at Christmas

Spiritual Bouquet Cards

are available for

Prayers for Healing or Deceased

These cards are to be sent by you to the family indicating your intentions. They may be obtained at the Pangal or from the Church Office. Donation for the cards is $10 each. Please complete the appropriate form with the requested information so that Der Hayr may offer Silent Prayers for the individual(s) at the appropriate time during the Divine Liturgy.

If you and your family would like to host the Sunday Fellowship following Church Services, please call the Church Office at 401-831-6399 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a special occasion.

Requiem Services

February 7 Avedis and Nancy Alahverdian; Aris Baligian and Iskouhe Tuktukian; Robert S. Bogosian; Virginia Giragosian; Vartkes Harootunian; Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian; Avedis Mahdesian; Hagop Jack Markarian; Sylvia Melkonian Melikian; Lucy Tavanian; George Tomasian, Sr.; Pailoon Torigian

February 14 Marc G. and Elizabeth Jabagjorian; Vartkes Kaprielian; Yakout and Simon Kibarian and Ann Nahigian; Harriet and Nazar Maynazarian; Rose Saraf; Elizabeth Sarkisian; Satenig Stepanian; Nurik and Noubar Taraksian; Isabelle Varadian; Anna and Souren Yeremian

February 21 Lulu and Albert Abbey; Noyemzar Alexanian; Sarkis Aproian; Kurken Ayvasian; Anna Basmajian; Minas Dolbashian; Kachig Garabedian; Sarkis and Khatoon Garabedian; Sarkis Kashmanian; Angelina Kibarian; Charles Manoogian and Laura Harotian; Arys, Haig and Arax Missakian, and Melidos and Christine Najarian; George Mouradjian; Lucille Peterson; Ralph Rafaelian; Gregory Sahagian; Anna Topalian; Esquhie and Hagop Toumasian

February 28 Benefactors and Deceased Members of the ARS “Arax” and “Ani” Chapters; Nancy Akalarian; Nazenik Akalarian; Guy and Sarah Asadorian; Harry Barsoian; Krikor,Mariam, Vartanoush, Bedros and Mariam Bedrosian; Maria Czbanowski, and Horopig and Albert Rustelli; Harry Derderian; Kevork Hajaian; John H. Harootunian; Kerop Jabagjorian; Semon Johnson; Malina Kevorkian and Elizabeth Birkner; Shake' Khatchadourian; Vartan, Margaret and Giovanna Marabian, and Lillian Kuzirian; James McConaghy; Suzanne Najarian; Boghos Paul and Haig Sahagian; Kaloust and Takouhi Terzian; Rose Zorabedian; Sara and Ralph Zorabedian

March 6 Baghdasar, Souren, Boghos, Siranoosh, Minas and Elmas Arzoomanian and Anna Nahabedian; Hagopos, Ovsanna and Dr. Kegham and Shavarsh Nartouni Ayvasian, Arsen and Mariam Babikyan and Aghavni Derderian; Artacky Berberian; Minas and Margaret Dayian; Helen Fashjian; Satenig and John Hovhannes Garabedian; Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian; Dikranouhi and Krikor Krikorian; Haig

March 6 contd. Markarian, Sr; Aroussiag Minassian; Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian and Melkon "Mal" Norigian; Moushegh “Joe” Najarian; Gulizar Sarkisian; Yeranuhi and Harpet Sarkisian; Mugurdich Shaljian; Kazar, Almas, Peter and Vencenza Simonian and Zartar Atamian; Hrayr, Rouben, Vehanush, Stepan, Antranig, Mari and Vartan Stepanyan; Karapet Tashian

March 13 Helena, Hagop, Lawrence, Daniel and Dawn Adoian; Arpie Asadoorian; Asadoor and Elmas Avakian; Setrag, Parancum, and Alice Bagdasarian; Haig Martin Baligian; Beatrice Bouris; Anna Casciano, Mary Karibian and Parensem Antonian; Lousik Dadayan; Jouhar Dappinian, Melkon Derderian, Toni Christina Budnick, and Soukias and Tourvanda Setian; Garabed, Mariam and Manoog DerKachadourian and Haroutoon Andonian; Harold and Sally Goolgasian; Karapet Khoulian; Frances Kizirian; Aram Markarian and Yeghishe and Vergine Basmajian; Leo Marsoubian; Paramaz Narzakian and Robert Hagopian; Genevieve Pelkey; Gregory Portukalian; Sahak Sahakian; Elizabeth, Hagop and Robert Tevekelian

March 20 Hagop and Aghavni Alahverdian; Donald Bedrosian; Lillian Bedrosian and Nancy Francazio; Michael Der Hagopian; Margaret Der Manouelian; Avedis and Zabel Demoorjian, and Sarkis and Anneg Kopopian; Maritza Dolbashian; Violet Garabedian; Harry Kachadourian; Diramayr Rose Kassabian; Harry, Kapriel and Marinos Krikorian, and Oski Ornazian; Sarah Leylegian; Hagop and Arshalous Madoian; Peter Mantaian; Vartoohe, Babig and Rose Marabian and Gulizar Ivazian;Garabed Masdanian; Abraham Movsessian; Gevork Odabashyan; Kathy Grace Peterson; Yeghsapert, Easaya, and Garabed Kenoian, John and Sally Costigan and Albert Vicent Reizian; Sarkis Stepanian; Roxie Surabian ; Lalezar Khimatian Talbot; Zaven Tenkarian, Vahram Samuelian, Heghine Manasian and Louise Vartanian

Eternal Rest

Lucy Arakelian Kanarian Entered into Eternal Rest on January 8, 2016

Fortieth Day Remembrance

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Lucy Arakelian Kanarian will be said on February 14, 2016

Sacramental Events

Baptisms: Vahannah Rose Zorabedian Vaz

Parents: Bruno Vaz Tara Zorabedian Born: November 15, 2015 Baptized: January 31, 2016 Godfather: Marcos Vaz

Calendar of Events

Feb 4 Young Adults [ages 18-30] Bible Study and Fellowship 7 pm

Vartanantz Day Commemoration in our Sanctuary 7 pm followed by Collation/Program sponsored by the Knights of and Daughters of Vartan

Feb 7 His Grace, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will be the Celebrant

Vartanantz Celebration in Aramian

Auditorium following the Divine Liturgy; Lent Begins

Homenetmen Super Bowl Party Aramian Auditorium 6:30 pm

Feb 10 Lenten Vesper at 7:15 pm followed by Fellowship hosted by the Board of Trustees

Feb 12 Family Night --- Joint Armenian School and Sunday School Event Aramian Auditorium 6 – 8 pm

Feb 14 February Family Sunday School Breakfast for students and their Families 10 am

Feb 17 Lenten Fish Dinner sponsored by ARS “Ani” & “Arax” Chapters 6 pm Lenten Vespers at 7:15 pm

Feb 24 Lenten Vesper at 7:15 pm followed by Fellowship hosted by our Men’s Club

Mar 2 Lenten Fish Dinner sponsored by AYF/Homenetmen Chapters 6 pm Lenten Vespers at 7:15 pm

Mar 9 Lenten Vesper at 7:15 pm followed by Fellowship hosted by our Christian Education Committee

Calendar of Events contd. Mar 16 Lenten Dinner sponsored by our Ladies’ Guild 6 pm Lenten Vespers at 7:15 pm

Attention

Deadline for the submission of articles,

pictures etc. to the Gantegh for publication is

the 15th of the month prior to the issue.

Please adhere to the deadline and email your

submissions [alice@stsvartanantzchurch.org]

as this facilitates the editing process. Thank

you for your cooperation.

Winter and Inclement Weather

is upon us!

Please remember to check for our cancellations. They will be listed on all local radio and television stations and their web sites.

Assistant Secretary Position

Providence Homenetmen Scouts at the New Jersey Winter Seminar

It's A New Year!

Please remember to remit 2015 Membership and Stewardship Form along with the

appropriate payment as soon as possible. Membership Dues are as follows:

$100 (26 & older)

$50 Senior Citizen (65 & older)

$25 (18 - 25 yrs. of age)

For your convenience, we offer the availability of credit card transactions. Information

is on the Membership/Stewardship Form or you may contact the Church Office at 401-

831-6399 for further information. Your continuous and unyielding support is what

sustains the well being of our Church.

****************************************************************

Newly Elected Homenetmen Executive

Chairman: Sarkis Tarpinian Vice Chairman: Arees Khatchadourian

Secretary: Talene Taraksian Treasurer: Siran Krikorian

Scouts’ Representative: Raffi Rachdouni Social Representative: Ida Krikorian Athletic Representative: Michael Arslanian

****************************************************

Providence Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Gala Celebration

The Homenetmen Providence Chapter has served the Armenian community of Rhode Island since 1981

through its athletic and scouting programs. This organization has brought admiration and respect to the

Providence Armenian community for the past 35 years. On Saturday, June 4, 2016 the Providence

Homenetmen will celebrate its 35th Anniversary with a special Banquet Dinner Dance at the Venus de

Milo, Swansea, MA. A Souvenir Ad-Book also will be published for the occasion.

It is our hope that you will support this event by attending the gala celebration and sending your

donation for the ad-book, which encompasses 35 years of our chapter’s history. It is only with your

continued encouragement that this anniversary will be a success and Homenetmen will continue its vital

role in educating our youth, who will be our future leaders.

Come and enjoy an evening full of fun, food and entertainment provided by famous singer Harout

Bedrosian from Montreal and his band. All information to the community is forthcoming. We look

forward to a memorable evening with you and your family.

Scholarship information

The Daughters of Vartan

is proud to announce its first scholarship offering for college students. The purpose of this fund is to grant merit based scholarships to Rhode Island students for study at institutions of higher education beyond the secondary level who:

(1) have demonstrated academic capabilities; (2) are members of and participants in the Armenian Church; (3) have shown potential to contribute to society.

All decisions in regard to scholarship applications and the amount of the award, if any, are entirely at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.

Scholarship awards from the Daughters of Vartan are limited to Rhode Island students who are: (1) persons or descendants of persons who are Armenian by national origin or descent; and (2) who are members of an Armenian Church.

If you are a member of the above groups, you are invited to apply by furnishing the Daughters of Vartan with the following forms and information:

1) The attached application completed by you and your parents or guardians as appropriate. 2) Certification from your church that you are a member 3) Official transcripts of academic grades for at least the past two semesters that are available. 4) An autobiographical sketch of yourself, including future ambitions, goals and dreams. 5) Two letters of recommendation 6) A resume including awards, extracurricular activities, and positions held

Copies of the application are available in our Church Office

********************************************************************

Paul O. and Mary Boghossian Memorial Trust Scholarship

Awards scholarships for study at institutions of higher education beyond the secondary level to RI students who demonstrate: financial need,academic capability; and potential to contribute to the USA and its form of government. Scholarship awards from the Trust are limited to RI students from any one of the following groups :

1) Residents of Kent, Newport or Washington Counties in the state of RI; or 2) Members and former members of the Kent County branch of the YMCA in the City of Warwick; or 3) Members and former members of the Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club, in the city of Pawtucket; or 4) Members or descendants of a member of Park Place Congregational Church, in the city of Pawtucket; or 5) Persons or descendants of persons who are Armenian by national origin or descent

All decisions pertaining to scholarship applications and awards are made by a Scholarship Committee composed of individuals independent of the Boghossian Family and Bank of America, N.A., the Corporate Trustee.

For questions regarding the scholarship process please contact Ms. Dian Parker Quinn at 617-434-6454 or dian.quinn@ustrust.com

Copies of the application are available in our Church Office

mailto:dian.quinn@ustrust.com

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY “ANI” and “ARAX” CHAPTERS

LENTEN FISH DINNER

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Fermanian Fellowship Hall

Dinner 6 pm Lenten Vespers Service 7:15 pm

Adults: $15.00 Children under 10: $8.00

All Proceeds to benefit the Mourad Armenian School

PLEASE JOIN US!

Important Dates to Remember

February 4 Young Adults [ages 18-30] Bible Study and Fellowship Vartanantz Day Service and Fellowship

February 7 Vartanantz Celebration Dinner Homenetmen Super Bowl Party

February 10 Lenten Vespers Service begins

February 12 Family Night --- Joint Armenian School and Sunday School Event

February 14 Family Sunday School Breakfast for students and their Families 10 am

February 17 Lenten Dinner hosted by the ARS “Ani” & “Arax” Chapters