Sts. Vartanantz Church

WEEKLY BULLETIN Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909 Office: 831-6399 Fax: 351-4418

Email: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 15, 2013

Please Join Us in Worship this Sunday

Morning Service 9:30 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am - Sermon 11:15

Մասնակցեցէք Ս.Պատարագին`

Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն 9:30

Ս. Պատարագ 10:00 - Քարոզ 11:15

Scenes from the

ARS Senior Citizens

Christm as Party

Another wonderful Senior Citizens' Christmas Party at Twelve Acres ... complete with a visit from Gaghant Baba! All who attended had a fun time being entertained by Hagop Garabedian and let us not forget ... the raffle prizes!

Providence Celebrates ARF Day

An overflow crowd of 175 people filled Aramian

Auditorium on Saturday, December 7th

as the

Providence "Kristapor" Gomideh and its members

celebrated the 123rd

year of the organization by

honoring three hamagirs of this community.

The program started with a brief message of

appreciation by Providence Chairman Unger Hagop

Donoyan.

Ungerouhi Dalita Getzoyan sang the National

Anthem and Kooyr Minar Tarpinian sang Mer

Hairenik and Mshag Panvor.

Unger Garo Tashian, who served as the emcee of

the evening, introduced Unger George Aghjayan as

the guest speaker. Unger George was raised in the

Providence community and served on the Central

Committee of the ARF (Eastern Region), an

organization that has worked faithfully as the parent

of the ARS, AYF, Hamazkayin and Homenetmen

chapters throughout the world, for the ultimate goal

of a free, independent and united Armenia.

Unger Andrew Bagdasarian then welcomed the

gathering, proceeding to read the impressive

personal bios of Ungerouhi Maro Dioinisopoulos

(ARS), Yeghpayr Hagop Khatchadourian

(Homenetmen) and Unger Anto Mesrobian.

All three have been active in various aspects of this

community for their entire lives. They are prime

examples of where the strength of our community

comes from. They humbly received plaques from

the committee and spoke briefly of how proud they

were to be chosen to be recognized this year.

Arch Priest Gomidas Baghsarian provided the

invocation representing the Sts. Vartanantz Church

community before a losh kebab dinner was served.

The entertainment portion of the program began

with a wonderful performance of Armenian

classical and folk dances presented by the Erebouni

Youth Dance Group of the Boston Hamazkayin

featuring over 35 youth who were dressed in

traditional costumes and put on a show that the

audience received with numerous standing ovations.

The evening concluded with the Arev Armenian

Folk Ensemble which performed traditional

Armenian music and songs and delighted the crowd

with much expected Heghopohagan songs, with the

audience singing along.

As we are about to approach the 100th anniversary

of the Armenian Genocide, a bold statement was

made at this gathering. The ARF in Providence

remains steadfast to its goals. With a membership of

mostly young professional adults, the future of the

organization in this community looks bright.

A portion of the proceeds are being sent to the

Syrian Armenian community as promised.

ARF Reporter

Ôáõϳë

GOSPEL Luke 17:1-10 Sin, Faith, Duty

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to

that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the

sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to

sin. So watch yourselves.

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against

you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive

him.”

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this

mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he

say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’?

Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I

eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Would he thank the servant because he

did what he was asked to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told

to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”

(On Page 1037 in your Bible)

EPISTLE Hebrews 1:1-14

The Son Superior to Angels

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in

various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed

heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of

God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful

word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the

Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has

inherited is superior to theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have become

your Father”?

Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?

And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s

angels worship him.”

In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of

fire.”

But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and

righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and

hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by

anointing you with the oil of joy.”

He also says, “In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and

the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will

all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be

changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”

To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your

enemies a footstool for your feet.” Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those

who will inherit salvation?

(On Page 1184 in your Bible)

REQUIEM SERVICE December 15, 2013

Jirair Reshdouni --- Fortieth Day Remembrance

George K. Adoian

Jirair Aharonian

Alberta Bedigian

Kevork, Lucia, Sarah and Michael Eghian, and Asadoor and Takouhi Simonian

Zarouhy Garabedian

Shabouh, Seranoosh and Oskie "Rusty" Hagopian, and Margaret Ashew

Baizar, Hagop and Garabed Kambourian, and Victoria Arnavoudian

Kevork, Hagop and Hripsema Keshijian, Hagop Minassian, and Hagop and Arousiag Tashjian

John and Katherine Magarian, and Mary Zorabedian

David Marabian

Eva Sahagian

Varastad and Arevnaz Soultanian, and Thomas and Mary Matulewicz

REQUIEM SERVICE December 22, 2013

Azatouhi Shalidjian --- Fortieth Day Remembrance

Robert Avakian --- First Year Anniversary

Cynthia Shartzer --- First Year Anniversary

Andrea Abate

Warren G. Dolbashian

Manoog and Araxie Elmasian

Mary Engustian

Nishan and Araxe Kefeyan

Kevork Vichabian

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Especially during the Advent Season, Please Join Us on Monday Evenings at 7 pm for

ADULT BIBLE STUD

THIS SUNDAY Sunday School Christmas Pageant

Immediately following the Soorp Badarak [Snow Date is December 22nd]

Following the Pageant, our Men's Club will be hosting a Spaghetti and Meatballs Dinner/Christmas Party

Aramian Auditorium. Adults - $6.00, children - $3.00

ARS "Arax" Chapter Bake Sale in Fermanian Fellowship Hall

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 7 pm

Please join us for the singing of Traditional Christmas Carols

Come and Join Us

Sunday, December 29, 2013 The Board of Trustees will sponsor a Reception following the Divine Liturgy to wish Harold Nazarian a safe and fruitful trip to Antelias as he continues with his studies for the Priesthood. Come and wish Harold "Paree Janabar".

Visit our website for updated Church news http://www.stsvartanantzchurch.org

From the December 12th issue of Crossroads

ST. JAMES (HAGOP) OF NISIBIS

This Saturday, December 14, is the Feast of St. James (Hagop) of Nisibis (Mdzbin). He participated in the first ecumenical council in Nicaea (325), where he earned great respect from the Emperor Constantine and the other attendees. He was born and died in the city of Nisibis (Nusbyien) located in what is now southeastern Turkey, an important early Christian center in Asia Minor and a transit point of the caravans traveling east and west.

St. James is one of the most beloved saints in the Armenian Church. He is also honored by the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Coptic Church, and the Eastern Catholic and Roman Catholic Churches. He was ordained Bishop of Nisibis in 320 AD.

St. James sought to find Noah’s Ark as proof for skeptics. On the eve of his ascent to the summit, as he rested, an angel appeared and told him that he need not climb to the summit and gave him a piece of the Ark which was nearby. This piece is kept at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The heavenly hosts rejoiced at the greatness of your feats by which you in the flesh became like the angels on high; we have you as intercessor for us before the Father in heaven. And we with a joyful voice celebrate your holy memory, O venerable witness of Christ, holy bishop James; we have you as intercessor for

us before the Father in heaven. You decided on severe toils to see Noah’s Ark and from the angel’s hand received a portion of the wood which served the human race as salvation; we have you as intercessor for us before the father in heaven. (Canon to St. James, Bishop of Nisibis, from the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

This Sunday, December 15, is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of Christ that gives us reason to live in hope regardless of the many challenges and vicissitudes facing us. John the Baptist is the greatest Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter 3 and Luke, Chapter 3). Advent should be a time of reflection on our lives and the needs of others, near and far, who are less fortunate. It can also be a time of sadness for many who have recently lost loved ones or who are ill. A simple telephone call or a visit can boost the spirits of a friend, neighbor or relative. Take a breather from your frenzy of activity and relax and reflect.

A NEW PRELACY PUBLICATION: THE NICENE CREED

The Prelacy recently published Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian’s monumental “Commentary on the Nicene Creed,” in a bilingual English and Armenian edition. The English translation was prepared by Deacon Shant Kazanjian, executive director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). This important work is based on a series of lectures delivered by Archbishop Zareh, of blessed memory, and was published in Armenian in Aleppo in 2008. This important work explains the Nicene Creed line by line, word by word, in accordance to the orthodox faith; it presents the beliefs of the Christian faith that are essential for every believer. Each theological and biblical term is carefully examined and compared. Copies of this monumental edition are available for purchase from the Church Office. Cost is $15 per copy. Also available are copies of the newly published " Historical Atlas of Armenia". Cost of these are $40 per copy. This bilingual atlas is truly a "new atlas for a new generation" and has been published on the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing, with the sponsorship of the Hagopian family of Providence and in memory of Yervant and Serpouhi Hagopian.

Either or both of these publications would make excellent Christmas gifts for family and friends.

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.

Please keep us up-to-date with your contact information!

Please call the Church Office at 831-6399 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special occasion for the Sunday Fellowship following Church Services.

Due to Federal Privacy Laws, hospitals no longer provide Der Hayr with a Patient Religion List. We ask that you notify the Church Secretary (401-831-6399) of family members and parishioners who are ill and/or hospitalized so that Der Hayr may call or make a visitation.

Please contact the Church Office at 831-6399 with any address/telephone changes.

Sts. Vartantantz Church Sunday School presents

Celebrate!

Our Annual Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 15, 2013 (Inclement weather date – December 22, 2013)

Immediately following Church Services

Please join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus

Paree Janabar

Sts. Gregory the Illuminator

Cathedral

Theological Seminary

Sunday, December 29, 2013 Following the Divine Liturgy, the Board of Trustees will host a Reception in honor of our Deacon, Harold Nazarian.

Come and join with us as we wish him safe travel and much success as he departs to Antelias in order to continue with his studies in preparation for the priesthood.