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. 6 June, July and August 2016

From Der Hayr's Desk...

Training Up Our Children

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4 NIV).

Two years ago, immediately after their ordination to the Priesthood, Der Kapriel and Der Mikael spent their forty days of seclusion and prayer here at Sts. Vartanantz Church. On one occasion, Anoushavan Srpazan came to visit our newly-ordained Priests to check on their progress and to go over the Divine Liturgy. He began singing the choir part; at the same time, he was writing a whole page of instructions for both Der Hayrs. I asked him: “Srpazan Hayr, how can you do both at the same time?” He answered: "The Badarak has become part of me from childhood. It has become second nature for me.”

Srpazan’s answer immediately made sense to me, because, I also can do the same in music with my musical instruments. I can carry a conversation and play a song at the same time. Why? Because the instrument had become part of me from my youth.

It is the same with our faith and how we bring up our children. The Bible says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)

In other words, if God's Law and Christian principles are instilled in our children at a young age, these

precepts will become the way of life for them. Pleasing the Lord in all that they do will become the desire of their hearts. God's word and Christian principles will become their foundation. When the foundation is strong, then the character of the person is strong.

Family foundation and accountability is also important and plays a great role in building Christian character in our children. As a child growing up in Jerusalem, we were all brought up with a sense of accountability not only to our parents, but uncles, aunts etc.

However, it is important to emphasize the words "train up.” As parents, we are not asked to simply teach and discipline, but to train up our children to think and to discern between right and wrong according to the Word of God which is a light for our path in life. In Psalms we read: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105 ).

Last month we celebrated Mother’s Day and this month we will be celebrating Father’s Day. We congratulate our fathers and mothers for their faithfulness in training our future generation to walk in the light of our Lord.

Adult Bible Study will resume in September on Monday Evenings at 7pm

We hope that you will be able to join us.

Church Summer Schedule is now in effect. Soorp Badarak begins at 9:30 am.

It’s Almost Time for Summer Bible Camp!

The start of summer is just around the corner – and so is our Bible Camp. During the week of July 18 – 22, our church will be transformed into a vibrant day camp setting for children from the ages of 4 – 12. The theme for this year’s camp is “God’s Precious Promises”. Campers will have a fun time exploring how faithful our Lord is in fulfilling all of His promises to us. In addition to discussing stories from the Bible, campers will join together in daily prayer, arts and crafts, games, and singing. We will also take a day long field trip to Coggeshall Farm and Colt State Park as we explore first hand some of the ways that God provides for us each day. What a great way for our children to spend a week together as they draw closer to our Lord while forming new friendships and strengthening existing friendships.

We invite everyone to be a part of our Bible Camp. On Friday, July 22, at 3:00 p.m., the campers will share a short performance that will include uplifting songs that they learned during their week together. Please save this date to join us in encouraging the youth of our community as they lift our hearts with words and songs of praise to our Lord.

Our thanks to everyone for their outpouring of support for our Bible Camp. We have been blessed with volunteers to help with every part of the camp and have received donations to help offset the costs of holding a weeklong camp. As our camp grows this summer, we welcome your continued support in any form. Most of all, we ask for your prayers for another successful camp that strengthens the bond of our children with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His church.

“JUST A PERSONAL NOTE” FROM YERETZGEEN JOANNA

“IN HIS SERVICE”

Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has

proclaimed 2016 as “THE YEAR OF SERVICE”.

We are endowed with abilities given by our Creator.

His Holiness is calling upon all the faithful with

diverse God-given talents to serve our communities

by implementing programs and events that would

enrich the lives of our people.

Our Prelate, Oshagan Srpazan, expressed a strong

desire to hold a conference for the yeretzgeens of

our Eastern Prelacy during the week of NRA2016.

Executive Council Member, Karen Jehanian, was given

the task to facilitate and execute this conference.

Yeretzgeen Joanna Baghsarian was asked to honor

the requests of our Vehapar and our Prelate by

planning and organizing the conference with

“SERVICE” as the theme.

Rev. Father Nareg Terterian, Pastor and the Board of

Trustees and the faithful members of St. Sarkis

Armenian Apostolic Church of Douglaston, NY were

our gracious hosts who prepared a lovely meeting

room for our comfort. Child-care service was also

provided for the young children of yeretzgeens who

attended the Yeretzgeen Conference.

Wednesday afternoon began with a MEDITATION

and a SHARAGAN – a spiritual hymn of Praise. This

task was given to Yn Alice Baljian from the St.

Gregory Community of N Andover, MA. Her eloquent

delivery set the tone and opened the hearts of

everyone present to receive the message delivered

by the speakers.

Speaker Yn Joanna Baghsarian taught on ‘PRAYER – A

HOLY OCCUPATION’. Participants were given a 12-

step formula based on The Lord’s Prayer on how to

partner with God in changing the world around us.

Our SERVICE to God and His people must always

begin with prayer. Yeretzgeens were encouraged to

find a special place for our daily rendezvous with God.

No cell phones. No TV. Just a bible, pencil and paper

to jot down our thoughts. To absorb and record

divine instruction concerning specific matters for the

day, a personalized leather Prayer Journal with our

names inscribed in gold on the front was given to

each yeretzgeen.

Speaker Yn Margaret Stepanian gave testimony on

her many years of SERVICE as a ‘HELPMATE TO HER

HUSBAND’ and as a ‘SERVANT TO HER

COMMUNITY’. Her openness, transparency, loving

demeanor, colorful stories and deep insights made it

comfortable for Yeretzgeens to engage in open

dialogue and to share how our ‘SERVICE’ is working in

our homes and communities. From prayer to praise to

public speaking – the entire afternoon was conducted

by our own yeretzgeens.

Thursday morning, ‘SERVICE’ became an action word

when we were welcomed by Jenny Akopyan, Director

of the New York Armenian Home for the elderly in

Flushing, a home away from home for 25 Armenians.

They represent the five Continents of North and

South America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Rev. Father Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St.

Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral in NYC,

opened with prayer and a Morning Service

(Jamerkutiun). His Yeretzgeen Ojeen Lakissian,

gifted in baking and cake artistry, prepared a festive

basket of choreg for each resident.

The Providence Sts Vartanantz Sunday and Armenian

School students “cared enough to send their very

best” to the elderly at the Armenian Home by

drawing colorful greeting cards with handwritten

messages. Yn Debbie Nazarian presented their

creations in a beautiful gift box.

Yeretzgeens were paired with residents from the

same Province of their ancestral land and personally

presented the basket of cheer to each one. This was

quality time well-spent in prayer, Christian love,

fellowship, bonding, singing and yes - even dancing to

the piano and voice of Sosie Kadian.

This “hour of power” was meant to change their

world. Never could we have imagined how

transformed we would become by our encounter with

the elderly. When one attends a conference such as

this followed by active ‘SERVICE’, there is nothing

more gratifying than to depart feeling energized,

enlightened, encouraged, motivated, inspired,

refreshed and ready to return to our communities

with a renewed spirit in Jesus Christ. Yeretzgeens

were encouraged to pray and to be proactive in

maintaining contact not only throughout ‘THE YEAR

OF SERVICE’ but also in the years, the numbered

days, remaining for our golden agers – all of whom are

in their 90’s - before they are called home to be with

the Lord.

In the words of His Holiness: “God will bless our

service and history will remember and honor not what

we had, but that which we gave; not our beautiful

words, but our good deeds.”

“Love the Lord your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:5)

~Agapi~ Yeretzgeen Joanna Baghsarian

Parishioners

Please remember to remit your 2016 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 as well as automatic re-occurring Dues and Stewardship payments. 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.

ARS “ANI” CHAPTER NEWS

The ARS “ANI” Chapter is happy to announce our Scholarship winners for 2016. In June, three students received $500.00 each. They were Shant Eghian, Nareh Mkrtschjan and Rachel Minassian. Our best wishes and continued success to all in their future endeavors.

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, June 23, 2016 for the Ani Chapter Fundraiser for the Soseh Kindergarten School in Artsakh to be held at the University Club, Providence. Call Karen Pilla-274-1033 or Pauline Getzoyan-486-3776 for info.

We invite everyone to join us on Saturday, July 16, 2016 7pm – 12am for A HYE SUMMER NIGHT #10 Dinner Dance at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston, featuring HACHIG KAZARIAN, JOHN BERBERIAN, KEN KALAJIAN, JASON NAROIAN, and Khatchig Jingirian from CA. No dinner tickets will be sold at the door. Dinner tickets $55. per person. After 8:00 pm, dance only is $35. Students with ID for dance only is $30. Call Joyce Yeremian at 401-354-8770 joycey41@cox.net or Joyce Bagdasarian at 401-434-4467 for your dinner reservations by June 30. Please send in your raffle ticket donations. Don’t miss this great night of fun, food and wonderful music with your friends.

Wishing you all a great summer.

Men's Club News

Men's Club adopts an Armenian Section of the Oakland Cemetery

Our Men's Club has taken Aram Vehapar's "Year of Service" to heart. For the past several weeks, several individuals have met at the Oakland Cemetery in Cranston on Saturday mornings to help with its massive clean-up/restoration. The task is almost completed. We are almost ready for a mass grave blessing by our three church's clergy. It's planned to take place a week or two after Memorial Day.

Please consider joining us in reaching our goal.

Participants: Gary Aprahamian; Andrew Bagdasarian; Paul Bedrosian; Paul Chobanian; Anna-Marie Danayan; Mike Derderian; Fotini Dionisopoulos; George Donoyan; Steve Elmasian; Cory Garabedian; Raffi Joharjian; George Keshijian; Armand Kibarian; Tom Kizirian; John Mangassarian; Tiran Manukyan; Vark Markarian, Sr.; Gary Nahabedian; Ari Nalbandian; Dave Minassian; Hagop Taraksian; Harry Taraksian; Mike Taraksian; Ron Thebarge; Jim Yaghoobian; George Yapchaian; Aram Zobian; Berge Zobian; Garen Zobian; Levon Zobian; Sevan Zobian; Bobby Zorabedian; Kenny Zorabedian; Mike Zorabedian

Save the Date Sunday, October 2, 2016

Retirement Dinner in honor of our beloved Der Hayr,

Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian

2016 Easter Youghakin Donations $1500 Mr. James H. Surabian

$1000 Vartges and Dolores Engustian; Marabian Families; Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Mesrobian, Stepan, Mark & Bried; Mrs. Lucy Rafaelian in Memory of Ralph Rafaelian

$500 Anonymous; Mr.& Mrs. K. Kenneth Bogosian; Ricky and Rebecca Rafaelian Caruolo and Family in Memory of Ralph Rafaelian; Ms. Christine Engustian, Esq.; Mr. Aram G. Garabedian; Victoria and Hrant Jamjyan; Ms. Shakay Kizirian; Mrs. Lillian Markarian; Mr. John Takian

$300 Mrs. Lucy Kroian

$250 Omar and Rachel Rafaelian Ajaj; Vahe and Hasmik Arslanyan; Mr. Antranig Avakian; Mr. and Mrs. Armen Garabedian

$200 Mrs. Sylvia Hajian; Ms. Beverly Najarian; Mr. & Mrs. Ramon Zorabedian

$150 Mrs. Alice Bennett; Ms. Joanne Mouradjian; Mrs. Joyce Yeremian

$100 Aghjayan and Getzoyan Families; Ararat Association; Robert and Mariam Atamian; Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Balemian; Mr. & Mrs. George Baligian; Mr. Peter “Doc” Bedrosian; Mrs. Mary Bedrossian; Jon and Paula Burke and Family; Mrs. Shirley Derderian; Simon and Betty Der Muksian; Hagop and Salpi Donoyan; Christopher and Annie Fay; Ms. Mary Fermanian & Mrs. Queenie Haboian; Elyse, Louise and Rosette Garabedian; Mr. George Gregorian; Mrs. Arpy Jerozal; Mr. & Mrs. Azarig Kooloian, Sr.; Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kopoian; Harry and Claire Kushigian; Joseph and Beverly Leylegian; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Magarian; Mr. & Mrs. Arakel Mikaelian; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mouradjian; Mrs. Sara Mouradjian; Mr. Ardashes Nahabedian; Mr. Armenag Palian; Mark and Hasmig Phillips; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pjojian; David and Marjorie (Ovoian) Sluter; Mrs. Anahid Varadian; Ms. Janice Votolato

$75 Mr. & Mrs. Zak Asatrian

$50 Mrs. Melina Akalarian; Ms. Martina Baligian; Ms. Iulia Barsegova; Vanni and Alice Buratti; Ms. Elizabeth Hagopian; Mr. Harry Kachadoorian; Mrs. Van Karoghlanian; Mrs. Hazel Kizirian; Mrs. Sandra Megerdichian; Mrs. Marian Murray; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Nazarian; Mrs. Margaret Rueb; Suzanne and Melissa Simonian; Ms. Lucille Sprague; Mr. & Mrs. Harout Taraksian; Mr. & Mrs. Hayrapet Taraksian;

$50 continued Mrs. Ann Tikoian; Mr. & Mrs. Michael Toumasian; Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Varadian; Mrs. Sylvia B. Varadian; Mrs. Marlene Vichabian; Ms. Beverly Kinoian Vileno; Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Yepremian

$40 Mrs. Lucy Kaprielian

$35 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Palian; Mr. George Topalian

$30 Anonymous

$25 and under Mr. Harry Aharonian; Anonymous; Anonymous; Mr. Gary Atamian; Ms. Anahid Attarian; Ms. Roberta Babigian; Mrs. Rose Babigian; Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Babigian; Mr. Anthony Bahian; Mrs. Rose Barsoian; Mrs. Joan Bedrosian; Mr. & Mrs. Gary Berard; Mrs. Agnes Bianco; Ms. Victoria Budzynski; Rick and Nicole Campbell; Mrs. Agnes Connery; Ms. Helen Dayian; Mrs. Kay Derderian; Mrs. Mary DerManouelian; Mr. Harry Diggle; Mrs. Marie Donabedian; Elizabeth, Michael and Stephen Elmasian; Ms. Aurora Emdjian; Mrs. Margaret Goodwin; Mrs. Virginia Gregorian; Mr. & Mrs. Harry Hajian; Sarkis and Sandra Jamgochian; Mr. & Mrs. Setrak Jawharjian; Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kanarian; Ms. Elyse Kaprielian; Epic Kazandjian; Ms. Sosi Kelley; Mrs. Beatrice Kendrjian; Mrs. Alice Kojoian; Kachadour and Marilyn Kojoian; Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kojoian; Mrs. Arousiak Krikorian; Mrs. Rose-Marie Krikorian; Mrs. Noreen LaFazia; Mrs. Mary Bohigian-Legros; Mr. & Mrs. Archie Markarian; Ms. Sarah Markarian; Mrs. Takouhie Minassian; Mrs. Gloria Nahabedian; Mrs. Araxie Nezanian; Mrs. Mariam Norigian; Mr. & Mrs. Avetis Oundjian; Mr. & Mrs. Norayr Palandjian; Edward & Barbara Paolino; Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Peterson; Ms. S. Sylvia Simonian; Mrs. Seta Tarbinian; Antranik and Kathryn Tashian; Mrs. Souad Tashian; Mrs. Susan B. Tashjian; Armen and Martha Tenkarian; Mrs. Viviane Tomasian and Mr. Marc Jabagjorian; Mr. & Mrs. Harry Toumasian; Mrs. Sue Vartian

Special Service for the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide of 1915

at the Martyrs’ Monument

Donations for the Painting of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

$500 David and Marjorie (Ovoian) Sluter in Memory of Rose Ovoian; Lillian Markarian in Memory of Melkon and Mary Rafaelian $478 Vark Markarian $400 Ardashes Nahabedian in Memory of Marinos and Sarkis Nahabedian $300 Elyse, Louise and Rosette Garabedian in Memory of Krikor and Baizar Garabedian; Ara and Maggie Nalbandian in Memory of the Million and Half Martyrs $200 Mr. & Mrs. Haig Aghjayan and Mr. & Mrs. Ara Getzoyan in Memory of Giragos and Margaret DerManuelian $100 Robert and Mary Atamian; Hovannes, Emilia and Anahid Avakian in Memory of Haroutioun and Anitza Avakian; Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Balemian in Memory of the Balemian and Dayian Families; Jasper and Rita Bedrosian in Memory of Peter and Alice Bedrosian; Mrs. Alice Bennett in Memory of Ohannes and Hermena Malkasian; Mr. & Mrs. Ken Bogosian in Memory of Zakar and Bessie Bogosian, Ben and Mabel Najarian; Vanni and Alice Buratti in Memory of Misak and Araxie Simonian; Robert and Cynthia Conroy in Memory of ArchDeacon Arshavir Harmaian; Joseph and Margaret Derderian in Memory of Azarian, Hovsepian and Dolbashian Families; Mrs. Shirley Derderian in Memory of Manoog K. and Nevart Atamian; Mrs. JoAnn DerManouelian in Memory of Aram DerManouelian; Ann and Chris Fay; Kaprielian Familiy

$100 continued in Memory of Zarman Dolbashian; Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Khatchadourian in Mmeory of Antranik and Angel Khatchadourian; Christopher and Violet Krikorian in Memory of Dickranouhi Krikorian and Noyomi Garabedian; Mr. Michael Kroian in Memory of Michael Kroian and Markar Markarian; Mrs. Noreen LaFazia in Memory of Arthur and Agnes Melikian; Steve and Astrid Menatian; Mrs. Seta Missakian in Memory of Missakian and Najarian Families; Mrs. Sara Mouradjian in Memory of Souren, Oske, and Nishan – siblings of Souren Mouradjian; Ms. Beverly Najarian in Memory of Mabel and Ben Najarian; Paul and Gayle Riesselman in Memory of All of the Martyrs and Survivors of the Genocide; Arshag and Suzanne Simonian in Memory of Our Survivors, Our Parents Kazar and Almas Simonian, Krikor and Baizar Garabedian; Ms. Margaret Stepanian in Memory of Baidzar and Harry Stepanian, and Humar Markarian; Nancy and Mark Tavitian in Memory of Annie and David Nahigian; Mrs. Ann Tikoian and Family in Memory of Garabed and Tarviz (Mesrobian) Topalian; Mrs. Anahid Varadian in Memory of Karentz and Varadian Families; Mrs. Marlene Vichabian in Memory of Kevork Vichabian; Mrs. Joyce Yeremian in Memory of Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian $50 Mrs. Maro Dionisopoulos in Memory of Aroosiag Garabedian; Ms. Karen Kopoian in Memory of her Great-Grandparents; Mrs. Mary Legros in Memory of Vargashag and Margaret Derderian; Mrs. Rosa (Navoian) Marashian in Memory of Marashian, Navoian, Sarkisian, Bogoian and Haroian Families; Antranig and Carol Mesrobian and Family in Memory of Bedrosian and Mesrobian Martyrs; Robert and Debra Pjojian in Memory of Arakel Pjojian, Geneve Takian, Haig and Mary Markarian; Mrs. Margaret Rueb in Memory of Valerie Norbury; Mr. & Mrs. Harry Toumasian in Memory of Hagop,Esquihe and Bagdasar Toumasian, Kaspar and Ehsig Topalian; Mr. & Mrs.Michael Toumasian in Memory of Toumasian and Marsoubian Families; Michael and Armenie Varadian in Memory of Varadian, Shiranian, Paul and Keshishian Families; Mrs. Sarah Woods in Memory of the Many Members of the Derderian, Setian and Der Arsenian Families who were either Martyrs or Survivors of the Armenian Genocide $25 Ms. Anahid Attarian; Mr. Anthony Bahian in Memory of Lousaper Bahian; Mrs. Kay Derderian in Memory of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide; Mr. Stephen Elmasian; Mrs. Nancy Harootunian in Memory of Flora Tutooian; Mr. George Hazerjian in Memory of Our Armenian Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ; Mrs. Alice Kojoian; Kachadour and Marilyn Kojoian in Memory of Harry and Nazalie Kojoian; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Palian in Memory of all the Martyrs $22 Mr. Larry Adoian in Memory of Setrag, Shushan, Arshile Gorky Adoian, one of ten greatest artists in the world.

Sts. Vartanantz Church is very proud to announce that one of our NRA Delegates, Mark Phillips was recently elected to the Prelacy's Executive Council. Congratulations and Best Wishes on this worthy appointment.

Parishioners

If you would like to receive your issue of the Gantegh electronically, please forward your

email address to the Church Website:

info@stsvartanantzchurch.org This would help to defray our costs greatly.

We appreciate your consideration.

Altar Candles

Nazarian and White Families in Loving Memory of Christine Nazarian White

Tarbinian Grandchildren in Loving Memory of their grandfather, Sarkis "Garo" Tarbinian

Altar Flowers

Takian and Pjojian Families in Loving Memory of Stella Takian, Eugenia Pjojian, Mary Markarian and Genieve Takian \

Anthony Bahian, and Russell and Carol Bramley in Loving Memory of Marion Bramley

Elyse, Louise and Rosette Garabedian in Loving Memory of Krikor and Baizar Garabedian

Tarbinian Grandchildren in Loving Memory of their grandfather, Sarkis "Garo" Tarbinian

Donations

Ms. S. Sue Aramian $ 300 in loving memory of Kazar Aramian

David and Debbie Tikoian $ 100 in honor of their Tenth Wedding Anniversary

The Following Donation was designated for the Gantegh

Ms. Bertha Mugurdichian $ 15

Please visit our website at

http://www.stsvartanantzchurch.org

for information regarding our Sunday and Armenian Schools, Church organizations, upcoming events as well as general information regarding your Church

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

June 5 Arpine Aznavorian; Alice Bagian; Setrag and Okia Balemian; Charles Bargamian; Aram Peter, Hunazant, Armenag and Peter K. Bedigian; Michael Der Manouelian; Maragaret Bedrosian Diggle; Harold Goodwin; Hamayag Kahrimanian; Ohannes, Hermena, Peter and Albert Malkasian; Sarkis Movsesian; Melkon, Miriam and Santoogt Rafaelian; Hovanes, Siroon, Arthur, Margaret, June and Gabriel Surabian, and Antranig, Varant and Lalezar "Lolly" Surabian Varjabedian; Manuel Tavitian and Dionysia (Soula) Tavitian

June 12 Rosalie Ahilijanian; Kazar Aramian; Dr. Edward A. Dayian; Arshag, Tarviz, Richard and Geraldine Gudoian; Sarah Kachadourian; Armenouhi Kanarian; Ousanna Kazandjian; Verkin and Agop Kessimian; Antranik Khatchadourian; Rahel Kodos; Katherine Manoogian; Kachadour Melikian and M. Allen Shartzer; Mesia and Hyganoush Michaelian; Dr. Charles Nahabedian; Mardiros Serabian; Stepan Stepanian; Genieve Takian

June 19 Azniv Killerjian Aposhian; Adrina Baligian; Parazem Dagermandjian; Khatchik Emdjian; Tamar and Manoog Engustian; Giragos Manoog Giragosian and John Ornazian; Stephen Sr. and Stephen La Fazia, Jr.; Donig, Varvar and Mary Markarian, and Thomas Sr., Thomas Jr. and Margaret DePalma; Sarkis and Pereza, Peter and Barbara, Sarkis and Ruth, and Charles Matoian; Haig Varadian

June 26 Michael Boyajian; Manoog, Calipse and George "Frenchy" Gregorian, and Krikor and Agavnie Esraelian; Anna Kashmanian; Elizabeth Ogasian; Serob Tahmassian;Lucia and Armen Tamamian; Ohannes and Elizabeth Tavanian; Peter B. Tikoian

July 3 --- No Requiem Services: Transfiguration July 10 Helen Araxie Baligian; Bessie Bogosian and Victoria Margosian; Ohan Dolbashian; Krikor Elmasian; Setrag Elmayan; Edward Karoghlanian; Hykas Krikorian; Elizabeth Altounian Longo; Azbar Agnes Nalbandian; Paroonag Topalian

July 17 Freddy Aurelio; Babig Babigian; Harry Garabedian; Harry Hamamjian; Vasken Harootunian; Archalois and Arakel Kabakian, and Aharon and Hagop Pashayan; Virginia Madoian; Megerdich Megerdichian; Emily Takian; Nvard Donabedian Vaughan; Hazel and Gabriel Vescuso

July 24 Richard Albanese; Margaret and Stanley Askew Sr.; Kenneth Antranig Baronian; Maria Dasdagulian; Archie Derderian; Mary, Charles Garabed and Anna Derderian; Vagarshag and Margaret Derderian; John DerManouelian; Russell Gasparian; Misak and Araxie Simonian

July 31 Hampartzoom, Oski, Arshag, Haigaz, Zaroohi, Mourad, Arshag, Anita, Shabouh, Siranoush and Oski "Rusty" Hagopian; Aram Kachadourian; Tourvanda Marsoubian; Rory Pichi; Arpine Souvalian; Cacilia Taraksian; Beatrice Tateosian; Sirouhi Sue Topalian

August 7 Ruth Adoian; Florence Ajemian; Nishan Akalarian; Mary Ashukian; Haroutiun and Anitza Avakian; Vahan Bajakian; Anahid Bedrosian; Anna Bedrosian; Ankina and Charles Enokian, and Esgoohi Margosian; Antranig, Maritza, Boghos and Elmas Gurghigian; Hagop Hatzpanian; Harry

August 7 continued Kasparian; Jirair Kendrjian; Araxie, Kheran, and Charles Krikorian, Takouhie Tavitian, and Harry Ahilijanian; Garabed Maynazarian; Elizabeth Onanian; Melkon Varadian; Moorad Vartanian

August 14 --- No Requiem Services: Assumption of the Holy Mother of God

August 21 Laura Albanese; Aris, Aghavnie and Virginia Arslanian; Oscar Ashukian; Diruhi Garabedian; Peniamu, Krikor, Garo and Harutioun Garabedian; Suren Ivanyan; Isabel K. Jordan; Samuel Kaprielian; Isabella Kashmanian; Elizabeth Marabian; Hasmig Merdinian; Mary Minassian; Mayram Nalbandian; Robert Sahagian; Noubar Souvalian; Aghavni and Adom Tenkarian; Elizabeth Vagshenian; John Varadian; Lucine Zadourian; Barsam Zorabedian

August 28 John J. Aharonian; Satenig Sophie Arevian; OfrandAuclair; Arakci Balian; Grace and David Bogoian; Hovannes Dedian; Elize Donoyan; Haroutiun Jerejian; Shahen Kanarian; Vergine and Solomon Karentz; Vartan Keshijian; Angel Khatchadourian; Sarkis Kozinian; Lucy Mangasarian; Peter Bedros and Vartouhie Markarian; Sarkis M., Missak and Ossunna Nadjarian; Sahag, Victoria, Mugurdich, Michael III and Ethel Palian, Susie Silvarian, and Takouhi and Marderos Chaderjian; Markar Rafaelian; Harry D. and Givan Stepanian and Vartig and Bedros Haratounian; Kacheg Topalian; Jack Toumasian

September 4 Nevart and John Aprhamian, Elizabeth and Thomas Altounian, Sarah and Donig Leylegian and Chilingirian Family; Agnooni Baligian; Margaret Barsamian; Louis A. Bianco; Azniv Coloian; Nvard and Tatos Dedeian and Gevork Khrimian; Neshan Dolbashian; Garabed Giragosian; Dr. Harold Jordan; Manas Manasian; Varsenig Agnes Markarian; Marinos Nahabedian; Thomas V. Sahagian Sr.; Elizabeth, Derek Alan, Arsen and Jodie Torigian

Sacramental Events

Baptisms: Dylan Matthew Blessing

Parents: Adam Blessing Sara Ann Michaud Born: September 23, 2015 Baptized: May 22, 2016 Godparents: Ryan Blessing Katie Lynn Michaud

End of the Year Bible Study and Fellowship

On Monday, May 23rd, 40 members from this year's Bible Study gathered for their last session before the summer break. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful dinner together and were uplifted by Joanne Mouradjian's beautiful singing. Der Gomidas then led the Bible Study with the wisdom and grace that has blessed our Bible Study under his leadership for the past 16 years. Just months after arriving at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Der Hayr started our Bible Study Group in January of 2000. Within a short time, attendance grew and continued to grow over the years.

The Monday Night Bible Study has been blessed to have as many as 70 participants. More importantly, they have become a strong, spiritual family united in their love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was an emotional evening for all as everyone expressed their profound gratitude to Der Gomidas for his love and dedication in guiding them into a stronger and closer relationship with our Lord.

Calendar of Events

June 1 Ladies’ Guild “A Spring Night Dinner”

June 4 Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Dinner/Dance

June 8 ARF Presentation on Artsakh

June 10 Ladies’ Guild Sook Dinner

June 23 ARS "Ani" Fundraiser/Dinner

July 16 Ladies’ Guild/ARS “Ani” present “Hye Summer Night X”

July 23 ACA-RI Annual Golf Tournament

Aug 14 Annual Church Picnic

Sept 25 Annual Membership Meeting #1

Oct 2 Der Gomidas' Retirement Dinner

Oct 9 Annual Membership Meeting #2 and Elections

Nov 12/13 Armenian Fest 2016

Church Summer Schedule Soorp Badarak begins at 9:30 am

ACA-RI 10th Annual

Armenian Open Golf Tournament

Triggs Memorial Golf Course - Providence

Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 1 pm Dinner at 6:30 pm

$125/golfer; $30 for Dinner Guests Tee Sponsorship -- $100

Raffle Prizes, Money Hole and Prizes forPutting Contest, Closet to the Pin, Longest Drive

RSVP to Melissa 401-480-6886 or email: acaa.prov.ri@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE

Annual Church Picnic Sunday, August 14th at Camp Haiastan

Our Ladies' Guild wishes to announce that two of their members were elected at the recent National Association of Ladies' Guilds [NALG] Conference. They are... Joyce Bagdasarian as Chairlady and Margaret Stepanian as Recording Secretary.

Congratulations and Best Wishes for much success in your endeavors.

Remember to Save the Date

October 2, 2016

Retirement Dinner in honor of

Our Beloved Der Gomidas

Congratulations to all

of Our Graduates

We wish you much success in all of your

future endeavors.

If you are interested in participating in our

Graduates Page which will appear in a special

August issue of the Gantegh, please submit your

name and picture as well as a brief bio via email

to info@stsvartanantzchurch.org by no later

than July 15th.

Any questions, please call Alice 831-6399

Assistant Secretary Position

ARS "Arax" Chapter honors

Mrs. Shake' Aktchian &

Mrs. Beatrice Kendirjian

at their Annual Mother's Day Dinner

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church

ANNUAL PICNIC

Sunday, August 14, 2016 12 Noon to 6:00 pm

at Camp Haiastan, rain or shine

The Blessing of the Madagh and Grapes will take place at 3:30 pm

under the auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan

and with the participation of Pastors of the New England Area Churches.

ENJOY - Delicious Shish, Losh and Chicken

Kebab, Armenian Pastries, Choreg

Music by the Michael Gregian Ensemble

with special guest Joe Zeytounian on oud

Our patrons may use the Lower Camp Pool, Basketball Courts

and Canoes from 1 to 4 pm

Important Dates to Remember

June 4 Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Dinner/Dance

June 8 ARF Presentation on Artsakh

June 10 Ladies' Guild Sook Dinner

June 23 ARS Fundraiser for the Soseh Kindergarten

July 16 Ladies' Guild/ARS "Ani" "Hye Summer Night X"

July 23 ACA-RI Golf Tournament

Aug 14 Annual Church Picnic

Sept 11 Church Winter Schedule resumes

Sept 25 Annual Membership Meeting part 1