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: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website:stsvartanantzchurch.org

Vol. XXXXVII No. 68 November 2012

From Der Hayr’s Desk ...

Choosing Between Two Cultures

The month of October is called Cultural Month. Armenians all over the world celebrate their Christian culture with special focus on the translation of the Bible with the newly-found Armenian Alphabet. Until the fifth century, Armenian was not a written language. It was St. Mesrob, who by divine inspiration, invented the Armenian alphabet. With the encouragement of Catholicos St. Sahag and the dedication of the Translating Fathers, the work began in 405 A.D. and was completed about 435 A.D. Armenians began, for the first time, to read God’s word in their own language. The great writings of the Church Fathers were gradually translated into Armenian. Both these writings and those of the Armenian Church Fathers instilled the Christian faith in the hearts of our people. It is that same faith in our Lord Jesus Christ that has seen us through the many struggles and persecutions throughout our history.

St. Paul, writing to the Church in Corinth says: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). He wanted to make sure that they truly were rooted in the faith and not merely Christians by name. The choice for the believers was between two cultures; Christianity and the pagan culture of that day.

More than two thousand years later, the choice remains the same for believers: a culture based on Christian values and principles; or a culture based on worldly principles. St. Paul writes: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Why? So that we would be able to make the right choices in life by discerning between worldly values and God’s perfect will in our lives. I am certain that

we have all noticed the desensitizing effects of the modern worldly culture on society today. What seemed unthinkable and utterly unacceptable forty or fifty years ago is slowly, but surely, becoming the norm today. However, for us as Christians, God’s life-giving principles are unchanging because they are eternal and are based on truth. This truth is not based only on a principle of Christianity, but on the person of Jesus Christ who says “I am the way the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

This is what St. Paul is saying to the Corinthian Church – a church that was feeling the effects of the pagan culture of that day on the believers – and is saying to us today as we feel the effects of this modern worldly culture on us and our Children. St Paul is asking us to examine ourselves and not fall into the trap of lowering our God-given Christian standards by conforming to the pattern of this world. How can we accomplish this? Honesty is the key ingredient in self-examination; and transparency before God is the key ingredient for an honest relationship with Him. We have to allow God Himself to search and examine our hearts. King David continually would ask God to search his heart: “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me ... (Ps. 139:1).

We cannot grow as Christians without honest and transparent hearts before God.

Adult Bible Study Meets Mondays at 7 pm Please come and join us as we experience the transforming power of the word of God and Christian Fellowship.

Renovations Abound at

Sts. Vartanantz Church

We hope that you have been noticing all the renovations that have been happening here at your Church over the past few months. Some are structural and "behind the scenes" while others are very visible throughout our facilities. Please take a few moments to browse and see how beautiful everything looks.

On behalf of the Sts. Vartanantz Church Community, Der Hayr and the Board of Trustees wish to express their profound appreciation to the following faithful parishioners for their very generous donations which have underwritten the entire costs of the following renovations:

Mary Fermanian and Queenie Haboian for the tile flooring in the Lower Hall, Hallways and Foyers as well as the replacement windows for the Lower Hall and Kitchen

Vark and Lynn Markarian for the hardwood flooring in each of the classrooms as well as the Downstairs Gathering Area

Structural Repairs completed to the Church Roof, Interior and Louvers

A BIG THANK YOU

to the following people who helped with the painting of the classrooms and Gathering Area:

The Phillips Family -- Mark, Hasmig, Alysha, Tyler, Elizabeth and Michael Burch (Mark's sister); Harry and Karen Alahverdian; Walter Anoushian; Vanni and Alice Buratti; Hagop and Hovsep Donoyan; Hagop Khatchadourian Armand Kibarian; Thomas Kizirian; Harry Kojoian; John Mangassarian; Antuan Melkoun; David Minassian; Dick Palian; Beth Pilla; Missy Simonian and Harout Taraksian.

It could not have been done without your precious help.

THEY NEED OUR HELP!

Our Brothers and Sisters in Syria are in desperate need of our help during this very trying time. The situation in Syria escalates with the dawn of each new day. Our fellow Armenians are continually suffering and are in continuous dire need of food, clothing and health care.

The Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church has formed the "Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief" to provide funding to the Syrian Armenian Joint Committee for Humanitarian Aid. This unfortunate situation in Syria is showing no end. Hence, donations will be needed and accepted indefinitely. Please forward your donations to the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, 138 39th Street, New York, NY 10016. Your donations may be made by checks payable to "Armenian Apostolic Church of America" please indicate "Syrian Armenian Relief" in the memo area. You may also make an online donation at www.armenianprelacy.org.

Please continue to be as generous as possible with your donations.

Informational Gathering in Providence for the Syrian Armenian Relief

The Providence Committee for Syrian Armenian Relief which consists of organizational representatives from Sts. Vartanantz Church, Armenian Evangelical Church, ARF "Kristapor" Gomideh, ARS "Ani" & "Arax" Chapters, Hamazkayin Educational Society, AYF "Varantian" Chapter & Homenetmen sponsored its first fundraising event for Syrian Armenian Humanitarian Relief on Sunday, October 14th. More than 80 concerned Armenians, both young and old, gathered in Aramian Auditorium to first view a video message from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia and then to listen to Mr. Khajag Mgrdichian (former Editor of the Hairenik Weekly). During his bilingual (translated by Mrs. Taline Mkrtschjan) and photo presentation, Mr. Mgrdichian spoke of the social, political and current situation of our brothers and sisters in

Syria. A question and answer session followed. At the end of the day, the Providence community added to its previous compilation of donations collected during the "September Plate Collections". To date, a total of approximately $15,000 in donations has been collected.

Please consider making a donation to the Sts. Vartanantz Church Outreach Program

The Program’s purpose is to provide financial help for those parishioners who have fallen on hard times. All donations should be designated for “Outreach Program” and please note if you would like your donation to remain anonymous. Many thanks to all of our donors.

Parishioners, Please Support Your Church

Stewardship Envelope Books for 2012 are available from the Office, Pongal or Lower Church Hall.. Please obtain yours as soon as possible. A Board of Trustees member will be available to assist you.

NEWS from the BOARD ROOM

Cash Receipts Sept 2012 2012 Total

Plate Donations $ 2,082 $22,880

Church Dues 6,675 24,200

Requiem Services 6,618 40,302

Youghakin 0 26,831

Funerals: Service, In Lieu 5,839 36,435

of Flowers & Hokejash

Stewardship 3,720 27,231

Capital Improvements 21,000 34,000

Other 3,651 55,789

Total Receipts 49,584 267,668

Total Disbursement 41,355 285,945

Excess Cash Receipts 8,229 (18,277)

(Disbursements)

Donation of Altar Flowers

The Kinoian Family in Loving Memory of Iris Kinoian

Donations

Providence ARF Kristapor Gomideh $ 100 for use of the facilities for their picnic

The following donations were made in appreciation for receiving the Gantegh

Hayrapet and Gohar Taraksian $ 100 in honor of their son's, Harout and Anoush's 25th Anniversary

Mrs. Anna Kibarian $ 40

Varoujan and Rose Karentz $ 25

Due to rising printing costs, donations to help off-set printing of the Gantegh would be greatly appreciated.

If you and your family would like to host the Sunday Fellowship following Church Services, 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.

REQUIEM SERVICE November 4 Raymond Aznavorian; Bagdasar "Buddy" Bagdasarian; Osgean and Ustian Barsoian; Susan Echmalian; Charles Jackson; Misak, Zarouhi and George Manoogian; Verkene Manoogian; George Mesrobian; Ardachess Minassian and Lena Minassian Faraj; Parunag Ogasian; Gegham Panosyan; Harry, Manooshag, Kazaros and Hagop Parikian and Varouk Malekian; Hazel Portukalian; Alice Postoian; Fannie and John Riccitelli and Mary Surabian; Onnig, Bedros, and Armenhoui Soghanyemezian, Hagop Kechijian, Mari Aprahamian, and Yazadjian Family; Yervant D. Stepanian; Bagdasar Toumasian; Simon and Mark Vagshenian; Hamazasb, Vartouhi, Boghos, Zarouhi, Edward and Sesak Vartian, Roupen Aramian and Margaret Voas

November 11 Gabriel Aharonian; Zarouhy and Giragos Basmajian and Vera Basmajian Lindo; Hagop Boyajian; Peter Kalafian; Tsolag, Hreipsimay and Simon Keshigian; Yevkine and Mgrdich Seropian

November 18 Pasha and Charles Antonian and Krikor Karibian; Alla Arsenian; Arpineh Bagian; Armenouhe and Donabed Harootunian; Hovannes Kashmanian; John Hovhaness Killerjian; Kayajan Aram Kinosian; Mugurditch and Haiganoush Kushigian; Beatrice and Joseph Labee;

Ronnie Malkasian; Michael Torigian November 25 Manoog and Nevart Atamian; Giragos Der Manuelian; Vartkes Der Vartanian; Bessie Gladys, Richard and John Kolligian; Peter, Grace, Eva, Nshan and Charles “Garo” Mikaelian; Valerie Dawn Norbury ; Peter M. Panosian; Ovsanna, Victor Vahan, Mary Ann and Melanie Ann Serabian

December 2 Artin & Satenik Bardizbanian, Ara & Vartanoosh Berberian, Ara & Mida Berberian and Armenoohi Najarian; Albera Barmazian; Eliza Dedeian; Jouhar Engustian; Harry and Beverly Kashmanian; Arthur Najarian; Vartig, Abraham and Charles Shiranian and Sarkis Mardirosian

December 9 Dr. Samuel Barsamian and Rose Barsamian; John Basmajian; Azniv Nalbandian Berberian; Edward, Anna and Hagop Bohigian; Louise Boyajian; Sarkis Danayan; Aram DerManouelian; Stephan, Gulbig and Gladys Fermanian and

December 9, 2012 Harry Haboian; Peter Hajian; Norire Kanarian; Sarkis Khanishian Aaron Kizirian; Siranoush Krikorian; Sarkis & Helen Kroian and Martin & Berjoohi Kooyumjian; Harootune and Antaram Markarian; Manoug Markarian; Sarkis Sarkisian; Zaven Tenkarian; Hagop, Janneh, and Anahid Torosian and Garabed, Yerchanouhi and Garo Sinanian; Edward B. Woods

December 16, 2012 George K. Adoian; Jirair Aharonian; Susan M. Avedisian; Alberta Bedigian; Kevork, Lucia, Sarah and Michael Eghian and Asadoor and Takouhi Simonian; Zarouhy Garabedian; Baizar, Hagop and Garabed Kambourian and Victoria Arnavoudian; Kevork, Hagop and Hripsema Keshijian, Hagop Minassian and Arousiag Tashjian; John and Katherine Magarian and Mary Zorabedian; David Marabian; Eva

Sahagian; Kevork Vichabian December 23, 2012 Andrea Abate; Warren G. Dolbashian; Manoog and Araxie

Elmasian; Mary Engustian; Nishan and Araxe Kefeyan December 30, 2012 Hagop and Mariam Akalarian and Nishan and Berjoohi Tateosian; Oske Avakian; Elizabeth Adanalian Boyajian; Susie Boyajian; Donabed Cheteyan, Satenig Cheteyan Garabedian and Shnorick Cheteyan Aleksanian; Shoshan Derderian; Paul Kanarian; Araxie Kasparian; Elizabeth Kematjian; Karnick and Grace Ohanian; Joseph Rafaelian; Rose Sarkisian; Kamyk Simonian; Sarah Surabian; Rosa and Frank Zorabedian Jr

Eternal Rest

Stella Takian Entered into Eternal Rest on September 29, 2012

Ethel Palian Entered into Eternal Rest on October 10, 2012

Fortieth Day Requiem Service

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Stella Takian will be said on November 4, 2012

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Ethel Palian will be said on November 18, 2012

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Bedros Sarkis

will be said on November 18, 2012

Sacramental Events

Baptism Arthur Arslanyan

Parents: Vahe Arslanyan Hasmik Parsadanyan

Born: September 19, 2002 Baptized: October 21, 2012

Godparents: Levon Kaian Marie Kaian

Ellen Arslanyan Parents: Vahe Arslanyan

Hasmik Parsadanyan Born: February 4, 2010

Baptized: October 21, 2012 Godparents: Levon Kaian Marie Kaian

Matrimony Tigran Makarian

& Alexandra Borgman-Brouwer

Exchanged the vows of Holy Matrimony on October 20, 2012

Best Man: Arsen Arsenian

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.

Der Hayr and the Board of Trustees

Parishioners

If you would like to receive your issue of the

Gantegh electronically, please forward your

email address to the Church Web Site:

info @ stsvartanantzchurch.org

Please visit our website at www.stsvartanantzchurch.org

for information regarding our Sunday and Armenian Schools, Church organizations

upcoming events as well as general information regarding your Church

Please Remember

to send in your Armenian Fest 2012 Wish List Donations. Our Annual Armenian Fest is around the corner and as always, we need your help to make this the most successful Armenian Fest yet!

Attention

2012 Armenian Fest is Upon Us

Items are needed for the “Silent Auction” and/or the “Flea Market”. We need your treasures.

Your donations will help our Church and may qualify as a tax deduction.

We will even pick-up the items for free.

Please contact the Church Office (831-6399) for further information.

Attention All Parishioners

Please pick-up Armenian Fest 2012 signs for display in prominent, visible and high traffic locations in the Church Office on Sunday, November 4th. The signs may either be returned to the Church or kept at your home in a safe, clean space so that they will be ready for use again next year.

PROVIDENCE HAMAZKAYIN SOCIETY

We wish to thank the community for their support at the first performance of our newly formed Kevork Vichabian Theatre Group. The Theatre Group presented a wonderful play "Me Artin, Go America" on Sunday, September 30th, following Church Services in Aramian Auditorium. We look forward to future productions from Hamo Rachdouni and Gassia Boyajian.

A special note of gratitude to our long-time benefactor, Ms. Martha Aramian.

It is our pleasure to announce that on Sunday, April 14, 2013, we have scheduled a performance of “The Gamavors” produced and directed by Hourig Papazaian Sahagian of New York. Many members of our community were "Gamavors" and we hope that their children and grandchildren will join us on April 14th to remember and to be inspired by their commitment to freedom and survival. Please save the date and look for more detailed information after the first of the year.

Margaret Stepanian, Vice Chair

Our Parishioners Busy Preparing for our Armenian Fest

Please come and help us during the day

November 5 & 6 -- Boreg

November 7 & 8 -- Yalanchi

Veterans' Day Observance

Monday, November 12th at 10 am Armenian Memorial Monument

RI Veterans Cemetery Exeter, RI

Save The Date

Providence "Varantian" AYF Victory Ball

Saturday, January 26, 2013 West Valley Inn

John Berberian Ensemble

ARS "Arax" Chapter Elects

New Executive

At its first meeting of the new fiscal year on Saturday, September 22nd, the ARS "Arax" Chapter elected the following members to the new Executive:

Chairperson: Marlene Vichabian Vice Chair: Margaret Stepanian

Recording Secretary: Zepur Donoyan Treasurer: Anoush Taraksian

Advisors: Nora Simonian, Seta Tarpinian and Meline Ishkhanian

Our meetings will be held at the Church on the last Saturday of each month with the exception of July and August. Anyone interested in the Mission of the ARS is welcomed to join. Feel free to speak to any of the Executive members [noted above] if you are interested in the ARS and its humanitarian activities.

Margaret Stepanian, Vice Chair

Calendar of Events

Nov 10-11 Annual Armenian Fest at Rhodes

Nov 18 ARF Day/Program

Dec 7 Annual ARS Social Services Christmas Party for Senior Citizens Twelve Acres Restaurant at 12 noon

Dec 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 pm

2013

Jan 5 Holy Communion for Armenian and Sunday School Children and Adults 10 am

Jan 5 Armenian Christmas Eve Services

Jan 6 Armenian Christmas Services

Jan 26 AYF Victory Ball

Apr 14 Hamazkayin Society presents "The Way We Were" in Aramian Auditorium at 1 pm

A R M E N I A N R E L I E F S O C I E T Y

S E N I O R C I T I Z E N S

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Twelve Acres Restaurant 445 Douglas Pike

Smithfield, Rhode Island Rt 7

Friday, December 7, 2012 12 noon Cost $15.00

Full Course Dinner: Choice of Chicken or Scrod

R.S.V.P. by December 2nd to Joyce Yeremian 354-8770

Music with Hagop Garabedian

Raffles, Door Prizes and a Visit by Santa

Come and Join Us for a Fun Filled Day

Proceeds to Benefit the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund

Important Dates to Remember

November 10-11 Annual Armenian Fest @ Rhodes November 12 Veteran's Day Observance

December 7 Annual ARS Social Services Christmas Party December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

January 26 AYF “Victory Ball”