Etching by Vartkes Kaprielian Publication of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909 Reverend Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor Office: 401.831.6399 Hall: 401.831.1830 F ax: 401.351.4418 E-mail: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org

Vol. LII No. 1 Happy New Year January 2017

Ո՞վ է Աստուծոյ Որդին

«Դուն ես իմ սիրելի Որդիս» (Մր 1.11)

Նոր Տարուան եւ յատկապէս մեր Աստուծոյն՝ Յիսուս Քրիստոսի ծննդեան եւ մկրտութեան յիշատակի այս օրերուն, Հօր Աստուծոյ վկայութիւնը մեր Տիրոջ սիրելիութեան մասին, մեզ կը մղէ մտածելու մեր անսակարկ եւ անհատնում սիրոյ մասին, որ մեր ժողովուրդը ունեցած է եւ ունի հանդէպ Քրիստոսի, անոր պատգամներուն եւ բարոյական ըմբռնումներուն:

Հրեշտակներուն տրուած ծննդեան աւետիսը յստակօրէն մեզի կ’աւետէ, թէ Աստուծոյ փառքը միշտ կը տիրէ աշխարհի վրայ, կը ցանկայ խաղաղութիւն եւ մարդոց միջեւ հաճութիւն: Եւ Քրիստոսի ծնունդէն երեսուն տարի ետք, աստուածային յայտարարութիւնը մարմին կը զգենու, կը դառնայ կեանք եւ պատգամ՝ Քրիստոսի Մկրտութեամբ եւ Աստուծոյ տուած վկայութեամբ, թէ Յիսուսն է իր սիրելի Որդին, որուն կը վստահուի աստուածային ծրագիրն ու առաքելութիւնը, բանալու ճամբան դէպի Աստուած, դէպի յաւիտենական կեանք եւ արքայութիւն:

Որպէս Հայ ժողովուրդ, այս ճամբան ընտրեցինք որպէս մեր կեանքի ճամբան, եւ նախքան ոեւէ ժողովուրդ, Քրիստոսի վարդապետութեան ճամբան վերածեցինք մեր ժողովուրդի կեանքի ուղիին եւ մնացինք հաւատարիմ՝ ուրախ թէ ցաւի օրերուն, յաջողութեանց թէ ձախողութեանց մէջ, կառուցումի թէ քանդումի, կեանքի թէ մահուան օրերուն: Եթէ

Քրիստոս սիրելի Որդին է Աստուծոյ, նոյնքան սիրելի եղաւ ու մնաց մեզի համար: Մեր նկարագիրը, ինքնութիւնը եւ մշակութային ժառանգութիւնը միշտ եղաւ քաղցրահունչ շարականը մեր գոյութեան, հաստատապէս գիտակցելով, թէ առանց Քրիստոսի եւ անոր մեզի բերած նոր կեանքին եւ փրկութեան, պիտի մնանք աղքատ եւ մեր ստեղծագործ ոգին պիտի ցամքի իր աւիշէն: Աստուածային պարգեւ ու շնորհք էր մեզի հրամցուածը, որուն պարտական եւ հաւատարիմ մնացինք, Աւետարանը դարձուցինք մեր հայրը, Հայ Եկեղեցին՝ մեր մայրը, ինչպէս Վարդանանք յայտարարեցին անվարան, ու դարեր շարունակեցինք մեր հաւատքի ճամբան, նոյն հաւատարմութեամբ:

Յիսուսի Ծննդեան եւ Մկրտութեան տօնն է Յունուար 6-ը: Պատրա՞ստ ենք լսելու Աստուծոյ վկայութիւնը: Արժանի՞ ենք շարունակելու մեր որդիութիւնը, թէ աշխարհիկ հոգեր մեզ պիտի հեռացնեն այս շնորհքէն, որ դարձաւ մեր ազգային փրկութեան բանալին եւ աղբիւրը՝ մեր ստեղծագործ կարողութիւններուն: Աստուծոյ որդիութիւնը իմաստ եւ նպատակ կ’ունենայ երբ մեր նմանները դարձնենք մեր սիրելիները, երբ սիրենք կարիքաւորը, անկարը եւ բոլոր անոնք, որոնք կը տառապին աշխարհի չարիքներուն դիմաց: Երթանք անոնց եւ ըսենք, թէ դուք էք մեր սիրելի եղբայներն ու քոյրերը, եւ Սուրբ Ծննդեան ու Մկրտութեան առիթով այցի կու գանք ձեզի, «որովհետեւ անօթի էի եւ կերակրեցիք զիս, ծարաւ էի եւ ջուր տուիք ինծի, օտարական էի եւ ընդունեցիք զիս, մերկ էի եւ հագցուցիք ինծի, հիւանդ

էի եւ հոգ տարիք ինծի, բանտի մէջ էի եւ այցելեցիք ինծի» (Մտ 25.35-36):

Մեր պատգամն է, որ հաւատարիմ մնանք մեր հայերու կտակին, անոնց ճշմարիտ քրիստոնեայի ոգիին, Քրիստոսի Աւետարանը դարձնենք ոյժը մեր գոյութեան եւ առաջնորդուինք անոր զօրութեամբ, որուն լաւագոյն վկայութիւնն է մեր յարուցեալ կեանքը, հակառակ դարերու մահասարսուռ վտանգներուն եւ աղէտներուն:

Այո՛, մնանք սիրելի որդիները մեր Աստուծոյն: Քրիստոս ծնաւ եւ յայտնեցաւ: Թող իր ծնունդը դառնայ վերածնունդ մեր

նորոգեալ ուխտին: Աղօթարար՝

ՕՇԱԿԱՆ ԱՐՔԵՊԻՍԿՈՊՈՍ

1 Յունուար, 2017

Առաջնորդ Ամերիկայի Արեւելեան Թեմին

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

WHO IS GOD’S SON?

You are my beloved Son. (Mark 1:11)

On the occasion of the New Year, and

especially the birth and baptism of our Lord Jesus

Christ, the testimony of God, the Father, about our

beloved Lord, impels us to ponder on the doubtless

and inexhaustible love that our people had, and

continue to have, toward Christ, His

commandments, and ethical comprehension.

The message of the birth that was delivered by

the angels clearly announced to us that the glory of

God always rules over the world, seeking peace

and good will amongst humankind. And 30 years

after the birth of Christ, God’s proclamation was

incarnated once more, became life and message

through Christ’s baptism and the testimony given

by God that Jesus is His beloved Son, to whom is

entrusted the Divine plan and mission, opening the

road toward God, toward everlasting life and the

Kingdom of God.

As Armenians we chose this road as the road of

our lives, and before any other people, we made

Christianity the path of our lives, remaining

faithful during days of joy and pain, prosperity and

tribulation, constructive and destructive times, and

days of life and death. If Christ is the beloved Son

of God, he has been, and remains just as beloved to

us. Our character, identity, and cultural posterity

have always been the sweet hymn of our existence,

especially by knowing that without the life and

salvation given to us by Christ we will be poor and

the sap of our creative spirit will wither. What was

offered to us was God’s gift and grace, to which we

remained duty-bound and faithful. We made the

Gospel our father, the Armenian Church our

mother, as declared without hesitation at

Vartanank, and we continued for centuries on the

path of our faith with the same loyalty.

The Feast of the Holy Nativity and Baptism is

on January 6. Are we prepared to hear God’s

testimony? Are we worthy of continuing our

childhood, or are the world’s problems going to

distance us from the grace that became the key to

our nation’s salvation and the source of our

creative abilities? God’s paternity takes on meaning

and purpose when we accept others as our loved

ones, when we love the needy, the weak, and all

those who suffer in the face of evil in the world. Let

us go to them and say, You are our beloved

brothers and sisters, and we come to visit you on

the occasion of the Holy Nativity and Baptism

because, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I

was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a

stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and

you clothed me, I was in prison and you came to

me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

My message for us is to remain faithful to the

legacy of our forefathers and to their true Christian

spirit, to make Christ’s Gospel the power of our

existence, and be guided by its strength, whose best

witness is our resurrected life in spite of centuries

of mortal danger and catastrophe.

Yes, let us remain the beloved children of our

Lord.

Christ was born and revealed.

May His birth become a rebirth of our renewed

covenant.

Prayerfully,

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN

Prelate Eastern United States of America

January 1, 2017

Our Sunday School News

Loving, welcoming, fun, educational, and giving. I was asked to share our family’s

experience with the Sts. Vartanantz Church

Sunday School program and these are the words

that immediately come to my mind. My husband

Greg and I have three children: Ani (age 6) and

twins Gregory and Alexa (age 4) who are in their

second year of attending Sunday School.

Each Sunday our children have the

opportunity to learn about the teachings of the

Church while also having time to play with new

friends. I join our twins in the Preschool class

and have the pleasure of watching Yn. Debra

lead them each week. The amazing thought and

love she includes in each week’s lesson never

ceases to amaze me. These are young children

who are eager and excited to greet her each

Sunday and listen to the words she is sharing. I

recently overheard our son explaining to a

friend, “We celebrate Christmas-do you know

that’s Jesus’ birthday?” He learned this from

Yn. Debra.

Our oldest daughter, Ani, had a wonderful

and impactful first year of Sunday School with

Miss Jessica Nacaroglu and has now moved into

Ms. Shakay Kizarian’s class. As the more

reserved of our children and considering that

she attends Sunday School independently, I was

anxious of her response. She loves it! She is

making friends and often relays the lessons she

learned in class to her younger siblings when

they “play Church.”

In addition to the weekly classes, the

curriculum includes a special monthly “Sunday

Family Breakfast” where our children meet to

enjoy breakfast with their classmates, listen to

a lesson and then work on a craft associated

with the lesson. Many of these crafts still adorn

our kids’ bedrooms over a year later, a show of

pride in their work and appreciation for the

lesson they were taught. Personally, I very much

welcome the balance between academic lessons

and the opportunity for children to play and

make friends. I firmly believe this combination is

what excites our children about Sunday School

each week. As a mother, when you hear your

children excitedly say, “Mommy, I’m getting my

Church coat on, let’s go,” you know they are

happy.

Just recently our children participated for

the first time in the Church Christmas Pageant

under the direction of Mrs. Debra Pjojian. I will

be honest to say I was hesitant to include them

this year simply because they are so young- I

was concerned they could not follow the

instructions and handle the rehearsals well.

However, I was surprised to see the age of most

of the children in the show- they are all quite

young. The patience, guidance and

encouragement Debra provided is undoubtedly

the reason for the smiles on our childrens’ faces

as they lovingly performed for our parish. I am

so thrilled we chose to include them, and they

were so proud to participate! What a stunningly

beautiful show!

When I was asked to describe our

experience with the Sunday School thus far, it

made me give great thought to what exactly my

hopes were in bringing our children each week.

As eager as I was to have my children learn the

teachings of the Church, I equally hoped they

would enjoy Sunday School-meet people, make

friends and feel they were a part of the Church

family. Quite honestly, I hoped this for myself

as well. As someone raised in the Armenian faith,

I am comfortable with the language, culture and

Church traditions. What I was unfamiliar with

was the Sts. Vartanantz Church community. Any

uncertainty was quickly put to rest with the

wonderfully welcoming and loving group of people

we have met. Unconsciously, I use to call it

“Daddy’s church.” I realize now I refer to Sts.

Vartanantz as “our church.”

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and

a Happy New Year,

Mara Derderian

Please Join Us for Adult Bible Study

on Monday Evenings at 7 pm

Sunday, December 11th was a Blessed Day Full of Wonderful Events of the Christmas Season!

Sunday School Family Breakfast Started the Day!

Sunday School Annual Christmas Pageant

"Rejoice!"

More Memories from the Annual Christmas Pageant

Special Thanks to Mrs. Debra Pjojian, Sunday School Teachers, Parents, Helpers, and our Wonderful Sunday School Students for another beautiful Christmas Pageant!

Men's Club Christmas Party

Concludes the Day with a Visit from Santa!

MEN'S CLUB NEWS Following the uplifting and joyous Christmas

Pageant on Sunday, December 11th, everyone was

invited upstairs to the Aramian Auditorium for a

wonderful dinner prepared by the Men's Club. The

room was filled as the angels, shepherds, and their

families anxiously awaited the arrival of Santa.

Christmas music filled the air and bikes and other

gifts were raffled off.

Five high school juniors/seniors received awards.

This year's Peter "Doc" Bedrosian Athletic

Achievement award recipients were Taleen

Donoyan (tennis), Victoria Caruolo (basketball),

and Tatevik Khachatryan (track and field). These

three young women are active in our church, the AYF

and Homenetmen, do well in school, and participate

in a varsity sports program.

The Souren Mouradjian Arts Achievement

award recipients were Tatevik Khachatryan (dance

and art), Rosdom Mkrtschjan (acting), and Lorie

Simonian (acting). All three of these young adults

are also active in our church and the youth

organizations and do well in school. This was the

22nd year of the Christmas Pageant since the

organization was reestablished in 1994.

In the spirit of this Christmas season and the Year

of Service, the Sts. Vartanantz Church Men's Club and

friends provided a warm meal for nearly 100 people

at the Providence Rescue Mission on Friday,

December 16th, easily the coldest night of the year.

This meal was generously sponsored by John and

June Mangassarian, and the Men's Club is grateful to

all those who have offered to cover the costs for the

dinners all year long, as this was the 4th time they

have fulfilled this mission this year. There are no

words to describe the feeling of helping those in

need. The looks on their faces are the only reward

needed by those serving them at the Mission. The

rules are strict there, the people receive God's word

on a daily basis, and they are grateful for all they

receive.

In other news, last spring the Sts. Vartanantz

Men's Club members met a man, George Yapchaian,

who was tending to his family graves when the

members took on the assignment of cleaning a

section the size of a football field at the Oakland

Cemetery. George went by for a visit recently and

sent along the picture below. Winter officially arrived

on Wednesday, December 21st. The leaves will cover

the grass from the cold and snow that's due to arrive.

When spring arrives, the Men's Club and friends will

return, this time with some experience on how to

clean a cemetery and make this final resting place

look even better than last year.

The Men's Cub is always looking for new

members to join. Dues are only $20.00 per year. The

group meets when an event has been planned. They

gather for dinner and fireside chats in the church

parking lot, have adopted a section of an old

cemetery off Broad St. (Oakland Cemetery mentioned

above), and a road in North Providence. They clean

up the church neighborhood, and of course, are there

for our church when asked. Please consider joining.

All are welcome.

Altar Candles

In Loving Memory of Stephen LaFazia by Mrs. Noreen Melikian LaFazia & His Grandson, Alec

Altar Flowers

In Loving Memory of Giragos DerManuelian by Mrs. Shooshy Aghjayan and Family

Altar and Sanctuary Flowers for the Christmas Season

are donated by The Ararat Association

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.

Donations

The Matigian Family $500 In Loving Memory of Michael H. Matigian and with appreciation to Der Kapriel and Archdeacon Hagop Khatchadourian

Mr. & Mrs. David Francazio $350 In Loving Memory of Lillian and Donald Bedrosian, and Nancy Francazio

Ms. S. Sue Aramian $250 In Loving Memory of Martha Aramian for the purchase of new, durable, and high quality pans for our church kitchen

Mr. & Mrs. William Manzo, Jr. $ 40 With appreciation to Der Kapriel

Ms. Deborah Fischer $ 25 With appreciation to the Culinary Ministry

Armenian Fest Donations 2016

Gift and In-Kind Donations Al Jac’s Inc., Alex & Ani - Ms. Carolyn Rafaelian, Alex & Ani, Mrs. Rebecca Rafaelian Caruolo, Mario Atoyan, Mr. & Mrs. Jasper Bedrosian, Mr. Peter “Doc” Bedrosian, Cardi’s Furniture, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Charest, Dave’s Marketplace, Mr. & Mrs. George Demetrakas, Mrs. Mary DerManouelian, Mr. Hagop Donoyan - My Car, Inc., Emma’s Back Porch, Mr. John Eramian, Floral Designs by Li Rog, Frenchy’s Popcorn, Inc., Frey Florist, Gamm Theatre, Rosette Garabedian, Ms. Sofie Garabedian, Greylawn Food Co., Ocean State Job Lot – Mr. Hagop Ghajanian, Don Grohman, Highlands Golf & Country Club, Hopkins Press, J & K Electric & Lighting, Mr. Kevork Hovagimian, Maral Khatchadourian, Mr. Varky Kaprielian, Kodos Jewelry, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kojoian, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kushigian, Araxie Larkin, Mount Fuji Florist, Linda & Donna DePalma, Mrs. Hazel Kizirian, Ms. Shakay Kizirian, Mrs. Margaret Moorachian, Mrs. Mary Mouradjian, Mrs. Ann Tikoian, Pat Moran, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kopoian, La Salle Jewelers, Yepremian Jewelers, Mr. John Mangasarian, Ronzio Pizza, Segregansett Country Club, Sonia’s Near East Market & Deli, Spumoni’s, Robert & Angel Stevens, Studio Hop, Tally’s, Mr. & Mrs. Mark & Nancy Tavitian, Mr. & Mrs. Armen & Martha Tenkarian, Time Capsule Comics - Mr. Robert Yeremian, Mrs. Agnes Toumasian, Trinity Repertory Company, Triggs Memorial Golf Course, Forget-Me-Not- Florist, Virginia & Spanish Peanut Co., Mrs. Joyce Yeremian, Mr. Berge Zobian - Gallery Z, Jayne Zobian, Ms. Rose-Marie Krikorian, United Parking

Monetary and Wish List Donations 2016 $5,000 Anonymous $1,000 The Feinstein Foundation $900 Mrs. Ann Tikoian and Family $500 Richard & Rebecca Caruolo $450 Elizabeth Hagopian, Vahe & Hermineh Oharonian $300 Karnig & Edna Bedrosian, Stepan & Christine Kanarian, Shakay Kizirian $250

Christine J. Engustian, Esq. Margorie & David Sluter, Mr. John Takian $200 Mr. Aram G. Garabedian, ARF Kristapor Gomideh, ARS “ANI” Chapter, Caffé Bon Ami, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Chobanian, Mr. Zaven Donabedian, Mr. Hagop Garabedian, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Derderian, Mrs. Hazel Kizirian, Mrs. Joyce Yeremian

$150 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Ararat Association, Ms. Martina Baligian, Mr. & Mrs. Vartges Engustian, Mr. Everett Marabian, Mr. Ardashes Nahabedian, Sts. Vartanantz Church Men’s Club, AYF Varantian Chapter, Mr. Harry Kachadoorian $100

ARS “Arax” Chapter, Mr. Andre Ajemian, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Atamian, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Babigian, Mr. & Mrs. George Baligian, Mr. & Mrs. Jasper Bedrosian, Mr. Peter “Doc” Bedrosian, Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Bogosian, Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, Ms. Hosanna Derderian, Mrs. Shirley Derderian, Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Fay, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Fellabaum, Roseanne Haroian & Steve Rose, Ms. Mary Fermanian, Ms. Janette Gregorian, Homenetmen – Providence Chapter, Kaprielian Family, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kojoian, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kopoian, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kushigian, Mrs. Martha Mantaian, Mr. Everett Marabian, Antranig & Carol Mesrobian, Mr. Stephen Mesrobian, Mr. Armenag Palian, Mr. & Mrs. Dikran Palian, Drs. Srecko & Aida Pogacar, Ms. Melissa Simonian, Mrs. Agnes Toumasian, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Toumasian, Mr. Richard Toufanian, Mrs. Marlene Vichabian $75 Mrs. Arpy (Kinoian) Jerozal, Harbour Holdings, LLC $60 Mr. & Mrs. Haig Ellian, Mr. & Mrs. Heratch Jawharjian, Ms. Diane Postoian $50

Mrs. Mary Der Manouelian, Mr. Harry Kayarian, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Nazarian, Mrs. Mariam Norigian, Mrs. Janice Votolato, Anonymous $40

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Palian, Anthony & Audrey Dellagrotta $35 Alice and Vanni Buratti $30

Mr. Harout Aktchian, Ms. Naomi Kuzoian, Barabara & Ed Paolino $25 Mrs. Alice Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hajian, Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Jamgochian, Mr. Larry Adoian, Ms. Melina Akalarian, Mrs. Victoria Budzynski

Sts. Vartanantz Church made two donations this month in assistance to Homeland and Diaspora: $215.00 to the Syrian Armenian

Relief Fund (from donations in the church foyer, in addition to the Sunday School donation), and $748.00 to the Thanksgiving

Telethon earmarked for Artsakh Relief.

Parishioners If you would like to receive your issue of the Gantegh electronically, OR if you would like to receive our WEEKLY E-BULLETIN containing the most current church news, please forward your email address to the Church Website:

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

We appreciate your consideration.

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

January 1 Charles and Mary Apkarian; Rose Dolbashian; Antranig "Tony" Giragosian; Mary, Paul and Zartig Goshgarian, and Hripseme and Melkon Boranian; Patricia Jabagjorian; Araxie Kasparian; Anne Kimatian; George Marashian; Vartanoush Melkonian and Virginia Emerian; John Panosian; Gilbert Pinto; Bedros, Sharbel, and Vartouhie Shamlian, and Alice, Takhror, and Shnorick Bashian; Hampartsoum Stephen Stepanian; Roupen Zeytoundjian; Margaret Zorabedian

January 8 Vartouhie and Anthony Donabedian; Aroussiag Garabedian; Penelope Ann Giragosian; Victoria Hagopian; Lucy Arakelian Kanarian; Partog and Mariam Karolian, and Krikor and Sulton Topalian; Sarkis Kibarian; Marion Malian

January 15 Deceased Armenians of the Baku Massacres; Martha Aramian; Ann and Jake Avakian; Oppie Bedrosian; Mary

Hajian; Esber, Zabel, Nellie and Popkin Krekorian; Stephen LaFazia, Jr.; Edward Malikian; Dickran Manasian; Yeghia Stepanian; Arthur Ardashes and Hovannes John Takian

January 22 Harry Bedrossian; Isobel Harmaian; Charles Kinoian; Siranoosh and Donabed Kinoian; Avedis Mahdesian; Diane Adoian Michaud; Sherry Bedrosian Micheletti; Alice Dasdagulian Mildner; Vartouhie Odian; Sarkis Oundjian; Vahram and Rose Samuelian and John, Nevart and Arshalouys Donabedian; Rupen Taraksian

January 29 Deceased Clergy of the Prelacy; Sosik Arakelian; Albert Avedissian; Satenig Donabedian; Alice Guglielmino; Vartanoush and Manoog Kaprielian; Siranouche Kevorkian; Ruben E. Krekorian; Haigouhe Madarentz; Marie Masdanian and Sarkis Polian; Rose Menissian; Sarkis Nahabedian; Sarkis Peligian; Agnes Sahagian

February 5 Avedis and Nancy Alahverdian; Aris Baligian and Iskouhe Tuktukian; Robert S. Bogosian; Virginia Giragosian; Vartkes Harootunian; Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian; Anatoley Manhasaryan; Hagop Jack Markarian; Sylvia Melkonian Melikian; Oskie Bajakian Mouradjian; Rose Saraf; Elizabeth Sarkisian; George Tomasian, Sr.; Pailoon Torigian

February 12 Sarkis Aproian; Maria Shenian Czabanowski and Horopig and Albert Rustelli; Marc G. and Elizabeth Jabagjorian; Vartkes Kaprielian; Angelina Kibarian; Yakout and Simon Kibarian and Ann Nahigian; Harriet and Nazar Maynazarian; Lucille Peterson; Gregory Sahagian; Satenig Stepanian; Nurik and Noubar Taraksian; Esquhie and Hagop Toumasian; Isabelle Varadian

February 19 Lulu and Albert Abbey; Noyemzar Alexanian; Kurken Ayvasian; Anna Basmajian; Krikor, Mariam, Vartanoush, Bedros, and Mariam Bedrosian; Minas Dolbashian; Sarkis and Khatoon Garabedian; John H. Harootunian; Sarkis Kashmanian; Malina Kevorkian and Elizabeth Birkner; Shake' Khatchadourian; Charles Manoogian and Laura Harotian; George Mouradjian; Ralph Rafaelian; Kaloust and Takouhi Terzian; Anna Topalian; Anna and Souren Yeremian

February 26 Benefactors and Deceased Members of the ARS “Arax” and “Ani” Chapters; Nancy Akalarian; Nazenik Akalarian; Guy and Sarah Asadorian; Harry Barsoian; Harry Derderian; Kachig Garabedian; Kevork Hajaian; John H. Harootunian; Kerop Jabagjorian; Semon Johnson; Takouhi Kachadourian; Vartan, Margaret, and Giovanna Marabian, and Lillian Kuzirian; James McConaghy; Suzanne Najarian;

Boghos Paul and Haig Sahagian; Rose Zorabedian; Sara and Ralph Zorabedian

Eternal Rest

Harry D. Bogosian, Jr. Entered into Eternal Rest on December 9, 2016

David P. Bedrosian Entered into Eternal Rest on December 23, 2016

Paul B. Surabian Entered into Eternal Rest on December 28, 2016

Fortieth Day Remembrance

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Harry D. Bogosian, Jr.

will be said on January 15, 2017

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 our Church

Sacramental Events

Baptisms:

Simon Jack Donabedian Parents: Samuel Donabedian Stephanie Riesselmann Born: December 29, 2015 Baptized: November 5, 2016 Godparents: John Shegirian Alice Donabedian

Zakary Fernandes Parents: Mark Fernandes Nazik Panosyan Born: June 24, 2016 Baptized: November 19, 2016 Godparents: James Fernandes Tabby Newman

Helene Elizabeth Kechejian Parents: Hagop Kechejian Christine Arslanian Born: January 8, 2016 Baptized: December 10, 2016 Godparents: Michael Arslanian Ida Arslanian

Calendar of Events

Jan. 5 Armenian Christmas Eve Services Evening Service 6:30 pm Reading from the Book of Daniel 7:00 pm Divine Liturgy - Soorp Badarak 7:15 pm Jan. 6 Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy - Soorp Badarak 10:30 am Blessing of the Water 12 noon Jan. 7 Holy Communion for Armenian & Sunday School Children & Families 10:00 am Mourad Armenian School Christmas Hantes immediately following breakfast Jan. 8 Sunday School Family Breakfast 9:45 am

Jan. 21 Providence AYF V-Ball Venus de Milo, Swansea, MA Dinner - 6:30 pm Dance - 9:00 pm Feb. 5 Homenetmen Super Bowl Party Aramian Auditorium 6:30 pm

Der Gomidas and Yeretzgeen Joanna would like to wish everyone a

Blessed Christmas and Joyful New Year with a special note of thanks:

"Love is the perfect bond of unity." (Colossians 3:14)

Saint Pauls' simple yet powerful words to the Colossians describe the depth of our ~Agapi~ Love

for you. The reciprocal outpouring of Love from you throughout the years, saturates our souls in "a

perfect bond of unity." We are speechless, breathless, humbled and eternally grateful.

Thank You for your overwhelming Love and Generosity.

With Blessings and Agapi,

Der Gomidas and Yeretzgeen Joanna

Attention Please note that the deadline for the submission of articles, pictures etc. to the Gantegh for publication is the 15th of each month to be included in the next issue. Please adhere to the deadline and email your submissions to pauline@stsvartanantzchurch.org.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

SUNDAY SCHOOL HELPS

FAMILIES AT CHRISTMAS

In keeping with the Spirit of

Christmas and the Season of Giving,

the Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School

collected gift items for four families,

including 11 adults and children, with the

names provided by Crossroads. Sunday

School parent, Angel Stevens, coordinated

these efforts, and she and her sons,

Alex and Bobby, delivered all the items to

CROSSROADS on Tuesday, December 20th.

Gifts for the families included many toys, pajamas, clothes, jackets, boots, and gift cards.

My Journey Back Home

My life didn't turn out the way I thought it

would. The Lord had other plans for me. I had

more sorrow than I thought I could handle.

My son died ten years ago, and it truly

shattered my heart. Then, seven years later, I lost

my husband and that left me feeling more alone

than ever.

With the help of the Lord and my

Aunt Mary Bedrossian, they brought me back to

the Church helping with all the baking. Coming

back to the church brought back great memories

of my mother bringing us to Sunday School while

she went to church. I love coming to church every

Sunday. It starts my week off on a positive note.

Joining many committees has filled a void in my

life. Working the Bazaar had my adrenaline

going. I didn't stop. I love working in all aspects

of the church, whether it is working in the

kitchen, making choreg, kufta, katah, or helping

out at a Hokejash, or mailing of the Gantegh.

I feel getting back to my roots where I belong

has made me the person I am today. I wouldn't

have come this far without my church family.

Everyone embracing me made me feel like I'm

part of one big family. The inner peace I now

have brings me solace and comfort. I thank the

Lord I have found a place where I feel safe, loved,

and cared for. I know in my heart that the Lord

has a wonderful future planned for me.

My journey has come full circle. I am back

home where I belong with my Armenian family. I

thank the Lord that He has blessed my life with

so many wonderful people. Thank you.

All My Love,

Noreen Melikian LaFazia

ÞÝáñѳõáñ Üáñ î³ñÇ

»õ êáõñµ ÌÝáõݹ

Wishing you a very

Happy and Healthy New Year

and a Blessed Nativity

Der Kapriel and the Board of Trustees

LADIES' GUILD NEWS

On Friday, December 2, 2016, at approximately 12 noon, 24 members of the Sts. Vartanantz Ladies' Guild gathered at Twin Oaks for their annual Christmas luncheon. Those of us who were early made ourselves comfortable in the waiting area and enjoyed a group discussion about our aches and pains, the presidential election, the Christmas season, and of course, the weather. In the waiting area were the oldest of our members, Hazel Kizirian at 93 and Margie Goodwin at 89 years old. These two ladies have not lost their senses of humor and are always a pleasure to be around. We also had the pleasure of two non-members, Sylvia Simonian and Hrand Jamjyan. Joining us were Der Kapriel and Yn. Debra.

Chairlady Joyce Bagdasarian welcomed everyone and

invited Der Kapriel to bless the gathering and to say a

few words. We enjoyed our luncheon choices and

spent some time talking with one another and

wishing each other a wonderful Christmas and a

healthy, happy New Year. Dorothy Melikian, who

organized this year's gathering, did a great job and

topped off the party with lovely and unique gifts to

each member.

Our Chairlady, Joyce Bagdasarian, thanked

everyone for coming and advised that the next

meeting of the Guild will take place on the third

Tuesday of January 2017.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a

Healthy, Happy New Year, and we look forward to

acquiring new members with new ideas to serve our

church and community.

Margaret Stepanian, Recording Secretary

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY “ANI” CHAPTER NEWS

January, 2017 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ATTENION HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS

ARS EASTERN USA’S UNDERGRADUATE AND

LAZARIAN GRADUATE 2017 SCHOLARSHIP

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Website scholarship page www.arseastusa.org.

Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2017.

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 KPilla1015@gmail.com

Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2017.

VAROUJAN AND ROSE V. KARENTZ SCHOLARHIP FUND

Details and information will be forthcoming soon.

ARS “ANI” and “ARAX” Chapters will be sponsoring an EASTER FOOD DRIVE FOR THE R.I. COMMUNITY FOOD BANK MARCH 5 through APRIL 9. Be a good neighbor and donate to help the less fortunate. The ARS Social Services Committee of Providence held its Annual Senior Citizens Christmas party on Friday, December 9 at Twelve Acres Restaurant. There were 91 people present. A full course dinner was served followed by Armenian and American music provided by Hagop Garabedian. There was also a sing along with Christmas carols. Mrs. Claus arrived with gifts for everyone and all went home happy. A raffle was held, and with the proceeds of the raffle, along with a couple of donations, $550 was raised for the Armenian Syrian Relief Fund. We thank all those who donated gifts and bought raffle tickets. Wishing one and all a Happy New Year.

Providence ARF Celebrates

126th

Anniversary

On Saturday evening, December 3, the

Providence ARF “Kristapor” Gomidehoutiun

celebrated the 126th Anniversary of the Armenian

Revolutionary Federation at the Harbor Lights

Marina and Country Club overlooking Narragansett

Bay.

Unger Hrag Arakelian, emcee, introduced the

chairman of the Providence ARF, Unger Hagop

Donoyan, who thanked the 150 guests for attending

and outlined the evening’s program. A brief

moment of silence was requested for two recently

fallen ungers, Unger Tom Vartabedian of Haverhill,

MA, and Unger Ara Demirdjian, ARF Bureau’s

Executive Director.

The United States and Armenian National

Anthems and Mshag Panvor were sung by

Ungerouhies Dalita Getzoyan, Taleen Donoyan and

Menar Tarpinian, respectively.

Der Hayr Kapriel Nazarian, pastor of Sts.

Vartanantz Armenian Church, provided words of

encouragement to the organization for playing a

prominent role in our community throughout the

decades and blessed the dinner which was about to

be served. He spoke of warrior Vartan Mamigonian

and the priest, Father Ghevont, by his side in the

large mural that adorns the back wall of our

church. Father Ghevont has been called the soul of

the movement of Christian resistance. Der Kapriel,

like all our priests before him, vowed to continue to

stand side by side with the ARF as the new spiritual

leader of the Providence community.

The room was decorated with wall murals of

photos from the ARF family of organizations - the

Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Youth

Federation, the Homenetmen and the Hamazkayin;

for therein lies the strength of the ARF in this and

all communities where Armenians reside all over

the world. A slide show of fedayees from the days

of the past to local dedicated ungers who have

passed was on display throughout the evening.

Five members of our sister organizations were

then called to the dais to be recognized for their

service to our community. The honorees included

U. Rita Minassian (AYF), U. Maggy Madarentz

(Hamazkayin) who was absent due to illness, U.

Karen Pilla (ARS), Yeghpayr Sarkis Minassian

(Homenetmen), and U. Seta Tarpinian (ARS).

Guest speaker of the evening, Unger Mourad

Topalian of Los Angeles, California, is a prominent

member of the Armenian community in the United

States. He is a former Chairman of the Armenian

National Committee of America (ANCA), whose

involvement with ANCA began in 1976.

Topalian was asked to share his thoughts on the

current standing and activities of the organization

and what can be done to strengthen Armenia. He

spoke proudly of the impact the ARF has had all

over the world, from its inception to present day.

Topalian was especially encouraged by the

defense of our lands during the April War in

Artsakh and by the inroads we have made in the

Armenian government, especially and including the

position of Chairperson of the Education Ministry

and the recent establishment of a 1,000-man

National Guard. Recognizing that all governments

have challenges, and Armenia is no different from

what we see all over the world, including our own

United States, he feels strongly that we must make

every possible effort to work with and become part

of the government in Yerevan.

He stated that it is a God-given right to be free

and we must do all we can as a diaspora to defend

our lands. He spoke of the annexation of Artsakh

and hopefully of someday freeing Javakhk and

Nakhichevan as well.

He felt honored to be among us and had strong

words of praise for the Providence community led

by the ARF. He particularly spoke of the Armenian

National Committee of RI, which he feels is the

model ANC Chapter in the nation.

The traditional momavaroutioune (cake

lighting) then took place to help raise funds for the

organization. Unger Hagop Donoyan announced to

the crowd that the Providence ARF “Kristapor”

Gomidehoutiun is donating $1,000 to aid in Syrian

relief efforts.

Entertainment was provided in the form of

nationalistic music by Sevag Khachadourian,

Martin Haroutunian, and Shahan Nercessian. The

gathering listened to and joined in singing the

inspiring ARF Revolutionary and Patriotic songs

throughout the remainder of the evening.

Unger Mourad arrived on the East Coast Friday

evening and was greeted at Logan Airport by

several Providence ARF members. They proceeded

to the community center in Providence, where he

presented a lecture to the Providence AYF.

Immediately following, a reception took place in the

ARF office, creating an opportunity to enjoy an

gathering with food and drink, while sharing great

memories and hopes for the future.

STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH

MOURAD ARMENIAN SATURDAY SCHOOL

Annual CHRISTMAS HANTES

Saturday, January 7, 2017 Communion at 10:00 am

Followed by Christmas songs, hymns and a visit from Santa Claus

Admission is Free. Please support Armenian School by attending.