Vol. XXXXVI No. 3 March 2012

Transcription

1 Etching by Vartkes Kaprielian Publication of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Pastor Office: Hall: Fax: Website:stsvartanantzchurch.org Vol. XXXXVI No. 3 March 2012 Sts. Vartanantz Day His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian, Choir and Deacons of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Vartanantz Day February 19, 2012

2 His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, bestowing the rank of "Tûbir" upon Nerses Donoyan. Before a young man enters the major Holy Orders in the Armenian Church, he must have received the four minor ranks. One who receives these four minor ranks is known as a Tûbir (clerk or chorister). Through the minor orders, the Tûbir is conferred with special privileges, which are the foundation of his service to the Church as a participant during the worship services. There are four distinct functions of a Tûbir. The four orders or minor ranks are: Doorkeeper (Tûrnaban), Reader (Ûntértsogh), Exorcist (Yértmûnétsootsich), and Candle Bearer (Momagir or Chahagir). Prior to receiving them, the Candidate must be examined by the Bishop and prepared for the responsibilities of reading the Psalms and keeping the Holy Church clean. The Candidate is blessed by the Bishop who will then cut his hair in the form of a cross. Then the Bishop presents the broom to the Candidate. The Candidate is then ready to enter into service to God and His church, and assume the first of the four minor ranks, which is Doorkeeper (Tûrnaban). 1. THE DOORKEEPER (TÛRNABAN) The first order is conferred by the Bishop at the door of the church. Those who shall receive the keys to the church kneel before the Bishop. He presents them the keys of the Church. 2. THE READER (ÛNTÉRSOGH) The Deacon or sponsoring Priest presents the Candidates to the Bishop who gives them the Books of the Epistles and ritual prayers. 3. THE EXORCIST (YÉRTÛMNÉTSOOTSICH) The Bishop offers the prayer whereby he officially sanctions them to pray over those possessed and those made infirm by the power of evil.. 4. THE CANDLE BEARER (MOMAGIR CHAHAGIR) The Deacon or sponsoring Priest presents the Candidates to the Bishop asking that theymay light the candles and bear spiritual light in their own souls At this time, the Bishop places in their hands a burning candle in a candlestick giving them the authority to light the candles in the Holy Church. Next, he gives them an empty cruet authorizing them to pour the wine in the chalice which is to become the Blood of Christ. Here, the ordination into the four minor orders in the Armenian Church is concluded. The symbolism of proceeding through the various stations leading to the Holy Altar teaches the Tûbir that his life will now be one never-ending journey walking in the way of the Lord and bringing others along the same road towards God s Heavenly Kingdom.

3 öñáíçï ÝëÇ êñµáó ì³ñ¹³ý³ýó ºÏ»Õ»óõáÛ ²Ýáõ³Ý Þù»Õ îûý³ï³ï³ñáõãçõý Փետրուար 19,2012-ի Կիրակին եղաւ յիշատակելի օր մը Փրովիտէնսի Սրբոց Վարդանանց եկեղեցւոյ պատմութեան մատեանին մէջ:թեմիս Բարեջան Առաջնորդ Գերշ. Տ. Օշական Արք. Չօլոյեան մատուցեց օրուայ Սուրբ Պատարագը եւ հարիւրաւոր բարեպաշտներու ներկայութեան,դպիր ձեռնադրեց փոքրիկն Ներսէս Տօնոյեանը : Եկեղեցւոյս հովիւ Արժ. Տէր Կոմիտաս Պաղսարեան ներկայացուց զայն Սրբազան Հօր, խնդրելով որ անոր տրուի եկեղեցւոյ չորս աստիճանները, որպէսզի ան առաւել եռանդով բանայ եկեղեցւոյ դուռը, մաքրէ եկեղեցին, լուսաւորէ խորանը, եւ կարդայ աւետարանը: Մուրատ Վարժարանի բարձրագոյն կարգի աշակերտները արտասանեցին «Հաւատամք»ը եւ կատարեցին կրտսեր հոգաբարձուներու պաշտօնը: Պատարագի վերջաւորութեան կատարուեցաւ օծումը Սբ. Գէորգի գունազարդ պատկերին նուիրուած Տիկ. Մարլէն Վիշապեանի ընտանիքին կողմէ, ի յիշատակ հանգուցեալ Գէորգ Վիշապեանի: Յետ պատարագի,եկեղեցւոյս Տիկնանց Միութեան կողմէ պատրաստուած համեղ ճաշը սպասարկուեցաւ Արամեան սրահին մէջ:օրուայ պատշաճ շնորհաւորական խօսքերէ ետք, Մուրատ Ազգային վարժարանի աշակերտներուն կողմէ ներկայացուեցաւ կոկիկ գեղարուեստական յայտագիր մը, առաջնորդութեամբ շնորհալի դաշնակահարուհի եւ երգի դասատու Տիկ. Այտա Գալիքեանի : Անոնք երգեցին չորս երգեր նուիրուած Վարդան Մամիկոնեանին, եւ արտասանութեամբ անոր գովքը հիւսեցին : Մասնաւոր գնահատանքի արժանացան մեներգող Անոյշ Չալըգեան եւ թմբկահար Ճօրճ Տօնոյեան: Հանդիսութեան աւարտին, Գերշ. Օշական Սրբազան Չօլոյեան իր սրտի խօսքը բաժնեց ներկաներուն շեշտելով իր խրախուսիչ քարոզին իմաստալից պատգամը : Ան իր խօսքը ուղղելով նոր սերունդի զաւակներուն, մատնանշեց որ Վարդանանց հերոսներուն պատերազմը այսօր եւս կը մղենք եւ թէ պէտք է շարունակենք մեր պայքարը որ միշտ յաղթական ըլլանք, ուխտելով որ հաւատարիմ մնանք մեր հաւատքին,մշակութային եւ ազգային արժէքներուն: Հանդիսութիւնը վերջ գտաւ «Կիլիկիա» երգի երգեցողութեամբ: Ø.ܳÉå³Ýï»³Ý Vartanantz Celebration On Sunday, February 19, 2012, the parishioners of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence, RI were honored with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy, presented and blessed a painting of Soorp Kevork, donated by the Vichabian Family and ordained Nerses Donoyan, an Armenian school student, as acolyte. In his sermon, Srpazan Hayr spoke of how St. Vartan and his army fought against the enemy to defend our Christian faith and our homeland. He stressed the idea that this day should not just be a memory, but a constant reminder that we are always at war these days to defend our faith. Archbishop Choloyan continued to remind us that our genocide survivors left their homeland with nothing but their faith, and by keeping it steadfast, were able to build their lives and stay strong. After church services, the congregation enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared and served by the Ladies Guild. Ms. Joyce Bagdasarian, mistress of ceremonies, began the program by reading a brief history of the Vartanantz heroes. Welcoming remarks were made by Mr. Mark Phillips, chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Anahid Kibarian, codirector of The Mourad Armenian School, introduced a group of upper classmen, who presented a program of songs and recitations under the direction of Mrs. Aida Kalikian, music director. The students sang and recited a tribute to St. Vartan, highlighted with a solo by Anoush Chalikyan and a drum accompaniment by George Donoyan. The program closed with Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian thanking all who contributed to the day s event. In his remarks, Archbishop Choloyan complemented the Armenian School students on their efforts and reminded them of the importance of attending church and Armenian School as a way of winning the war to defend our faith. Srpazan Hayr s inspiring words were followed by his closing prayer and the singing of Giligia by all. Kohar Eghian

4 During Great Lent, please join us for Adult Bible Study Mondays at 7 pm Painting of Soorp Kevork donated in Loving Memory of Kevork Vichabian by his family His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and our newly ordained "Tûbir" (Acolyte) Nerses Donoyan Der Hayr and the Board of Trustees wish to express our deepest appreciation to the Vichabian Family for their loving donation of the painting of Soorp Kevork. MARCH ARS ANI CHAPTER NEWS EASTER FOOD DRIVE for the RI Community Food Bank March 1 to April 1. Donations may be left at the church. Let us help our neighbors in need. ARS Ani and Arax Chapters will sponsor its 8th ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE for the RI Blood Bank on Sunday, April 22 from 10am to 2pm in the AYF room in the basement. Each pint of blood helps three people. Donors may give starting at age 16. These donations are made in memory of our martyrs. Please call Steve at or Joyce at ARS Eastern USA"s "Youth Connect" Program on March 17th at De Paul University in Chicago. For information contact: arseastusa.org/programs/youth~educational~ program.html ARS Eastern USA S Undergraduate and Lazarian Scholarship applications are available. Website scholarship page asreastus@aol.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, Providence ARS Ani Chapter Undergraduate Scholarship applications are now available. Must be a RI Resident and in second year of college. Call Karen Pilla or Kpilla1015@hotmail.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2012.

5 Our Annual Walk Armenia will take place on Saturday, May 19, Details to follow. Please Save the Date: A Hye Summer Night Dance will be held on July 14 at the Greek Annunciation Church in Cranston. Watch for further details. ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY SENIOR CITIZENS BUS TRIP MYSTERY BUS TRIP Thursday, March 22, 2012 Bus leaves Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church 9:30 am Watch for Further Details For information call Joyce Yeremian at ALL ARE WELCOME Sign in North Providence, RI noting the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of RI and the Sts. Vartanantz Church Men's Club. Schedule for Lenten Vesper Services Great Lent begins on February 22nd and continues through March 28th. Lenten Vespers will begin at 7:15 pm. Vesper Services will be preceded by a Lenten Dinner at 6:00 pm. The schedule for Lenten events is listed below: Wednesday, March 7 The Men s Club will host a Fellowship Hour following the Lenten Service. Wednesday, March 14 Median Day of Lent AYF/Homenetmen will host the Lenten Dinner Guest Speaker: Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian Wednesday, March 21 CEC will host a Fellowship Hour following the Lenten Service. Wednesday, March 28 Ladies' Guild will host the Lenten Dinner Guest Speaker: Harold Nazarian Holy Week Schedule Palm Sunday, April 1st Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Turunpatzek Opening of the Gates 12:00 pm Godfather of the Opening of the Curtain K. Kenneth Bogosian Maundy Thursday, April 5th Washing of the Disciples Feet 7:00 pm Betrayal of Jesus (Khavaroom) 8:00 pm Over the years, the ANC has been raising flags all over our state, but it all started in North Providence with a special event over a decade ago, with three survivors present. Almost every survivor is gone now, but our fight for justice remains strong. We now fly our Armenian flag annually every April 24th at every City and Town Hall along with the RI State House. The ANC and Men's Club have adopted a road in North Providence as a way of saying thank you to the town which continues to hold a ceremony at the Town Hall every year honoring a North Providence resident who brings honor and pride to our people. The location of the street which the Men's Club has pledged to keep clean, by picking up the trash on both sides of the road, is on Fruit Hill Avenue from the rear entrance of RI College to Evans Park on Smith Street. Steve Elmasian ANC-RI Chairman Trustee - Sts. Vartanantz Church Good Friday, April 6th Commemoration of Christ s Burial Holy Saturday, April 7th Evening Service Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm Note: Pupils of the Mourad Armenian School and Sunday School will receive Holy Communion on Saturday, April 7th at 10:00 am. Adults are also invited. Easter Sunday, April 8th Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sermon 11:00 am

6 The Senior Ladies will be making Bahotz Kufta March 12, 13 and 15th To place your order, please call Sarah Markarian Deadline for orders is March 7th 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. Recent Donations to our Outreach Program Anonymous $ 250 Dale and Mary Quam $ 200 Jason and Nora Simonian $ 50 In Appreciation Mary and I and our family members deeply appreciate the hospital visits by Der Hayr as well as the encouraging words by phone from Yeretzgeen Joanna and their prayers during my recent surgeries. Thank you, also, to everyone who prayed for me and for all who sent get-well cards, called by phone, or visited at our home. Dale Quam NEWS from the BOARD ROOM Cash Receipts Jan Total Plate Donations $ 2,712 $ 2,712 Church Dues 1,250 1,250 Requiem Services 3,320 3,320 Youghakin 6,415 6,415 Funerals: Service, In Lieu 9,446 9,446 of Flowers & Hokejash Stewardship 2,777 2,777 Other 18,298 18,298 Total Receipts 44,218 44, 218 Total Disbursement 20,555 20,555 Excess Cash Receipts 23,663 23,663 (Disbursements) Remember... The word for 2012 is "ENGAGE". Please do your part. Parishioners, Please Support Your Church Stewardship Envelope Books for 2012 are now 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. A Special Thank You to Hagop and Salpi Donoyan who have donated a beautiful wood Music Stand/Lectern in honor of their son, Nerses, being ordained a Tibeer (Acolyte). Additional Christmas Youghakin Donations Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Mesrobian and $1000 Stepan, Mark & Bried Ms. Janice Votolato $ 100 Mrs. Sue Vartian $ 25 Donations Children of the late Alice Killerjian Norberg $ 1,000 In Loving Memory of their mother Michael and Christine Kevorkian $ 250 In Loving Memory of Siranouche Kevorkian Dr. and Mrs. Sam Faradyan $ 200 Mrs. Mariam Norigian $ 50 In honor of the Name Day of our Church Richard and Catherine Albanese $ 25 In appreciation for Der Hayr's visits to Richard The following donations were made in appreciation for receiving the Gantegh Ms. Lucy S. Almasian $ 25 Varoujan and Rose Karentz $ 25 In honor of Armen Eghian, Godfather of the Cross for Armenian Christmas 2012 Due to rising printing costs, donations to help off-set printing of the Gantegh would be greatly appreciated. Parishioners If you would like to receive your issue of the Gantegh electronically, please forward your address to the Church Web Site: stsvartanantzchurch.org

7 Donation of Altar Candles Mr. Peter "Doc" Bedrosian and Family In Loving Memory of Oppie Bedrosian Spiritual Bouquet Cards are available for Prayers for Healing or Prayers for the Deceased These cards are to be sent by you to the family indicating your intentions. They may be obtained at the Pongal 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) during 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 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special occasion. REQUIEM SERVICE March 4 Baghdasar, Souren, Boghos, Siranoosh, Minas and Elmas Arzoomanian and Anna Nahabedian; Hagopos, Ovsanna and Dr. Kegham and Shavarsh Nartouni Ayvasian, Arsen and Mariam Babikyan and Aghavni Derderian; Parancum, Setrag and Alice Bagdasarian; Artacky Berberian; Minas and Margaret Dayian; Helen Fashjian; Satenig and John Hovhannes Garabedian; Rev Father Vartan Kassabian; Dikranouhi and Krikor Krikorian; Krikor Krikorian; Mariam and Yervant Manoogian; Mary Manoian; Haig Markarian, Sr; Aroussiag Minassian; Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian; Moushegh Joe Najarian; Melkon Mal Norigian; Gulizar Sarkisian;Yeranuhi and Harpet Sarkisian; Mugurdich Shaljian; Kazar and Almas Simonian and Zartar Atamian; Hrayr, Rouben, Vehanush, Stepan, Antranig, Mari and Vartan Stepanyan; Karapet Tashian March 11 Helena, Hagop, Lawrence, Daniel and Dawn Adoian; Asadoor and Elmas Avakian; Haig Martin Baligian; Anna Casciano; Lousik Dadayan; Jouhar Dappinian, Melkon Derderian, Toni Christina Budnick, and Soukias and Tourvanda Setian; Garabed, Mariam and Manoog DerKachadourian and Haroutoon Andonian; Harold and Sally Goolgasian; Karapet Khoulian; Sarah Leylegian; Aram Markarian and Yeghishe and Vergine Basmajian; Leo Marsoubian; Paramaz Narzakian and Robert Hagopian; Genevieve Pelkey; Gregory Portukalian March 18 Frances Kizirian; Harry, Kapriel and Marinos Krikorian; Abraham Movsessian; Gevork Odabashyan; Sahak Sahakian; Zaven Tenkarian; Vahram Samuelian, Heghine Manasian and Louise Vartanian March 25 Hagop and Aghavni Alahverdian; Alice Bedrosian, Margaret Kedonian and Helen Page; Beatrice Manoian Bouris; Margaret DerManouelian; Violet Garabedian; Elizabeth Jabagjorian; Diramayr Rose Kassabian; Azniv and Sarkis Parseghian; Sarkis Stepanian; Roxie Surabian April 1 Archie Arakelian, Osky Cascone, and Aristakes and Hripsime Vartanian; Meron Arevian; Sumpat Barsamian; Margaret Benjamin; Lucille and Qurken Berberian; Zakar, Mooshech, Zartar and Charles Bogoian, and Bedros and Miriam Navoian; Sarkis Chapian; Helen DeCiccio; Michael Charles Der Hagopian; Maritza Dolbashian; Armenoohy Asarigian George; Siroon and Hagop Harootunian; Harry Kachadourian Yeghsapert Elizabeth, Easaya and Charles Garabed Kenoian, and John P., Patrick, Sally and Nora Costigan, and Albert Vincent Reizian; Sarkis and Anneg Kopoian, and Avedis and Zabel Demoorjian; Hagop and Arshalouys Madoian; Peter Mantaian; Vartoohe and Babig Marabian, and Gulizar Ayvasian; Vagashag and Berjoohi Melikian, and Kachadoor and Zaghig Zoragian; Mark Plante; Madeline Sahagian; Michael Peter Sahagian; Sarkis and Marie Sarkisian; Harabed and Margaret Saropian; Hagop, Dickran, Diramayr Anna, Naima and Janette Tashjian, Ki Diarbi, Geroge Simonian, and Ghezaleh and Sami Azrak April 8 -- No Requiems -- Easter April 15 Charles Akalarian; Krikor Alexanian; Victor Derderian; Avedis and Arshalouys Der Manouelian; Khachig and Anoush Kibarian, Harouitune Boyajian and Boyajian and Kibarian Families; Martin Kojoian, and Mary and Peter B. Melikian; John Hovannes Kushigian; Rosine Maviyan; Baidzar Stepanian April 22 Altoun, Manoug and Barkev Chamalian and Haiastan Avedisian; Peter H. Jordan; Elizabeth Kaprielian and Joseph Pilla; Sahag and Marinos Mouradjian; Harry Sarkisian April 29 Nishan Aznavorian; Guzel Bedrosian and Zartar Menissian; Margaret and Vagashag Derderian; Zabel, Armenag and Aram Johnson; Robert Torkomian Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Endowment Fund Please remember the Endowment Fund when considering your charitable donations

8 ETERNAL REST Siranouche Kevorkian Entered into Eternal Rest on January 30, 2012 Ralph Rafaelian Entered into Eternal Rest on February 17, 2012 Lucy Arakelian Entered into Eternal Rest on February 18, 2012 Fortieth Day Requiem Service The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Avedis Mahdesian will be said on March 4, 2012 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Siranouche Kevorkian will be said on March 11, 2012 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Ralph Rafaelian will be said on April 1, 2012 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Lucy Arakelian will be said on April 1, 2012 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 your submissions as this facilitates the editing process. Thank you for your cooperation. Der Hayr and the Board of Trustees Attention Please note that the Church's Address has changed to: Winter and Inclement Weather is upon us! When there is a Parking Ban in Providence, Church Services will be cancelled. Under all other circumstances, please check all local radio and television stations and their respective websites for information. ARS "Ani" Chapter Easter Food Drive to benefit the RI Community Food Bank March 1 to April 1 Donations may be left at the Church. Let us help our neighbors in need Calendar of Events Mar 9 Sunday School Family Night 6 pm in the Lower Hall Mar 9-11 Providence AYF hosts the National Athletic Tournament (NAT s) Apr 8 Homenetmen Easter Dinner 1 pm in Aramian Auditorium Apr 20 CEC Family Night Dinner at 6pm; Speaker at 7pm Apr 22 ARS "Ani" and "Arax" Chapters Annual Blood Drive 10 am - 2 pm in the AYF Rm Apr 24 Requiem Service in Memory of our Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide 7 pm at Sts. Vartanantz Church Apr 29 Armenian Martyrs Memorial Service at the Monument 12:45 pm May 5 ARS "Arax" Chapter Annual Mother's Day Dinner in Aramian Auditorium May 9-12 NRA Convention at the Crowne Plaza May 11 NRA Convention Crowne Plaza May 19 Annual Walk Armenia May 20 ARF "Kristapor" Gomideh Khanasor Picnic July 14 Ladies' Guild/ARS "Ani" Chapter present "A Hye Summer Night" Sept 9 ANC "Meet the Candidates" Picnic Oct His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia will be in Providence Nov 18 ARF Day/ ARF Day Program The AYF Providence Varantian Chapter is excited to host this year s National Athletic Tournament March 9-11, 2012 HOTEL: The Chapter has arranged for the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick to serve as the weekend's headquarters. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Friday Night Social - Dave & Buster s No entrance fee. There's a bar, pool tables, food, games, TV's to watch March Madness. Saturday Basketball Tournaments The games will take place from 9 am 5 pm at Pilgrim High School. Saturday Night Dance Come to the Saturday Night Dance from 8:30 pm 1 am featuring Jaq Hagopian and band at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom! Trophy presentations will take place at 10:30 pm during the dance.

9 Providence AYF VBall Another Huge Success DOC Bedrosian were called to the front of the room to greet them into the alumni fraternity. Those successfully reaching the rank of alumni are Melkon Megerdichian, Vicken Rachdouni, Christine Tutunjian and Sonig Varadian. We congratulate all of them for their services over the years. Der Gomidas closed the evening with a prayer. The junior and senior members were then asked to step to the floor as the band played the chapter song, Hey Djan. The dinner crowd of over 300 then welcomed those that came for the dance. AYF Reporter (West Warwick, RI) On Saturday, January 28th, over 350 people came to dine and celebrate with the Providence AYF Juniors and Seniors and dance to the sounds of an 8-piece band led by Harry Bedrossian. The evening began with emcee Andrew Bagdasarian welcoming the crowd and asking Arch Priest Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church to offer the blessing. After the singing of Mer Hayrenik by all in attendance and a moment of silence for those that have passed away during the last year, dinner was served. Emcee Bagdasarian then recognized the head table, which included, Der Hayr Gomidas Baghsarian, Sarah Varadian, senior president, and Steve Elmasian, ARF Advisor. Honorary members of the chapter, former Olympic kings and queens, Varadian Spirit Award recipients, and sister organizational representatives that were present were also recognized at this time. Sarah Varadian, newly elected senior president, then gave a report on their activities for the past year of both the junior and senior chapters and thanking the out-going executive for a job well done with special emphasis on the chapter president, Talene Taraksian. Unger Steve Elmasian, one of the senior advisors, gave a report of senior activities. His focus was on the importance of the chapter to always reach out to all its members no matter their background and continue the traditions that have been going on here for close to 8 decades. He spoke at length about the injuries Cory Garabedian suffered in a car accident on Christmas Eve that nearly claimed his life and how he has galvanized a community and a nation. After Unger Steve s powerful and inspirational speech about Cory Garabedian, it was revealed that all of the proceeds from the raffle and silent auction would be donated to Cory and his family to help cover the cost of expensive medical treatments. The support of all in attendance, including those from other communities, was overwhelming. It was the true meaning of community: everyone coming together, whether they knew Cory or not, to give all they could to support one of their own. There were 20 raffle items donated and we raised over $6000. Four members of the senior chapter have graduated to the ranks of alumni and were honored next. Two alumni members in attendance, Ungerouhi Margaret Stepanian and Peter The Scholarship Committee of Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Armenian Church is pleased to announce that applications are now available for the Charles Yaghoobian, Jr. Scholarship Grants for Scholarship Grants will be awarded to qualified members of all three Armenian Churches in RI. Applicants must be dues paying members of their church. Scholarships are limited for up to 3 years only. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for consideration. For an application and a list of eligibility requirements you may contact: Nathalie The deadline to submit completed application and all documentation is April 2, 2012 Vaughan Avedisian Memorial Fund thru the Rhode Island Foundation Annual Scholarships averaging $2,000 to benefit students to attend a non-profit post- secondary institution that offers wither a two-year associate or a four-year college degree. Applicants must be RI students, be accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution and able to demonstrate financial need. For an application, please contact John Takian by johnt@blissproperties.net Deadline for completed applications is April 6, Remember... The word for 2012 is "ENGAGE". Please do your part.

10 THE PROVIDENCE HAMAZKAYIN SOCIETY of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church cordially invites you to attend The World Premiere Production of by Dr. Herand MarkarianND M. MARKARIAN Best Diasporan Playwright Award, the Writers Union of Armenia A play commissioned by New York State Theater Institute The story of a woman who survived the Armenian Genocide searching for her son starring Lorraine Serabian Tony Nominee, Outer-Critics Circle Award, Barrymore Award Nominee and Helen Hayes Award Saturday, May 19, 2012 The Shell Theater (The Times Square Arts Building) 300 West 43 Street, fourth floor, New York For information, promptly contact: Tigranouhi Minassian or Margaret Stepanian ********************************************************************** Save the Date Christian Education Committee Family Night Friday, April 20, 2012 (please note the change in date) Guest Speaker: Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian Dinner at 6 pm Presentation at 7 pm

11 Vartanantz Celebration Dinner and Program

12 STS. VARTANANTZ ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH will be hosting the NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY of the EASTERN PRELACY OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF AMERICA at the CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, WARWICK, RI MAY 9 12, 2012 A BANQUET WILL BE HELD AT THE HOTEL ON FRIDAY, MAY 11, PARISHIONERS and FRIENDS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO JOIN US AT THIS BANQUET WITH OUR PRELATE, CLERGY and NRA DELEGATES. PLEASE RESERVE THIS DATE and WATCH FOR FURTHER DETAILS.