Vol. LII No. 3 The Season of Great Lent March 2017

Transcription

1 Etching by Vartkes Kaprielian Publication of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island Reverend Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor Office: Hall: F ax: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org Vol. LII No. 3 The Season of Great Lent March 2017 From Der Hayr's Desk And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:20) On a beautiful December morning, a father living in northern Armenia started his day as usual with his family. He walked his son Armand to school as he did each morning. He had no reason to believe that this day would be very different from most other days. But in a few short hours, just before noon time, everything changed. In a matter of just four or five minutes, the devastating earthquake of 1988 struck their town and buildings crumbled everywhere. Virtually the whole town was reduced to rubble. After overcoming his initial shock, Armand s father hurried through the streets leading to his son s school. When he arrived there he found a pile of debris and rubble where the school once stood. He knew that his son s classroom was at a back corner of the school and he climbed over the debris to that spot and began digging by hand to try to uncover where the classroom had been. At first, some parents helped, but most just gave up all hope when they saw the site. After a short time, even the few parents that had been helping gave up and stopped digging. Armand s father, however, never gave up. He dug by hand hour after hour, never leaving the site. During this time, all he could remember was his promise to his son, No matter what happens, Armand, I ll always be there. After digging by hand for thirty-eight hours, he heard a soft voice from under a board. He pulled the board back and joyfully cried out, Armand! His son and fourteen of his classmates were alive under the rubble. He lifted them all out from the darkness they had endured into the light of day. Armand turned to his friends and said, See, I told you my father wouldn t forget us. The trust that Armand had in his father s promise is a great example of the childlike faith that our Lord Jesus Christ asks us to have in Him. (Mt. 18:2-4) Why did Armand have such trust in his father s promise? Because he knew in the depth of his heart how strong his father s love was for him. And because of that, he knew that his father would keep his promise. The greatest love that the world has ever known is the love of God as revealed in Jesus. Just as out of love Armand s father lifted him out of the physical darkness that he was in, our Lord lifts us out of our spiritual darkness for all eternity. He does this out of His love and great mercy for each of us. (Tit. 3:4) God has kept every promise that He has ever made to us and will always keep his promises to us. (Jos. 23:14) We have the assurance that no matter how many promises God has made, they are Yes in Christ. (2 Co. 1:20) May our love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ overflow as we journey through this Lenten season and reflect on His love for us and His promise to always be with us.

2 Our Sunday School News A typical Sunday morning for the seventh graders consists of prayer, a memory verse exercise and Bible reading with discussion. Recently, the students took a break from their routine for a hands-on learning experience, creating a statue based on the king's dream in Daniel chapter 2. The statue, as God reveals to Daniel in a vision, represents the mighty empires throughout history. But there is more to the dream. A rock, not cut by human hands, strikes the statue, breaking it to pieces. The rock is the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. Here is a reminder that all the powers of the earth come to an end, but God is sovereign over all, and His Kingdom is eternal. Mrs. Jayne Zobian, 7 th Grade Teacher Through even the first few chapters of this book, so many lessons are being taught. We all know the story of Daniel in the lion s den, but there are so many other stories that help us as a church community learn about God. There is one story which I think expresses God in a great way. The King of Babylon has taken most of the citizens of Israel as his own and forces them to worship false gods. Daniel s three friends refuse to bow down to these false gods. The three men were thrown into a furnace as punishment for their actions; something extraordinary happened. There was a fourth man in the furnace with the men, this man is believed to be our Lord Jesus. This shows that Jesus watches over those who believe in him wholeheartedly. We know that God loves us, and that we are very precious to Him. I really enjoy Sts. Vartanantz Church and our Sunday School. The teachers prepare lessons that teach us about God in a great way. They truly connect us to God and our Faith. God. Who is God? My name is Zaven Zeitountzian, and we know that God is the creator of everything we see today, even the things that we cannot see. Thankfully, our Lord has given us the ability to truly connect to Him through Jesus Christ. We learn about our Creator in the ancient scripture: The Holy Bible. One book that my Sunday School class and I are discussing is the Old Testament book of Daniel. 7 th Grade Students Maral Zobian, Lauren Chopy and Zaven Zeitountzian working on their statues

3 Annual Board of Trustees, Church and Sister Organizations Meeting Representatives from all of our Church and Sister Organizations participated in the annual meeting with the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, February 21st. Many topics were discussed, beginning with a commitment to Catholicos Aram I's declaration of 2017 as the "Year of Renewal." Other areas of discussion included how all the organizations can contribute to the renewal of our church community, especially by encouraging, mentoring, and welcoming our young adults' participation. The Church calendar, publications, and deadlines were also discussed. A fellowship provided by the Ladies Guild followed the meeting. Annual Tri-Church Board Dinner Meeting This year's meeting was was held on Wednesday, January 25 th and was hosted by the Armenian Evangelical Church. The food and fellowship were truly a blessing.

4 2017: THE YEAR OF RENEWAL During this Great Season of Lent Please Join Us for Adult Bible Study on Monday Evenings at 7 pm His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, has declared the year 2017 as The Year of Renewal. His Holiness s message was read in all Prelacy churches on February 12. In his message His Holiness states the imperative of renewal and provides various perspectives leading toward Renewal. His Holiness states: Renewal in the New Testament is presented as an indispensable necessity. The purpose of Christ s incarnation and His mission of salvation was the renewal of humankind and the universe. Indeed, the New Testament is the history of the renewal of humanity and creation by divine intervention. The Book of Revelation condenses this with the following words: Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:5) After discussing Renewal as the goal of the Holy Bible, as the axle of the Mission of the Church, and the imperative of Renewal, His Holiness concludes: The Church has the directive from life-renewing Christ, to become the incentive for spiritual and moral renewal that forms the foundation for true renewal of social life. The standard-bearers of this very important task of renewal must be the Armenian youth, because they are intimately knowledgeable of the current conditions, concerns, and challenges of the world. And, therefore, they feel the actual need for renewal and they can also bring important help to the collective effort of renewal with their expertise and new ideas. From Crossroads Schedule for Lenten Vespers Services Lenten Vespers Services begin on March 1st and will continue through April 5th. Vespers Services will begin at 7:00 pm. On select dates, the Vespers Services will be preceded by a Lenten Dinner at 6:00 pm. The schedule for Lenten events is as follows: Wednesday, March 1 Our Board of Trustees will host the Fellowship Hour following the Lenten Service Homilist: Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian Wednesday, March 8 ARS "Ani" and "Arax" Chapters will host the Lenten Dinner at 6 pm to benefit the Mourad Armenian School Homilist: Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian Wednesday, March 15 AYF and Homenetmen will host the Lenten Dinner at 6 pm Homilist: Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian Wednesday, March 22 The Men's Club will host the Median Lenten Dinner at 6pm to benefit the Sunday School and the Providence Rescue Mission Homilist: Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin Wednesday, March 29 The Christian Education Committee will host the Fellowship Hour following the Lenten Service. Homilist: Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian Wednesday, April 5 The Ladies' Guild will host the Lenten dinner at 6 pm Homilist: Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian

5 Altar Candles In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Sarkisian by Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Fellabaum Altar Flowers In Loving Memory of Oskie Mouradjian on the occasion of her first-year anniversary by Harry and Claire Kushigian In Loving Memory of Isabelle Varadian by the Varadian and Megerdichian Families In Loving Memory of Gladys Fermanian by her dear friend, Mrs. Joyce Hourdajian In Loving Memory of Haig Aghjayan on the occasion of his birthday by the Aghjayan and Getzoyan Families In Loving Memory of Takouhi Kachadourian on the occasion of her first-year anniversary by Michael, Cheryl, Harry & Suzanne Kachadourian, and Carolyn & Bruce Albright and Families 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. The following donation was designated for the Outreach Fund: Anonymous $300 Anonymous $100 Zevart and Arlene Hourdajian In Loving Memory of Gladys Fermanian $ 50 Donations Mr. & Mrs. Jason Simonian $1,000 In honor of having served as a Board of Trustee Member for six years, and in appreciation for the kindness extended to the entire family and to Michael as an altar server Mr. George Sahagian $ 500 In Loving Memory of his son, Gregory Joseph Sahagian, who lost his battle with leukemia on February 15, 2014, at the age of fifty-two years and forty-four days. The world is a better place because he was in it. Mrs. Mary DerVartanian $ 100 In appreciation to Der Kapriel for serving at her dear sister, Carol Norigian s, funeral The Family of Alice Kojoian $ 100 In appreciation to the Meal Ministry Gantegh Donations Diana Varadian $ 100 In Loving Memory of Bedros Peter Aproian Elmas and Paul Dginguerian $ 50 Heartfelt Thanks to the Ladies Guild for the generous donation of the new Coffee Carafes THE AYF YOUTH CENTER is off to a wonderful start thanks to the kindness and generosity of the following donors: Martha Mantaian $ 6,850 Ardashes Nahabedian 500 Everett Marabian 300 Arshag and Suzanne Simonian 175 Melissa Simonian 175 Walter and Nancy Anoushian 100 Stephen Elmasian 100 Armenag Palian 100 Dickran and Madeline Palian 100 Michael and Satenig Palian 100 Virginia Hazian 25

6 Please Note!! If you would like to receive the latest church news in a timely fashion and on a weekly basis, please SIGN UP NOW for our WEEKLY E-BULLETIN by ing the church office at: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org You may also choose to receive your monthly GANTEGH the same way. When you receive these ed versions of our church news, the pictures are current and in color, as are the flyers for upcoming events. We encourage you to sign up now! 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 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) at the appropriate time during the Divine Liturgy. Requiem Services March 5 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; Artacky Berberian; Maria Shahenian Czabanowski and Horopig and Albert Rustelli; Minas and Margaret Dayian; Harry Derderian; Garabed, Mariam and Manoog Der Kachadourian and Haroutoon Andonian; Helen Fashjian; Satenig and John Hovhannes Garabedian; Rev. Fr. Vartan and Diramayr Rose Kassabian; Dikranouhi and Krikor Krikorian; Haig Markarian, Sr.; Aroussiag Minassian; Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian and Melkon "Mal" Norigian; Moushegh Joe Najarian; Gulizar Sarkisian; Mugurdich Shaljian; Kazar, Almas, Peter and Vencenza Simonian and Zartar Atamian; Hrayr, Rouben, Vehanush, Stepan, Antranig, Mari and Vartan Stepanyan March 12 Arpie Asadoorian; Anna Casciano, Mary Karibian and Parensem Antonian; Jouhar Dappinian, Melkon Derderian, Toni Christina Budnick, and Soukias and Tourvanda Setian; Harold and Sally Goolgasian; Karapet Khoulian; John Nishan Kibarian; Aram Markarian and Yeghishe and Vergine Basmajian; Leo Marsoubian; Arthur Khachadour Melikian; Paramaz Narzakian and Robert Hagopian; Rose Markarian Ovoian; Genevieve Pelkey; Gregory Portukalian; Karapet Tashian; Elizabeth, Hagop and Robert Tevekelian March 19 Asadoor and Elmas Avakian; Haig Martin Baligian; Donald and Lillian Bedrosian and Nancy Francazio; Lousik Dadayan; Frances Kizirian; Harry, Kapriel and Marinos Krikorian; Abraham Movsessian; Gevork Odabashyan; Kathy Grace Peterson; Sahak Sahakian; Lalezar Khimatian Talbot; Zaven Tenkarian, Vahram Samuelian, Heghine Manasian and Louise Vartanian March 26 Hagop and Aghavni Alahverdian; Beatrice Bouris; Margaret Der Manuelian; Violet Garabedian; Yeghsapert, Easaya, and Garabed Kenoian, John and Sally Costigan and Albert Vincent Reizian; Rose Marabian; Azniv and Sarkis Parseghian; Sarkis Stepanian; Roxie Surabian April 2 Meron Arevian; Sarkis Chapian; Avedis and Zabel Demoorjian and Sarkis and Anneg Kopoian; Michael Charles Der Hagopian; Sophie Nalbandian Downs; Hagop and Arshalous Madoian; Babig and Vartoohe Marabian and Gulizar Ivazian; Garabed Masdanian; Mary Papazian; Harabed and Margaret Saropian; Hagop, Diramayr Anna, Dickran, Naima and Jannette Tashjian, Ki Diarbi, George Simonian, and Ghezaleh and Sami Azrak. April 9 Charles Akalarian and David Anthony; Anna Baghsarian; Sumpat Barsamian; Lucille, Qurken and John Berberian; Zakar, Mooshegh, Zartar and Charles Bogoian; Maritza Dolbashian; Armenoohy Asarigian George; Harry Kachadourian; Gertrude, Peter and Audrey Kaloustian; Stephen Khatchadourian; Peter Mantaian; Sara Mary Matulewicz; Mark Plante; Madeline Sahagian; Michael Peter Sahagian April 16 EASTER NO REQUIEM SERVICE April 23 Krikor Alexanian; Boris Barsegov; Seboo Barsoian; Altoun, Manoug, Barkev, and Sarkis Chamalian and Haiastan Avedisian; Victor Derderian; Avedis and Arshalouys DerManouelian; Peter H. Jordan; Khachig, and Anoush Kibarian, Harouitune Boyajian, and Boyajian and Kibarian Families; Martin Kojoian, and Mary and Peter B. Melikian; John Hovannes Kushigian; Rosine Maviyan; Vagashag and Berjoohi Melikian, Kachadoor and Zaghig Zoragian, and Margaret and Kim Benjamin; Rose Nalchadzhyan; Baidzar Stepanian April 30 Nishan Aznavorian; Alice and David P. Bedrosian, Margaret Kedonian and Helen Page; Helen Chakoian;

7 April 30 (cont.) Guzel Bedrosian and Zartar Menissian; Margaret and Varashag Derderian; Arakel Dolbashian and Harry Sarkisian; Milton Gelenian; Manuel Kazandjian; Zabel, Armenag and Aram Johnson; Elizabeth Kaprielian and Joseph Pilla; Claire Manasian; Mesrob Mesrobian; Violet and Rose Samuelian; Martin Sherestanian; Robert Torkomian; Rose Toumasian and Peter Marsoubian; Diana A. Tutooian Eternal Rest Alice Kojoian Entered into Eternal Rest on February 7, 2017 John Arzoomanian Entered into Eternal Rest on February 8, 2017 Isabelle Panosian Entered into Eternal Rest on February 22, 2017 Amaliya Avanesova Entered into Eternal Rest on February 27, 2017 Fortieth Day Remembrances The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Virginia Kalagian will be said on March 5, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Kristine Martirossian will be said on March 5, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Frank Zorabedian will be said on March 5, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Aram Tateosian will be said on March 12, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Alice Kojoian will be said on March 19, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for John Arzoomanian will be said on March 19, 2017 Please visit our website at for information regarding our Sunday and Armenian Schools, Church organizations, upcoming events, as well as general information regarding our Church Sacramental Events Baptism: Zachary Michael Albert DaSilveira Parents: Carlos Garcia DaSilveira Michele Lisa Albertelly Born: August 8, 2015 Baptized: February 12, 2017 Godparents: Ricardo DaSilveira Rachel Haskell Baptism: Lana Mari Sarkisian Parents: Gegam Sarkisian Kaitlyn Pitts Born: February 17, 2016 Baptized: February 18, 2017 Godparents: Sam Tsimortos Nicole Tsimortos NEW EXECUTIVES ANNOUNCED Correction to the Ladies Guild Executive Ladies Guild Chairlady: Joyce Bagdasarian Vice Chairlady: Noreen Melikian LaFazia Treasurer: Elizabeth Kopoian Assistant Treasurer: Gloria Nazarian Corresponding Secretary: Pauline Dayian Recording Secretaries: Sofie Garabedian & Margaret Stepanian ARS Arax Chapter Chairperson: Taline Mkrtschjan Vice-chair: Violet Manoushak Krikorian Secretary: Maro Nadjarian Treasurer: Anoush Taraksian Advisors: Nvard Dedeian, Anahit Kaian, and Seta Tarbinian AYF Senior Chapter President: Raffi Rachdouni Vice-President: Ani Megerdichian Treasurer: Lena Minassian Corresponding Secretary: Sylvahna Menissian Recording Secretary: Nareh Mkrtschjan Advisor: Paul Haroian AYF Junior Chapter President: Anahid Donoyan Vice-President: Nerses Donoyan Treasurer: Arthur Arslanian Recording Secretary: Xavier Millet Corresponding Secretary: Mackenzi Larkin Advisor: Rita Minassian Homenetmen Chairwoman: Siran Krikorian Secretary: Talene Taraksian Treasurer: Maral Kachadourian Athletic Rep: Michael Arslanian Scouts Rep: Ida Arslanian

8 Our Church was Well-Represented on the Armenian Heritage Cruise 2017!! Saturday, February 11 th was a Fun Day Ending with a Skating Social The AYF Juniors and Seniors, along with the Homenetmen, have had a very busy month of meetings and activities. AYF Junior Parent Meeting

9 The 27 th Homenetmen Eastern USA Navasartian Games to be held in Providence ~~ July 1-4, 2017 The Homenetmen of Providence is proud to be hosting the 27 th Annual Homenetmen Eastern USA Navasartian Games this Fourth of July weekend (July 1 st 4 th ). The steering committee and community are excited to welcome everyone to Providence for a memorable weekend. The Providence Biltmore, located in the heart of downtown Providence, will be our headquarters for the weekend. Rooms are available to reserve for an affordable rate of $129 for a single and $139 for a double. Please call and mention Homenetmen for the discounted rate. The athletic and social events planned for the weekend promise to be exciting and enjoyable. The finest Armenian musicians will entertain our guests throughout the weekend with beautiful music for our dancing and listening pleasure. The venue for the athletic events has been carefully selected and they will be held in top-of-the-line facilities. All athletic games this weekend will be held at East Greenwich High School. Transportation to and from the hotel will be provided for hotel guests. The Steering Committee is also excited to announce the entertainment line-up for the weekend. The Sunday night dance will feature Kevork Artinian & Band at the Providence Biltmore at 8PM. Monday night's Victory Gala Dinner Dance will feature Elie Berberian & Band at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Dinner will begin at 7PM with the dance to follow. This year we will not only look back and reflect on the 99 years of memories and service that the Homenetmen has provided to the Armenian Youth, but also the 40 th Anniversary of the founding of the Homenetmen Eastern Region. We cannot wait to welcome everyone into our wonderful city for a weekend that will be remembered for a lifetime! Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date with the Navasartian Games. Facebook: Instagram: Navasartian.East Snapchat: navasartianeast Please navasartian.eusa@homenetmen.org if you have any questions.

10 Scholarship Information! ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS ARS EASTERN USA S UNDERGRADUATE AND LAZARIAN GRADUATE 2017 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Website scholarship page 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@gmail.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION Year 2017 Scholarship Application Vaughn Avedisian Memorial Fund The Vaughn Avedisian Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 within the Rhode Island Community Foundation to benefit students from Rhode Island to attend a nonprofit post-secondary institution that offers either a two-year associate or a four-year college degree. The scholarships averaging $2,000 will be given annually. SELECTION CRITERIA In order to qualify as an applicant, you must meet the following criteria: Rhode Island Student. Accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution. Able to demonstrate financial need. _ A COMPLETE APPLICATION INCLUDES: A completed application form One essay A copy of your financial aid award letter A copy of your final Student Aid Report Most recent high school or college transcript (attached) DEADLINE Your application must arrive by April 4, All applicants are evaluated using the same essential information. Please answer all requested items. Incomplete applications cannot be considered--if information is missing, we will not be able to make accurate judgments. Grants will be made on an objective, non-discriminating basis. Please mail your application and all required materials in ONE envelope to: Vaughn Avedisian Memorial Fund C/O Sylvia Long 67 Pojac Point Road * N. Kingstown, RI Please contact Sylvia Long at (401) with any questions concerning the application process. If you would like to receive an application, please John Takian: johnt@blissproperties.net ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Yaghoobian, The deadline to submit completed application and all documentation is April 1, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10 MERIT BASED SCHOLARSHIP FOR ARMENIAN STUDENTS The Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10, is proud to announce a $1, academic scholarship for a High School Senior who: (1) is a person of Armenian descent accepted to a full time undergraduate program at an institution of higher learning. (2) is an American Citizen. (3) is a resident of the State of Rhode Island, or, if a resident of another state, has a closely related relative who is a member of Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10, Providence, RI.** (4) has demonstrated academic excellence. You are invited to apply for the Aik Otyag Academic Scholarship by furnishing the Aik Otyag#10, Daughters of Vartan Scholarship Committee with the following forms: (1) The attached application completed by you and your parents or guardians; (2) Copy of most current official transcript; (3) An essay of 300 words or less; (4) Two letters of recommendation; and (5) Acceptance letter from the school you will be attending. (6) COMPLETED APPLICATION POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MAY 5, 2017 (7) Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications and further information are available at the church office.

11 CALENDAR of EVENTS Adult Bible Study meets every Monday at 7:00 pm. CHOREG, KATAH, and KUFTA are available for purchase after church on Sundays. Wednesday, March 8, 2017 ARS Lenten Dinner - 6:00 pm Lenten Vespers Service - 7:00 pm Sunday, March 12, 2017 Our Sunday School will Host the Annual Three-Church Gathering this Year Sunday School Family Breakfast Bible Message and Craft 9:45 am Wednesday, March 15, 2017 AYF/HMEM Lenten Dinner - 6:00 pm Lenten Vespers Service - 7:00 pm Thursday, March 16, 2017 First sessions of the newly re-established Hamazkayin Dance Group 5:30-7:30 pm Weekend of March 17-19, 2017 AYF Junior Winter Olympics Hosted by Providence Wednesday, March 22, 2017 Men's Club Lenten Dinner - 6:00 pm Lenten Vespers Service - 7:00 pm Friday, March 24, 2017 Hamazkayin of RI lecture presented by Prof. Richard Hovanissian at Sts. Vartanantz Church - 7:00 pm Sunday, March 26, 2017 Sunday School Bowling Party Town Hall Lanes-Johnston, RI - 1:30 pm Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Lenten Vespers Service - 7:00 pm Followed by Fellowship provided by our Sunday School Friday, March 31, 2017 Hamazkayin of RI presents a concert by "Miqayel Voskanyan & Friends," a jazz folk band based in Yerevan, Armenia Aramian Auditorium - 7:00 pm Sunday, April 2, 2017 ARS "Ani" Chapter presents the "First Annual Easter Parade" Sign-up sheets are available at Church and the Parade will take place in the Aramian Auditorium immediately following the Divine Liturgy 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 your submissions to pauline@stsvartanantzchurch.org. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! March 5 to April 9, 2017 ARS Food Drive to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank **Looking for households in the area to host out-of-state AYF Juniors as they travel to Providence to compete in this year's games. Please contact Harout Tashian or Rita Minassian for more information! Phone - (401) h.tashian@gmail.com or ritaminassian@yahoo.com

12 ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY "ANI" AND "ARAX" CHAPTERS LENTEN FISH DINNER Sponsored by the STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH MEN'S CLUB Wednesday, March 8, 2017 Fermanian Fellowship Hall Dinner - 6:00 pm Lenten Vespers Service - 7:00 pm Adults: $12.00 Children Under 10: $7.00 All Proceeds to Benefit the Mourad Armenian School PLEASE JOIN US! Wednesday March 22, :00 pm Fermanian Fellowship Hall All proceeds to benefit the Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School and the Providence Rescue Mission Lenten Vespers Service - 7:00 pm Donation: Adults $12.00 Children under 10 $7.00

13 ! HAMAZKAYIN OF RI Presents The newly published 14 th volume in the UCLA series, Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces Armenian Communities of the Northeastern Mediterranean Musa Dagh-Dört-Yol-Kessab (with Antioch, Beylan, Ruj valley, and villages near Latakia) Presented at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Friday, March 24 th, 2017 at 7:00 pm Presented by Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian Featured Speaker with Illustrated Presentation Refreshments provided, Book purchase and signing available after program This PowerPoint presentation is based on the last three volumes of Professor Hovannisian s UCLA conference series Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces. It focuses on lesser known but vibrant Armenian communities in Asia Minor, such as Ismid, Bardizag, Adabazar, Armash, and Bursa as far as Konia; the Cappadocian region of Gesaria/Kayseri, Talas, Evkere, Tomarza, and Evereg-Fenese; and the Northeastern Mediterranean coastal centers of Dort-Yol, the Sanjak of Alexandrettta, Musa Dagh, and Kessab, an area where the rugged and sturdy people repeatedly demonstrated their heroism.

14 Armenian Relief Society ARAX Chapter Vosbov Kufta Dinner (Lentil Kufta) Served with salad and bread Take out only Donation $10 Sunday March 26, 2017 after church services Sts. Vartanantz Church, Fermanian Hall 7 Armenia St. Providence, RI Place your order by submitting the online form or by calling Seta Tarbinian at (401) All proceeds will benefit the many programs of the Armenian Relief Society, including orphanages, scholarships, Camp Haiastan, Syrian Armenian Relief, Artsakh Soseh Kindergartens and numerous humanitarian projects sponsored by the ARS.

15

16 Please Mark Your Calendars Our Sunday School will Host the Annual Three-Church Gathering this Year on March 12, 2017 with the Sunday School Family Breakfast Bible Message and Craft---9:45 am Also, please note the dates and times of our Lenten Dinners and Lenten Vespers Services.