Vol. LII No. 11 Merry Christmas December 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: Fax: Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org Vol. LII No. 11 Merry Christmas December 2017 From Der Hayr s Desk Welcome to the season of anticipation advent a time to prepare ourselves for the celebration of the greatest gift to mankind, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we prepare our hearts for the feast of the Incarnation of the Son of God, we find a beautiful message of faith in the earliest verses of the Gospel according to Saint Luke. There, we read about two very different reactions to the announcements of the angel Gabriel. About six months before the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce to her that she would give birth to the Son of God, the angel Gabriel appeared to the priest Zacharias. Zacharias, along with his wife Elizabeth, lived righteously before God, and although they were both advanced in age and had no children, Zacharias had been faithfully praying to God to bless them with a son. Then, one day, while fulfilling his time of service in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and gave him this wonderful news from God: his wife Elizabeth would give birth to a son. And their son would be very special he would prepare the way for the Lord. They were to name him John. (Luke 1:5-25) We, of course, know him as John the Baptist. Zacharias response, however, lacked the faith in God to accomplish what He had promised. He said to the angel Gabriel: How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years. (Luke 1:18) Even though Zacharias was a righteous man, he looked at his worldly circumstances and doubted whether God could overcome his situation and accomplish what He had promised. He considered his and his wife s age, his gray hair, his body that had lost its strength and her infertility. He could not accept on faith that the promise that God had made to him could be fulfilled. (Chrysostom) If we compare this to Mary s response when the angel Gabriel appeared to her, we see a very different reaction. Although she was unmarried and a virgin, she had faith that God could accomplish what He promised in her life. She responded to the angel with the trusting words: I am the Lord s servant. May it be to me as you have said. (Luke 1:38) Mary did not allow her circumstances to lead her to doubt God s ability to accomplish His will in her life. She was confident in the words spoken by Gabriel: For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) We should not judge Zacharias harshly because he truly was a righteous man. But when God called on Zacharias to trust in Him with something that was deeply personal and very important in his life, Zacharias hesitated because he did not know how God could accomplish His promise. Mary, however, trusted in God without understanding how He would accomplish His will in her life. As we approach the joyous celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, may we all be filled with the deep faith of Mary, always trusting in God s ability to accomplish His will in our lives regardless of our circumstances. For truly, nothing is impossible with God. Please join us for Bible Study on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm.

2 Our Sunday School News The 3 rd and 4 th graders in Melissa Simonian s class have spent the first half of the semester learning about the Old Testament. Through readings, activities and lively discussion, the students learned about prayer, how to look things up in the Bible, and the stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, the 10 Commandments and Noah s Ark. VETERAN'S DAY OBSERVANCE Saturday, November 11-Armenian Memorial Monument This year's honoree was Peter Doc Bedrosian Each Sunday school class began with the Lord s Prayer in English and Armenian and the recitation of the Havadamk/Profession of Faith. The students initiated a Prayer Chain which they add to each Sunday, and created a Tree of Gratitude which is proudly displayed on the classroom bulletin board. The students will participate in the Christmas Pageant as narrators and then the classroom focus will turn to the New Testament and the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Look for pictures of these wonderful students in the next issue of the Gantegh, along with pictures from the upcoming Christmas Pageant! EXCITING NEW PROGRAM for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Beginning after the New Year! Grandparents, Parents, Aunts, and Uncles Please let us know who your high school students are! If you would like to know more about this exciting initiative, please Jayne Zobian at jayneech@aol.com. Be on the lookout for more information in the New Year! ARMENIAN FEST 2017 COOKING SEGMENT ON THE RHODE SHOW! ARMENIAN FEST 2017 was featured on The Rhode Show on Wednesday, November 1, on WPRI Channel 12 from 9am to 10am. Our very own Maral Kachadourian spoke eloquently about all the Armenian Fest food and fun, while Jayne Zobian beautifully demonstrated how to make Katah. Job well done!

3 SCENES FROM ARMENIAN FEST 2017!! Der Hayr and the Board of Trustees would like to extend sincere thanks to all the coordinators, volunteers and parishioners, as well as all church and sister organizations for your hard work before, during and after Armenian Fest. It is truly appreciated and resulted in a very successful event.

4 MORE SCENES FROM ARMENIAN FEST 2017!! LOOKING FORWARD TO ARMENIAN FEST 2018! SAVE THE DATES: NOVEMBER 10 & 11, 2018! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BIG RAFFLE WINNER: CHERYL ZANFAGNA of North Providence, RI with winnings of $2,600!!

5 M E N S C L UB NEWS HOLY SMOKE NIGHT On Friday, November 3rd, a gathering of just over 40 people took place in Fermanian Hall, followed by cigars by the fire pit outside. A delicious steak dinner was prepared by Chef Armand Kibarian and his crew. Tom Kizirian spoke of the purpose of the event, which was to bond with each other, enjoy a nice meal, and to raise funds for those who remain in desperate need in the Syrian-Armenian communities. Der Kapriel offered the blessing and spoke outside, as well. Yn. Debbie, along with Archpriest Gomidas, Yn. Joanna, and Badveli Hagop from the Armenian Evangelical Church, were also present. The Peter "DOC" Bedrosian Athletic Achievement Award & the Souren Mouradjian Arts Achievement Award The Sts. Vartanantz Church Men's Club Christmas Party will take place after the Sunday School Pageant on December 10th in Aramian Auditorium. The club annually presents two awards at this event: the Peter "DOC" Bedrosian Athletic Achievement Award and the Souren Mouradjian Arts Achievement Award. It's possible to have more than one award winner per category. In both cases, the requirements are as follows: 1. High School Junior or Senior 2. Good Academic Record 3. Active member of the church, the AYF and/or the Homenetmen For the Bedrosian award, the student is required to participate in a varsity level sport. For the Mouradjian award, the student is required to participate in the arts, such as dance, voice, musical instrument, theater, etc. If you would like to recommend a recipient, please contact Steve Elmasian at: or steveelmasian@gmail.com. With all the activities and events that are held here in Rhode Island and all around the country in our Armenian communities, it can be easy to scroll past the page asking us not to forget about our brothers and sisters in Syria. Their future and existence on these holy lands depend on the support and assistance of all of us, as Diasporan Armenians. Thanks to donations received, and the funds raised at the event, the Men s Club was able to send a check to the ARS Eastern Region for $2, for Syrian-Armenian relief! Please Note!! If you would like to receive the latest church news in a timely fashion, with the most vibrant and up-to-date pictures and information, on a weekly basis, please SIGN UP NOW for our WEEKLY E-BULLETIN by ing the church office at: pauline@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! YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING SESSION On Saturday, November 18 th, Annie Ovanessian, Youth Ministry Coordinator for the Eastern Prelacy, gave a presentation about the program that has been developed for local churches, geared toward teens. The goal is to engage teens, through small-group discussion and activities, to become active in the church community, and to learn and live out what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The attendees from Sts. Vartanantz were Der Kapriel, Natalia Sadaniantz Hall, Shakay Kizirian, and Jayne Zobian. Also in attendance were Bryan DerKosrofian and Raffi Samkiranian from Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville. The session went very well, and everyone appreciated Annie s presentation.

6 Altar Candles In Loving Memory of Yervant Dickran Stepanian by Margaret Stepanian In Loving Memory of Ara Demirdjian On the occasion of his First Anniversary by the Attarian Family Altar Flowers In Loving Memory of Orzen Topalian On the occasion of her 40 th Anniversary by Harry and Norma Topalian, and George Topalian and Daughters In Loving Memory of Manoog and Nevart Atamian by Their Loving Family 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. Following are recent donations: Anonymous $300 Maro Dionisopoulos $200 The Ararat Association has once again very kindly donated to the following organizations: Sunday School $1,100 Mourad Armenian School $1,100 Senior Citizens $ 850 Gantegh $ 100 AYF Seniors $ 300 AYF Juniors $ 300 Armenian Fest $ 100 Homenetmen $ 300 Bible Camp $ 350 Hamazkayin $ 600 AYF Room Renovation $ 500 Christian Education Committee $ 300 Bible Camp Sponsorships (2) $ 150 Donations Carolyn Rafaelian $1,000 In appreciation for the Blessing of the Grapes Service at Carolyn s Sakonnet Vineyards Mrs. Guylaine Moukhtarian $ 250 In appreciation for Der Kapriel s prayers for healing Mr. & Mrs. Vahe Arslanyan $ 200 Madagh donation Mrs. Marlene Vichabian $ 200 In appreciation for Der Kapriel s visitations and prayers for healing The following donation was designated for the Gantegh: Mrs. Elyse Kaprielian $ 25 The following donation was designated for The AYF Youth Center: Mr. & Mrs. Berge Zobian $ 500 Endowment Fund In Honor of John Takian s 80 th Birthday $3,865 Mary Fermanian $1,000 In Memory of Her Beloved Sister, Queenie Fermanian Haboian To Mary Fermanian s Family & Friends, I am unable to write a personal note to everyone who has comforted me during the loss of my sister. Queenie woke up every morning saying, Good morning Jesus. I now do the same, thanking Him and thinking of her. A nice way to start the day. My mom always told us that we take nothing with us when go to be with the Lord, however, we do leave behind memories. Just make certain they are sweet. Queenie unquestionably did just that. Thank you again for your acts of kindness and for comforting me when I was weakest. Mary

7 With Many Thanks... There are no words to express my deepest appreciation to Der Gomidas, Yeretzgeen Joanna, Der Kapriel and Yeretzgeen Debbie for all of their calls and visitations during these past six months. Their prayers and encouragement have been a wealth of faith during this difficult time. Many thanks to my dearest relatives and friends for their prayers, cards, visits and gifts of love that gave and continue to give me strength with each new day. For all of this I am forever grateful. Christmas Blessings and may the coming New Year bring you good health and happiness. Respectfully with Love, Մարօ 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 December 3 Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian; Gabriel Aprahamian; Harry D. Bogosian; Sarkis Aprahamian; Artin & Satenik Bardizbanian, Ara, Vartanoosh, Ara and Mida Berberian, and Armenoohi Najarian; Albera Barmazian; Byron Barsamian; Aram DerManouelian; Eliza Dedeian; Jouhar and Sahag Engustian; Queenie Fermanian Haboian; Anoushig Hallajian; Alek Joharjian; Harry and Beverly Kashmanian; Sarkis and Helen Kroian, and Martin and Berjoohi Kooyumjian; Siranoush Krikorian; Michael Makokian; Harootune, Antaram, Alice, Michael and Markar Mark Markarian; Arthur Najarian; Vartig, Abraham and Charles Shiranian, and Sarkis Mardirossian; Robert E. Stevens December 10 Deceased Armenians of Spitak Earthquake in Armenia; John, Anna, Giragos and Zaroohe Basmajian, Vera Basmajian Lindo, Rose and John Markarian, and Cora Bedigian; Dr. Samuel and Rose Barsamian; Edward, Anna, and Hagop Bohigian; Louise Boyajian; Sarkis Danayan; Michael, Sarah, Kevork and Lucia Eghian, and Asadoor and Takouhi Simonian; Stephan, Gulbig and Gladys Fermanian and Harry Haboian; Peter Hajian; Sarkis Khanishian; Aaron Kizirian; Sarkis Sarkisian; Misak and Araxie Simonian; Zaven Tenkarian; Harry Topalian; Edward B. Woods and Kent Smith December 17 Robert Avakian; Alberta Bedigian; David P. Bedrosian; Warren G. Dolbashian; Manoog and Araxie Elmasian; Mary Engustian; Zarouhy Garabedian; Noire Kanarian; Nishan and Araxe Kefeyan; Kevork, Hagop and Hripsema Keshijian, Hagop Minassian, and Aroussiag and Hagop Tashjian; Manoug Markarian; Cynthia Shartzer; Paul B. Surabian; Hagop, Janneh, and Anahid Torosian and Garabed, Yerchanouhi and Garo Sinanian; Kevork Vichabian December 24 Andrea Abate; Jirair Aharonian; Elizabeth Adanalian Boyajian; Donabed Cheteyan, Satenig Cheteyan Garabedian; and Shnorick Cheteyan Aleksanian; Shoshan Derderian; Baizar, Hagop and Garabed Kambourian and Victoria Arnavoudian; Paul Kanarian; Elizabeth Kematjian; Stephen LaFazia; John and Katherine Magarian and Mary Zorabedian; David Marabian; Maria Mkrtschjan; Karnick and Grace Ohanian; Julie Kaprielian Postoian December 31 Hagop and Maryam Akalarian and Nishan and Berjoohi Tateosian; Patricia Jabagjorian; Araxie Kasparian; Diane Adoian Michaud; Rose Sarkisian; Kamyk Simonian; Sarah Surabian; Rosa and Frank Zorabedian Jr. January 7, 2018 Charles and Mary Apkarian; Rose O. Dolbashian; Aroussiag Garabedian; Antranig Tony Giragosian; Mary, Paul and Zartig Goshgarian, and Hripseme and Melkon Boranian; Anne M. Kimatian; Esber, Zabel, Nellie and Popkin Krekorian; Dickran Manasian; George Marashian; Vartanoush Melkonian and Virginia Emirian; Vartouhie Odian; John Panosian; Gilbert Pinto; Bedros, Sharbel and Victoria Shamlian, and Alice, Taknaor and Shnorick Bashian; Hampartsoum Stephen Stepanian; Arthur Ardashes and Hovhannes John Takian; Roupen Zeytoundjian; Margaret Zorabedian January 14, 2018 Bedros Peter Aproian; Ghazaros Lazarus and Amas Aproian; Martha Aramian; Ann and Jake Avakian; Oppie Bedrosian; Mary Hajian; Virginia Kalagian; Lucy Arakelian Kanarian; Sarkis Kibarian; Stephen LaFazia, Jr.; Marion Torigian Malian; Kristine Martirossian; Yeghia Stepanian January 21, 2018 Deceased Armenians of the Baku Massacres; Vartouhi and Anthony Donabedian; Penelope Ann Giragosian; Victoria Hagopian; Partog and Mariam Karolian, and Krikor and Sulton Topalian; Alice Siranoush and Donabed Kinoian; Avedis Mahdesian; Edward Malikian; Sherry Bedrosian Micheletti; Alice Dasdagulian Mildner; Roupen Taraksian; Frank Zorabedian

8 Requiem Services (cont.) January 28, 2018 Sosik Arakelian; Albert Avedissian; Harry Bedrossian; Satenig Donabedian; Isabel Harmaian; Vartanoush and Manoog Kaprielian; Charles Kinoian; Rupen E. Krekorian; Haigouhe Madarentz; Marie Masdanian and Sarkis Polian; Rose Menissian; Sarkis Oundjian; Vahram Samuelian, and Rose, John, Nevart and Arshalouys Donabedian; Aram Tateosian Eternal Rest Queenie Fermanian Haboian Entered into Eternal Rest on October 25, 2017 Harry H. Topalian Entered into Eternal Rest on October 30, 2017 Pearl Irene Bargamian Entered into Eternal Rest on November 1, 2017 Fortieth Day Remembrances The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Queenie Fermanian Haboian will be said on December 3, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Harry H. Topalian will be said on December 10, 2017 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Pearl Irene Bargamian will be said on December 17, 2017 Sacramental Events Baptism: Gabriella Rae Martini Parents: David Martini Jaclyn Ornazian Born: August 2, 2017 Baptized: November 18, 2017 Godparents: Matthew Kent and Cheryl Boscia Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and guests at Armenian Fest 2017, Sts. Vartanantz Church was able to send $175.00, collected in specially marked jars at the cash registers, for Syrian Armenian Relief. In addition, our Prelacy requested two special plate collections designated for the annual Hayastan All Armenian Fund Telethon held on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, we were able to send $1, earmarked for this year s theme of Fruitful Artsakh. BOARD OF TRUSTEES CORNER Last month, the Board of Trustees announced the following major repairs and improvements that have been made at our church during the last year. If you would like to make a donation to help offset any portion of the expenses associated with these repairs and improvements, the Board would greatly appreciate your assistance. Parking lot security system, including cameras, a monitor in the office, and constant recording of activity: $4, Summer 2016 Replace deteriorated parking lot fence: $4, Summer 2016 Painting of hallway outside choir room: $1, Spring 2017 Replace broken desktop printer in office with new color printer: $ Spring 2017 Replace 3 deteriorated steel doors with new panic bar doors that meet code; add electronic panic bars to outside doors to accommodate new security system: $11, Fall 2017 Security/entry system for all outside doors, including handicap ramp; includes cameras, intercoms, and monitors in office, kitchen and Pongal: $9, Fall 2017 Repairs to Dumbwaiter: Cable repair: $2, Winter 2017 Old contact replacement and temporary brake repair: $2, Summer 2017 New motor and brake system: $8, Fall 2017 Replace aging and failed computers in office: $1, Fall 2017 Set-up of office computer network, programs, & backup systems: $1, Fall 2017 DONATIONS FOR ITEMS IN TRUSTEES CORNER Anonymous $ 450 For new color printer in the office The Mouradjian Family $1,285 For the painting of the hallway outside the choir room In Loving Memory of Archdeacon Souren Mouradjian 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!

9 HOMENETMEN NEWS On Saturday, October 28 th, the Providence Homenetmen held their annual costume party in the Aramian Auditorium. Everyone had a wonderful time with great food and fun games! This ceremony is when all scouts are able to rise in rankings and for our new, younger scouts to officially join the organization. Numerous accolades were given to our hardworking scouts. These scouts have been preparing for this ceremony by taking tests, preparing songs, and building a display with flags (ashdarag). On Sunday, November 19, the Providence Homenetmen Scouts, Troop 51, had their annual Yertman (Oath Ceremony) in the Aramian Auditorium. This ceremony took place with friends and family in attendance, including regional representatives, Y. Garo Tashian from regional executive, Y. Vicken Khatchadourian from regional executive, and Y. Sarkis Vosbigian from regional scouts khorout (committee). Homenetmen Scouts khorout (committee) member K. Manoushak Krikorian spoke about our parent involvement throughout the year and all of the fundraisers the scouts were planning. Homenetmen president, K.Siran Krikorian, gave her remarks about her excitement with our scouts and the work they have done. Homenetmen regional representative, Y. Vicken Khatchadourian, gave his remarks to the scouts and Providence community about the oath ceremony, wishing them well for the upcoming scouting year. Our Providence scouts are preparing to attend the World Scouting Jamboree next year in 2018, with the help of fundraising efforts throughout the year. Thank you to the Providence community for your continued support!

10 ARS Ani Chapter News November 2017 In keeping with the theme of Health and Well- Being that the Ani Chapter has focused on recently, on Tuesday, November 14 th, the chapter hosted a very informative and engaging presentation by Gaiane Martirossian on acupuncture, holistic health, and personal well-being. All those who attended commented on the benefits of learning about these subjects. Aram Garabedian Receives National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award On Wednesday, November 15 th, our own Aram Garabedian was presented with the NASS Medallion Award by RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea. The award was presented in recognition of Aram s 50 plus years of service to the State of Rhode Island and its citizens. In her letter to Aram about why he was selected as one of the award recipients, Sec. Gorbea stated, Your lifetime dedication to public service, civic engagement and your work as an outspoken advocate on behalf of Armenian Americans and other groups have earned you the respect and admiration of your fellow Rhode Islanders. In his acceptance speech, Aram touched on the beginnings of his career in public service, including his decades-long drive for the requirement of genocide education in RI schools. Congratulations, Aram, on a well-deserved recognition and award. ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZEN S CHRISTMAS PARTY On Friday, December 8 th, the ARS Ani Chapter will hold its annual Senior Citizen s Christmas Party at noon at Twelve Acres in Smithfield, RI. Music will be provided by Hagop Garabedian. There will be raffles, prizes, and a visit by Santa! Come enjoy the fun! RSVP to Joyce as soon as possible. All proceeds from the event will benefit Camp Haiastan. SAVE THE DATE! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28 7PM A Special Presentation by Laura Michael Finding Home: An Armenian American s Journey to Historic Armenia

11 CALENDAR of EVENTS Friday, December 8 ARS Senior Citizen s Christmas Party 12 Noon Twelve Acres Restaurant RSVP to Joyce Yeremian by Dec. 2: Sunday, December 10 Sunday School Christmas Pageant and Men s Club Christmas Party Immediately following Divine Liturgy Saturday, December 16 AYF Junior Christmas Movie Night Fundraiser featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS 4:30 pm Pizza and snacks Sunday, December 24 Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 7pm Thursday, December 28 ARS Ani Chapter hosts Laura Michael presenting Finding Home: An Armenian American s Journey to Historic Armenia 7pm Church Hall Friday, December 29 Christmas Concert Presented by the Armenian Chorale of RI Conducted by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian 7pm in the Church Sanctuary Monday, January 1, 2018 New Year s Day Prayer Service 11am Friday, January 5, 2018 Armenian Christmas Eve Services 6:30 pm Saturday, January 6, 2018 Armenian Christmas Divine Liturgy 10:30 am Saturday, January 20, 2018 Providence AYF V-Ball Venus de Milo A Notice Regarding: THE ARMENIAN CHORALE OF RI The Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island will have its annual Christmas concert on Friday, December 29, 2017, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. You are invited to be a part of this evening. The RI Chorale is welcoming new singers. Please consider joining the Chorale as it prepares for this and upcoming concerts. Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays, beginning on November 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Aramian Auditorium of Sts. Vartanantz Church. The rehearsal schedule is as follows: Wednesdays - November 22, 29, December 6,13,20, 27. The program will include Armenian Christmas songs and few new songs. Please feel free to contact Maestro Konstantin Petrossian should you have any questions or concerns at

12 Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School Presents Jesus Means Christmas To Me Our Annual Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 10, 2017 (Inclement weather date December 17, 2017) Immediately following church services Men s Club Christmas Party in Aramian Auditorium following the conclusion of the pageant.

13 Sts. Vartanantz Church Men's Club Christmas Dinner and Party Sunday, December 10, pm Immediately Following Sunday School Pageant Adults - $ Children $5.00 There will be a delicious traditional Armenian chicken and pilaf dinner prepared by the members of the Men's Club, Christmas music, Raffles and Santa will be there with gifts for the kids Presentation of the Peter DOC Bedrosian Athletic Achievement Awards and the Souren Mouradjian Memorial Arts Achievement Awards All are welcome Please join us as we welcome in the Christmas season.

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15 ARS Ani Chapter Presents Finding Home: An Armenian American s Journey to Historic Armenia In June 2017, Laura Michael embarked on an emotional journey to her ancestral homeland in eastern Turkey in order to find her great-grandparents former homes in the village of Havav, outside of the old city of Palu. Laura, the daughter of Ungerouhi Jean Goshgarian Michael, is a former Rhode Islander who now resides in Los Angeles. She will share her experience of being the first person in her family since the Genocide to step foot in Historic Armenia and confront her family s past. She will also share many photos from the trip, explain the role of the Armenian DNA Project in a shocking discovery she made and discuss interactions with Turks, Kurds and Islamized Armenians currently living in Bitlis, Diyarbakir (Dikranagerd), Elazig (Kharpert), Moush, Palu, Sasoun and Van. George Aghjayan, who is actively involved in Armenian genealogy and the demographics of Western Armenia, will be a special guest for Laura s presentation. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, :00 PM STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH 402 Broadway * Providence, RI Admission is Free Refreshments to Follow

16 IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS Sts. Vartanantz Church Sunday School Presents Jesus Means Christmas To Me Our Annual Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 10, 2017 (Inclement weather date December 17, 2017) Immediately following church services Men s Club Christmas Party in Aramian Auditorium following the conclusion of the pageant.