From Der Hayr's Desk...

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: F ax: Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Assistant Pastor info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org Vol. LI No. 5 May 2016 From Der Hayr's Desk... Does God speak to us? A few months ago, our grandson Jivan, asked me: "Մեծ Հայրիկ (Medz Hayreeg) does God talk to you? How do you know that it is God talking to you? How can you tell if they are only your own thoughts? How can you tell the difference and how do you distinguish between the two?" These are incredible questions. In this 21st century society, people may laugh at someone who says: "God speaks to me." However, in reality God created man to have fellowship with him and continually speak to him. Therefore, it is abnormal not to hear God and very normal or natural to actually hear His voice in our hearts. But again, as my grandson asked: "How can we distinguish between our thoughts and God's voice?" As we mature as Christians, we get to recognize God's voice and distinguish it from our own thoughts. In order to achieve this maturity as Christians, God has provided us with an Advocate to help us. The Lord promised His disciples that He would ask His Father to send the Holy Spirit to be our Teacher. Jesus said: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26 NIV ). This may sound very difficult and complicated; however, the Lord made it easy for us. God is directly talking to us every time we read His words in the Bible. If we want to converse with God, and hear his voice in our hearts, it is as simple as reading the Bible. That is why in Armenian we call the Bible "The Breath of God." Աստուածաշռւնչ Asdvadzashoonch. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV ). When we read the Bible only as literature, it will increase our knowledge; however, when we read the Bible and embrace it as the Breath of God, our lives are transformed. Yes, certainly God speaks to each and every one of us daily through His Word. Please Join Us for Adult Bible Study on Monday Evenings at 7 pm Church Summer Schedule will commence on Sunday, May 29th. Soorp Badarak will begin at 9: 30 am.

2 Palm Sunday and Trunpatzek Godfather of the Curtain -- Vahe' Oharonian Holy Thursday -- Washing of the Disciples Feet

3 Khavaroom Good Friday Holy Saturday Voch Eench Eh Beedo

4 Easter ******************************************************************** ******************************************************** ARS ANI CHAPTER NEWS On February 28, the ARS chapters participated in the requiem services at Sts. Vartanantz Church in memory of our past ARS members. We then hosted the fellowship hour following church services. The Ani Chapter would like to thank all those who contributed to our 50/50 Raffle this year. The winner was Sofie Garabedian who won $ She graciously donated back $ to the Ani chapter. We would like to thank the 17 people who came to Sts. Vartanantz Church to donate blood on Sunday, April 3 or donated directly at the RI Blood Center in memory of our martyrs. We also want to thank all the generous donors for the Easter Food Drive where we collected 400 pounds of food for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Saturday, April 9 10:30am 3:30pm ARS Regional Seminar was held in the Aramian Auditorium. Members MA, CT, NY and NJ along with the Regional board were present and discussed the various programs of the ARS. One of the UN committee members gave a report on their activities. A live skype was held from war zone in Artsakh and how the ARS is helping the Armenians in Artsakh and Syria. A presentation on how to prepare grant writing and fundraising was given. A delicious buffet was enjoyed by all and a very educational and important day for all. Thursday, June 23 6pm SAVE THE DATE--Fundraiser for the Sosseh Kindergarten School in Stepanakert, Artsakh. It will be held at the University Club in Providence. Details to follow. Saturday, July 16. 6pm 12am SAVE THE DATE A HYE SUMMER NIGHT # 10. The dinner-dance will be held at the Alpine Country Club, Cranston, RI featuring HACHIG KAZARIAN, JOHN BERBERIAN, KEN KALAJIAN and JASON NAROIAN and vocals, KHATCHIG JINGIRIAN FROM CA. The dinner- dance is $55. Dance only after 8:00pm is $35. Students dance only $30. ID required. Buy your tickets early. R.S.V.P. by June 30, Call Joyce Yeremian at , joycey41@cox.net or Joyce Bagdasarian at Men's Club News Feeding Those in Need

5 Once again, our Men's Club helped in some small way by feeding a large group of people who have fallen on hard times, many not of their own choosing. 14 people from our church prepared, cooked and served a dinner of fabulous chicken, pasta, vegetables and salad to about 90 people. The costs for the dinner to feed the homeless were paid for by Mrs. Lucy Kaprielian. She did this noble task in memory of her niece Natalie Coulomb and her husband, Sam Kaprielian, who was the former Treasurer of the Men's Club. Men's Club adopts an Armenian Section of the Oakland Cemetery Our Men's Club has taken on the task of helping with the massive clean-up/restoration of the Oakland Cemetery in Cranston in which about Armenians are buried. Each Armenian stone will receive a cemetery flag and prayers by our clergy will be given to all who share our blood. Our goal with this section is to return it to Please consider joining us the next time we go out there. Save the Date Sunday, October 2, 2016 Retirement Dinner in honor of our beloved Der Hayr, Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian Sts. Vartanantz Church Outreach Fund It s proper condition. We will have our own sign since so many Armenians are buried here. We found one today of a 16 year old Armenian girl, who died back in the 30's. 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. Recent Donations Marabian Families $ 500 in Loving Memory of my dear wife, Rose and our loving mother Anonoymous $ 300 Anonoymous $ 50 A Special Thank You The picture above is of a stone that has been lying face down for quite some time. It the marker of Paul and Agnes Ladefian and now it's back up in its rightful place. There is still a lot to do but we are up to the task. The more help we get the faster this job will get done. The family of Edward Kopoian would like to express their sincere appreciation to Der Gomidas and Der Kapriel for their many prayers and continuous visitations, and also to our friends and relatives for their expressions of love, prayers, good wishes and cards during Eddie's recent hospitalization. The Kopoian Family

6 Parishioners If you would like to receive your issue of the Gantegh electronically, please forward your address to the Church Website: This would help to defray our costs greatly. We appreciate your consideration. Altar Candles Donated in Loving Memory of Sophie Nalbandian Downs by her loving Family Donations Anonoymous $ 500 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kopoian $ 500 for all the blessings bestowed upon Eddie during his recent hospitalizations Mrs. Lisa Gilligan and Mrs. Joann Weinstein $ 200 in loving memory of their mother, Alice Guglielmino Ms. Katherine Seropian $ 100 in loving memory of her father, Edward Seropian Mr. and Mrs. Mrs. Levon Attarian $ 50 in honor of their son, Aram's presentation to the Lord Charles and Barbara Kelly $ 25 Leslie and Michael Varin $ 25 in honor of their son, Matthew having his feet washed In Appreciation Der Gomidas and Yertzgeen Joanna would like to express their deep appreciation for all the prayers, and expressions of sympathy and kindness they received regarding the recent loss of Der Hayr's beloved sister, Anna. Please visit our website at for information regarding our Sunday and Armenian Schools, Church organizations, upcoming events as well as general information regarding your Church 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 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a special occasion. Requiem Services May 1 Isabel Ashukian; Helen Chakoian; Zaroohi Cheteyan; Marie Diarbian; Khatchadour Donoyan; Milton Gelenian; Dorothy Goorigian; Manouel Kazanjian; Yeghsig and Harry Mahdesian; Claire Manasian; Mesrob Mesrobian; Violet Samuelian; Martin Sherestanian; Garabed, Tarviz, Michael Manoog, Anna and Beatrice Topalian; Rose Toumasian and Peter Marsoubian; Diana Tutoian; Ramella, Sarkis,Varad, Louise, Nora, Khatchig and Yegsig Varadian; Levon Vartan; Richard "Dick" Zorabedian May 8 George David Adoian and Adoian and Sarkisian Families; Sarkis Jean Chamalian; Deceased Members of the Ladies' Guild; Paul Dolbashian; Nishan Elmasian; Florence and Harry Garabedian; Arch Deacon Arshavir Harmaian; Mary Markarian; Michael Markarian, Sr.; Ronald Tomasian May 15 Araxi, Jack, and Minas Atamian; Ardashes Atamian; Haig and Mariam Barmazian; Marion Bramley; Nanig and Alexander Goorigian; Anahid and Haroutune Hindoyan, and Yervant and Nora Ishkanian; Harry Kachougian; Hagop, Anna and Mary Kasparian; Mariam and Stepan Mesrobian, and Mary and Charlie Mc Gowan; Dickran and Yeghsa Nahabedian; Jak Nezamian; Vernas Simonian; Harry and Rena Tavanian; Christine Nazarian White

7 May 22 Charles A. Adoian; Serpohie, Sirapie, Haroutune and Stephen Atamian; Raffi Derderian; Levon and Christine Der Sahagian; Nevart, John and Arshalouys Donabedian; Krikor and Baizar Garabedian; Aram Joharjian, and Aharonian, Aronian, Kelengian, and Tarbinian Families; Khachkatoon, and Markar Khimateian, and Khimatian and Mooradian Families; Peter Peligian; Judy Pelkey; Emma Petrosova; Charles Garabed, Bayzar and Nazelie Varadian; Nelly Ayvasian Yervant May 29 Mariam. Varteres and Yeghsa, John and Sarah, Edward and Rose, Henry and Celia, and Harry and Irene Aharonian; Zakar, Mooshegh, Zartar and Charles Bogoian; Krikor Diarian, Diramayr Asnik Donikian and Altheah Kouyoumjian; Harry Garabedian; Rev. Yeghishe and Yn. Negtar Gasparian; Esgouhi Hajian; Paul Sr., Goldie and Charles "Chuckie" Haroian; Stepan, Hripsime, Vasken, Mary, Aghvani and Paul Kanarian; Krikor, Azadoohie, Peter Jr., and Peter Koshmatian Sr.; Albert Meldonian; George, Bedros and Miriam Navoian, Mel and Elizabeth Sarkisian, and George, Manoog and Hegna Marashian; Varteni Peligian; Sahak Sahakian; Sarkis "Garo" Tarbinian June 5 Arpine Aznavorian; Alice Bagian; Setrag and Okia Balemian; Charles Bargamian; Aram Peter, Hunazant, Armenag and Peter K. Bedigian; Michael Der Manouelian; Maragaret Bedrosian Diggle; Harold Goodwin; Hamayag Kahrimanian; Ohannes, Hermena, Peter and Albert Malkasian; Sarkis Movsesian; Melkon, Miriam and Santoogt Rafaelian; Hovanes, Siroon, Arthur, Margaret, June and Gabriel Surabian, and Antranig, Varant and Lalezar "Lolly" Surabian Varjabedian; Manuel Tavitian and Dionysia (Soula) Tavitian June 12 Rosalie Ahilijanian; Kazar Aramian; Dr. Edward A. Dayian; Arshag, Tarviz, Richard and Geraldine Gudoian; Sarah Kachadourian; Armenouhi Kanarian; Ousanna Kazandjian; Verkin and Agop Kessimian; Antranik Khatchadourian; Rahel Kodos; Katherine Manoogian; Kachadour Melikian and M. Allen Shartzer; Mesia and Hyganoush Michaelian; Jack Nezamian, Hagop, Anna, and Mary Kasparian, Lucy Nezemian and Harry Kachougian; Mardiros Serabian; Stepan Stepanian; Genieve Takian June 19 Azniv Killerjian Aposhian; Adrina Baligian; Parazem Dagermandjian; Khatchik Emdjian; Tamar and Manoog Engustian; Giragos Manoog Giragosian and John Ornazian; Donig, Varvar and Mary Markarian, and Thomas Sr., Thomas Jr. and Margaret DePalma; Sarkis and Pereza, Peter and Barbara, Sarkis and Ruth, and Charles Matoian; Haig Varadian June 26 Michael Boyajian; Manoog, Calipse and George "Frenchy" Gregorian, and Krikor and Agavnie Esraelian; June 26 contd Anna Kashmanian; Elizabeth Ogasian; Serob Tahmassian; Lucia and Armen Tamamian; Ohannes and Elizabeth Tavanian; Peter B. Tikoian; Annie Tomasian Eternal Rest Anna Baghsarian Entered into Eternal Rest on April 9, 2016 Fortieth Day Remembrance The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Recently Deceased Armenians in Artsakh will be said on May 8, 2016 Baptisms: The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Anna Baghsarian will be said on May 22, 2016 Sacramental Events Olivia Bernier Parents: Eric Bernier Christina Markarian Born: January 5, 2016 Baptized: April 30, 2016 Godparents: Robert Pjojian Debra Pjojian Matrimony: John Mesrobian and Joan Rapa Exchanged the vows of Holy Matrimony on April 9, 2016 Best Man: Renato Rapa May 7 May 8 May 13 May 21 Calendar of Events ARS "Arax" Mother's Day Dinner Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church Sports Scholarship Committee 47th Annual Sports Banquet Annual Mourad Armenian School Hantes --- Aramian Auditorium

8 Calendar of Events contd. May 22 May 26 Sunday School Graduation ARF Shoushi & Khanasor Celebration AYF Jrs Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show May 29 Church Summer Schedule begins ---- Soorp Badarak begins at 9:30 am June 1 June 4 June 10 June 23 July 16 Aug 14 Ladies Guild A Spring Night Dinner Homenetmen 35 th Anniversary Dinner/ Dance Ladies Guild Sook Dinner ARS "Ani" Fundraiser/Dinner Ladies Guild / ARS Ani Chapter present Hye Summer Night X Annual Church Picnic Our AYF Juniors at this year's Junior Winter Olympics in NJ Many thanks to Hamazasb Rachdouni for cleaning and trimming the shrubs and beds around the Church Newly Elected Executive of RI Hamazkyin Chairperson: Sarkis Tarpinian, Jr. Vice Chairperson: Sarkis Minassian Treasurer: Maggy Madarentz Recording Secretary: George Mangalo Corresponding Secretary: Tigranoui Minassian Advisors: John Mkrtschjan, Hagop Khatchadourian Remember to Save the Date October 2, 2016 Retirement Dinner in honor of Our Beloved Der Gomidas Award winners: Rosdom Mkrtschjan (1st place Chess), Nerses Donoyan (2nd place Tavloo), Rozie Avakyan (2nd place Checkers), Mackenzie Larkin (1st place Checkers). Please Note! Church Summer Schedule will commence on Sunday, May 29th Soorp Badarak at 9:30 am

9 Assistant Secretary Position ARS New England Regional Seminar Providence, RI

10 AMMC RI Youth Day ****************************************************************** MOurad Armenian School Hantes Saturday, May 21, 2016 ARamian Auditorium 6 pm Sunday School Graduation Sunday, May 22, 2016 following the Divine Liturgy

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13 Providence Homenetmen 35 th Anniversary Gala Celebration The Homenetmen Providence Chapter has served the Armenian community of Sts. Vartanantz Church and all of Rhode Island since 1981 through its athletic and scouting programs. This organization has brought admiration and respect to the Providence Armenian community for the past 35 years. On Saturday, June 4, 2016 the Providence Homenetmen will celebrate its 35 th Anniversary with a special banquet dinner dance at the Venus de Milo, Swansea, MA. A souvenir adbook also will be published for the occasion. It is our hope that you will support this event by attending the gala celebration and sending your donation for the adbook, which encompasses 35 years of our chapter s history. It is only with your continued encouragement that this anniversary will be a success and Homenetmen will continue its vital role in educating our youth, who will be our future leaders. Come and enjoy an evening full of fun, food and entertainment provided by famous singer Harout Bedrosian from Montreal and his band. Please remember the following deadlines: our AD-Book -- May 14 th and Gala Banquet dinner reservations -- May 29 th. For more information, please contact Hrant Khatchadourian (401) We look forward to a memorable evening with you and your family.

14 Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Ladies' Guild

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16 Important Dates to Remember May 7 ARS Arax Mother s Day Celebration May 8 Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast May 21 May 22 May 26 May 29 Mourad Armenian School Hantes and Graduation Sunday School Graduation ARF Shoushi & Khanasor Celebration AYF Jrs. Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show Church Summer Schedule Commences June 1 Ladies' Guild "A Spring Nite Dinner" June 4 Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Dinner/Dance