Archpriest Father Gomidas Baghsarian -- Pastor Reverend Father Kapriel Nazarian -- Assistant Pastor Sts. Vartanantz Church WEEKLY BULLETIN 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909 Office: 831-6399 Fax: 351-4418 Email: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org Sunday of the Catechumens Sunday, February 1, 2015 Please Join Us in Worship this Sunday Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am - Sermon 11:15 Մասնակցեցէք Ս.Պատարագին` Առաւօտեան Ժամերգութիւն 9:30 Ս. Պատարագ 10:00 - Քարոզ 11:15
Sts. Vartanantz Church welcomes Harrison Charles Markarian son of Stephen and Heidi (Toperzer) Markarian Baptized January 24, 2015 Godparents: Christopher Derderian and Mary Grimm May God bless you, Harrison and may God keep you in His care always.
Providence AYF / YOARF Varantian Ball
Our Church and Sister Organizations/Committees Meeting to discuss, share and coordinate.
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GOSPEL John 6:22-29 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. Jesus the Bread of Life When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval."
Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." (On Page 1056 in your Bibles) EPISTLE 2 Timothy 3:1-12 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted... (On Page 1179 in your Bibles) REQUIEM SERVICE February 1, 2015 Harry Bedrossian --- First Year Anniversary Deceased Clergy of the Prelacy Avedis and Nancy Alahverdian Aris Baligian and Iskouhe Tuktukian Robert S. Bogosian Virginia Giragosian Vartkes Harootunian Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian Hagop "Jack" Markarian
Sylvia Melkonian Melikian Lucy Tavanian George Tomasian, Sr. Pailoon Torigian REQUIEM SERVICE February 1, 2015 Sirpouhi, Yervant and Hagop Jack Hagopian Marc G. and Elizabeth Jabagjorian Vartkes Kaprielian Yakout and Simon Kibarian and Ann Nahigian Harriet and Nazar Maynazarian Rose Saraf Elizabeth Sarkisian Satenig Stepanian Nurik and Noubar Taraksian Isabelle Varadian Anna and Souren Yeremian Winter and Inclement Weather is upon us! Please remember to check for our cancellations. They will be listed on all local radio and television stations and their web sites. Choreg and Kufta are now available for purchase after the Divine Liturgy in Fermanian Fellowship Hall
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Adult Bible Study meets Monday Evenings at 7 pm Please join us This Sunday, February 1, 2015 Homenetmen Super Bowl Party --- Aramian Auditorium Rsvp to Talene Taraksian 401-230-0021 Sunday, February 8, 2015 ACA-RI sponsors the John Varadian Memorial Basketball Tournament Mt. Pleasant High School from 12:30 to 5:30pm Thursday, February 12, 2015 Vartanantz Day Commemoration/Dinner Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church 6:30pm -- 8:30pm Net proceeds to benefit local Centennial Events hosted by the Armenian Martyrs Memorial Committee of RI For further information, contact Joyce Yeremian [401-354-8770] Sunday, February 15, 2015 His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and will ordain as Ouraragir (Stole Bearer) --- Shant Eghian, Hagop Taraksian, and Harout Tashian; as Tbir (Acolyte) --- Michael Simonian, Givan Baghsarian and Aram Baghsarian. A Vartanantz Celebration Dinner hosted by our Ladies Guild will follow in Aramian Auditorium. Our Honorees being recognized for their lifetime achievement of continuous dedicated service to their Church are as follows: Vartges Engustian, Harry Kushigian, Antranig Mesrobian, John Takian and Joyce Yeremian. RSVP to Joyce Bagdasarian [434-4467] by February 9th.
Visit our website for updated Church news http://www.stsvartanantzchurch.org ATTENION: High School & College Students ARS EASTERN USA S UNDERGRADUATE and LAZARIAN GRADUATE 2015 SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are now available. Website scholarship page www.arseastusa.org. Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2015 PROVIDENCE ARS ANI CHAPTER UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are now available. Must be a RI Resident and in second year of college. Call KAREN PILLA 274-1033 or email KPIilla1015@gmail.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2015. VAROUJAN AND ROSE V. KARENTZ SCHOLARHIP: Applications and information may be obtained through the Providence ANI Chapter and contacting ARAX MISSAKIAN at 401-225-9340 or email Araxmi54@gmail.com This scholarship has been established through the generous donation of Varoujan and Rose Karentz of $90,000.00, a new scholarship fund has been established for high school and college students. Applicants must be of Armenian descent (at least 25% lineage), be a Rhode Island resident, and they or a family member must be affiliated with an Armenian Church or Armenian organization. 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 2014. 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, 353-2488. The deadline to submit completed application and all documentation is April 1, 2015. From the January 29 th issue of Crossroads THE PROPHET JONAH On the fifth day of the fast of the Catechumens, which is tomorrow, Friday, January 30, the Armenian Church commemorates the Prophet Jonah (Hovnan), one of the twelve Minor Prophets. The Minor Prophets are not considered less important that those called Major
Prophets, but their books in the Bible are shorter. All of the Minor Prophets were servants of God who proclaimed His will to people in need of repentance. The story of Jonah and the whale is one of the better-known stories in the Old Testament. Jonah s feast falls on the last day of the Fast of the Catechumens. Just as the people of Nineveh fasted and repented from their wicked ways, so too do the people of God during this preliminary fast before Great Lent (Medz Bahk), the most penitential season of the year. ST. SARKIS THE WARRIOR This Saturday, January 31, the Armenian Church commemorates the life of St. Sarkis the Warrior, his son Mardiros, and 14 faithful soldiers. This is a moveable feast that can occur between January 11 and February 15. It follows the Fast of the Catechumens. Although the fast is not connected to the feast of St. Sarkis, it has come to be associated with this saint, even often incorrectly referred to as the Fast of St. Sarkis. Sarkis lived during the fourth century in Cappadocia. He rose through the military ranks because of his valiant campaign on behalf of the Emperor Constantine. With the accession of Emperor Julian, Sarkis took refuge in Armenia with his son. Later they joined the Persian army to fight Julian. Father and son fought with exceptional bravery. The Persian leader, Shapur II, tried to convince them to abandon their Christian faith and embrace Zoroastrianism. Both refused, and they were martyred. Fourteen loyal Christian soldiers who went to claim the bodies were also martyred. Eventually, other Christians successfully retrieved the remains and sent them to Assyria, where they remained until the fifth century when Mesrob Mashdots had the remains transferred to the city of Karpi in Vaspurakan, Armenia. A monastery was built over the site of the graves. ST. ADOM AND ST. SOUKIAS The armies of Armenian soldiers were led by Adom Knooni and Manajihr Rshdooni in the fifth century, before the battle of Avarayr. They were ordered by their Persian commanders to leave Armenia and proceed to one of the most distant outposts of the empire for the purpose of keeping the Armenian soldiers far away from Armenia and thus prevent them from defending the Armenians. The commanders recognized the Persian plot and returned to Armenia with their armies. They were pursued, captured and martyred by the Persian forces. The Holy Sookiasians were members of the Royal Court who were converted and baptized by the Voskyan priests. They lived in isolation at Mount Sougaved. When they refused to return to court and worship the pagan gods, they were martyred. This year Sts. Adom and his soldiers are remembered on Monday, February 2, and the Sts. Sookias and Martyrs are remembered on Tuesday, February 3.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE This year Armenians worldwide are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide that many believed to be the death-knell of the Armenian people. The narrative of the resilience of the Armenian people, the strength of the survivors through their faithfulness to their Lord is truly a miraculous story. Special events are scheduled in Washington, D.C., May 7 to 9, 2015, that include an ecumenical prayer service, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy, memorial concert, and a banquet that will honor organizations and individuals who came to the aid of Armenian survivors. The Catholicoi, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be present to preside over the events. Armenians from all over the United States are expected to participate in solidarity and unity. In New York, commemorative events organized by the joint committee will take place on April 24, 25, and 26, including the annual gathering at Times Square. ********************************************************************** Please keep us up-to-date with your contact information! Please call the Church Office at 831-6399 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special occasion for the Sunday Fellowship following Church Services. Due to Federal Privacy Laws, hospitals no longer provide Der Hayr with a Patient Religion List. We ask that you notify the Church Secretary (401-831-6399) of family members and parishioners who are ill and/or hospitalized so that Der Hayr may call or make a visitation. Please remember to contact the Church Office as soon as possible with your contact information changes.
Ladies' Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Providence, Rhode Island proudly presents its Annual Vartanantz Celebration Dinner and Program under the auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan Sunday, February 15, 2015 immediately following the Divine Liturgy in Aramian Auditorium Seating is limited to 120 people Attendance is by Reservation only which can be made by calling Joyce Bagdasarian at 434-4467 by no later than Sunday, February 9 th. Dinner Menu Stuffed Breast of Chicken (Fresh) Oven Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes Roasted Root Vegetables Dessert (Ice Cream) Coffee and Soda General Admission -- $20 Children under 12 -- $10