Etching by Vartkes Kaprielian Reverend Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor Publication of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church 402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909 Office:401.831.6399 Hall:401.831.1830 F ax:401.351.4418 E-mail: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org Website: stsvartanantzchurch.org Vol. LI No. 11 Happy Thanksgiving November 2016 From Der Hayr's Desk... Let us come before Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 95:2) In just a few weeks, we will all gather around the dinner table with our family and friends to joyously celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a very special day that was put aside many years ago for us as a nation to give thanks to our Lord for the blessing of our country. Over the years, many traditions have been added to this holiday. One of the more popular ones has been the enjoyment of football games, and at least as popular has become the tradition for many people of beginning their Christmas gift shopping on Thanksgiving Day. While it is wonderful that we enjoy this day with our family and friends in many different ways, it is so important that we spend time lifting our hearts together in prayer for our nation. The practice of thanksgiving is an inseparable and longstanding part of our faith as Christians. In the Old Testament we find many calls for the people of God to continually come before Him with thanksgiving. King David in the Psalms repeatedly reminds us to come before the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2), to give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4) Saint Paul in his letters makes it clear to us why we, as Christians, are giving thanks to our Lord: it is for the grace we receive through our Lord Jesus Christ. Saint Paul writes: so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15) It is the grace that we receive through Jesus, not because of our worthiness but because of His love for us, that we give thanks. We give thanks to God for His grace not only to us individually, but also as a nation. In 1893, a young English professor by the name of Katharine Lee Bates traveled by train from Massachusetts to Colorado Springs to teach a short summer class at a local college. She was so awe struck by the beauty of the American landscape that on the train she wrote a beautiful song of thanks America the Beautiful. It quickly became one of the most treasured American songs because in it she recognized that the beauty of creation was a testament to the existence of God (Romans 1:20) and the grace that He had bestowed on America. The ending of the first stanza, and most of the eight stanzas that make up the song, begins with the words God shed His grace on thee. She recognized and gave thanks for the grace of the Lord that is necessary for America to succeed. But she did not stop there. With poetic words, she asked for a country that was divided in many ways to be united by and under the Lord: And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea! As we gather together this Thanksgiving, let us lift up our hearts in prayer, giving thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ for the blessing of our nation and asking that He unite us as one people under Him. May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, along with our Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, be with each of you and our nation on this Thanksgiving Day and always.
Our Sunday School News Sunday School is well under way and we are so blessed to have so many beautiful children participating in our program. Our teachers and staff have been meeting regularly, working diligently towards both refining our curriculum, as well as preparing some wonderful activities and events for the upcoming year. We have so many exciting things in store for all of our children this coming year! Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events below. Monthly Family Breakfast Held promptly at 10:00 on the second Sunday of each month for the children and family, these breakfasts include a short Bible message and a fun craft to take home. The dates are: October 30*, December 11, January 8, February 12, April 9 and May 7, 2017 *Note: The October and November Family Breakfast were combined and held on October 30 th Singing Christmas Carols at Capital Ridge Senior Living Home Saturday, December 10 Christmas Pageant and Party Sunday, December 11, 2016 *Snow Date: December 18 th Armenian Christmas Communion and Breakfast 10:00 Saturday, January 7, 2017 Sts. Vartanantz Day Sunday School program Sunday, February 23, 2017 Hosting joint Sunday School for 3 Rhode Island Armenian Churches Sunday, March 12, 2017 Bowling and Pizza Party Sunday, March 26, 2017 Fun Family Night Friday, April 28, 2017 Fellowship hosted by the Sunday School Parent Group Sunday, November 20 and Sunday, March 19, 2017 It s not too late to enroll the children of your family in our Sunday School program. We would love to have them join us each Sunday and to share in all of these wonderful events. Sunday School not only enriches their lives through faith and worship, but also gives them the opportunity to form beautiful relationships with one another that can last a lifetime. We have been blessed by the generosity of individuals, families and organizations that have sponsored events and made donations to support our programs. Our heartfelt thanks for all of your support. Most importantly, however, we appreciate your prayers for our students and our teachers as we continue our mission to bring our Lord Jesus Christ to the children of our church. Sunday School students making Cross necklaces and bracelets to raise money for the Armenian children of Syria Family Breakfast on October 30, 2016 Please Join Us for Adult Bible Study on Monday Evenings at 7 pm
Rhode Island Orthodox Clergy Fellowship Meeting Honoring Der Gomidas hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church The Rhode Island Orthodox Clergy Fellowship presented Der Gomidas with a beautiful gift during their monthly meeting hosted on Thursday, October 28 th by Sts. Vartanantz Church
Everyone is Working Hard to Make Armenian Fest 2016 Another Great Success!
Armenian Fest featured on "The Rhode Show" with Our Own George "Frenchy" Gregorian & NIROPE! The Baskets are All Ready! You know Armenian Fest is right around the corner when...15 men, using 4 trucks, purchased and delivered to the church many of supplies needed for our upcoming Armenian Fest. Annual run organized by Steve Elmasian
The Sts. Vartanantz Church Adult Bible Study collected and donated $163 to the Providence Rescue Mission to assist the Mission with its Annual Fundraising Event. As it states on the Rescue Mission website: We serve the poor with dignity and respect our doors are open to all, free of charge. We are able to do this because of you who faithfully donate your time, materials and resources to us. We are a faith-based organization May our Lord, Jesus Christ, continue to bless the Mission with everything needed to continue their good works. Altar Candles Her Loving Grandchildren In Loving Memory of Ossana Donoyan Mrs. Noreen LaFazia In Loving Memory of Stephen LaFazia, Jr. on the occasion of his 50 th Birthday Altar Flowers Her Loving Grandchildren In Loving Memory of Ossana Donoyan Der Gomidas and Yn. Joanna and Family, Athena and Bob Coste and Family, and Desi and Tim Hoffman In Loving Memory of Polly Gallas Allie and William Amaral In Loving Memory of George and Mary Avakian Susan, Ron and Daniella Cass, and Helen Nezamian In Loving Memory of Joseph Nezamian 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. Recent Donations Alice and Vanni Buratti $250 In honor of Der Gomidas and Yn. Joanna Ardashes Der Ananian $100 Hazel Kizirian $100 in honor of Der Gomidas and Yn. Joanna Donations Mrs. Arpy Jerozal $250 In Appreciation for Visitations by Der Gomidas and Der Kapriel Mrs. Joan Mesrobian and Family $150 In Appreciation for Visitations by Der Gomidas and Der Kapriel Mr. & Mrs. Garabed Danayan $100 In Loving Memory of Mariam Khoulian Gantegh Donations Mrs. Marie Donabedian $100 On the occasion of the one year anniversary of the passing of Aram Donabedian Mrs. Hazel Kizirian $100 New Water Fountain Installed Recently, a new water fountain was installed on the first floor outside the restrooms. It has some new features being enjoyed by our Armenian and Sunday School students, as well as all members of our church community. One of them is the ability to fill water bottles by using the area designated with a sensor on the fountain, making this an eco-friendly addition to the church. The cost to install this wonderful unit was $1,000. If anyone is interested in helping to offset this expense, the Board of Trustees and Der Hayr will greatly appreciate your generosity. Parishioners If you would like to receive your issue of the Gantegh electronically, please forward your email address to the Church Website: info@stsvartanantzchurch.org This would help to defray our costs greatly. We appreciate your consideration.
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 401-831-6399 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special occasion. Requiem Services November 6 Raymond Aznavourian; Osgean and Hustian Barsoian; Charles P. Jackson; Yeghsapert Khanishian; Beatrice and Joseph Labee, and Louise and Donald Barkley; George, Misak and Zarouhi Manoogian; Verkene Manoogian; George Mesrobian; Ardachess Minassian and Lena Minassian Faraj; Parunag Ogasian; Gegam Panosyan; Hazel Portukalian; Jirair Reshdouni; Yervant Dickran Stepanian; Bagdasar Toumasian; Hamazarb, Vartoohi, Boghos, Zaroohi, Sesak and Edward Vartian, Roupen Aramian, and Margaret Voas November 13 Gabriel Aharonian; Pasha and Charles Antonian and Krikor Karibian; Arpineh Bagian; Giragos and Zaroohy Basmajian, and Vera Basmajian Lindo; Hagop Boyadjian; Harry and Doris Donabedian; Armenouhe and Donabed Harootunian; Peter and Anna Kalafian; Hovannes Kashmanian; Tsolag, Hreipsimay and Simon Keshigian; John Hovhaness Killerjian; Kayajan "Aram" Kinosian; Mugurditch and Haiganoush Kushigian; Manoog Markarian; Fannie and John Riccitelli and Mary and Bob Surabian; Bedros Sarkis; Yevkine and Mgrdich Seropian; Azatouhi A. Shalidjian; Michael Torigian; Simon and Mark Vagshenian November 20 Manoog and Nevart Atamian; Dan A. Jerozal; Ronnie Malkasian; Grace, Eva, Nshan, Charles Garo, Peter, Margaret and Paul Nishan Mikaelian; Victor Vahan, Mary Ann, Melanie Ann, and Ovsanna Serabian November 27 Ann Adoian; Giragos DerManuelian; Vartkes Der Vartanian; Bessie, Mihran and John Kolligian; Valerie Dawn Norbury; Peter M. Panosian; Vartig, Abraham and Charles Shiranian and Sarkis Mardirosian December 4 Artin & Satenik Bardizbanian, Ara, Vartanoosh, Ara and Mida Berberian, and Armenoohi Najarian; Albera Barmazian; Byron Barsamian; Dr. Samuel and Rose Barsamian; Edward, Anna, and Hagop Bohigian; Eliza Dedeian; Jouhar and Sahag Engustian; Peter Hajian; Noire Kanarian; Harry and Beverly Kashmanian; Michael Makokian; Arthur Najarian; Sarkis Sarkisian December 11 John Basmajian; Louise Boyajian; Sarkis Danayan; Aram DerManouelian; Stephan, Gulbig and Gladys Fermanian and Harry Haboian; Sarkis Khanishian; Aaron Kizirian; Siranoush Krikorian; Sarkis and Helen Kroian, and Martin & Berjoohi Kooyumjian; Harootune, Antaram, Michael, Alice and Mark "Markar" Markarian; Zaven Tenkarian; Hagop, Janneh, and Anahid Torosian and Garabed, Yerchanouhi and Garo Sinanian; Edward B. Woods and Kent Smith December 18 Andrea Abate; George K. Adoian; Jirair Aharonian; Robert Avakian; Alberta Bedigian; Warren G. Dolbashian; Kevork, Lucia, Sarah and Michael Eghian and Asadoor and Takouhi Simonian; Manoog and Araxie Elmasian; Mary Engustian; Zarouhy Garabedian; Baizar, Hagop and Garabed Kambourian and Victoria Arnavoudian; Nishan and Araxe Kefeyan; Kevork, Hagop and Hripsema Keshijian, Hagop Minassian, and Aroussiag and Hagop Tashjian; John and Katherine Magarian and Mary Zorabedian; David Marabian; Eva Sahagian; Cynthia Shartzer; Kevork Vichabian December 25 Hagop and Maryam Akalarian and Nishan and Berjoohi Tateosian; Elizabeth Adanalian Boyajian; Donabed Cheteyan, Satenig Cheteyan Garabedian; and Shnorick Cheteyan Aleksanian; Shoshan Derderian; Paul Kanarian; Araxie Kasparian; Elizabeth Kematjian; Stephen LaFazia; Maria Mkrtschjan; Karnick and Grace Ohanian; Julie Kaprielian Postoian; Rose Sarkisian; Kamyk Simonian; Sarah Surabian; Rosa and Frank Zorabedian Jr. Eternal Rest Michael H. Matigian Entered into Eternal Rest on October 15, 2016 John M. Mesrobian Entered into Eternal Rest on October 24, 2016
Fortieth Day Remembrance The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Gebrail Aprahamian will be said on November 6, 2016 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for Michael H. Matigian will be said on November 27, 2016 The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for John M. Mesrobian will be said on November 27, 2016 Please visit our website at http://www.stsvartanantzchurch.org for information regarding our Sunday and Armenian Schools, Church organizations, upcoming events, as well as general information regarding our Church Attention Armenian Fest 2016 is Upon Us Please consider donating a "Unique Item" such as Tickets for Events (especially sporting or theater), etc. for our Silent Auction. And please don't forget those treasures for our Flea Market as well. Your donations will help our Church and may qualify as a tax deduction for you. Please contact the Church Office (831-6399) for further information. ******************************** Food Preparations continue on throughout the week of November 7-11 for our upcoming Armenian Fest 2016. Come and join in to help make your Armenian Fest a success while you learn the secrets of baking traditional Armenian treats! ******************************** Armenian Fest 2016 November 12-13 2016 Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Calendar of Events Nov 11 Veterans Day Observance Armenian Memorial Monument in RI Veterans Cemetery in Exeter Nov 12-13 Armenian Fest 2016 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan 10 am 9 ARS Sr. Citizens Christmas Party Twelve Acres Restaurant 12 noon 10 Sunday School Singing Christmas Carols at Capitol Ridge Senior Living Home 11 Sunday School Family Breakfast 10 am Sunday School Christmas Pageant Men s Club Children s Christmas Party (snow date is December 18 th ) ARS "Arax" Bake Sale 24 Traditional Candle Light Christmas Eve Services 5 Armenian Christmas Eve Services start at 6:30 pm 6 Armenian Christmas --- Divine Liturgy starts at 10:30 am 7 pm Jan 7 Holy Communion for Armenian & Sunday School Children & Families 10 am Attention Please note that the 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 email your submissions [pauline@stsvartanantzchurch.org] as this facilitates the editing process. ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY PROVIDENCE ANI CHAPTER NEWS November 2016 The ARS ANI Chapter is happy to announce the winners of the 2016 Varoujan and Rose V. Karentz Scholarship. The following four students each received $1000.00. They are Haig Hengen, Nareh Mkrtschjan, Rachel Minassian and Taleen Simonian. Our best wishes and continued success to all in their future endeavors. The ARS Senior Citizens Annual Christmas Party will be held on Friday, December 9 at Twelve Acres Restaurant in Smithfield at 12 noon. A fun day of food, music and raffles. $15. R.S.V.P. Joyce Yeremian by December 4. All are invited. Proceeds to the Syrian Relief Fund. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year.
Scenes from the 1 st Homenetmen Fall Harvest Carnival! A R M E N I A N R E L I E F S O C I E T Y SENIOR CITIZENS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY Friday, December 9, 2016 12 noon Cost $15.00 Twelve Acres Restaurant---445 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, Rhode Island Rt 7 Full Course Dinner: Choice of Chicken or Scrod R.S.V.P. by December 4th to Joyce Yeremian 354-8770 Music with Hagop Garabedian -- Raffles, Door Prizes and a Visit by Santa Proceeds to Benefit the Armenian Syrian Relief Fund
Important Dates to Remember Nov 11 Nov 12 & 13 Veterans Day Observance at Armenian Memorial Monument in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter Armenian Fest 2016 at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet