Etching by Vartkes Kaprielian Publication of Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church

402 Broadway, Providence, Rhode Island 02909

Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Pastor Office:401.831.6399 Hall:401.831.1830 F ax:401.351.4418

Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Assistant Pastor E-mail: 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.

Palm Sunday and Trunpatzek

Godfather of the Curtain -- Vahe' Oharonian

Holy Thursday -- Washing of the Disciples Feet

Khavaroom

Good Friday

Holy Saturday

Voch Eench Eh Beedo

Easter

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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 $1550.00. She graciously donated back $800.00 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, 2016. Call Joyce Yeremian at 401- 354-8770, joycey41@cox.net or Joyce Bagdasarian at 401- 434-4467.

Men's Club News

Feeding Those in Need

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 75-100 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

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.

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.

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

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 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

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.

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

http://www.stsvartanantzchurch.org

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 401-831-6399 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

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

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Anna Baghsarian will be said on May 22, 2016

Sacramental Events

Baptisms: 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

Calendar of Events

May 7 ARS "Arax" Mother's Day Dinner

May 8 Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast

May 13 Sts. Sahag & Mesrob Church Sports Scholarship Committee 47th Annual Sports Banquet

May 21 Annual Mourad Armenian School Hantes --- Aramian Auditorium

Calendar of Events contd.

May 22 Sunday School Graduation

ARF Shoushi & Khanasor Celebration

May 26 AYF Jrs Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show

May 29 Church Summer Schedule begins ---- Soorp Badarak begins at 9:30 am

June 1 Ladies’ Guild “A Spring Night Dinner”

June 4 Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Dinner/ Dance

June 10 Ladies’ Guild Sook Dinner

June 23 ARS "Ani" Fundraiser/Dinner

July 16 Ladies’ Guild / ARS “Ani” Chapter present “Hye Summer Night X”

Aug 14 Annual Church Picnic

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

Our AYF Juniors

at this year's Junior Winter Olympics in NJ

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

Assistant Secretary Position

ARS New England Regional Seminar Providence, RI

AMMC—RI Youth Day

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MOurad Armenian School Hantes

Saturday, May 21, 2016

ARamian Auditorium 6 pm

Sunday School Graduation

Sunday, May 22, 2016

following the Divine Liturgy

Providence Homenetmen 35th 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 35th Anniversary with a special banquet dinner dance at the Venus de Milo, Swansea, MA. A souvenir ad-book 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 ad-book, 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 14th and Gala Banquet dinner reservations -- May 29th. For more information, please contact Hrant Khatchadourian (401)714-4884. We look forward to a memorable evening with you and your family.

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church Ladies' Guild

Important Dates to Remember

May 7 ARS “Arax” Mother’s Day Celebration

May 8 Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast

May 21 Mourad Armenian School Hantes and Graduation

May 22 Sunday School Graduation ARF Shoushi & Khanasor Celebration

May 26 AYF Jrs. Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Talent Show

May 29 Church Summer Schedule Commences

June 1 Ladies' Guild "A Spring Nite Dinner"

June 4 Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Dinner/Dance