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. 3 Happy Easter March 2016

From Der Hayr’s Desk...

God Holding Us By The Hand

I will strengthen you and help you; I will

uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

saiah

Imagine walking through life each day with God

Himself holding our hand and encouraging us and

protecting us. Imagine the same hands of God that

created the whole universe holding our hand; the

same hands of our Lord Jesus that were nailed for

us on the cross, now holding our hand; and the same

hands upon which God says “I have engraved you

on the palms of my hands,” now holding our hand.

This scripture clearly demonstrates the

determination of God to accomplish His will and

plan for our lives. He is willing to hold our hand

each and every day of our lives to accomplish His

perfect will in us. God has created us with

incredible potential to accomplish things that are

beyond our imagination. However, the fallen human

nature of man has gotten in the way. It is for this

reason that God sent His Only Begotten Son, our

Lord Jesus, to restore that nature to its original

condition. When we come to know Christ, God's

purpose begins to unfold through the power of the

Holy Spirit. We begin to recognize that He is truly

holding us by the hand; we recognize God's

direction for our lives; the gifts and abilities that we

never knew we had; and especially, the Holy Spirit's

transforming power in our hearts and minds.

In the Book of Jeremiah, God says that e new us

even efore we were orn “ efore I formed you in

the wom I new you, efore you were orn I set

you apart ” eremiah

A few months ago I decided to play a game with

our granddaughter Vana. I as ed her “Vana how

old are you” She said “8 years old.” I said “Then I

am younger than you. I am only seven” After we

both became younger and younger, I thought that I

could win by saying that I am younger because I am

not orn yet. She replied “ ut Medz ayreeg I am

younger ecause I am still in the mind of God.” I

was amazed at her deep spiritual insight at that age.

This scripture began to have an even deeper

meaning in my heart.

As we live our daily lives, whether we are at work

or with our families at home, let us hold tightly the

hand of our Lord Jesus Who rose from the dead and

kept the nail marks on the palms of His hands

demonstrating His love for us and His

determination to accomplish His plan in us for the

glory of God the Father. Amen.

Vartanantz Day

His Grace, Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian was our celebrant as we celebrated the name day of our Church.

Presentation of two of our newest parishioners Simon - son of Samuel and Stephanie Donabedian

and Arpi - daughter of Arees and Megan Khatchadourian

His Grace with our Choir members, Deacons, and Altar Servers

Following the Badarak, a wonderful Celebration Dinner, hosted by our Ladies' Guild and Men's

Club, was held under the auspices of Srpazan. The community honored seven of its devoted

parishioners - Kenneth and Sandra Bogosian, Vartges Engustian, Harry Kushigian, Antranig

Mesrobian, John Takian and Joyce Yeremian.

An uplifting interlude of song was presented by Ms. Dalita Getzoyan. Following Srpazan's

message, the event ended with the singing of Giligia.

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Please Join Us for Adult Bible Study on Monday Evenings at 7 pm

Young Adult Fellowship Thursdays at 7 pm during Lent

Schedule for Lenten Vesper Services

Lenten Vesper Services begin on February 10th and will continue through March 16th. Vespers Services will begin at 7pm. On select dates, the Vesper Services will be preceded by a Lenten Dinner at 6:00 pm.

The schedule for Lenten events is listed below:

Wednesday, March 2 AYF/Homenetmen will host the Median Day Lenten Dinner at 6 pm. Lenten Vespers will follow at 7pm Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian is the Guest Lecturer

Wednesday, March 9 Lenten Vespers Service. at 7 pm

followed by Fellowship hosted by CEC

Wednesday, March 16 Ladies' Guild will host a Lenten Dinner of Vosbov Kufta

at 6 pm. Lenten Vespers will follow at 7pm Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Khrosofian is the Guest Lecturer

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 20th Morning Service 9:30 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Turunpatzek Opening of the Gates 12:00 pm

Godfather of the Opening of the Curtain: Vahe Oharonian

Maundy Thursday, March 24th

Washing of the Disciples’ Feet 7:00 pm Betrayal of Jesus (Khavaroom) 8:00 pm

Good Friday, March 25th Commemoration of Christ’s Burial 7:00 pm

Holy Saturday, March 26th Evening Service 7:00 pm Divine Liturgy 7:30 pm

Note: Pupils of the Mourad Armenian School and Sunday School will receive Holy Communion on Saturday, March 26th

at 10:00 am. Adults are also invited.

Easter Sunday, March 27th Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sermon 11:00 am

ARS “ANI” CHAPTER NEWS

ARS “Ani” and “Arax” Chapters will be sponsoring their Annual EASTER FOOD DRIVE for the R.I. Community Food Bank March 1 through March 20. Please leave food donations in the back hallway. Be a good neighbor and donate to help the less fortunate.

Sunday, April 3 --- 13th ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE in MEMORY of OUR SAINTS of the 1915 GENOCIDE. 10am to 2pm in the lower hall. Please call Joyce -354-8770, Steve-573-7888, Sandra-885-7772

ATTENION HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS:

ARS EASTERN USA’S Undergraduate & Lazarian Graduate 2015 Scholarship Applications are available. Website scholarship page www.arseastusa.org. Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016

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 kpilla1015@gmail.com Deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2016

A Special Thank You

Der Gomidas, Der Kapriel and the Board of Trustees wish to express their sincere appreciation to Mrs. Joyce Yeremian for her recent donation of $600 for the purchase of a new conference table for our Library. This donation completes her renovation of the Library and continues to provide the Church community with not only an area to display some of our archives but also for small groups to meet.

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.

Altar Candles

Taraksian Familes in Loving Memory of Nurik and Noubar Taraksian

Bannon Family in Loving Memory of Anna Basmajian

Mrs. Shirley Derderian in Loving Memory of Harry Derderian

Altar Flowers

Mrs. Gloria Nahabedian in Loving Memory of Michael Makokian

Varadian and Megerdichian Families in Loving Memory of Isabelle Varadian

Donations

Mr. George Sahagian [FL] $ 500 in Loving Memory of his son, Gregory Joseph Sahagian

Mr. Frank Zorabedian and Family $ 100

Knights of Vartan - Arax Lodge 11 $ 75

Mrs. Vars Yeremian D’Abrosca $ 25 in appreciation for Der Hayrs’ visits and prayers during and after her recent hospitalization

The Following Donation was designated for the Gantegh

Anonymous $ 100

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

March 6 Baghdasar, Souren, Boghos, Siranoosh, Minas and Elmas Arzoomanian and Anna Nahabedian; Hagopos, Ovsanna and Dr. Kegham and Shavarsh Nartouni Ayvasian, Arsen and Mariam Babikyan and Aghavni Derderian; Artacky Berberian; Minas and Margaret Dayian; Helen Fashjian; Satenig and John Hovhannes Garabedian; Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian; Dikranouhi and Krikor Krikorian; Haig Markarian, Sr; Aroussiag Minassian; Parsegh and Nartig Mooradian and Melkon "Mal" Norigian; Moushegh “Joe”

March 6 continued Najarian; Gulizar Sarkisian; Yeranuhi and Harpet Sarkisian; Mugurdich Shaljian; Kazar, Almas, Peter and Vencenza Simonian and Zartar Atamian; Hrayr, Rouben, Vehanush, Stepan, Antranig, Mari and Vartan Stepanyan; Karapet Tashian

March 13 Helena, Hagop, Lawrence, Daniel and Dawn Adoian; Arpie Asadoorian; Asadoor and Elmas Avakian; Setrag, Parancum, and Alice Bagdasarian; Haig Martin Baligian; Beatrice Bouris; Anna Casciano, Mary Karibian and Parensem Antonian; Lousik Dadayan; Jouhar Dappinian, Melkon Derderian, Toni Christina Budnick, and Soukias and Tourvanda Setian; Garabed, Mariam and Manoog DerKachadourian and Haroutoon Andonian; Harold and Sally Goolgasian; Karapet Khoulian; Frances Kizirian; Aram Markarian and Yeghishe and Vergine Basmajian; Leo Marsoubian; Paramaz Narzakian and Robert Hagopian; Genevieve Pelkey; Gregory Portukalian; Sahak Sahakian; Elizabeth, Hagop and Robert Tevekelian

March 20 Hagop and Aghavni Alahverdian; Donald Bedrosian; Lillian Bedrosian and Nancy Francazio; Michael Der Hagopian; Margaret Der Manouelian; Avedis and Zabel Demoorjian, and Sarkis and Anneg Kopopian; Maritza Dolbashian; Violet Garabedian; Harry Kachadourian; Diramayr Rose Kassabian; Harry, Kapriel and Marinos Krikorian, and Oski Ornazian; Sarah Leylegian; Hagop and Arshalous Madoian; Peter Mantaian; Vartoohe, Babig and Rose Marabian and Gulizar Ivazian;Garabed Masdanian; Abraham Movsessian; Gevork Odabashyan; Kathy Grace Peterson; Yeghsapert, Easaya, and Garabed Kenoian, John and Sally Costigan and Albert Vicent Reizian; Sarkis Stepanian; Roxie Surabian ; Lalezar Khimatian Talbot; Zaven Tenkarian, Vahram Samuelian, Heghine Manasian and Louise Vartanian

March 27 Easter Sunday – No Requiems

April 3 Sumpat Barsamian; Sarkis Chapian; Victor Derderian; Avedis and Arshalouys Der Manouelian; Sophie Nalbandian Downs; Martin Kojoian, and Mary and Peter B. Melikian; Mary Papazian; Azniv and Sarkis Parseghian; Mark Plante; Michael Peter Sahagian; Harry Sarkisian; Harabed and Margaret Saropian; Charles Serabian

April 10 Meron Arevian; Archie and Lucy Arakelian, Osky Cascone, and Aristakes, Hripsime and Moorad Vartanian; Charles Akalarian and David Anthony; Krikor Alexanian; Boris Barsegov; Alice Bedrosian, Margaret Kedonian and Helen Page; Altoun, Manoug, Barkev and Sarkis Chamalian and Haiastan Avedisian; Stephen Khatchadourian; Sara Mary Matulewicz; Madeline Sahagian

April 17 Lucille, Qurken and John Berberian; Arakel Dolbashian; Armenoohy Asarigian George; Peter H. Jordan; Elizabeth

April 17 contd. Kaprielian and Joseph Pilla; Khachig, and Anoush Kibarian, Harouitune Boyajian, and Boyajian and Kibarian Families; John Hovannes Kushigian; Vartan, Margaret and Giovanna Marabian, and Lillian Kuzirian; Rosine Maviyan; Vagashag and Berjoohi Melikian, Kachadoor and Zaghig Zoragian , and Margaret and Kim Benjamin; Baidzar Stepanian; Robert Torkomian

April 24 Nishan Aznavorian; Seboo Barsoian; Guzel Bedrosian and Zartar Menissian; Margaret and Varashag Derderian;Zabel, Armenag and Aram Johnson; Rosa Nalchadzhyan

Eternal Rest

Alice Seropian Guglielmino Entered into Eternal Rest on January 31, 2016

Oskie Kushigian Mouradjian Entered into Eternal Rest on February 7, 2016

Fortieth Day Remembrance

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Alice Seropian Guglielmino will be said on March 13, 2016

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Oskie Kushigian Mouradjian will be said on March 20, 2016

The Fortieth Day Requiem Service for

Anatoly Mangassarian will be said on March 20, 2016

Sacramental Events

Baptisms: Lillian Varadian

Parents: Armen Varadian Nicole Herrick Born: June 14, 2015 Baptized: February 6, 2016 Godparents: Nicholas Varadian Kathleen Petrie

Calendar of Events

Mar 1-25 ARS Easter Food Drive

Mar 2 Lenten Fish Dinner sponsored by AYF/Homenetmen Chapters 6 pm Lenten Vespers at 7:15 pm --- Guest Lecturer is Archpriest. Fr. Aram Stepanian

Mar 6 Annual Sunday School Bowling Party

Mar 9 Lenten Vesper at 7:15 pm followed by Fellowship hosted by our Christian Education Committee

Mar 13 Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast

Mar 16 Lenten Dinner sponsored by our Ladies’ Guild 6 pm Lenten Vespers at 7:15 pm

Mar 27 Annual Homenetmen Easter Dinner

Apr 3 ARS Blood Drive in Memory of our Saints of the 1915 Genocide

Apr 10 Sunday School Monthly Family Breakfast

Apr 19 AMMRI Armenian Youth Day

May 7 ARS "Arax" Mother's Day Dinner

May 22 ARF Shoushi & Khanasor Celebration

Attention

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 [alice@stsvartanantzchurch.org]

Thank you for your cooperation.

Assistant Secretary Position

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.

Homenetmen Easter Dinner

Easter Sunday

following the Divine Liturgy

Aramian Auditorium

Please Join Us for this traditional

Easter Dinner and Fellowship

2016 EXECUTIVES

Providence ARF Kristapor Gomideh

Chairman: Unger Hagop Donoyan

Vice Chairlady: Ungeroohi Paula Burke

Treasurer; Ungeroohi Melissa Danielian

Secretary: Unger Sarkis Varadian

Correspondent: Unger Hrant Khatchadourian

Chapter Contact Info:

kristapor.gomideh@gmail.com

Providence AYF Varantian Seniors

President: Raffi Rachdouni

Vice Pres: Adam Aktchian

Corr Secretary:Sylvahna Menissian

Rec Secretary: Ani Megerdichian

Treasurer: Narine Taraksian

ARS "Arax" Chapter Mother's Day Dinner

Saturday, May 7, 2016 Cranston Country Club

SAVE THE DATE

Saints Sahag and Mesrob Sports Scholarship Committee

47th Annual Sports Banquet

Friday Evening, May 13, 2016

Details to Follow

Providence Homenetmen 35th Anniversary Dinner/Dance

Saturday, June 4, 2016 Venus De Milo

It's A New Year!

Please remember to remit 2016 Membership and Stewardship Form along with the appropriate payment as soon as possible. Membership Dues are as follows:

$100 (26 & older)

$50 Senior Citizen (65 & older)

$25 (18 - 25 yrs. of age)

For your convenience, we offer the availability of credit card transactions. Information is on the Membership/Stewardship Form or you may contact the Church Office at 401-831-6399 for further information. Your continuous and unyielding support is what sustains the well being of our Church.

Garen Bagdasarian receiving the "Gratitude" Medal from Robert Avetisyan, Permanent Representative to the USA. The medal is awarded for defending and promoting recognition of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh in USA

Annual Church and Sister's Committees/Organizations Meeting

Representatives of all of our Church and Sister Committees and Organizations recently

participated in a very productive meeting. Many topics were discussed including ways to

improve our Church Community along with parishioner involvement, coordination of

Organizational Events, etc. A Fellowship followed the meeting.

Providence Varantians Celebrate

Their 2016 Olympics Victory at “V Ball”

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ACA -RI Annual John "Jay" Varadian Basketball Tournament

for Boys and Girls

ՍՈՒՐԻՈՅ ՀՈԳԵՒՈՐ ԱՌԱՋՆՈՐԴՆԵՐՈՒ ՀԱՆԴԻՊՈՒՄ

ԱՆԹԻԼԻԱՍԻ ՄԱՅՐԱՎԱՆՔԷՆ ՆԵՐՍ

Հինգշաբթի, 28 Յունուար 2016-ին, Անթիլիասի Մայրավանքէն ներս Սուրիոյ հայութեան

վերականգնումի գծով տեղի ունեցած խորհրդակցութեան որպէս շարունակութիւն, Ուրբաթ, 29

Յունուար 2016-ի առաւօտուն, Ն.Ս.Օ.Տ.Տ. Արամ Ա. Կաթողիկոսի նախագահութեամբ տեղի ունեցաւ

հոգեւոր առաջնորդներու հանդիպումը, մասնակցութեամբ Բերիոյ Հայոց Թեմի Առաջնորդ Գերշ. Տ.

Շահան Արք. Սարգիսեանի, Հալէպի Թեմի Հայ Կաթողիկէ Առաջնորդ Գերապայծառ Պետրոս Արք.

Միրիաթեանի եւ Սուրիոյ Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցւոյ Համայնքապետ Վերպ. Յարութիւն

Սելիմեանի։

Վեհափառ Հայրապետը ընդհանուր գիծերով տեղեակ պահեց հոգեւոր առաջնորդները օր մը առաջ

տեղի ունեցած խորհրդակցական հանդիպման քննարկումներուն մասին։ Ան ողջունեց սուրիական

տագնապի տարիներուն Սուրիոյ հայութեան ցուցաբերած միասնական ոգին եւ միասին

խորհրդակցելու ու աշխատելու յանձնառութիւնը։ Նորին Սրբութիւնը նաեւ իր գնահատանքը

յայտնեց Սուրիոյ հայութեան իրենց նիւթական աջակցութիւնը կատարած բոլոր

կազմակերպութիւններուն ու հայորդիներուն։ Վեհափառ Հայրապետը շեշտեց Սուրիոյ հայութիւնը

վերականգնումի առաջնորդող նոր ծրագիրներու մշակման անհրաժեշտութիւնը։

Հոգեւոր առաջնորդները իրենց շնորհակալութիւնը յայտնեցին Արամ Ա. Կաթողիկոսին, որ անցնող

տարիներու ընթացքին միշտ զօրակից դարձած է Սուրիոյ հայութեան՝ բոլոր շրջաններէն ներս,

միաժամանակ շնորհակալութիւնը յայտնեցին օժանդակ հանդիսացած բոլոր հայորդիներուն։

Ապա, անոնք իրենց տեսակէտները պարզեցին վերականգնումի աշխատանքներուն եւ

ծրագիրներուն գծով։

Scholarship information

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 2016. 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, 2016.

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THE RHODE ISLAND FOUNDATION Year 2016 Scholarship Application Vaughn Avedisian Memorial Fund

The Vaughn Avedisian Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 within the Rhode Island Community Foundation to benefit students from Rhode Island to attend a non-profit post-secondary institution that offers either a two-year associate or a four-year college degree. The scholarships averaging $2,000 will be given annually.

SELECTION CRITERIA In order to qualify as an applicant, you must meet the following criteria: • Rhode Island Student. • Accepted into an accredited post-secondary institution. • Able to demonstrate financial need.

DEADLINE

Your application must arrive by April 4, 2016. All applicants are evaluated using the same essential information. Please answer all requested items. Incomplete applications cannot be considered--if information is missing, we will not be able to make accurate judgments. Grants will be made on an objective, non-discriminating basis.

Please contact Sylvia Long at (401) 884-4343 with any questions concerning the application process and mail your application and all required materials in ONE envelope to:

Vaughn Avedisian Memorial Fund C/O Sylvia Long

67 Pojac Point Road North Kingstown, RI 02852

Copies of the application are available in our Church Office

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Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10 MERIT BASED SCHOLARSHIP FOR ARMENIAN STUDENTS

The Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10, is proud to announce a $1,000.00 academic scholarship for a High School

Senior who: * is a person of Armenian descent accepted to a full time undergraduate program at an institution of

higher learning.

* is an American Citizen.

* is a resident of the State of Rhode Island, or, if a resident of another state, has a closely related

relative who is a member of Daughters of Vartan, Aik Otyag #10, Providence, RI.

* has demonstrated academic excellence.

COMPLETED APPLICATION POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MAY 15, 2016

Copies of the application and information are available in our Church Office

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Paul O. and Mary Boghossian Memorial Trust Scholarship

Awards scholarships for study at institutions of higher education beyond the secondary level to RI students who demonstrate: financial need,academic capability; and potential to contribute to the USA and its form of government.

Scholarship awards from the Trust are limited to RI students from any one of the following groups: 1) Residents of Kent, Newport or Washington Counties in the state of RI; or 2) Members and former members of the Kent County branch of the YMCA in the City of Warwick; or 3) Members and former members of the Pawtucket Boys & Girls Club, in the city of Pawtucket; or 4) Members or descendants of a member of Park Place Congregational Church, in the city of Pawtucket; or 5) Persons or descendants of persons who are Armenian by national origin or descent

All decisions pertaining to scholarship applications and awards are made by a Scholarship Committee composed of individuals independent of the Boghossian Family and Bank of America, N.A., the Corporate Trustee.

For questions regarding the scholarship process please contact Ms. Dian Parker Quinn at 617-434-6454 or dian.quinn@ustrust.com

Copies of the application and information are available in our Church Office

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A R M E N I A N R E L I E F S O C I E T Y ANI & ARAX CHAPTERS

EASTER FOOD DRIVE

FOR THE R. I. COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 20

COMMUNITY OF STS.VARTANANTZ CHURCH

AYF and HOMENETMENT SCOUTS, SUNDAY SCHOOL and ARMENIAN SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ASKED TO PARTICIPATE WITH

WITH THE ARS CHAPTERS TO DONATE CANNED AND DRY FOODS TO HELP THE NEEDY

Donations may be left in the boxes in the back hallway ALL DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Important Dates to Remember

March 2 Lenten Dinner hosted by the AYF/Homenetmen Chapters followed by Lenten Vespers March 6 Sunday School Bowling Party

March 9 Lenten Vespers followed by Fellowship

March 13 Sunday School Family Monthly Breakfast

March 16 Lenten Dinner hosted by Ladies' Guild followed Lenten Vespers March 27 Homenetmen Easter Dinner April 3 ARS Blood Drive