POINTS OF LIGHT The Badarak or Divine Liturgy is the Source,

Goal, Summit and Peak of our religious

experience both on earth and in this earthly life. I

say this not because it is embellished and adorned

with mystery, beauty, music, radiant paraments,

ornate language, but because it is the sacred

vessel that contains the True and Living Presence of Christ

Himself! It is truly a manifestation of the “labor” of love that

God‘s people offer in the spirit and by the inspiration of the

Holy Spirit are mutual offering of praise and thanksgiving told

me to God where they become the recipients of the supernatural

nourishment and fellowship of Christ and with Christ himself.

The Divine Liturgy with Christ at its center and purpose is

therefore the intersection or incarnation of the heavenly with

the earthly. It is the place, time and space where the Presence

of God is fully manifest among His Church and His people.

This is most certainly true not because of any work of our own

but because of Christ's own promise, His own presence and His

own true and unfailing Word, "where two or three are gathered

in my Name, there am I among you" (Matthew 18:20) for "Lo.

I am with you always until the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)

While the restriction of the distribution of Holy Communion

was a tremendous spiritual challenge to me as I’m sure that it

was for faithful, I can’t but thank Almighty God for the return

to the chalice where I have been overwhelmed by the great

demonstration of faith of so many people coming to church and

the great percentage of worshipers who approach the chalice to

be communicates with the living body of Christ. With prayer I

offered to God these words on your behalf, “Lord save your

people and guard your inheritance, feed them shelter them and

lift them up from now on forever more,

amen”

The Badarak is the taste of the eternal

and the continuing incarnation where

Christ continues His "ministry" of

salvation.

Prepare to receive His gift and discern

His Presence and do not neglect the gift

offered in Holy Communion throughout

the summer months. My mission is to proclaim the Good News of

Jesus Christ according to the holy apostolic teaching, practice and doctrine

of the Armenian Church in order to equip the parishioners of Saints Sahag

and Mesrob Armenian Church with faith, hope and love, to live and to serve as members of His Church in a wholesome Armenian Christian Family.

In This Issue

Pastor’s Points of Light .......................................................... 1

Index ......................................................................................... 1

Publication Information .......................................................... 1

Catholicos of All Armenians ................................................... 2

Bishop Danial Primate ............................................................ 2

Parish Council Corner ............................................................. 3

Father. Nigoghos Aznavourian .............................................. 3

Father. Haroutiun Sabounjian ................................................ 4

New Pastoral Intern ................................................................. 6

Saint Nersess to Honor First 12 ............................................. 6

Jeopardy .................................................................................. 7

Representative Chris Smith Calls For Artsakh Aid .............. 7

Baptisms/Chrismation/Marriages/ Funerals 7

Garen Yepremian 7

Vartan Gregorian ..................................................................... 7

Bazaar SAVE THE DATE .......................................................... 7

7

Easter Sunday 2021................................................................ 8

400 Year Old Armenian Wagon .............................................. 8

Rhode Island Orthodox Clergy Fellowship Retreat .............. 8

Mother’s Day ............................................................................ 9

Primate’s Appointment Letter ................................................ 10

Easter Offerings ...................................................................... 11

Armenian School Handes ....................................................... 12

Special by Fr. Shnork – Dual Ordinations 13

Sunday School Corner ............................................................ 14

Armenian Cultural Hour / Choir /Art Education .................... 14

News from the Cultural Committee ........................................ 15

Sunday School Graduation .................................................... 15

Summer Church Feast Days 16

Flyer BBQ Back to School 18

Armenian Festival “Formerly Picnic” ................................... 19

Prayer Card Ministry/Amazon Smile ...................................... 21

Vemkar ..................................................................................... 21

Cultural Committee Schedule ................................................ 21

Membership / Stewardship ..................................................... 22

Newsletter Committee / Advertise in the Paros .................... 22

Administrative Information ..................................................... 23 “Paros” June 30tht, 2021 Published 4 times per year Issue 21-02 – FREE Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church 70 Jefferson St, Providence, RI 02908-4923

FR. SHNORK SOUIN, PASTOR

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 2

Pontifical Visit of the

Catholicos of All

Armenians to the

Republic of Artsakh

On June 04, concluding His

Pontifical visit to the

Diocese of Syunik, His

Holiness Karekin II,

Supreme Patriarch and

Catholicos of All menians

left on a three-day visit for Artsakh. On the occasion of the visit,

the Armenian Patriarch took the relics of the St. Gregory the

Illuminator being kept in the Mother See, as a source of

Blessings and consolation for the pious people of Artsakh.

The Delegation presided by the Armenian Patriarch and the

AGBU President Mr. Berge Setrakian was welcomed on the

borders by His Grace Bishop Vertanes Abrahamyan, Primate of

the Diocese of Artsakh, together with the clergy of the Diocese

and Chaplain Boris Grishin, of the Russian peacekeeping

troops.

Then, His Holiness left for Stepanakert, where He visited the

Fraternal Cemetery. In front of the monument, the Catholicos

of All Armenians was welcomed by Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan,

President of Artsakh, and the government members. After

laying a wreath in front of the eternal fire and paying tribute;

His Holiness, together with the Clergy, prayed to God for the

peace of the souls of the Armenian heroes martyred in the

Second War of Artsakh. Accompanied by the authorities of the

country, the Armenian Patriarch visited the graves of the fallen

soldiers.

On the same day, the Catholicos of All Armenians,

accompanied by the Honored President of the Republic of

Artsakh Mr. Bako Sahakyan and the Clergy, visited the Amaras

Monastery, where His Holiness was greeted by the Armenian

sons and servicemen been united from nearby communities on

this occasion.

Following the “Hrashapar” service offered in the St.

Grigoris Church of Amaras, under the presidency of His

Holiness Karekin II, a Requiem service was offered for the

peace of the souls of the heroes martyred for the defense of the

Fatherland. A joint prayer was raised to the Merciful God to

keep Artsakh in peace and security, and the Armenians of

Artsakh and All Armenians under His boundless mercy and the

protection of His Holy Right Hand.

At the conclusion, His Holiness conveyed his Blessings and

message to the attendees.

AYO! | FAR (farusa.org)

The Easter Message of Bishop Daniel

Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian

Church of America

Tribulation—and Overcoming

It was the last night of our

Lord’s earthly ministry: his

last chance to speak freely, and

openly, to the people he loved.

And Christ chose to spend

those precious hours in the

company of his friends,

breaking bread at the supper

table, praying to the Father.

On that night, Jesus spoke

to the disciples tenderly. But he was burdened with

sadness, and with an urgent desire to give his loved ones

the Spirit they would need to carry on. “Little children,”

he called them, “I am with you only a little while longer.”

He explained that, like lost children, they would soon find

themselves searching for him; but “where I go, you cannot

come.” Nevertheless, he enjoined them to “love one

another; as I have loved you” (Jn 13:33-34).

For Christ, the specter of his crucifixion was standing

before him. Yet he still tried to reassure his followers that

the World—the source of pain and suffering—would not

have the last word.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in me you

might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation,”

Jesus warned. “But be of good cheer: I have overcome the

world” (Jn 16:33).

It must have been hard to believe his assertion at the

time. But it was true: on Easter Sunday, Christ was raised

from the dead—Krisdos haryav ee merelots. And with his

resurrection, he overcame a world long held hostage by sin

and death. Nearly two thousand years later, all that Jesus

said and did during his Last Supper remains life-giving

through the Holy Badarak: we are his disciples, and we

have the privilege to join our Lord at the holy table and

listen to his Word.

From the depths of his love, Christ has spoken to his

children in many ways. As Armenian Christians, we might

reflect that every decisive turn of our history has been a

response to the way Jesus Christ has mystically revealed

himself to us. Of course, he speaks to us still, even in this

time of isolation, separation, pain and loss—physical as

well as spiritual—that we have all been enduring.

Most of us have now been separated from friends and

family, from the everyday life of the church, for longer

than we dared to imagine. We have all been diminished

by the loss of loved ones, fellow citizens, and countrymen.

Untold numbers of people throughout the world have been

lost to sickness; but Armenians have borne the added

burden of our losses incurred in the disastrous explosion

in Beirut and—most painfully of all—the casualties

suffered in defense of our precious ancestral homeland of

Armenia and Artsakh, during forty-four bitter days of war

and in the bitter aftermath.

In the face of these realities, we hear an echo of our

Lord’s words to his first disciples: “In the world you will

have tribulation.” We recall that Christ himself was no

stranger to our present pain and sorrow, to our feelings of

torment, exile, and loneliness.

(Bishops Easter Message Continued on Page 8)

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 3

Parish Council Corner

It is with great enthusiasm that we are

able to fully open the doors of our church

after the past 15 months. We are able to

pray and be together without a mask (if you

have been vaccinated). The Church is now

open for all services as well as rentals.

I am also pleased to announce that

Deacon Alex Calikyan has been officially assigned to us as a

pastoral intern. Deacon Alex comes to us from the Holy

Martyrs Armenian Church in Bayside, NY. Deacon Alex will

be officially joining our parish family effective July 1. Please

join me in welcoming Deacon Alex.

We are also looking forward with great enthusiasm to our

church picnic which will take place on Saturday, August 21.

Chairman Jeff Boghossian has promised delicious food, great

music and a few surprises. Please plan on joining us.

It was a privilege for me to witness the ordination of our own

Timothy Aznavourian on May 29 at St. Mark Armenian Church

in Springfield. We wish Father Nigoghos and Yeretzgin

Julianne well as they begin their new ministry. The following

Saturday, June 5, our former Pastoral Intern Deacon Michael

Sabounjian was also ordained to the priesthood. We

congratulate Fr Haroutuin and Yeretzgin Lucine.

We look forward to seeing you all soon!!

John Megrdichian

Parish Council Chairman

Father. Nigoghos Aznavourian

Ordaned to the Priedthood

In Springfield, MA

The ordination of a new priest of the Armenian Church was

a memorable “first” for the Diocesan parish in Springfield, MA.

The milestone event occurred over Memorial Day weekend,

as faithful of Springfield’s St. Mark Church witnessed the

historic ordination of their new pastor, Fr. Nigoghos

Aznavourian (formerly Deacon Timothy), by the hand of

Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the

Armenian Church of America.

The ordination took place over two days, beginning on

Friday evening, May 28, with the Service of Calling to the

Priesthood, and culminating on Saturday, May 29, with the

Sacrament of Ordination and Divine Liturgy.

More than 130 clergy, parishioners, and family and friends

of the former Dn. Timothy Aznavourian were in attendance for

Saturday’s ordination—which was not only the first such

service to be held at St Mark Church, but also marked the first

time an American-born deacon has been ordained to the

Armenian priesthood by an American-born bishop.

Changed Identity

During Friday evening’s Service of Calling, Bishop Daniel

reflected on all the clergymen and faithful present in St. Mark’s

sanctuary—representing the greater mystical Body of Christ—

to witness the process by which a young man would become

consecrated to the service of God. “Tonight, in a very real sense,

the entire Armenian Church is gathered here together in prayer

and in the mystery of the Holy Spirit,” he said. “Today and

tomorrow, the body of Christ grows, and is built up, by one

more priest, one more special servant of God.”

Turning to the deacon, he said: “Tomorrow your identity

will change. Your heart, brain, and talents will all be the same;

but we as the church are welcoming you. We are here to hold

you up, to help you and pray for you, as you help us build up

the Body of Christ.”

It was during the following day’s Sacrament of Holy

Ordination that Bishop Daniel revealed for the first time the

name he had chosen to bestow on the new priest: Fr. Nigoghos

(Nicholas, in English).

During his sermon, Bishop Daniel explained that the name

was inspired by the great saint of the worldwide church, a native

of Asia Minor and a contemporary of St. Gregory the

Illuminator, who remains greatly honored in Armenian

tradition. His reputation for charity and Christian virtue led to

St. Nicholas’ association with gift-giving, embodied in the

kindly “St. Nick” or Santa Claus figure of Western Christmas

traditions. But the gifts of the historical St. Nicholas were of a

different order, the Primate said.

“St. Nicholas had the gift of godliness. He was able to grow

so close to God, that he had the virtues of God himself:

goodness, humility, holiness. He was ready to leave his ego

behind, to throw it away for the sake of offering everything he

had to others. Looking out for others before looking out for

himself. That’s where his reputation as a giver of gifts comes

from. That’s where his connection with Christmas comes

from,” he said.

“Today is a day of gifts, and the most beautifully wrapped

gift is standing here in front of us,” said Bishop Daniel,

gesturing towards the new Fr. Nigoghos. He continued: “Today

we have been given a gift for the church: the gift of a young

deacon, now a young priest, and also his gracious wife,

Yeretzgin Juliann. And this is just the start of many more gifts,

for Der Nigoghos, and for St. Mark Armenian Church.”

Prayers of Healing

Our wounded and missing soldiers of the Artsakhian War;

Marian Goshgarian (Encino, California-Requested by

Gregory Yekhtikian), David Bazor (Hospitalized Tufts); Dr.

Justin Shaghalian, Peter Megrdichian, Lucy Megrdichian,

Rose Masoian, Jack Chakoian (Fla.), Dino Ricci, Gloria

Kasparian, Bertha Mugurdichian, Debra Altounian,

Roxanne, Suzanne Mangoian, DeeAnn Bauer, Lena, David

Pilibossian, Der Nerses Jebejian, Ausia Reed, Suren Hagop

Anmahian and family, Nishan Serabian, Vivian Karian,

Jessica Boyajian, and all those who are suffering throughout

the world especially those diagnosed with the COVID-19.

PLEASE UPDATE

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 4

A Goal Fulfilled

During the banquet that followed the ordination service, Bishop

Daniel took up the theme of gifts again, this time with reference

to his own role in the drama of an individual’s calling.

“This is the best part of being Primate,” he remarked. “The

greatest gift is that I get to be a small part of the promotion of a

wonderful young man to become a priest, a servant, a shepherd

of our church, and of one of our precious parishes.”

The newly-ordained Fr. Nigoghos was born in Boston to

parents David and Patricia Aznavourian. Baptized as Timothy,

he grew up in Malden, MA, later moving to Rhode Island as a

young adult. He is a 2020 graduate of St. Nersess Armenian

Seminary and St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary. He

also received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Rhode

Island College.

He met his wife Julianne (née Tavitian) of Haverhill, MA,

on a Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 2015. He and

Yeretzgin Julianne also spent 10 months studying at Gevorkian

Theological Seminary in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

in Armenia. Dn. Timothy served a pastoral internship at Holy

Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, under the tutelage of Fr.

Vasken Kouzouian, prior to being assigned as Deacon-in-

Charge of the Springfield parish in February of this year.

Fr. Nigoghos’ sponsoring priest during his ordination was

Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church in

Providence, RI, who supported the younger man’s spiritual

journey to the priesthood. Fr. Shnork’s ordination anniversary

happens to be May 29: the same as Fr. Nigoghos.

In his remarks during the banquet, Fr. Shnork explained how

he got to know the young Timothy Aznavourian when he was

in his early 20s. He recalled that Tim would travel by bus to

lenten services from Pawtucket, where he lived at that time, and

then return to work the overnight shift at a local Stop & Shop,

where he would use free time to study for his college classes.

Fr. Shnork expressed how impressed he was with his

dedication, and supported his interest in Theology, encouraging

him to take a class at Holy Cross Orthodox Seminary in

Brookline, MA.

Fr. Shnork continued: “A question was asked of me when I

became ordained, ‘What is your goal in life?’ My answer was,

if I could somehow impact some young man to somehow

decipher, discern and respond to a call to serve, to be able to

pass the baton, that would be a fulfillment of my ministry. I feel

like I have achieved my goal.”

Mr. Ralph Rafaelian of Rhode Island, who has been a good

friend of Fr. Nigoghos since his baptism as a young adult at Sts.

Sahag and Mesrob Church in Providence, served as the

ordination godfather.

During the banquet, Yn. Julianne surprised Fr. Nigoghos by

screening a video that showed their journey together and the

many life events leading up to the ordination. (Click here to

watch it.)

Armen Asik, Jr., a talented musician and parishioner of St.

Mark, performed a beautiful piece on classical guitar during the

banquet—a skill and passion he shares with Fr. Nigoghos, who

studied classical guitar in college.

Addressing guests for the first time as a priest, Fr. Nigoghos

reflected on his newly-given name. “The importance of St.

Nicholas is that he had an emphasis on visitation,” he said:

“visitation to the poor, to the odar, to the stranger in our midst.

To the people who are ‘down and out.’ He had not only the

intellectual faith of the holy Council of Nicea, but he had the

works that went along with that. And my prayer is that we

together will be able to emphasize that in our ministry as well.”

The parish’s ordination events were led by chair Diane

Boghosian and co-chairs Anna Garabedian and Donna

Scagliarini, with the help of many other parishioners, who

organized the Friday evening reception and Saturday formal

banquet for more than 130 clergy, parishioners, and friends.

The new Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian will now proceed with

the traditional 40 days of seclusion and prayer that follows on

the heels of a priestly ordination. He will spend that time at St.

Nersess Seminary, and after completing it he will return to St.

Mark Church to serve as the parish’s full-time pastor.

By Talene Jermakian

Father. Haroutiun Sabounjian

Ordaned to the Priesthood

In New Britain, CT

On the weekend of June 4-5, 2021, the Armenian Church of

the Holy Resurrection in New Britain, CT, and the entire

Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, witnessed

the holy sacrament of ordination, culminating in the

consecration of a new priest to lead the faithful.

In two moving services—a Friday “Service of Calling,” and

a Sacrament of Ordination badarak on Saturday—Diocesan

Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan ordained and anointed

Deacon Michael Sabounjian into the holy priesthood,

conferring on him the new name “Fr. Haroutiun.” Dn. Michael

had been serving as Deacon-in-Charge since February at New

Britain’s Holy Resurrection Church.

The sponsoring priest was Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Fr.

Haroutiun’s father, and the ordination godfather was Stepan

Piligian, a longtime friend of the Sabounjian family. Fr. Krikor

noted that his son’s priestly name—Armenian for

“Resurrection”—was personally meaningful to him, not only

for its beautiful intrinsic meaning, but also because it is a name

he associates with a dear, now sadly departed, clergy colleague.

The calling service, of about 45 minutes duration on Friday

June 4, began in classic fashion, with a column of clergy and

deacons processing to the front of the Armenian Church of the

Holy Resurrection, with the ordination candidate traversing the

distance on his knees.

“if I could somehow impact some young man to somehow decipher, discern and

respond to a call to serve, to be able to pass the baton, that would be a fulfillment of my ministry. I feel like I have achieved my goal.”

Fr. Shnork Souin – Sponsoring Priest of Fr. Aznavourian’s Ordination

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 5

All approached the presiding bishop, who was seated below

the altar. The age-old ceremony proceeded as a series of

questions and answers involving the bishop, candidate, and his

sponsors, culminating in the declamation from the onlookers

that “He is worthy”—in Armenian, “Arzhani eh.”

Addressing the congregation directly, Bishop Daniel compared

the calling service to a “rigorous final exam” in which “you are

the jury: you are the ones to determine whether Dn. Michael is

worthy to be promoted, tomorrow, to the holy priesthood of the

Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.”

“I’ve been his teacher,” the Primate said; “I’ve known him

since he was a boy. The clergy are here to offer their testimony

as well, along with his classmates. We’ve all done the best we

can to be sure that we are presenting to God a many who is

worthy—as worthy as a human being can be—to do God’s

work, to lead God’s people, and to do the will of God. That’s

why we are here tonight.”

Seeking New Life

More than 170 people attended the Holy Ordination badarak

on June 5, while many others viewed the live-streamed Internet

broadcast. As during the Calling Service, in attendance was a

large delegation of clergy from the region and beyond. In one

portion of the service, the elder clergy approached the newly

anointed and consecrated Fr. Haroutiun to pay their respect to

him by kissing his hand. The rest of the congregation followed

suit at the end of the service, congratulating the new priest and

his new Yeretzgin Lucine. Clergy also assisted in other parts of

the ceremony, including the vesting and anointing of the new

priest.

In his sermon, Bishop Daniel returned to themes he had

touched on the night before, recalling the newly ordained priest

had been his student, and is the son of a priest. “This young

priest is very bright, and graced with talents—graced with a

fiery love for God which goes back to his very junior years,” he

said. “Many of you already in just a few months have caught a

glimpse of that … you’ve caught a glimpse of something living

and holy.”

He noted the significant, more-than-coincidental

circumstances underlying the ordination day: that it was taking

place on the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Deliverance

from the Pit; that the day’s reading from Isaiah 61 proclaimed

that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed

me…”; and that the ceremony was happening in a church

named for the Holy Resurrection, or Sourp Haroutiun in

Armenian.

“The Church of the Holy Resurrection: the church of ‘New

Life’—that’s what you are,” the Bishop said, gesturing towards

the congregation, “on this day of new life for St. Gregory. On

this day of new priestly life for a young man. A day of new life

for his entire family…. A day of new life for the clergy here,

who all feel enriched by another bright priest to do God’s

work.”

The Primate also touchingly remembered a beloved priest of

the Diocese, the late Fr. Haroutiun Dagley, who departed this

world long before his time, and said that the spirit of the late

priest was present among them “as another Der Haroutiun steps

forward, to bring Good News and New Life to the people who

have been entrusted to him. He’ll do that in his own way, with

the gifts given to him. And he’ll do that with an awareness of

all the intersecting details surrounding his ordination day.”

Bishop Daniel challenged his listeners to be attentive to such

intersecting details in daily life, and through them to ask: “How

is God inviting me to get a glimpse of that New Life He wants

every person to have?”

“God has anointed Der Haroutiun today; and through him,

He has called all of you to be ministers of God’s will, God’s

new life, God’s resurrection in the world.”

Work of the Entire Community

Growing up in Massachusetts, for most of his youth Fr.

Haroutiun was a member of Holy Translators Church in

Framingham, where his father has long served as pastor. He

received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, while

minoring in Music and French, from Boston College. He then

graduated from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary

and St. Nerses Armenian Seminary in 2018 with a Masters of

Divinity and a certificate in Armenian Studies, respectively. He

completed a pastoral internship under the guidance of the Fr.

Shnork Souin at the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church in

Providence, RI.

Fr. Mardiros Chevian, St. Nersess Seminary’s dean,

described Fr. Haroutiun’s seminary studies as “a three-year

program studying a host of subjects, including theology, church

history, and Scripture. It also involved spending time overseas

in an Armenian monastery abroad.” Fr. Haroutiun has spent

time in Jerusalem as well as Armenia.

Fr. Haroutiun is married to Lucine Sabounjian. His parents

are Fr. Krikor Sabounjian and Yeretzgin (and now also

Diramayr) LuAnn Sabounjian.

The ordination represented the fifth priestly ordination

performed by Bishop Daniel since his own elevation to the

episcopal rank in 2019, and his third in as many months.

In a message made in the days prior to his ordination, then-

Deacon Michael had said: “I ask everyone for their prayers, that

Christ might embolden me in my faith, strengthen me in my

perseverance, and guide me in my ministry. It is clear to me that

no success in my pastorate will come as a result of my own

efforts, but rather from each member of our parish coming

together in Christ’s self-sacrificial love. In that spirit, I pray that

the Holy Spirit might direct all that I do in this new chapter of

my service within the Body of Christ.”

Bishop Daniel said that ordaining Fr. Haroutiun was a

pleasure, having known his family for many years. “My role as

the bishop is to make sure we have leadership, shepherding, and

care within our church communities,” said the Primate of the

Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.

Fr. Haroutiun’s transition to become the pastor of Holy

Resurrection Church was greatly assisted by two parish

committees. The first was a Transition Committee chaired by

Dn. Matthew Cannata, and the second an Ordination

Committee chaired by Elisa Griego and Robbin Haboian. The

Transition Committee focused on welcoming Dn. Michael to

the parish and introducing him to the faithful; the Ordination

Committee attended to every detail of the sacred weekend,

culminating in a well-attended banquet at Tunxis Country Club

in Farmington, CT. Both committees received invaluable

guidance and direction from seminary dean Fr. Chevian.

The banquet following the ordination provided an

opportunity for fellowship and public reflections on Fr.

Haroutiun, the Armenian Church, and its role in the lives of its

faithful.

Gary Hovhanesian served as an able Master of Ceremonies

for the banquet program, bringing a blend of solemnity and

humor to the occasion. Guy Simonian, chair of the Holy

Resurrection Parish Council, stated that the church had been

impressed with what Fr. Haroutiun had accomplished as a

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 6

deacon, and looked forward to working with him as their new

priest.

Poignant observations were also offered by Fr. Krikor

Sabounjian, godfather Stepan Piligian, and Fr. Haroutiun

himself. Bishop Daniel inspired all in attendance with his

stirring closing remarks and challenges.

As is customary following an ordination, the new priest has

entered a 40-day period of seclusion, during which he will

devote his time to prayer, reflection, and preparation. He will

spend his time at St. Nersess Seminary, where he will reflect on

his new ministry and the responsibilities of the priesthood of

Jesus Christ in the Armenian Church.

On Sunday July 18, Fr. Haroutiun will celebrate the Divine

Liturgy for the first at the Armenian Church of the Holy

Resurrection, his new parish.

By Harry Mazadoorian and Chris Zakian

New Pastoral Intern

Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church

Dn. Alex Calikyan

Dn. Alexander (Deacon Alex) Calikyan is an ordained

deacon of the Armenian Church. The first of two sons born to a

father from Istanbul and a mother from New Jersey, he was

raised in his faith and began his initial service at the Armenian

Church of the Holy Martyrs in Queens, New York. He received

a Master of Divinity Degree from St. Vladimir's Orthodox

Theological Seminary in 2018 and completed his studies at St.

Nersess Armenian Seminary in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of

Science Degree in Philosophy from the Catholic University of

America. He completed a CPE residency with the New York

VA in 2020. In addition to his studies at seminary and

experiences in chaplaincy, Dn. Alex's interests include the

unique role of diaconal ministry in the parish as well as non-

parish setting, and the relationship between pastoral theology

and canon law, as understood in the Armenian Church.

Saint Nersess to Honor First 12

St. Nersess Armenian Seminary will be celebrating its 60th

Anniversary on November 13 at a special banquet which will

honor the vocations of the first 12 priests who graduated from

St. Nersess and St. Vladimir's Seminaries and were ordained.

The celebratory dinner will take place at the Old Tappan

Manor in Old Tappan, N.J. This event is the first in a series to

recognize the alumni of St. Nersess, both ordained and lay, who

are in service to the Armenian Church, in any capacity.

This year's honorees, listed by ordination dates, are Rev. Fr.

Kevork Arakelian (1973); Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian (1976);

Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian (1977); Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian

(1985); Rev. Fr. Shnork Demirjian (1991); Rev. Fr. Diran

Bohajian (1993); Rev. Fr. Sahak Kaishian (1993); Rev. Fr.

Tavit Boyajian (1993); Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian (1993); Rev.

Fr. Vasken Kouzouian (1994); Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian

(1996); Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian (1996). Two

honorees are from the Western Diocese.

he tribute has ignited numerous memories amongst the

honorees. “When reflecting upon the first time I knew I wanted

to become a priest, I recall how impactful the first St. Nersess

Summer Conference was in 1963,” reveals Fr. Kevork

Arakelian, the first American-born graduate of St. Nersess

Armenian Seminary to be ordained a priest. Another

recollection, by Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, includes the greatest

influences on his path to the seminary. “I remember the

‘luminaries’ of my youth - Archbishop Torkom Manoogian,

Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan, Der Arsen Barsamian, Der Dajad

Davidian, and Der Karekin Kasparian.”

The evening will be filled with more nostalgic and

celebratory reflections, as well as a special award. Invitations

will be mailed in August, as well as commemorative keepsake

booklet information to include your best wishes to the honorees.

All donations will benefit the seminary and its ongoing mission.

For more information, please contact event co-chair Lynn

Beylerian at (201) 914-0354 or email

lynnbeylerian@gmail.com or go to www.stnersess.edu.

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 7

Jeopardy

I hope everybody’s was

watching Jeopardy on

May 12th, 2021.

The category was seven

letter countries, and the

question was:

No one got it correct. The

only guess was Albania which of course is wrong

Vartan Gregorian Vartan Gregorian -- the former President of Brown University and

global intellectual force who led the resurrection of the New York

Public Library and headed one of the most important foundations in

America -- has died.

His personality and influence dazzled Providence. He was friends with

Vincent “Buddy” Cianci and top American executives. Gregorian was

an intellectual tour de force.

"The ebullient Armenian immigrant who

climbed to pinnacles of academic and

philanthropic achievement but took a detour in

the 1980s to restore a fading New York Public

Library to its place at the heart of American

intellectual life, died on Thursday in

Manhattan. He was 87. The death, at a hospital,

was confirmed by his son Dareh Gregorian. No cause was given,”

writes the New York Times.

"Gregorian was a fighter: proud, shrewd, charming, a brilliant

historian and educator who rose from humble origins to speak seven

languages, win sheaves of honors and be offered the presidencies of

Columbia University and the Universities of Michigan and Miami. He

accepted the presidency of Brown University (1989-1997),

transforming it into one of the Ivy League’s hottest schools, and since

then had been president of the

Carnegie Corporation of New

York, a major benefactor of

education,” the Times added.

In Providence, the Vartan

Gregorian Elementary School

was named in his honor and as

a thank you for his

contributions to Providence. – GoLocalProv.com

BAPTISMS -Victoria Ann Ayvazyan (6-6-21)

-Zara Marie Zorabedian (6-13-21)

-Jackson Edward Goulart (6-20-21) May these children be raised in the love

and care of the Lord.

FUNERALS -Shirley Ventrone (3-28-21)

-David Wayne Bazor (4-1-21)

-Skon Semerjian (4-12-21)

-George Moorachian (6-1-21)

-Dino Ricci (June) Expressions of sympathy and prayers are

extended to the families that their loved ones may be at peace in the

care of the Lord and their memory be eternal.

Marriages: Arrangements for weddings are to be made at least eight

months in advance. Marriage preparation and counseling often called

Pre-Cana, is required before the celebration of the sacrament. The Best

Man (Khachyeghpayr) must be a confirmed communicant of the

Armenian Orthodox Church. The parish office will make all necessary

arrangements for the deacon, organist and soloist. Marriages are not

celebrated during Great Lent.

Baptisms and Chrismations: All baptisms must be scheduled at least

two months in advance. Pre-baptismal preparation for the parents and

godparents is strongly encouraged. At least one of the godparents must

be a member of the Armenian Orthodox Faith.

Regulation of Sacramental Services: In accordance with Diocesan

discipline mandated by the Primate, all sacraments, e.g. weddings,

baptisms and rites of Christian burial, can only be administered in the

church sanctuary which has been consecrated for the celebrations of

these sacred rites.

Hokehankisd/Memorial/Requiem

You can make your requiem request by

calling the office @ 401-272-7712 or online

www.armenianchurchri.org

Remember the Church in your Will

NEW INTERNET ADDRESS

armenianchurchri.org

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 8

Easter Sunday 2021

I am the Light of the world.

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness.

(John 8:12)

(Bishops Easter Message Continued from Page 2)

But this is our greatest point of contact with the Lord.

Indeed, we are never closer to God—and He is never closer to

us—than when we are hanging on the Cross with His only

begotten Son, Jesus Christ. That is the deep, supremely unique

meaning of the Christian faith, affirmed by St. Paul when he

wrote: “I am crucified with Christ—and it is no longer I who

live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the body,

I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself

for me” (Gal 2:20).

We should not delude ourselves that the Apostle was merely

using a figure of speech here. To be “crucified with Christ” is

an admission that to follow Jesus as Lord means to follow him

all the way to Golgotha. It is to understand, as martyrs through

the ages understood, that Christ was speaking directly to us

when he said: “In the world you will have tribulation.” That is

the sad, unflinching truth our Lord reveals to those he loves.

But on the night before his own terrible ordeal of suffering,

Jesus also told his loved ones another truth: “Be of good cheer,”

he said: “I have overcome the world.” That is the promise we

should all hear, as we confront our own Golgothas, great and

small; as we join the Lord Jesus on the Cross. It is the faith for

which Armenian martyrs throughout history—down to our own

day—gave their very lives. It is the duty we undertake when

we resolve to Build Up the Body of Christ in our own lives:

among our families, our parishes, our homeland and our world.

It is the message that should ring in our ears, this year and

every year, when we hear the mysterious words that have

always allowed our people—and all true disciples of Christ—

to overcome the world:

Krisdos haryav ee merelotz!

Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee!

Christ is raised from the dead!

Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!

Annual retreat of our brothers of the Rhode Island

Orthodox clergy fellowship hosted by Fr. Shnork at

Husenig Grove. Thanks to Louise Janigian, Dorothy

Masoian, Marc & Krista Janigian, Anthony Maldonado and

Aren Antranik for their hospitality!!

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 9

Mother’s Day

Martyrs Day

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 10

FROM THE PRIMATE

BISHOP DAMIEL FINDIKYAN

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL WHO

SUPPORTED, AND PARTICIPATED IN OUR

MOST SUCCESSFUL GOLF OUTING

EVER!!

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL.

THE GOLF COMMITTEE

MARC, JEFF, STEVE, PAUL, JOHN, GARY,

NAYIRI AND DER HAYR

Christ as Hope Begins July 6 at 7;00pm

Register now at:

http://www.qrco.de/bcDRjh

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 11

Easter Offerings

Alter Pascal Candles

Two large Easter Pascal Candles have been donated in loving memory of Deacon Hachadoor Madenigian, Zartar Madenigian, Helen

& John Seplocha by Dr. Holly Seplocha; Joy & Patrick Ramsier and Children; and Joni Cochran.

YOUGHAKIN

• The Ararat Association

• Mark & Ida Aramli and BedJet

• Fr. & Yn. Souin and Family • Marjorie Martiesian

• Azarig & Elizabeth Kooloian • Alan & Marilyn Zartarian

• Peter Kaloostian

• Candace Kaloostian • Linda Grant

• Leon & Veronica Nahigian

• Faith Danielian • Naomi Thovmasian Marsh

• The Hills Family

• Edna Hovagimian • John Melkonian

• Mike & Gloria Church

• The Hazian Family • Kathy Seropian

• Timothy DerMarderosian

• Nick & Susan Souin • Gary Dombrowski

• Shelley Kaloostian Conti

• In loving memory of our parents Jacob & Haiganoosh Barran by Sadie

& Lucy Barran.

• Ronald & Rosemary Sepe • Agnes Killabian

• Dr. Beverly Serabian

• Jeff & Dianne Boghossian • Bill & Karen Brannon

• Mr. & Mrs. George Moorachian

• Vincent & Eleanor Palumbo • Susan Tashjian

• Kushigian – Secor Family

• Andrea Hazian

• Edward Mourachian & Joanne

Gonsalves

• Stephen & Dorothy Masoian • Myron & Rosemary Kuzirian

• In memory of Joan A Parnagian by Parnagian Family (Yervant Sr.,

Michael and Sema-Jean).

• In memory of Misak & Agavne Berberian and Khachadoor &

Shoushan Norigian by Lillian

Klanian. • Robert & Barbara Muksian

• Stephen Kasparian

• David Zartarian • Arthur & Shirley Ventrone

• Anna-Marie and Danayan Family

• Lawrence & Karen Miller • Michele Kazarian

• John & Kerrie Avjian

• Dr. Martin & Kara Papazian • Gary & Linda Kashmanian

• Vernon M. and Cynthia Samoorian

• John Derderian • Barbara Kemalian Stone

• Robert Zartarian

• Kenneth & Carol Pjojian • Pierre Massoyan

• Seta Ohanian – Chateaneuf

• Edward & Irene Eranosian • Dr. Martin & Margaret Hanoian

• Jeffrey Hovhanesian

• Marilyn Woloohojian • Rose Sherestanian

• Melanie Krikorian

• Linda Angell • Edward & Evelyn Mazmanian

• Ardemis & Deron Hazian

• Sue and Ann Ayrassian

• Nathalie Yaghoobian • Kevork & Elvira Hovagimian

• Grigor & Nayiri Odabashyan • Taylor Conti & Rich Campopiano

• Marlin Keshishian

• Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Nahigian • Kevork Kechichian

• Anna Simmons

• Charles & Susan Karagozian • Elenor Jorjorian

• Diane Verdolotti Lowe

• Sarkis & Elizabeth Berberian • Zita & Elizabeth Butler

• Seta Hanoian

• Margaret Chevian • Greg Yekhtikian

• Martha Jamgochian

• Hosanna Derderian • Jean Ricci

• Katherine Seropian

• Ghajanian Family • Sylvia Dulgarian

• Karen Curran

• Aurora Emdjian • Mary & Alfred Pagel

• Arsen & Joan Shamshoian

• David & Linda Bazor • Laurie Onanian

• Rose Masoian

• Agnes Toumasian • Mary Ann Zamanigian

• George & Susan Hanoian

• Alice (Bajakian) Ianniello

Palms • In loving memory of Angel Kalashian by Aline & B.J. Cariglio. In loving memory of Sema & Michael (Manoog) Parnagian & Barsam Parnagian by Parnagian Family (Yervant Sr., Michael and Sema-Jean).

• In loving memory of her brother Yetvart Arzoumanian & her aunt Anna Arzoumanian, by Diane Arzoumanian and family with love.

• In loving memory of Rose Jamgochian & Margaret Arakelian by Rosemary & Ronald Sepe. • In loving memory of Mary Serabian and In honor of Nishan Serabian by Dr. Beverly Serabian.

• In loving memory of Vahe, Margaret, Vahe H., Maritza Samoorian by Vernon M. Samoorian. • In loving memory of Aram Danelyan by Diana Danelian.

• In loving memory of Agnes Pashaian Bossian Rogers by Susan Agnes Rotondo.

Holy Friday Flowers for the Tomb of Christ

• In Memory of David Bazor by Fr. Shnork and Yn. Julie Souin.

• Agnes Killabian • In loving memory of Samual & Anoush Meklian & Elizabeth Curran by Meklian Family.

• In loving memory of Mary Serabian and In honor of Nishan Serabian by Dr. Beverly Serabian.

• In loving memory of Mary (Parnagian) Cakircian – 34 Year Memorial 4/6/1988 by Parnagian Family (Yervant Sr., Michael and Sema-Jean). • In loving memory of Arky, Anna, Malcohm, Raffie Najarian by Vernon M. Samoorian.

• In loving memory of Andre & Sadie Martiesian by Dorothy & Terrance Martiesian.

• In loving memory of Wartouhie Chamelian by Ghajanian Family. Easter Lilies

• In loving memory of Armik & Michael Bagdasaryan by Diana Danelian.

• In loving memory of Rose Jamgochian & Margaret Arakelian by Rosemary and Ronald Sepe. • In loving memory of Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian by Deborah Onanian & Eric Stickler.

• In loving memory of Queenie & Harry Krekorian by Deborah Onanian & Eric Stickler.

• In loving memory of Jack & Ruth Stickler by Eric Stickler & Deborah Onanian. • In loving memory of George & Helen Bliss by Eric Stickler & Deborah Onanian.

• In loving memory of Mary Serabian and In honor of Nishan Serabian by Dr. Beverly Serabian.

• In loving memory of Joan A Parnagian by Parnagian Family (Yervant Sr., Michael and Sema-Jean). In loving memory of The Janigian and Masoian Family's deceased Members by Stephen & Dorothy Masoian.

• In loving memory of Rev. Arnak Kasparian & Salvatore Romeo by Stephen Kasparian.

• For all the prayers and support of my family during my illness by Vernon M. Samoorian. • In loving memory of George & Irene Zartarian by Robert Zartarian.

• In loving memory of Arshag & Mary Derderian by Dorothy & Terrance Martiesian.

• In memory of James H. Woloohojian by Marilyn Woloohojian. • In loving memory of George Kevork Ayrassian by Sue and Ann Ayrassian.

• In loving memory of Siranoush Ghajanian by Ghajanian Family.

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 12

Armenian School Year End Handess 5th Anniversary

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 13

The Dual Ordiantions of Frs. Nigoghos (Nicholas) Aznavourian and Haroutiun (Michael) Sabounjian

by Bp. DANIEL in June, 2021 ~ Fr. Shnork’s Thoughts

The month of June for me was the highlight of my life’s

ministry where two very important young men in my life were

called to serve the Armenian church as priests by the episcopal

laying on of hands. One, Fr. Nigoghos, a “child” of our church

and a young man who I served as a priest and who I watched

transform from catachumen to priest, and one, Fr. Haroutiun,

who I’ve know from childhood and who came to servemost

magnificently as an intern in my minsitry here at Sts. Sahag

and Mesrob! ~ Fr. Shnork I am so thankful to almighty God for the privilige and honor to have been

the Sponsoring priest for Fr. Nicholas and to be the assisting priest at the

ordiantion of Fr. Haroutiun. What made it also very special was that our

faithful parishioner, Ralph Rafaelian was the Godfather of ordiantion for Fr.

Nigoghos. A month that I will

forever cherish and two brothers

They are both “WORTHY!!!!!”

God grant them and Yns. Juliane

and Lucine many years!!!

Armenian School Ice Cream Social at

Garden City

In his remarks during the banquet, Fr. Shnork explained how he got

to know the young Timothy Aznavourian when he was in his early

20s. He recalled that Tim would travel by bus to lenten services from

Pawtucket, where he lived at that time, and then return to work the

overnight shift at a local Stop & Shop, where he would use free time

to study for his college classes. Fr. Shnork expressed how impressed

he was with his dedication, and supported his interest in Theology,

encouraging him to take a class at Holy Cross Orthodox Seminary in

Brookline, MA.

Fr. Shnork continued: “A question was asked of me when I was ordained, ‘What is your goal in life?’ My answer was, ‘if I could somehow impact some young man to somehow decipher, discern and respond to a call to serve, to be able to pass the baton, that would be a fulfillment of my ministry. I feel like I have achieved my goal.’”

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 14

Sunday School Corner Our school

year came to a

close on

Sunday, May

23rd when we

celebrated the

graduations of

our 2020 and

2021

classes. While

there has been

nothing

traditional about this past school year, the week prior,

restrictions were relaxed and we were able to hold the

traditional graduation ceremony in the sanctuary, followed by a

luncheon in the Egavian hall immediately thereafter. Our

graduates were able to join together during the week leading up

to graduation where they met with Der Shnork to review their

essays, and read them aloud in the sanctuary, followed by a

pizza dinner. It was truly heartwarming to see the students

come together again after being apart for so long. I would also

like to extend special thanks to Linda Grant, Laurie Onanian,

Rosemary and Ron Sepe for all their help in organizing our

graduation luncheon. The day of graduation we were blessed with the visit of a

very special guest, Ms. Elisa Griego. Elisa joined the graduates

for one last round of Jeopardy, much like was done by her dear

brother David when this group of students was in his class. It

brought us much joy to have Elisa be a part of such a special

day - and I think it is safe to say that Mr. David’s presence was

felt by all.

Congratulations to our 2020 and 2021 Graduates Nicholas Ferrara Allan Kevorkian Bedros Kevorkian Eliz Ohanian Susanna Ovsepian Ani Poghosyan

Gohar Vorperian May God bless you all and we very much look forward to

seeing you become further involved in our church family.

Our goals for the coming year are simple - return to

normalcy and expand our student population! We have very

much missed seeing all of the children this year, but are so

blessed to have had a solid core group who were with us every

week. It also bears noting that the year could not have

happened without the efforts of our teachers who stepped up to

the plate and taught in person (at first) then shifted to “distance

learning” for the majority of the school year. We kept the boat

afloat and didn’t give up! Thank you to all of our 2020/2021

teachers! Our hopes are high for the coming year, we can’t wait to see

everyone again. To that end, Sunday School will be registering

students at our annual church Festival this year on August

21. A paper registration form will be sent to your homes along

with the picnic flyer this summer. We hope to start in person

classes on September 12, the Feast of the Exaltation. As always, feel free to reach out to me, Deb Onanian, with any

questions, ideas or to even volunteer to be part of our

team! Send an email to hyesundayschool@gmail.com. All our

very best for a healthy and happy summer!!

-Deborah A. Onanian

Church Choir

During this difficult time, many members of the Church choir

participate in the Divine Liturgy every week. They prepare

special chants and sing with beautiful voices. I want to express

my sincere gratitude to all members of the choir and organist

for their important mission. Maestro Konstantin Petrossian Cultural & Music Director.

Sgt. Haig Yaghoobian visits his former parish and

conducts the readings

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 15

Armenian Cultural Hour

Every Friday at 7:30 PM

Dear friends,

For more than a year now, the Cultural Committee has been presenting special cultural and educational programs on-line that are of

great interest. During this time we have prepared about 60 programs. Our programs were viewed by about 42,000 people. This is a big

number and we are happy about it. The Cultural Committee continues its online concerts, and we offer our program for July: Before

each event, our parishioners will receive special flyers with information about the upcoming concert. In August and September, you can

watch our programs of your choice at any time convenient for you, which you can find on the Facebook website of our church.

JULY

July 2 - Vahan Artsruni concert "Modern Fusion, Progressive and Song Gender"

July 9 - Hekimyan Band from Yerevan, Armenia

July 16 - "Flutes & Sopranos", featuring Soloists and Symphony Orchestra of the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and

Ballet, Harutyun Arzumanyan, Music Director & Conductor

July 23 - Favorite Armenian Songs, featuring Armen Hovhanessyan & Salbi Mailyan

July 30 – “Happy Days Will Come Again”, Berj Turabian

News from the Cultural Committee.

At the last meeting of the committee, which took place in June, it was decided to hold a traditional Spiritual Music Festival with the

participation of choirs of Orthodox churches. The festival is scheduled for Sunday, 24 October at 5 PM in sanctuary of our Church.

It was also decided to organize a Christmas Concert in December. The day and time will be specified additionally.

“Nazeli” dance group will perform at the picnic on Sunday 22 August.

The Arts Education program will start the 2021-2022 academic year in September. The applications will be presented to your attention

in August.

Sunday School Graduation Sunday School Essays

Eliz Ohanian

A Biblical story that has always been one of my favorites

and resonated with me throughout the years has been the

Parable of the Lost Son. This parable tells the story of a son who

asks for his inheritance early and proceeds to squander it, yet

his father is still instantly quick to welcome him back into his

home with open arms. The older son is understandably

confused and upset by the actions of his father, and how his

forgiveness was immediate, despite the younger son’s display

of disloyalty. The father responds with what I think of as one of

the most memorable lines from the Bible, saying “this brother

of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

The father in this parable is of course representative of God, and

a constant emphasis and reminder of the fact that there is

nothing we can do that will ever make God love us any less.

Regardless of how much we may stray from the path He has

planned for us, He will always be there for us and lead us back.

And despite our shortcomings and failures as people, we will

always be able to turn to God, and be welcomed, as we are all

created in His perfect image and likeness. This is definitely a

parable that helps to strengthen the faith of the reader, and act

as a reassuring and almost comforting story. It is a story that my

Sunday School teachers throughout the years have made a

staple part of their lessons, reiterating the important lessons

within the parable, and also taking on the parenting role of the

Father in the parable. All of my teachers have made it possible

for me to be where I am today, having been a constant

motivation and inspiration to me, whether it be through their

teaching, their musical abilities, or their school advice. They

will continue to shape faithful young members of this church,

and be constant welcoming figures within this parish. I am

forever blessed to have had the opportunity to be taught by such

faithful people, and I will keep the lessons learned close to my

heart.

Nicholas Ferrera

As I tried to choose from among seven essay questions that

Der Hayr asked us to prepare, one of the questions piqued my

curiosity. Why is the Armenian Church unique and how is it the

same or different from other churches? I am a student of both

our Sunday School and of LaSalle Academy, a Catholic high

school. I thought I would be able to cite many differences, such

as the way we take communion and how we confess our sins,

but these differences seemed trivial. After some research, I

learned some interesting things about the history of our

churches.

At one time we were one church, led by five patriarchs in

Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem.

Eventually Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem fell to Muslim

conquest leaving a rivalry between the Patriarch of

Constantinople and the Pope of Rome. There were

disagreements on theological issues, such as whether to use

leavened or unleavened bread for communion, the wording of

the Nicene Creed and whether priests should be allowed to

marry. This rivalry eventually led to the Roman Catholic

Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church split in 1054 with

each Church believing that they were the one “true” Church.

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 16

I began to think about this division and the many things that are divided in our world today. The past political division of our own

Armenian Church, our presidential elections when our country becomes even more divided and the continuous racial divide in our

communities today.

As I thought about our differences, I realized that we always seem to be focused on what divides us instead of what unites us. Both

the Catholic and Orthodox churches believe salvation is a process and that the Bible is inspired by God. In the end, we are taught to be

good Christians, to embrace the Sacraments and follow God’s Commandments. We understand the importance and true meaning of the

Holy Cross and the significance of Holy Communion. We believe in one God.

I have come to realize that it is the music, the families, the community, my Sunday School teachers and Der Hayr that have made the

Armenian Church unique to me. It is not often that I hear my friends talk about a hockey team rivalry with their priest. That is unique

to me. Mr. Mark’s creative ways of keeping us interested in learning at such a young age, Mr. Steve’s memorable biblical teachings,

Miss Debbie’s dedicationto follow in her mother’s footsteps, and the thoughtful card that I received from Miss Anna during the pandemic

have made the Armenian Church unique to me. When I think of how our church has manifested in my life, I can’t help but to think of

Mr. David, a teacher, a mentor and a friend. It is Mr. David that has guided me to be the best Christian I can be.

I have enjoyed my years of coming to Sunday School and being part of the Church community and I look forward to continuing my

journey in faith with you all.

Feast of the Transfiguration -

Sunday July 11, 2021 Referred to as Baydzaragerbootiun, the Feast of

the Transfiguration is one of the five principal

feasts of the Armenian Church, so named because

of Christ’s luminous appearance. In Armenia, it

is also known as Vartavar (the Festival of Roses)

after the old pagan feast, which it replaced.

The feast marks Christ’s appearance with a

resplendent countenance to three of His disciples,

Peter, John, and James, on the holy mountain of

Galilee, also known as Mount Tabor.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus was considering

going to Jerusalem, he spoke with his disciples of

the torture that was in store for Him and of the end

of His life on earth. Jesus wanted His disciples to

be prepared for the coming events.

His disciples, however, did not believe that Jesus

could possibly face such tribulations and Peter

adamantly said none of Jesus’ predictions would

come true, and Jesus admonished his disciples. About a week later, Jesus had

his miraculous Transfiguration.

He went up Tabor Mountain with three of His disciples—Simon Peter, James,

and John Zebedee—to pray as the other tired disciples remained at the bottom

of the mountain. It was there that Jesus began to assume a new

appearance. The three disciples were amazed when they saw His new radiant

being.

Though it was nighttime, the disciples saw light coming from the sun in the

sky. Among the light, they saw two other men—said to be Moses and Elijah—

speaking to Jesus about His remaining time left on earth and the sacrifice He

would soon make.

Then a cloud came upon the group. The voice of God was heard, saying the

same phrase He said when Jesus was baptized, “This is my Son, my Chosen;

listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35).

After the Transfiguration, Jesus asked His disciples not to talk about it until

His coming Resurrection.

This scene can be found in four different places in the New Testament:

Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:11-7; Luke 9:29-36; and Peter II 1:17-18.

In the Armenian calendar, the feast takes place on the 14th Sunday after

Easter—98 days later—so it is movable within an interval of 35 days, from

June 28 to August 1. The Orthodox and Catholic churches observe the feast

of Transfiguration on a fixed day, August 6. The official observance takes

three days. Sunday is the principal feast, Monday likewise is an ordained feast

day and includes the commemoration of the dead, and Tuesday is a non-festal

or weekday dominical.

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 17

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy

Mother-of-God - Sunday August 15

The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy

Mother-of-God is a non-variable

commemoration and the oldest of all those

dedicated to St. Mary. The Armenian

Church celebrates this feast day on the

nearest Sunday to August 15, a practice

adopted at the time of St. Nersess the

Graceful.

Assumption comprises a week of

fasting, Navagadik, and a Memorial

Day. In the early centuries, the observance

took place over the course of three days;

but as arranged by Shnorhali, it was

extended to nine days.

According to tradition, following the

Ascension of Christ, Mary lived out the rest

of her days in Jerusalem, cared for by St.

John the Evangelist. She died in Jerusalem

some 15 years after Christ’s Ascension and

was buried in her family tomb in

Gethsemane. After she passed away, all the

apostles—save Bartholomew who was

absent at that time—conducted her funeral

with great ceremony at a cave-like tomb in

the Garden of Gethsemane. Later, St.

Bartholomew returned and wished to see

Mary one last time.

He convinced the apostles to open the

tomb, but they could not find her body

inside. Angels’ voices were heard for three

days and nights. The apostles interpreted

the angels’ singing as a sign that our Lord

had assumed, or taken up, his mother into

heaven as he had promised her.

They found the empty tomb a confirmation of that promise for she had not been dead, but had fallen asleep. For this reason,

the church refers to the end of Mary’s earthly life as “the dormition” rather than “death.”

The tradition concerning the dormition of the Holy Mother did not become a basic teaching (doctrine) of the church until

the 9th century, and it wasn’t until the 12th century that the feast was titled “the Assumption.”

The Blessing of Grapes | Khaghogh Orhnek

On the Feast of the Assumption, the blessing of grapes takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The ceremony is

rich in symbolism and emphasizes the important role the Virgin Mary assumed in the revelation of God. The custom of blessing grapes, the first fruits of the harvest, can be traced back to Old Testament times, when farming was

a common vocation. Of the vast variety of produce, grapes had a special place of honor

and were considered the “first fruits” because they were the first produce of harvest.

Among the Israelites, as among many neighboring cultures, grapes were regarded as

belonging in a special way to God since they were the first fruits. It was He who gave the

gift of the whole harvest and to offer Him the first fruits was to acknowledge complete

dependence on Him. Special services of thanksgiving were conducted by priests in the

temple, a tradition that prevailed to the time of Christ.

With the birth of Jesus, these dedications took on a new meaning. Jesus Christ was the

first born—or the first fruit—of Mary and, as such, was offered to God in the temple.

(Luke 2:25-30)

Armenian Church doctrine teaches that Mary has a primary place of honor because it was of her

and by the Holy Spirit that God became incarnate (took human flesh). She is seen as the image of

humanity fully obedient to God and ultimately sanctified by doing God’s will. Therefore, on the

feast remembering her dormition (falling asleep in Christ) and Assumption (ascending to heaven),

we celebrate the blessing of grapes. Christ gave His blood to us for eternal life, and in remembrance

we bless the grapes, the fruits of the earth. It is traditional to use seedless grapes to emphasize that

this fruit came into being without seed, just as Christ became man without any human agent.

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 18

On the Feast of the Exaltation Sunday September 12

(End of Summer Hours Badarak 10:00am) Following the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the Rahan (Basil)

EVERYONE Is invoted to a fellowship BBQ

Hot Dogs, Burgers, salads, drinks in the Egavian Hall Hosted by The Parish Council

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 19

You Can Order On-Line: https://tinyurl.com/2021STSAHFest

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 20

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

(Check on-line armenianchurchri.org )

July

10 - Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian -1st Badarak Springfield 11 - Feast of the Transfiguration/Vartavar

TBA - Young Adult Cliff Walk and Picnic 18 - Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian – 1st Badarak New Britain

29-30 Deacons Retreat Husenig Grove August

6 - Friday Family Cookout TBA

7 - Men's Night TBA 15 - Feast of the Assumption and the Blessing of the Grapes (MARY NAME DAY and GRAPE

DONATIONS)

21 - SSMAC SUMMER FESTIVAL (Formerly called the Picnic) September

12 - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 1st Day of Sunday School Sunday School

BBQ Family Fellowship following Badarak for

EVERYONE sponsored by the Parish Council October 24 - Spiritual Music Festival November 6-7 - 2-DAY SSMAC BAZAAR!!!

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 21

Home Blessings

Fr. Shnork Souin will be joining parishioners for home blessings at their homes on request.

If you would like your home blessed, please contact the church office at office@stsahmes.org or 401-272-7712.

NEW - MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL Establish Membership in the Perpetual Memory Endowment – PME

There are many parishioners who we have lost over the years and their memory has been forgotten in the continuing life and

spiritual memory of this parish and sadly there is no one to continually pray for them and for their souls to be remembered. While

some are fortunate enough to have family members remember them, even yearly, there may come a time that that too will be forgotten.

There is now a wonderful and pious way to ensure that the names of loved ones will be remembered annually in the prayers of

Requiem at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church. Membership in the PME.

Have your name and the names of loved ones forever embedded into the annual prayers of memorial as a member of the new

PME at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. Perpetual Memory Endowment Application Form

Saints Sahag and Mesrob Prayer Card Ministry

WHY SEND A HALLMARK CARD?

Offer instead the Card that Shares and Cares at Prayer! The

church will happily end a card on your behalf, to your friend,

acquaintance, colleagues, coworker or anyone else, for almost

any occasion in order to show that you have requested prayers

for them during our church services. What a great way to show

them that you hold them in prayer! (Weddings, deaths,

graduations, births, illness, well wishes etc.)

Information about the Prayer Card Ministry of Saints Sahag &

Mesrob Armenian Church is available through the church

office. If you would like to request a Healing Prayer Card,

Memorial Prayer Card for a loved one, or some other special

occasion Prayer Card, please call the office (272-7712).

The name of your loved one and the one requesting the card

will be included in this bulletin on the Sunday of your request

and the person will be remembered in prayer by the pastor

during the Liturgy.

Requested

by_______________________________________

Date of Request:____________________________________

Requested for:_____________________________________

Occasion:_________________________________________

_

Donation: ____________________________

(Suggested Minimum $10)

Donate to Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church

Through Amazon Smile

Did you know if you make any purchases through Amazon,

you can pick our Church as a charity? Amazon Smile gives a

portion of all your purchases to the Saints Sahag and Mesrob

Armenian Church

Simply go to

https://smile.amazon.com/

Sign into your regular Amazon Smile Account

When asked to pick a charity

Cultural Committee Programs

July 16 "Flutes & Sopranos", featuring Soloists and

Symphony Orchestra of the Armenian National Academic

Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Harutyun Arzumanyan, Music

Director July 23 Favorite Armenian Songs, featuring Armen

Hovhanessyan & Salbi Mailyan

July 30 “Happy Days Will Come Again”, Berj

Turabian

August 21 Festival-“Nazeli” dance group

performance

October 24 Spiritual Music Festival with the

participation of choirs of Orthodox churches

Arts Education Program

First Semester of 2020 – 2021

begins on Saturday, October 10, 2020.

Art classes (drawing, sculpture) at 12:30 pm

(piano, guitar, violin, voice training)

by individual appointments.

For music classes schedule, and other questions

please contact Mrs. Janna Guegamian, Chair of Program

Tel. No. (401) 861 3573, email: petroskon@aol.com

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 22

Membership / Stewardship

Let’s Start Building Our Future! Become a member

and/or a steward of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian

Church of Providence, RI.

It only takes a few minutes to complete the

Membership form and $175.00 ($100.00 for students and

$125.00 senior citizens) to become a dues paying member

of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence.

While many churches of other faiths use the method of

tithing, Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church simply asks a

minimum fixed amount to be a dues paying member of

the church, and that amount is $175.00. That’s only $3.37

a week! Membership for senior citizens and students is

even less: $125.00 a year or $2.40 per week.

Please fill out the form, print it out and mail it, along

with a check (unless you choose to use your credit card),

to the church office:

Please mail this completed form and payment

information to the church office:

Saints Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church

70 Jefferson Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02908

The logo depicting a stylized Armenian Cross with the

threefold elements of stewardship was created by

Father Shnork Souin, showing that all 3 elements

are required of the life in Christ.

(DSS Der Shnork Souin)

Membership and Stewardship of Time and Talent and

Treasure, are the building blocks of your commitment to the

church. By your membership you are an architect in the life and

building of the church and community

Your dues are not only essential, but facilitate the realization

of the day to day operations of the mission of Saints Sahag and

Mesrob Armenian Church. In conjunction with your dues, your

annual stewardship pledge is a way to express support of,

involvement in and concern for the welfare and growth of our

church with her many ministries offered.

We kindly ask that you that you fulfill your dues and

stewardship pledges now.

Point your smart phone here to pay

your dues!

Stewardship

Please Remit 2021 Membership and

Stewardship

If you have not paid your dues for 2021,

please complete the form below and send your

donation to the church office.

You can pay your membership and/or

stewardship with your MasterCard or Visa or

use Paypal through our website at

www.stsahmes.org .

2021 Membership Application Saints

Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church of

Providence, RI

I/WE would like to be year 2021 dues-paying

member(s) of Saints Sahag and Mesrob

Armenian Church of Providence.

$175.00 Adults;

$125.00 Senior Citizens;

$100.00 Students)

Members #1 Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:

_______________________________________

Members #2 Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms:

__________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________

_______________________________________

City: _______________________State: ______

Zipcode: _______________________________

Phone: (______) ______________________

Email: ______________________________

Check enclosed

Charge my MasterCard/Visa/Discover/AE

Credit Card Number:

_________ _________ _________ _________

Expiration Date: ____/____

(Membership and/or Stewardship donations are tax deductible.)

_____________________________________________________

For Office Use Only:

Account No(s): ________________________________________

Date Received: ____________ Amount Received: ___________

Check # __________________ Amount: ___________________

START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT!

LOOK FOR AUTOMITIC PAY BY THE MONTH OPTIONS

IN 2021 ON OUR WEBSITE

You can now pay Dues/Stewardship on-line at:

http://stsahmes.org/dues/

AprilMay/June 2021 “Paros” Saints Sahag and Mesrob 23

The Newsletter Committee Editor-in-Chief

Reverend Father Shnork Souin, Pastor

Editor

Leonard J Arzoomanian

Proofing

Ponsonby Britt O.B.E.

Layout and Design

Leonard J Arzoomanian

The Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church Newsletter is a publication of Saints Sahag and Mesrob Church of 70

Jefferson St., Providence, RI 02908. Submission of news articles, photos, essays, poetry, book reviews, and letters

are welcomed and should be sent to the church office (office@stsahmes.org). All text must be submitted in

electronic format, preferably in Microsoft Word, as a text file or as e-mail. Please note that the editorial board

reserves the right to modify and/or reject articles, photos, etc. All materials must be received no later than the

published submission deadlines per issue as published in the church bulletins.

Church Office Hours

Summer -The Church Office is open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. (Social Distance Policy in Place)

If you would like to contact Fr. Shnork, call 201-306-4304 dershnork@gmail.com. To submit items for the Sunday Lighthouse Bulletin,

please contact the office at 401-272-7712 or office@stsahmes.org. If you call after hours, please leave your requests, and the

administrative assistant will be happy to process them promptly. For Emergencies, please contact the Pastor at 201-306-4304

Administrative Information

Pastor

Reverend Father Shnork Souin,

401-272-7712

Cell 201-306-4304

dershnork@gmail.com

Pastoral Intern

Dn. Alex Calikyan

516-761-6573

alex@stnersess.edu

Administrative Assistant

Nayiri Odabashyan, 401-272-7712

office@stsahmes.org

Parish Council Chairperson

John Megrdichian

Home: 401-944-3201

Cell 401-742-2887

jmmeg1@verizon.net

Vice Chairperson

Martin Papazian

Home: 401-475-9905

Cell: 401-529-5288

Drmrp915@gmail.com

Secretary

Dorothy Martiesian

Cell 401-749-0269

dmartiesian@yahoo.com

Treasurer

Jeff Boghossian,

Cell 401-340-7053

jkbrams@cox.net

Assistant Treasurer

Eric Stickler

Home: 401-398-0485

Cell: 401-578-2621

eric_stickler@hotmail.com

Advisors

Len Arzoomanian

Cell 508-958-7391

arzoo623@webrightservices.net

Margret Chevian

401-368-9234

margo1915@gmail.com

Melanie Krikorian

Home: 401-353-4519

Cell: 401-465-1957

melanie1250@aol.com

Jason Martiesian

Home: 401-785-1953

Cell: 401-339-9750

jcmartiesian@gmail.com

Stephen Megrdichian

Cell 401-419-4392 spmeg77@cox.net

Gary Nahabedian

Cell 401-871-8331

garynahabedian@hotmail.com

Diocesan Delegates

Joyce Avedisian

Cell: 401-724-3978

avedisianj@cox.net

Ann Ayrassian

Home 401-272-4743

Cell: 401-529-5210

istanbul27@verizon.net

Stephanie Masoian

Home 467-6202

hyedeli@aol.com

Stephen Megrdichian

Cell 401-419-4392 spmeg77@cox.net

Organizations

ACYOA

Dn. Alex Calikyan

516-761-6573

gjanigia@wellesley.edu

Altar Guild

Ann Ayrassian

Home 401-272-4743

istanbul27@verizon.net

Armenian School

Lilit Amroyan

401 941-4748

Arts Education Program

Janna Guegamian

Home 401-861-357

Petroskon@aol.com

Bazaar Committee

Marc Janigian

Cell 401-523-3276

mjanigian@cox.net

Building Rentals

Marc Janigian

Cell 401-523-3276

mjanigian@cox.net

Choir and Junior Choir

Konstantin Petrossian

Home 401-861-3573

petroskon@aol.com

Sunday School

Deb Onanian 401.398.0485(home)

401.261.4914 (cell)

Hyesundayschool@gmail.com

Cultural Committee

Konstantin Petrossian

Home 401-861-3573

petroskon@aol.com

Investment Committee

Doctor Robert Janigian

rhjanigian@cox.net

Memorial Dinner Committee

Marc Janigian

Cell 401-523-3276

mjanigian@cox.net

Newsletter/Website/Kiosk

Leonard J Arzoomanian,

Cell 508-958-7391

arzoo623@webrightservices.net

Sports Committee

Terrance Martiesian

401-272-0269

terrance.martiesian@verizon.net

Membership/Stewardship

Jason Martiesian

Home 401-455-3975

jcmartiesian@gmail.com

Women’s Guild

Stephanie Masoian

401-862-6323

hyedeli@aol.com

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