From left to right: Hagop Khatchadourian, Eastern Prelacy Executive Council chairman; Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church; Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate; Dan McKeen, Governor of Rhode Island; Katherine Kazarian, State Representative (RI) and majority whip in the House.
Upon his return from his three-day trip to Lebanon, His Eminence Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, traveled to Providence, RI, on Saturday, September 4, to meet with the central committee of the Armenian Youth Federation of the Eastern United States, with whom he discussed issues of relevance for the youth. Members of the A.R.F. Central Committee were also attending. The Prelate praised their steadfast dedication to the community for eight decades, keeping the Armenian identity and spirit alive. He also highlighted the importance of physical fitness along with the development of knowledge and faith in the Armenian Church, saying they constitute the fundamental trinity of our identity.
On Sunday, September 5, the Prelate attended Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence, Rhode Island, which was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor. The Prelate presided over the forty-day requiem service of Archpriest Fr. Vazken Bekiarian.
From left to right, Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church; Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, and Archbishop Anoushavan.
Following the church ceremonies, the Prelate, accompanied by Fr. Kapriel and Executive Council Chairman Hagop Khachadourian attended the official opening of the AYF Olympic Games, where Rhode Island governor Dan McKeen was present too. On behalf of the Prelacy, Archbishop Anoushavan greeted the members of the AYF. “It’s true that only some individuals and teams will obtain medals and trophies; at the same time, let us not forget the truth that the Creator has prepared the ultimate competition of life in such a way that all who live according to our Lord’s commandments become invariably victors and earn eternal crowns. Hence, let us all believe and act in consequence in this tournament of life.”
The Prelate personally thanked Gov. McKeen for his attention to the Armenian community, the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and, most especially, for signing into law a bill that requires mandatory Genocide education in Rhode Island’s schools.
Archbishop Anoushavan then visited Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, MA, and accompanied the family of Archpriest Fr. Vazken to Hope cemetery, where the requiem service was held before the late churchman’s tomb.
Once again, the Prelate praised the service of the nonagenarian priest across so many parishes as well as his exemplary work with which he blessed the greater Armenian family.