From left to right: Sandra Eghian, Juliana Barsoyan, Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Archbishop Anoushavan, Archdeacon Ara Nalbandian, Archdeacon Hagop Khatchadourian, and Subdeacon Nerses Donoyan.
On Saturday, Nov. 20, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, consecrated the renovated holy baptismal font of the Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence, RI, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor; Archdeacons Hagop Khatchadourian and Ara Nalbandian, and Subdeacon Nerses Donoyan. Also in attendance were the daughter of the donors of the original font, Yeghishe and Berjouhi Eghian; Juliana Barsoyan, daughter of Sebouh Barsoyan, who sponsored several renovations, and family members.
On Sunday, Nov. 21, the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy at Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, in Whitinsville, MA. On that opportunity, he also ordained Peter Bedigian and John Berberian to the diaconate, with the sponsorship of Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, Pastor (photo). Quoting from the ordination prayer—“May they infuse with incense your holy church with their virtuous life and righteous works,” the Prelate expressed his wish that the newly ordained deacons call into life this inspired invocation so that their words and deeds please and help the faithful, becoming an offering to God.
Following Divine Liturgy, the icon of the holy baptismal font, “The Baptism of Christ,” was consecrated. Lou Tazino, a friend of the church, had offered the gift in memory of his son Christopher. Sadly, the donor unexpectedly passed away a month ago.
The newly ordained deacons with Archbishop Anoushavan, Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, and Board of Trustees chairman Bill de Luca
Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian and members of the Tazino family
Upon the conclusion of the liturgical ceremonies, the community celebrated its 64th anniversary at Highfields Golf Club. The event began with the interpretation of the national anthems by Tamar Kanarian, following which MC Richard Kanarian welcomed the approximately one hundred guests. Bill de Luca, Board of Trustees Chairperson, presented and assessed the church’s activity in the past year with great satisfaction, whereas Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian thanked God and the parishioners for their devoted support to help crown a difficult year with success . Archbishop Anoushavan had words of praise for the spirit of cooperation in this small yet enthusiastic community, expressing his wish that they may commit to work for next year’s 65th anniversary with a renewed vision. Many attendees also had the opportunity to share with the public their heartfelt words of gratitude.
The celebration closed with a blessing and the Giligia song.