GENERATIONS GATHER AS STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH OF PROVIDENCE MARKS 85th ANNIVERSARY

Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence, Rhode Island, celebrated its 85th anniversary on Saturday, September 20, with a joyful evening during which Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor, was honored along with long-serving parishioners. In a full house of more than 230 guests at the Venus de Milo event venue in Swansea, Massachusetts, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, congratulated the Providence community’s remarkable flourishing, under the leadership of Fr. Kapriel.

Archdeacon Hagop Khatchadourian served as emcee with much appreciated touches of warmth and humor, introducing the rich program to the public, including the Church’s choir riveting performance. Under the leadership of Raffi Rachdouni and choir director Debra Pjojian, the 29-member choir delivered a stirring interpretation of a repertoire with pieces by Gomidas and other songs, rewarded with resounding applause. Taleen Donoyan offered heartfelt renditions of the American and Armenian national anthems.

The first honoree was Archdeacon Ara Nalbandian, in recognition of his dedication to the Church, including teaching at the Mourad Armenian School, joining the choir and serving on the Board of Trustees and as a delegate to the Eastern Prelacy for 24 years.

Ken and Sandra Bogosian were honored for their lifetime of love, service and dedication to Sts. Vartanantz Church. Ken thanked the committee for the honor, tracing his history with the church back to the 1950s when he became an altar boy with his lifelong friends, John Takian and Harry Kushigian. Sandra has served on numerous church committees, served as teacher and treasurer of Sunday School for 15 years, and volunteered with the church’s summer camp. She is a member of the ARS Ani chapter and has served as its treasurer.

Also honored were the young members of the Salt and Light Ministry, a program that centers on the many dimensions of spiritual growth of our youth. Through mentorship to young people ages 12 to 18, those members can explore issues of faith in a safe environment. Current mentors since its 2019 inception are Armand Kibarian, Shakay Kizirian, Jayne Zobian and Artur Arslanyan, who also happens to be a charter member of the ministry. The current members of Salt and Light are Ellen Arslanyan, Vanessa Atakian, Ani Derderian, Nadia Keshijian, Aren Khatchadourian, Leila Khatchadourian, Sareen Khatchadourian, Ani Manzo, Kethia Masupa, Gygy Mwlilikwa, Sarkis Nasr, Garo Tarbinian, Peter Zaytounian and Garen Zeitounian. Derderian and Zaytounian both spoke about what Salt and Light means to them, individually and as a group, moving those in the audience with their sincerity.  

Board of Trustees Chair Levon Attarian addressed the room, citing examples of the celebration’s theme of faith, hope and love. Founders who took a leap of faith 85 years ago believed in their mission for the community and built the foundation of the Sts. Vartanantz Church community. He cited the church growing into a little Armenia, an epicenter of cooperation to sustain an Armenian identity.   

Attarian delivered a surprise present to Fr. Kapriel on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his ordination: a special picture from his ordination and a trip to Armenia for him and Yn. Debra. Touched by the unexpected gift, Fr. Kapriel thanked everyone for their support and cited Fr. Gomidas’ mentoring his journey to the priesthood. He spoke of his calling from God late in life and how he trusted the Lord to overcome any obstacles. Fr. Kapriel also expressed his appreciation to Archbishop Anoushavan for his guidance during his journey to the priesthood, as well as his 40 years of faithful service to the Eastern Prelacy. In recognition of his devoted service to the Prelacy, Fr. Kapriel presented Archbishop Anoushavan with Michael Aram’s “Faith” sculpture on behalf of the Providence community.  

In his acknowledgment, the Prelate observed the special nature of Providence’s spiritual and social community. He commented on the four generations he observed at the event, representing the cohesive nature of the community as God’s love is showered here. He warmly added throughout his address that the faith, hope and love theme is alive in Providence.