PRELATE BESTOWS FLORAL PILON ON FR. KAPRIEL, ORDAINS SUBDEACON AS STS. VARTANANTZ MARKS NAME-DAY IN PROVIDENCE

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence, Rhode Island, marked its name day on Sunday, February 15, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained Acolyte Garo Sasoun Tarbinian to the rank of Subdeacon, as faithful parishioners filled the church.

Archbishop Anoushavan imparted an inspirational message about the significance of Vartanantz Day and the Battle of Avarayr in A.D. 451, a battle for our faith, resulting in the freedom of conscience and religion. His Eminence spoke about the prophet Simon and his recognition of Jesus as the Savior of all mankind when He was presented at the temple 40 days after His birth. The power of the Holy Spirit, His Eminence said, is unimaginable and transcends time and space. Surrendering ourselves to the Holy Spirit is transformative in our lives and a true privilege. Whoever we are, we will bring change to society through the protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Nearing the end of the service, His Eminence offered a special blessing of a processional flag, donated by the Tikoian family, two kshotz (liturgical fan) donated by the Nalbandian family, and new lanterns donated by the Khatchadourian family. Archbishop Anoushavan explained that it is a tradition in the church to bless any new item that is going to be used on the altar.

Then, His Eminence made a surprise presentation to mark the 10th anniversary of Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian’s ordination. The Prelate praised Fr. Kapriel and Yn. Debbie for shepherding their parish with faith, hope, and love. In honor of this occasion, at the request of His Eminence and with the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Archbishop Anoushavan bestowed on Fr. Kapriel a floral pilon (liturgical vestment) to be worn on feast days and other special occasions.

“Der Hayr, you have helped this community flourish as a truly exemplary shepherd,” His Eminence said. “Like your predecessors, Fr. Mesrob and Fr. Gomidas, you really brought a new flavor, a new understanding of faith in our Sts. Vartanantz Church.” Archbishop Anoushavan then read the blessing letter from Catholicos Aram I, which said in part, “We are sure that this honor will bring a new dimension and strength in your service to continue your mission in this church.”

As is tradition, following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory luncheon was held in the Aramian Auditorium,  prepared and served by the members of the Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies’ Guild and Men’s Club. 

Chairman of the Board Paulie Haroian welcomed everyone and served as master of ceremonies for the afternoon, offering the Board’s congratulations to the newly-ordained Subdeacon and the afternoon’s honorees. Taleen Donoyan sang the national anthems of the United States and Armenia to open the celebration, and Archbishop Tanielian offered the invocation.

Following lunch, gifted young pianist Raffi Avakyan performed beautiful renditions of “Kachn Vartan” and “Adanayi Voghpuh.”

This year, in keeping with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I proclamation of 2026 as the “Year of Spiritual Renewal,” Fr. Kapriel introduced two deserving parishioners, selected by the Pastor and the Board of Trustees, who were recognized for their service to the church: Shakay Kizirian and Jayne Zobian. Fr. Kapriel described Shakay and Jayne as devoted servants of the church in many capacities, including as leaders of the Salt and Light Youth, as well as the Summer Bible Camp. Additionally, both prepare meals and food items for the church’s Armenian Fest, memorial meals (hokejash), and more.

Fr. Kapriel then invited the Prelate to address the gathering. His Eminence kept to the theme of spiritual renewal, encouraging the faithful to hold fast to their faith and practice it in everyday life. “When Christ lives in us, we bring His light to the world,” His Eminence said, before inviting everyone to join in singing “Giligia” to close the afternoon’s festivities.