VARTANANTZ IS A BLUEPRINT FOR ARMENIAN IDENTITY, PRELATE TELLS HOVNANIAN STUDENTS

On Thursday, February 12, on occasion of the feast of Sts. Vartanantz, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Also present were the upper-grade students of the Hovnanian School of New Jersey.  

In his homily, the Prelate stressed the importance of the Battle of Vartanantz not only as a historical event, but also as a source of identity for us and every generation. Addressing the Hovnanian School students, His Eminence encouraged them to make the most of the Armenian environment in which they are acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a special celebration was held in the parish hall, with poetry recitations and songs dedicated to the Vartanantz martyrs. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, blessed the table.

In his welcome message, Hratch Mesrobian, Chairman of the Sts. Vartanantz Church Board of Trustees, praised the teaching staff, parents, as well as the Ladies’ Guild of the host church. In his closing remarks, His Eminence expressed his appreciation for Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian, Pastor, who has put his youthful energy at the service of his parish, arousing enthusiasm and vitality within the church community as well as to the sister organizations.

Seeing the students’ performance, His Eminence told students that the best contribution they can make is raising a healthy generation for the benefit of the family and the nation’s progress. Fr. Vache closed the event with a blessing and the singing of “Giligia.”