NOTHING CAN SEPARATE US FROM GOD: ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN REFLECTS ON STS. VARTANANTZ IN PROVIDENCE
On Sunday, March 2, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church of Providence, Rhode Island, marked its name day under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained Aram Attarian and Daron Tarbinian to the rank of Acolyte with a filled church.
Following their ordination, Archbishop Anoushavan provided an inspirational message to the parishioners about the value of sacrifice. He referred to Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice and we in turn must sacrifice our time and serve our fellow parishioners as we follow Jesus’ example.
We were created in the image of God because God wanted us to be like him, and the only one who walked in the path that His Father set for Him was Jesus, teaching us that nothing is impossible if we follow the road God has set out for us. St. Vartan’s sacrifice was an example to all, that as children of God, nothing can separate us from our Father, not sword nor death. It is our obligation to hold ourselves accountable to our church, Sts. Vartanantz, and to continue the work that God has provided to Saint Vartan.
A celebratory banquet for Vartanantz Day was held in the Aramian Auditorium. Welcoming remarks were provided by Board Chairman Levon Attarian, who also served as master of ceremonies for the afternoon. After the invocation by His Eminence, the students of the Mourad Armenian Saturday School sang the national anthem and two songs dedicated to the Battle of Avarayr, under the direction of music teacher Mr. Raffi Rachdouni.
After dinner, the Salt and Light Youth Ministry group, along with the Sunday School graduating class presented “The Importance of Vartanantz Day.” During their presentation, they talked about the historical importance of the Battle of Vartanantz and its impact on our lives as Armenian Christians, particularly for Armenian teens.
Keeping in line with His Holiness, Catholicos Aram I, proclaiming 2025 as “The Year of the Revitalization of Traditions,” Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor, and the Board of Trustees selected Noreen Melikian LaFazia and Archdeacon Mark Norigian as the honorees for this year. They received certificates of merit from the Eastern Prelacy.
In ensuing remarks, Fr. Kapriel congratulated newly ordained Acolytes Aram and Daron for their dedication in serving our church and praised Ms. Melikian and Archdeacon Mark for their work, dedication, and sacrifice to their community. State Senator David Tikoian expressed his appreciation to both awardees and the inspiration they provide to the community. Archbishop Anoushavan provided the closing remarks and blessed all those in attendance. To conclude the afternoon, all in attendance sang “Giligia.”
