Megerdich ‘Mike’ Megerdichian (1957-2015)

Megerdich “Mike” Megerdichian was born on June 23, 1957, in Springfield, Mass., to the late Antranig and Mariam Mkrtschjan. The second of three siblings, he followed sister Varteni and was later joined by younger brother John.

The Mkrtschjan family was very devoted to the Armenian community, and this was evident in all aspects of their lives. Megerdich and John would take Armenian-language lessons from their uncle who was an accomplished language teacher. The family was active in the St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Indian Orchard and all its related organizations. It was in “the Orchard” that Megerdich began his lifelong involvement with the Armenian community including the church, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Dashnaktsutiun.

While devoting his time to the local community, the AYF Convention nominated and elected Megerdich to serve on its Central Executive in Boston. It was here that he ably served his national community and where, most importantly, he met his future wife and life partner, Sandra Varadian. The couple married in 1980 and was blessed with three children, Antranig, Melkon, and Ani. In 2013, Antranig and his wife Melineh blessed them with a grandson, Ara.

In his early years, Megerdich served the St. Gregory Church as an acolyte and later was ordained as a deacon. As a young adult, he worked in the restaurant business. He later had the calling to further devote himself to the church and attended the Armenian Theological Seminary at Antelias, Lebanon, to pursue religious studies. Upon his arrival in Lebanon during the civil war, Catholicos Khoren I of blessed memory, who admired Megerdich’s determination and devotion, praised him by saying, “while much of the population is trying to flee the country, it’s commendable that you came to study with us.”

After graduating from the seminary, Megerdich continued his religious education with Rev. Torkom Hagopian at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown, Mass. In 1982, he was ordained as Reverend Khatchig and assigned to serve at Holy Cross Armenian Church in Troy, N.Y.

In 1998, he and Sandra moved the family to Rhode Island to be closer to their families. Megerdich completed a degree in business and had a career in finance with Bank of America and H&R Block.

Megerdich loved his family, friends, and community. His compassion and dedication to helping others was his mission in life. Keeping an overnight vigil at the side of his father-in-law’s casket at Sts. Vartanantz to honor Mal’s memory was a testament of his devotion to his family.

The Providence “Kristapor” Gomideh was a passion of Megerdich’s, and where he enjoyed serving the community and participating with his family. He had the pleasure of serving with his wife Sandra, brother John and sister-in-law Taline, children Anto, Melkon, and Ani, and niece Nareh. During this past year, a very proud moment for Megerdich was serving as Godfather to his daughter Ani, niece Nareh, and Hrag Arakelian on the occasion of their induction to the ranks of the Dashnaktsutiun.

He was very proud of his wife and three children. Megerdich would recount each of their accomplishments and the faith he had in them.

His faith in God and love for people never wavered during his illness. While in hospice, he offered his prayers for those who visited him. His message to visitors during his final weeks was, “I am at peace when I am listening to Armenian hymns (sharagans) and am in the presence of the ARF Coat of Arms (zeenaneshan), and the Armenian tri-color flag (yerakouyn troshag).”

Megerdich will be missed by every life that he touched and his legacy will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

His funeral was held on July 14 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, R.I., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway in Providence. Burial will be at North Burial Ground in Providence. Memorial donations may be made to “Sts. Vartanantz Church Endowment Fund” or “ARF Kristapor Gomideh” at 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909. Please visit the website and share memories at www.WoodlawnGattone.com.