Letter: A Snapshot of Der Vartan’s Life

Dear Editor,

As a member of Der Vartan Kassabian’s first parish, the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Granite City, Ill., I am pleased and proud to offer this brief snapshot of his life.

Der Vartan had a real passion for people and this special gift was shared with the elderly ladies from his Granite City parish. Let me introduce these ladies: Araxie Pashalian, Mentouhi Ohanesian, Nevart (Kooyreeg) Hagopian, Marguerite Manoogian, and Mariam Varadian. Araxie was deaf, but was fiercely independent. Mentouhi was petite, soft spoken, and always had a smile on her face. Nevart was quiet with a wonderful smile. Marguerite, also petite, was an ageless beauty. And Mariam carried herself with class. Mentouhi and Nevart were both survivors of the genocide.

It was a common occurrence when Der Hayr would call his ladies and say, “Get ready, I’m coming to take you shopping.” He would pick them up and drive to Soulard’s Market in south St. Louis, an open-air market where all the local farmers brought their produce to sell. While they were shopping, Der Hayr would offer his comments—about the color, shape size, texture, or weight of the produce—and assist them in their shopping. After the market, he would take them to a favorite restaurant and buy them lunch.

Paris Depigian, a legally blind nursing home resident, would occasionally visit Araxie for the weekend. It was a humbling yet beautiful sight to see the two women assisting each other in church. Knowing the impact his pastoral visits would have on them, he made sure to visit each on a regular schedule. Imagine the scenario. A quiet room in a modest nursing home and in walks their hero, Der Vartan. Each room visited is converted from quiet to conversation, a giggle here or there, raucous laughter, perhaps a tear or two, finally a prayer, and eventually Der Vartan departing with his signature, “I’ll see you again.” His ladies were energized, glowing, and a lot happier. Another day, another task; well done Der Vartan.

One can only imagine the sight of his ladies greeting him at Heaven’s gate.

Respectfully Submitted,
Edward Asadorian

Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor

Guest contributions to the Armenian Weekly are informative articles or press releases written and submitted by members of the community.

2 Comments

  1. I write this with a heavy heart and many thanks to ALL the people who have share their stories, kind words, cards and phone calls to my family and my self. I cannot began to thank you all for the kindness and out pouring love you have showed to me and my family during this very difficult time. DerVartan was not only a priest, he was a husband, father, brother, cousin and a friend to thousands. DerVartan touched everyone he talked to, he never walked away from someone in need. I only hope and pray that all the people who knew DerVartan will carry him in your heart each and every day. Follow what he has done in his life and take one moment each day and touch someone else’s life and help them somehow. Each time you do something for someone else think of DerVartan and smile. We all know that special grin that he would give us and it will make someone else’s day,too.Der Vartan always told me ” I will never be a millionaire but I am a billionaire in my friendships”. I want to thank everyone from east to west,north to south you all know who you are and what you have done for me and my family over the last 3 1/2 months.My heart is broken and I have many tears in the past but each time one of you touch me, I feel Der Vartan in all of you. Keep his memory ALIVE and his Spirit in your heart! I love you all. Yeretzgeen Pauline Kassabian

  2. dear ed,

    your letter was unbeleivable. it was the essence of not only der vartan, but what he did for the community. your description of the ladies was amazing, spot on. the visual of paris being blind , roxie being deaf ,but yet they knew how to help each other. they were more than survivors. der vartan knew this and took great pleasure in the experience of it all. there were many times i thanked him for looking after my Grandma. his comment to me always with his index finger extended “it is i who is lucky to serve them, my flock” der vartan you are the last of the true christians who dawn the cloth. i am sure the the ladies are giving you an unbeleivable mezza while God looks on with a smile.

    our armenian communities will miss you my frien der vartan.

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