NEW YORK—On Thurs., March 3, at New York’s St. Vartan Day observance, speakers channeling the spirit of Armenia’s warrior saint asked, “1,500 years after Vartan risked his life, how would we confront the same crisis?”
The commemoration at the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral was held under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), with the participation of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan.
The evening began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan vicar. Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presided over the service. The St. Vartan Cathedral Choir sang under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, with Florence Avakian accompanying on the organ. A program and dinner in the Diocesan Center’s Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium followed services.
Deacon Ryan Tellalian, a pastoral intern at St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, N.J., reflected on the meaning of the Battle of Avarayr on his life and ministry. Tellalian stressed that St. Vartan faced the Persians without fear, a sign of his unwavering faith and commitment to the Armenian people.
“Religion was a whole lifestyle back then,” said Tellalian. “Today I ask myself, How much am I willing to give up to serve others?”
Tellalian’s talk encouraged guests to reflect on the ways in which they could serve the Lord—a timely theme as the Eastern Diocese prepares to devote the coming year to an exploration of lay ministry in the church.
Keynote speaker Hagop Vartivarian, chairman of the Tekeyan Cultural Association, delivered his address in Armenian. After recalling the story of the Battle of Avarayr, he spoke of the ways Armenians need to continue the struggle of preserving their heritage in the modern world.
“We need to protect our Armenian language, which is in danger of being lost,” said Vartivarian. “We have our own Battle of Avarayr facing us today.”
Turning to a list of present concerns among Armenians—Nagorno-Karabagh, rebuilding schools in Armenia, and the ongoing effort for world-wide recognition of the genocide—Vartivarian said it is imperative for the new generation of Armenians to draw strength from St. Vartan’s story.
The “Huyser Musical Ensemble” gave a fine performance of five Armenian songs, including “Ani” and “Garmeer, Gaboyd, Dziranakouyn.” Archbishop Barsamian and Dr. Dennis Papazian, grand commander of the Knights of Vartan, cut the celebratory cake.
In his remarks, Archbishop Barsamian called the Vartanantz Day celebration “a great opportunity to focus on the Armenian identity in the minds and hearts of every Armenian Christian.” He spoke about the ways Armenian identity is expressed through culture, language, education, and family, and encouraged its continued preservation in America.
Ani Minnetyan served as mistress of ceremonies. Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian gave the invocation. Diran Cankulian gave the welcome remarks. The evening’s dinner was prepared and sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, Mid-Atlantic Lodges and Otyags.
Parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese also observed the distinctly Armenian feast day.
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