PROVIDENCE, R.I.—On Sun., May 22, a crowd of over 200 people gathered after church services for the annual Khanasor Picnic in the parking lot of Sts. Vartanantz Church to celebrate and commemorate the defense of the city of Van by the fedayees in 1897.
Harout Khatchadourian served as the emcee of the program. The attendees were treated to the singing of traditional songs by Sarkis Yepremian, the Homenetmen Scouts, and the Providence AYF Juniors under the direction of Ara Getzoyan. AYF Junior Alexan Topalian read the message of the Khanasor Expedition to the crowd.
Live music was provided by the Mike Gregian Ensemble, sons of Providence ARF members. Delicious shish, losh and chicken dinners were expertly prepared by members and supporters of the Providence ARF “Kristapor” Gomideh.
The Providence community has celebrated this event continuously for over 100 years. The celebration signifies the first time an organized group stood up to the Turk and the hired gun of the Kurd.
Many of those in attendance made contributions to the local Gomideh to show support and encouragement to continue these types of events remembering our heroes of the past.
Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, ended the program with words of praise and encouragement to the Providence ARF Chapter and a closing prayer. Attendees then celebrated, over cake, Baghsarian’s recent master’s degree in theology from Providence College.
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