RADNOR, Pa.—On Feb. 16, the Vartanantz commemoration held at the Armenian Sisters’ Academy (ASA) swelled the souls of all who attended. The Montessori pre-K and kindergarten students enthusiastically recited poems and songs that proudly championed their Christianity. The fourth, fifth, and sixth graders then reenacted the mood and solidarity of the Armenian people in 451 A.D. Ghevont Yerets, the Armenian priest who encouraged the brave soldiers by blessing them and administering Holy Communion on the eve of the Battle of Avarayr, was revived on stage by one young Academy student, while the fortitude and fearlessness of General Vartan Mamigonian was virtuously depicted by another. ASA students portrayed the heroism of the Armenian people of that time and how they resisted the Persian conviction to convert them to Zoroastrianism. The unwavering commitment of the Armenian people to fight Persian assimilation and safeguard their identity was the central theme throughout the performance.
Young ASA girls brought to life true heroines of Armenian history. Although on the outside, these princesses and society women were dressed in colorful attire and bedecked in jewels, on the inside their hearts were unified in their determination to help their fathers, brothers, sons, and clergy preserve Armenian Christianity. As they recited “Deeghnayk Papghasoon,” one by one they shed their exquisite jewels for the purpose of selling them to acquire ammunition and other supplies for the soldiers. The strong sense of collective identity in these women was exhibited on stage through their whole-hearted sacrifice for their beloved Armenian men, and their sorrow upon the soldiers’ death after battle.
The Vartanantz program was also inspirational in showcasing how naturally ASA students channeled the characteristics and energy we typically attribute to St. Vartan and his comrades. These youngsters anchored the virtues of their 5th-century ancestors within themselves and, through songs, poems, rehearsals, and a final recital, internalized and embraced what it takes to adhere to one’s identity in the face of adversity. They learned how making courageous choices and sacrifices can be challenging, yet have positive consequences for future generations, and how “losing a battle” can still result in “winning a war.” As one ASA student pointed out, “I really felt like it was happening to us, and I wanted to do all I could to help my friends protect our religion.”
Bishop Mikael Mouradian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada attended the recital along with the community’s distinguished clergy. Following the program, Bishop Mouradian passionately commended the students for their performance and expressed his gratefulness to the ASA’s commitment to teach and preserve the Armenian heritage through such commemorations. He encouraged the students and their families to perpetuate their mother language and to always carry their Armenian faith and heritage proudly.
Principal Sister Emma Moussayan then thanked all the attendees for coming and applauded the students for how well they embodied the essence of Vartanantz. She also expressed her gratitude to faculty members Maroush Nigon and Tamar Panosian for their dedicated musical and artistic direction in providing a quality ceremony for the benefit of the students and school community.
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