Special Reports
Meneshian: Shepherds of the Nation
I remember the first time I entered the Armenian All Saints Apostolic Church in Chicago. My parents, brother, and I had recently immigrated to the United States of America. As DPs (Displaced Persons) from Europe, we came on a battle ship used for transporting immigrants. Church members in
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D. KNAR & FRIENDS
This is wonderful.
Deep & true like all your work.
THANKS especially for remembering FATHER VAROUJAN.
FATHER VAROUJAN, May We All Meet Again !
MIKE ADAJIAN
Saint James Church, Evanston, USA
Knarig, thank you for a wonderfully written and researched article. Having also attended All Saints Apostolic Church when it was in Chicago, you brought back a flood of memories. Our beautiful old church, magnificent and majestic, filled with incense, ancient chants and hymns, and illuminated in a rainbow of colors streaming from the huge jeweled windows. I, always wearing a dress, a hat, and of course gloves, sat next to my grandfather in the first pew on the left side….”Hayrig” Markar’s pew. You continued my journey down memory lane naming the various religious leaders who, as you stated, affected us in many ways. Although all left an indelible mark, it was Hayr Sourp Varoujan from St James who probably molded my life the most. I too, was a recipient of Hayr Sourp’s Armenian lessons, which also included being mentored by him–until another institution of higher learinng took his place i.e. college. Aside from the memories, you educated me with so much history and previously unknown information. Thank you for continuing to write such quality articles…as always, I look forward to seeing what will be your next topic or literary piece, be it educational, fictional or poetic.
Dear Knarik,
I want to congratulate you on writing such an informative and educational article. I can not believe the wealth of this information. It is a must save paper for me for future refrence.
This is a great history lesson for many people and I hope some young people will read this and learn from it. I met you a few years ago in Providence when you and your husband attended our Govdoonzi Christmas party which continue to do each year. I also follow your many stories about your visits to Armenia and telling us how life really is there. You have a great heart and it shows through your writings. May you enjoy God’s graces and continue with your fine work.
Sincerely,
Joyce Yeremian
Thank you and God bless you for writing this VERY informative article.Knarik you’ve done a great service to our nation,thank you again!!!
Knarig,
I just finished your wonderful article called “Shephards of the Nation”. It was a beautifully written, scholarly piece and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The topic is also very timely with all the debate going on in the Catholic Church about ordaining female clergy. It was surprising to me to know that had already occurred in the Armenian Church.
Brava! I’ve learned two things today. One, part of my religious history and two, to keep my eyes open so that I don’t miss your next article.
Dear Knarig, I am so proud to now you, You are my brave sister, God bless you for good work you do for Armenia and Armenian puples in the world. Keep up the good work, God save you for Armenian pupels. I wish you health and happiness.
Brotherly Love.
Kevork Gulluian
P.S. sorry for my English and miss speling
Dear Ms. Meneshian,
Thank You for a wonderful article. It is so historical and educational. I was very pleased to learn (for the first time) that our historical church had deaconesses that help the church and the Armenian community, and some still educate our children all over the world and carry very important role. I was never satisfied with the role of women in our present churches in United States as Ladies Auxiliary, who just prepare food for the occasions at the church, since I know there is more then that they could offer. I hope your article and the knowledge of the Armenian deaconesses will strike a cord with the church administrations throughout and more women will be included in church functions and decision making roles. I believe that their contribution specially to the Armenian communities will be priceless.
I look forward to more inspirational articles from you.
Dear Mrs. Meneshian,
Beautiful article ,I emailed it to my loved ones .
Thanks again and God bless.
Krikor.
Dear Ms. Meneshian, Your article has moved me deeply. Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey. Աստուած պահէ մեր Հայաստանեայց Եկեղեցւոյ եւ մեր պապենական ազգին ~
YOUR ARTICLE WAS MOST INFORMATIVE. MORE RELEVANT WAS YOUR REACHING OUT TO ALL ASPECTS OF OUR COMMUNITY IN THAT YOU MENTIONED WITH REVERENCE BOTH ASPECTS AND INDIVIDUALS RELATED TO PRELACY AND DIOCESE. YOU HAVE BROKEN THE STIGMA OF A DIVIDED ARMENIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA. WE NEED MORE INDIVIDUALS LIKE YOU DECLARING THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA WITH DUE RESPECT FOR ALL ARMENIAN CLERGY STARTING WITH THE 2 CATHOLICAI STARTING WITH HOLY ETCHMIADZIN AND THE HOUSE OF CILICIA. BRAVO FOR AN OUTSTANDING SERVICE.–JOHN MANUELIAN,WINCHESTER,MA.
Dear Readers,
Thank you so very much for your comments about “Shepherds of The Nation.” I am deeply touched by your kind and encouraging words.
Again, Thank You!
Knarik O. Meneshian
I had heard of women serving the altar during WWII because most of the men were at war, but I never realized how extensive their involvement was historically. Given this history can anyone please explain to me why we are not training young girls to be deaconesses now? Seems like a waste of talent.
I patiently read all of the article unaware of most of the facts presented there-in!
It was thought provoking, at a minimum. Having said that and with that article,
your work is commensurate to Murad’s “Raffi”!
The The comments made by the readers expressed my views well. Thx, Knar. I too have received from your work. Hike
Dear Knarik , I* was so happy to read and see your picture in the internet. Your lecture was very interesting and informative. Now I live in Yerevan and hope to see you someday soon. With blessings to you and your family.