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23 February 2009

NYC’s Armenian Cathedral celebrates Sts. Vartanantz Day

At New York’s St. Vartan Day observance, speakers channeling the spirit of Armenia’s warrior saint urged listeners to let “no power separate” Armenians from their faith.

The commemoration at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Thursday evening, February 19, went forward 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.

Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presided over the occasion.

Parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese also observed the distinctly Armenian feast day.

In New York, the evening began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian. 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.

In the first of two keynote speeches, Diocesan vicar Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian placed the occasion in its historical context. He surveyed the history between Armenians and Persians that led to the Battle of Avarayr, fought under the leadership of St. Vartan Mamigonian.

“Let Vartan’s memory stay in your hearts and continue from generation to generation,” said Fr. Najarian.

Dr. Arthur Kubikian, a prominent community figure and organizer of past Knights of Vartan programs, was the second keynote speaker of the evening.

He noted the unique character of the Battle of Avarayr—one of the first battles in history where Christians fought to defend their faith. He compared the cause of Vartan and his knights with the modern mission of sustaining the free and independent Republic of Armenia—which he called “an obligation for us, the so-called soldiers of Vartan.”

For Armenians living in North America, Dr. Kubikian urged an added responsibility to participate in the American political process on behalf of Armenia and Karabagh.

“Our goal today, in the spirit of St. Vartan, should be to create a new generation of leaders, and make sure a free and independent Armenia becomes a beacon of light in the Caucasus, and on our planet,” concluded Dr. Kubikian.

The “Shnorhali Chorale” from the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY, gave a fine performance of five patriotic songs, including “With My Fatherland,” and “A Mother from Moosh.” The 50-member vocal group—established in 2007 to honor the Bayside parish’s 50th anniversary—sang under the guidance and direction of Bayside’s pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian.

Event organizers include Leo Manuelian, Tanya Bukucuyan, Edward Boladian, Arman Merinian, Ohannes Tercanian, Varoujan Tcholakian, John Shahdanian, Emma Artun, Seta Izmirliyan, and Rose Torigian.

Seta Izmirliyan served as mistress of ceremonies. Edward Boladian gave welcome remarks. Leo Manuelian delivered remarks by Haig K. Deranian.

In a benediction and message, Archbishop Barsamian thanked the Knights and Daughters of Vartan for organizing the com¬memor¬ation, for their community service to Armenian causes, and for keeping the “spirit of St. Vartan” alive.

He noted that the Christian faith has remained strong among Armenians, despite numerous challenges. Quoting the Armenian populace of St. Vartan’s day, he said: “No power in the world can separate us from Christ, our bible and our church.”

Centuries later, that same spirit would be honored by Armenian immigrants to America, when they named their first cathedral after the hero of Armenian religious liberty.

“Forty years ago we built this cathedral in New York City, in the blessed land of the United States, and it symbolizes that no power in the world can separate us from our faith,” the Primate said. “This is the message we receive on Vartanantz Day.”