Vartanantz Commemoration at St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church.

VARTANANTZ COMMEMORATION

On Thursday, January 31, a commemorative gathering took place in honour of the fifth century Armenian hero Vartan Mamigonian and his soldiers at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church, organized by the Toronto Armenian Inter-Denominational Committee.

Among the audience were Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, pastor of the Armenian Holy Trinity Apostolic Church and Very Rev. Fr. Meghrig Parikian, pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church; Very Rev. Fr. Hayrik Hovhannissian; Very Rev. Fr. Sipan Kechedjian, assistant pastor of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church; Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Gulyan; Rev. Samuel Albarian, pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church; Rev. Yesai Sarmazian, former pastor.

Very Rev. Fr. Yeghia Kirejian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church, made the opening remarks, then Rev. Albarian read Psalm 30.

The young and promising Ani Babayan sang ‘Lréts, Ambére’ symbolizing the Vartanants struggle. This was followed by three songs: ‘Norahrash’, ‘Garmir Vartan’, Pamp Vorodan’, presented by the Toronto Armenian Choir, conducted by Mr. Sarkis Hamboyan.

Mr. Hagop Janbazian, Chair of the Toronto Armenian Inter-Denominational Committee, introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian. The latter presented a detailed description of the Battle of Avarayr through the work of Yeghishé the Historian. He stressed the legacy of Vartan and his soldiers: the Christian faith, cooperation and dedication to the nation. Fr. Zargarian appealed to the audience and Armenians in general to stay faithful to these three important factors, in order to better put up to negative forces that have started creeping into our daily lives. It is through cooperation, he said, that we shall be able to defy the difficulties that our nation is facing now.

At the end of the lecture, Mr. Janbazian presented Fr. Zargarian with four volumes of Christian faith publications, while Very Rev. Fr. Parikian presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the Inter-Denominational Committee. Mr. Janbazian, thanked all those who participated in the programme, especially Very Rev. Fr. Kirejian, for hosting the event. Later, Miss Babayan sang ‘Dér Gétso’, followed by closing prayer of Very Rev. Fr. Sipan Kechedjian.

The evening continued with a reception hosted by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church.

See the photos provided by Mr. Manuel Kirejian.