PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: info@armenianprelacy.org
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
September 30, 2004
ST. VARTANANTZ CHURCH HOSTS RECEPTION
FOR “PILLARS OF THE PRELACY”
by Yn. Joanna Baghsarian
PROVIDENCE, RI – On behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan,
the Executive Council of the Eastern Prelacy and the Sts. Vartanantz
Board of Trustees and Delegates, Rev. and Mrs. Gomidas Baghsarian
hosted a reception for the “Pillars of the Prelacy” on Sunday,
September 12, 2004, at their home in Cranston, Rhode Island.
The star-studded sky illuminated the white tent that beckoned the
arriving guests to enter its portals and partake of classical music,
fine wines, and the best of Armenian delicacies prepared by the women
of the community.
The beautiful setting created an ambiance of solidarity and friendship
as guests arrived. Centered on every table was a crystal pillar and
perched delicately on the rim of each slender column, stood a white,
wing-spanned dove. A tapered lit candle was the crowning finishing
touch and strongly reflected the people-the invited “Pillars of the
Prelacy”-who came to give their financial and moral support to the
Prelacy and the many Prelacy programs that contribute to the glory
of the Armenian Church.
The arrival of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan as the honored guest
allowed everyone to engage in personable and pleasing conversation
with His Eminence.
Rev. Fr. Gomidas, the pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, welcomed
everyone and invited Peter “Doc” Bedrosian, Chairman of the Board,
and Hagop Khachadourian, a member of the Prelacy’s Executive Council,
to address the guests.
Archbishop Oshagan, offered his words of welcome and thanks to the
hosts and explained in detail the importance of the stewardship
fund appropriately entitled, “Pillars of the Prelacy.” His Eminence
elaborated on the significance of the Sunday school, the Armenian
school, the St. Gregory of Datev Institute, the Siamanto Academy, the
Orphan Sponsorship program in Armenia and Artsakh, and the important
task of recruitment and training of clergy candidates. All of these
programs benefit from the annual commitment made by the Pillars.
Because the Armenian Church is the traditional keeper of our Christian
ministry and the guardian of our national culture, these youth-oriented
programs must not only continue but also expand to meet the growing
needs of our community, the Prelate said. The Pillars agreed that the
Prelacy is the heartbeat of the community and needs and deserves the
support of all of the faithful.
The following individuals from the Providence community are proud
to stand tall as a “Pillars of the Prelacy:” Roxanne Arzoomanian,
Peter ‘Doc’ and Oppie Bedrosian, Ray and Gladys Boornazian, Aram Der
Manuelian, Mary Fermanian, The Hon. Aram and Jane Garabedian, Elyse,
Louise and Rosette Garabedian, Azarig and Liz Kooloian, Eddie and Liz
Kopoian, Everett and Rose Marabian, Varkis and Lillian Markarian,
Vark and Lynn Markarian, Charles and Irene Matoian, Anto and Carol
Mesrobian and Children, Souren and Sally Mouradjian, Mark and Nancy
Nahigian-Tavitian, Ara and Maggie Nalbandian, Vahe and Hermine
Oharonian, Raffi and Lucy Rafaelian, Harout and Anoush Taraksian,
Harry and Agnes Toumasian, Joyce Yeremian, Ramon and Sonya Zorabedian.