PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Sisters Academy
440 Upper Gulph Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Contact: Susan Pogharian
Tel: 610-757-7090
Fax: 610-687-2450
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Although it is a 1,500 year old event and has been commemorated every
year at the Armenian Sisters Academy of Radnor, PA, each telling is as
unique as the children who bring the characters of this heroic story to
life. The first Thursday before `Poun Paregentan’, Armenians
celebrate Vartanantz Day and remember the heroic struggles of Vartan
Mamigonian and his troops as they fought the fire-worshipping Persians.
Greatly outnumbered, with the Armenian troops numbering 66,000 to the
Persian 300,000, the battle was lost but the Armenians won the right to
maintain their Christianity.
Snow delays and national holidays created nearly a week’s delay but
did not dampen spirits or excitement of this holy day of remembrance at
the Academy. Montessori students, waving white flags with red crosses,
proudly started the program with Mer Hairenik and followed with the poem
Hye Yem Yes. They wrapped up their portion of the celebration with the
Vartanank song. Their angelic voices would have made their ancestors
proud!
Intermediate Level students (grades 4 – 6) worked together to depict
the historic battle of Avarair of 451 AD. Armenian historian Yeghishe,
played by 5th grader Matthew Selverian, is said to have documented this
historic tale. Sixth grader Daron Pogharian played the part of General
Vartan Mamigonian who divulged his plan to Ghevont Yeretz, 6th grader
Stephen Ajdaharian; Hovsep Catholicos, 6th grader Stepan Cannuscio;
Yeznig Goghpatsee, 6th grader Derek Dervishian; as well as other princes
and soldiers. King Hazgerd, the Persian ruler hoping to force the
Armenians to renounce their Christianity, was played by 6th grader Paze
Yeremian. Not to be outdone, the Intermediate Level girls narrated the
program in Armenian and English and, who played the wives of the
soldiers, gave away their gold and jewels in favor of their Christian
martyrs. As the boys lay on the ground to portray a defeated
battlefield, all students’ voices joined together to sing Kaylerk
Shavarshanee, Vartanantz Song – with a touching solo by 6th grader
Meline Avrigian – and lastly, Vartan’s Song.
As is tradition at the Academy, individuals worked together to create a
beautiful combined effort. Principal Sister V. Louisa Kassarjian thanked
Armenian teachers Mrs. Tamar Panosian and Miss Ovsanna Sadjonian, along
with music teacher Mrs. Maroush Paneyan-Nigon, for their tireless
efforts in preparing the students and continuing tradition. She also
acknowledged the students for their superb performance.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
