In a heartwarming celebration of heritage and unity, the Sts. Vartanantz Church Mourad Armenian School in Providence, R.I., marked Armenian Christmas on January 6, 2024, with a vibrant array of spiritual and cultural activities. The day commenced with a Christmas Badarak and the Blessing of the Water ceremony. Notably, 7th grade students, clad in traditional Armenian attire, recited the Havadamk (Nicene Creed), a testament to the school’s commitment to preserving their cultural legacy.
The day’s highlight was the honor bestowed upon Matt Burke, recognized as the Godfather of the Holy Cross during the ceremony. The religious services were followed by a Christmas Hantes (recital) held in the Aramian and Fermanian Halls, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of approximately 180 guests, including students and their parents.
Emphasizing the significance of retaining Armenian identity and heritage, Co-Directors June Mangassarian and Lala Attarian underscored the role of education and community initiatives. They brought attention to the Sister School program with the “Nor Oughi” school in Armenia, an endeavor designed to foster connections between the students and their ancestral homeland.
The Mourad School Committee Chairman, Hagop Khatchadourian, spoke on the importance of nurturing future leaders and educators within the Armenian community, resonating with the proclamation of 2024 as the “Year of Human Resources Preparation” by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Khatchadourian also heralded the upcoming 90th anniversary of the Mourad Armenian School, marking a significant milestone in its history.
The event reached its crescendo with performances by the students, including melodious songs and a piano solo. Santa’s presence, distributing gifts donated by local organizations and individuals, added an even more festive air to the celebration. The event wrapped up with Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian expressing appreciation for everyone’s involvement. The Ladies’ Guild and the Men’s Club prepared a veritable feast for the guests, with the day’s success owing much to the generous contributions from local businesses and community members.