Armenian Language dilemma draws positive feedback

By Tom Vartabedian

North Andover, MA --- Ten-year-old Meline Almasian doesn't have the perfect remedy to saving the Armenian Language from extinction in America.

       But she does offer a solution on how to preserve the Mother Tongue and keep it solvent.

"Go to church, hear the language spoken, and treat it like a learning lesson," she says. "If any language dies, it's only because people let it die. It's up to all of us to keep the language alive --- young and old."        Meline joined other students from St. Gregory Church in responding to a recent article coined by this writer as to why the Armenian Language might be dying a slow death in America. The article received wide circulation in the Armenian-American press and drew a fair share of response from readers.        "Part of the problem," says the youngster, "is that many Armenians don't attend church and therefore don't hear the language spoken."

       Like many of her peers, Meline attends Armenian School every Sunday at St. Gregory Church and takes advantage of a 45-minute session from her instructors, dividing her schedule with religious education. It isn't ample time for a language, considering all the distractions one might face in that given period.

In the case of Aghavny Bebirian, the 18-year-old is raised in an Armenian home where the language is spoken regularly. She tends to be quite fluent, along with her young sister Christina and feels privileged at being bi-lingual.        "It's up to our current generation to take the bull by the horns," says Aghavny. "I feel fortunate to have the ability to carry this language into the future. We owe it to our ancestors to keep the heritage alive. And the language is an important part of this heritage. To save it, we must learn it, speak it and, more importantly, pass it along to others."

       In the opinion of John Mahlebjian, the 13-year-old sees how the language has evolved over time and insists people must adapt to changes in our culture.

       "In order to keep our identity, it starts with the language," he believes. "If we can't communicate words, we can communicate feelings. If parents don't use it in the home, it's hard for their children to learn."

       In the opinion of John Mahlebjian, the 13-year-old sees how the language has evolved over time and insists people must adapt to changes in our culture.

       "In order to keep our identity, it starts with the language," he believes. "If we can't communicate words, we can communicate feelings. If parents don't use it in the home, it's hard for their children to learn."

       Armen Almasian, 12, felt the language should take precedence over other church activities and "talking with a priest."  Others like Anna Shahtanian, 10, feel it begins with the basics --- simple conversation --- then a more advanced form.

       "Our parents should speak Armenian fluently around our home so we can learn, not just hear it in Armenian School," says Anna. "Only then will our nation grow stronger."

       "A number of reasons can be pointed to the lack of Armenian," confirms Nairi Hovsepian, 15. "The fact children have grown Americanized has hurt the culture, along with intermarriages and general apathy toward the language. To save the language, it must become more of an option in schools and community life. We owe that much to our survivors and our genocide victims."

       Michael Mahlebjian, 12, points to a lack of Armenian churches with seeing the language suffer.

       "The problem rests with families who don't send their children to church or Armenian School," agrees Brett Duffy, 14. "More outside schools should teach it. I know there are many who would like to learn it."

Fallen priest’s vestments serve as memorial

By Tom Vartabedian

North Andover, MA --- It’s been two years since Rev. Vartan Kassabian succumbed at his Methuen home, ending a storied career as beloved pastor, family patriarch and community activist.

His death in March of 2009 at such a premature age (51) drew the curtain on a 17-year tenure inside two churches and marked the first time in the 50-year history of the Armenian Prelacy that one of its own so young died in the line of duty.

On March 13, during Sunday Badarak, six priests from around the country wore the vestments Der Vartan left behind as a memorial tribute to the beloved cleric. Each of them was delivered personally by his Yeretskin Pauline.

“My husband established a very close brotherhood with members of the clergy across the land,” Yeretskin Pauline brought out. “His life was full of love and friendship for his family as well as his peers and has been sadly missed. By wearing these vestments on the second anniversary of his death, a part of him remains on God’s altar to be used by his brothers in Christ.”

Each vestment was carefully boxed by Yeretskin and off she went, visiting each church and making her special delivery like a widow on a mission.

Participating pastors included: Rev. Archpriest Antranig Baljian, St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown; Rev. Stephan Baljian, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City, Ill.; Rev. Krikor Sabounjian, Metro West Church, Framingham; Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian, pastor, St. Vartanantz Church, Providence, RI;  Rev. Douglas Papulis, St. Nicholos Church, St. Louis, Ill, and Rev. Leonard Faris, Antiochian Orthodox Church, Lowell.

On that day, Rev. Kassabian’s son Mgo, a college student, also wore the vestment in which his dad was ordained as a deacon. The younger Kassabian is presently a stole bearer in the church and seldom misses a Sunday on the altar.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to wear my father’s robe,” he said. “There’s a lot of history behind this and I feel his presence with me every time I’ve worn it. It’s what he would have wanted.”

With each of the six priests, their friendships proved immeasurable, from performing religious services in each other’s churches to enjoying a lunch together, even an occasional cigar.

Der Vartan’s first parish was in Granite City which oversaw a $1.3 million renovation before being transferred to North Andover where he spent the last six years. He was ordained on July 26, 1992. A memorial shrine was consecrated in his behalf last year in the patio area adjoining the church.

“While I was going through the steps toward ordination, Der Vartan helped me along,” said Rev. Stephan Baljian. “He helped train me for my upcoming parish --- the one he also served in his inaugural year. Succeeding him in Granite City was very special for me.”

His own father --- Der Antranig Baljian --- was like an older “brother” to his late colleague. The two would often be seen socializing, if not attending each other’s Lenten services. To say their relationship was on a personal level is putting it mildly.

“He left behind a rich legacy in the church,” said Rev. Antranig Baljian. “He may be gone but his memory will always persevere. Wearing his vestment kept the pieces of my heart and soul together during a very emotional moment for me.”

Der Krikor mirrored his sentiments, calling to mind the weekly calls they made to one another and the examples they shared toward church unity, despite hailing from different religious seats.

“My prayer is that one day before I die, every altar of every Armenian Church will be open to every Armenian clergyman to celebrate the union of God’s love in Jesus Christ,” he said. “Der Vartan shared the same ideals. Our best moments were celebrating Badarak together. We had a friendship that transcended any division in the Armenian Church.”

The same could be said for Der Gomidas in Providence, a parish he inherited after leaving North Andover.

“Der Vartan and I looked up and complemented one another,” he noted. “He was raised in Providence and attended the same church which I’m pastoring now. His roots are ingrained here.”

A cigar night last year in Der Vartan’s memory netted $8,000 for the North Andover church. It will be repeated this June. In Granite City, they planted a tree. Because he left behind a vast supply of books, thoughts of establishing a memorial library are also being weighed.

“When I arrived in North Andover a year ago as Der Vartan’s replacement, I saw the pain and grief in people’s eyes,” said Rev. Karekin Bedourian. “There was a close relationship between the shepherd and his flock. Although I never met the man, it’s as if I knew him all my life. His spirit of love and piety remain constant in our church community.”

The late pastor’s death occurred four days after Der Karekin’s ordination and it’s ironic that he be assigned to the parish Der Vartan left behind.

A headline in a church bulletin seemed to say it all: “Love for all and loved by all.”

“Time to Say Goodbye”-Der Vartan Kassabian

By Greg Minasian

I started to write this article exactly a year ago today.  I was channel surfing on the television and I came across a PBS special, with Andre Bocelli and Sarah Brightman singing the beautiful Andrew Lloyd Webber song “Time to Say Goodbye.” It gave me the inspiration to write an article about my dear friend and Pastor, Der Vartan Kassabian. I wrote one page, but the pain of what occurred on March 12th, 2009, was still too difficult; so, I put down my pen, and cried internally.

Fast forward to today, where I believe I have the strength to finish what I started. What I have written below is up to the final funeral and burial of Der Vartan.

Flashback: The nightmare of Thursday March 12th, 2009… Der Vartan was housebound after he had surgery for a broken ankle 10 days ago. He had called me on Wednesday night, to share his frustration with his confinement to a wheelchair and crutches. We had become close friends since my arrival from N.J., and we spoke almost every day. He asked me to come pick him up and take him to lunch on Thursday, as he needed to get out of the house. I told him it was a date, and I would swing by after doing some chores at Church. My brother in-law Steve Mahlebjian was to join us. When I called around 11 o clock the next day to give him a heads up that we were running late at Church, there was no reply. No luck on his cell phone, or on his son’s Megerdich’s phone as well. Something inside me told me to stop what we were doing at church, and drive directly to Der Vartan’s house. After ringing the door bell and getting no reply, we found his landlord, who told us an ambulance had just taken Der Vartan minutes ago to the hospital, as he was having chest pains. I felt secure in thinking everything was ok, and knew we had to be right behind them. Steve and I never realized the urgency, and what we would be walking into just a few minutes later. I seriously just thought he had over exerted himself in getting ready for our lunch, and lost his breath, so they were just taking precautions.

We never had our lunch. I never had time to say goodbye.

The vision of being in the ER, not wanting to believe what my eyes were witnessing, Yeretzgeen Pauline and  son Megerdich  crying hysterically over Der Vartan, the nurse informing us  “He is gone”, has haunted me since that fateful day. Steve and I immediately clutched and hugged both Yeretzgeen and Mgo, but my eyes could not veer too far from seeing him on that table.

Wow, this can’t be happening, I kept saying.  I couldn’t control my own tears, but realize that Steve and I needed to be strong for Yeretzgeen and Mgo. We had to be the ones to assist in calling his relatives, clergy, and close friends for now, with this horrific news.  Close friends Richard Shahtanian and Armen Kourkounian soon joined us in this ordeal .Time seemed to stop now, everything seemed in slow motion. Der Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown arrived. We could tell he was in shock. Seeing him crying over Der Vartan, we could sense his pain. He sadly stated “I lost my brother.” I looked at Rich Shahtanian. He could not digest what was happening, and slowly his body slumped to the floor right outside the ER room against a wall, his hands holding his head, hiding his face, in obvious anguish.  Taking all this in was so difficult for all of us. How and why this was happening was the same question going through all our minds simultaneously.

For those of you who did not have the opportunity to know this special man, I can honestly say that few people like him come around us in a lifetime. He was a friend, with a wicked sense of humor and he loved life and loved to laugh. On the altar, he seemed to become a different person, and his passion for the love of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Church was evident every Sunday. His sermons were so special, relating every day experiences to what God would want of us. He seemed to touch our entire community, as he did while serving in Granite City. His following in Providence was second to none.

The week that followed after his death, up to the Church service, was tense and difficult.  We as a Board of Trustees of St. Gregory Church had a lot to deal with: respecting the family’s and Prelacy’s wishes, along with the congregations of North Andover and Providence. I was appointed point man for all communications between interested parties, a task I hope to never need to have to do again. In the end, what we pulled off to honor Der Vartan was no small feat, with many people involved. My heart full thanks to all those involved. I have to give a special thanks to His Grace Archbishop Oshagan and his Grace Bishop Anoushavan, from the Armenian Prelacy. It seemed that we had a “red phone” access to them, as they made themselves available to assist us with all the planning, with the Prelacy stepping forward and taking over many of the responsibilities. They were there for our entire parish, knowing the anguish we were going through. This would be a first for the Prelacy churches, where a serving Parish priest died while serving his community .The upcoming services would be a bit different than anyone had ever experienced.

The service at St. Gregory brought out all Armenians from Merrimack Valley, no matter what church they went to. Our church was over capacity. What was especially touching was when H.G. Archbishop Oshagan related that, yes, Der Vartan was a priest, but he was also a friend to him, just like he was to all in attendance. The Archbishop smiled from the altar as he recalled how Der Vartan would call him every morning to check up and see that all was ok with his superior, but without fail always ended up making Oshagan Srpazan laugh with an ending joke or phrase.  It truly brought out the human side of the clergy friendships that we somehow forget, just because we hold them in high esteem. Oshagan Srpazan also reminisced that when the clergy had any meeting or attended a retreat, everyone wanted to be near Der Vartan, as he made sure to get the entire group of Clergymen belly laughing with his sense of humor.

The service in Providence was equally packed, with not a dry eye in the Church.  The service was beautiful, but I believe we all were still in bewilderment. The clergy of the entire Eastern Prelacy was in attendance and involved in performing the service, and we as parishioners all witnessed a very moving, beautiful service. They did an amazing job. The prayers, the hymns, the blessing of his body, all performed by his brothers in Christ. It was a tear jerker when each clergy member, one by one, had to kiss Der Vartan farewell, kneeling down to his casket on the altar. And once again, the sermon by Oshagan Srpazan went to the hearts of all of us. The Providence community and Der Gomidas Baghsarian did a wonderful job. The church community even had the political clout to shut down Interstate Route 95 for the funeral procession to the cemetery. The cemetery service was quiet, and just as beautiful, with the singing of Gilligia.

Fast forward to today:

Our community has been resilient, as I am sure Der Vartan has wanted us to be. We were blessed by having as our visiting Priest, Der Vazken Bekiarian, who served our community unselfishly and with his own sense of spirit. We were also fortunate to have Anoushavan Srpazan visit us often, attending to his extended flock. The Prelacy made it clear from the outset that our community was their top priority. They worked hard on getting our community a permanent priest, and we are now blessed to have Der Karekin Bedourian.  Der Karekin is keenly aware of the special relationship this community had with Der Vartan, and is very respectful of it. He has big shoes to fill, but I believe he will be up to the task.

Personally, I struggle at times without my friend. I have a picture of us together right by my phone. I gaze at it, and still wonder why we had to lose him. The laughs between us formed a special bond. Somehow, some of my own laughter has gone with him. I used to kid him and Yeretzkin, telling him we were going to make a CD of all his jokes, life experiences, and impersonations, calling it “Der Vartan Unplugged.”  I lost my father this year, and I remember that Der Vartan had promised me he would travel to NY with me when the time came, as I knew it would be a difficult experience for me. I endured my father’s death without Der Vartan by my side, and once again wondered why. Now they are both together in heaven. On another note, I was recently at an ARF event where Yeretzgeen Pauline was also present. The Arev Ensemble was performing some patriotic songs, and they began to sing a song that was familiar to me. I instinctively searched the room for her, and our eyes met. We smiled to each other, each knowing exactly what the other person was thinking. Soon, her eyes started tearing, as we recalled that was the last time Der Vartan was to sing in public, at a performance with the Arev ensemble, with the exact song.

So, if you have the chance, go and listen to that beautiful song that I mentioned at the start of this tribute. The song is beautiful, and you will remember him with a smile, as a truly wonderful man. As we celebrate his 2nd year requiem service this March, and with the expected high attendance, I can see Der Vartan saying to St. Peter in heaven, with a grin on his face, a bit sarcastically, ”Is this what I needed to do to finally pack in the attendance at Church”?

Time goes by for me, but somehow I know he will always be with me. I can never say goodbye. If I am lucky, our paths will one day meet again. Until such a time, I will leave you with the words he used at the end of every Sunday service: “I want to thank you all for coming, as you are wanted, needed, loved, and validated!"

“An Armenian Thanksgiving Prayer”

By Tom Vartabedian

Let us all bow our heads in prayer on this Thanksgiving Day and offer our gratitude for bountiful health, the food we are about to partake, the welfare of our families, and for the privilege of remaining proud and conscientious Armenians.

On this day, let us join our hands in unity, offer a prayer of hope to the destitute of Armenia, bring a jolt of prosperity to a declining economy, and end the turmoil on the Azeri border. Bring our soldiers home to their families in the safety and security of their homes.

Give us the strength to bury our scruples, turn our divided churches into one, erase our political differences and dwell on common ground. Let us educate our children properly by introducing them to Armenian language, culture and history.

Dear God, bolster our communities in each and every country of the world to remain in the forefront of activity. Put our Armenians into public office, make them editors of our daily papers, give them the opportunity to chair committees and preside over influential boards. Let them be successful in whatever vocation they may choose.

An Armenian from Chile wrote to say he was disappointed in the Armenian race because his cup was overflowing with negativity --- and that Armenians were their own worst enemies. He had written a story about why he was no longer allowed to be an Armenian, tired of the fundraising, disappointed at seeing his children assimilated.

It was a sad testimony, possibly shared by others.

To all of you who are being torn from your roots, consider this on Thanksgiving Day. Had you been born to another ethnic race, would your life have been any less intriguing, involved, inspired? Surely, there are moments of intrepidation, rigmarole and disenchantment.

But there are also moments of gratitude and fulfillment. Just stand before an auditorium of young students singing their Armenian songs and reciting their poetry and you will see the future in pretty good hands.

Listen to a Badarak that’s centuries old and how it’s maintained its antiquity. Hear the language spoken in a home and you shall have your answer.

On this Thanksgiving Day, let us dwell upon our many assets, not our shortfalls, and give strength to the meek. To those who may deny their Christian heritage, find no kinship with God, we commiserate with you. Join a church. Say a prayer. Fill your heart with spirituality. It’s not such a bad alternative.

Dear God, bless every remaining genocide survivor. If only they live long enough to hear an admission of guilt by Turkey or some sort of recognition by this country in which they reside --- this country which had become their haven for opportunity and freedom.

Bless the souls that have gone before them. Let us build upon their dreams, make genocide education a component of school education so that history might not repeat itself.

On this Thanksgiving Day, let us pledge to support a charity, whether here or abroad, give what we might afford, sponsor a child in an Armenian orphanage abroad, perhaps even consider an adoption.

Let us fill our universities with Armenian Chairs, organize Armenian clubs, keep our teenagers from going astray, give them a reason to remain intact, and fill our libraries with Armenian books so others may benefit. Knowledge is power. Education is the Armenian lifeblood.

Keep the lines of communication open by preserving our ethnic press universally. Give us a voice that will echo throughout the mainstream of society, allow us the chance to create new writers and new literary giants in our midst. Let us become ambassadors for the Armenian Cause.

Dear God, let every Armenian who’s apathetic or secluded gain a new lease that will allow them to become contributing members of their ancestry --- our society. Maybe all it takes is one lecture, concert or observance. Make your time count, not count time.

On this Thanksgiving, find the sustenance to burn new energy. For those who are too involved, come back to your families. Find a sense of balance and relish the diversity. To those who are distant, pledge a new set of values. A nation will die when a good man goes astray.

No one hates a job well done. On this Thanksgiving Day, instead of putting others in their place, find a place for yourself. A lot of good would be accomplished in our Armenian world if everyone pitched in and nobody cared who got the credit.

Bless us with the goodness of life, regardless of where we might live, eat or pray. As with any banquet or feast, wait for dessert. The best is yet to come.

Amen!