Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Dustin Vartanian
Staff Writer
The celebration of the Battle of Avarayr, and of General Vartan Mamigonian commanding his faithful army and fighting against the Persians continues to this day. The Armenian Apostolic Church annually celebrates this fifth century battle for religious freedom on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. General Mamigonian died in the Battle of Avarayr, but was recognized as a Saint by the Armenian Church.
Not only is St. Vartan and Vartanantz celebrated annually, but the battle for defending the Christian faith inspired the creation of an organization named in honor of St. Vartan. The Knights of Vartan is a nationwide fraternity that was established in 1916 in the United States, immediately after the beginning of the Armenian Genocide. It is dedicated to the preservation of the Republic of Armenia and the perpetuation of the cultural and historical traditions of the Armenian people by promoting various social, charitable, and educational functions.
According to Steve Adams, the commander of the local Knights of Vartan Yeprad Lodge, the Fresno chapter was established in 1918.
The Armenian people in 451AD and the Armenians in 1915 found themselves in a similar moment in history. “In 451 the Armenian people probably felt they were about to be destroyed by the Persian forces or at least would face forced conversion of their faith. They would therefore lose their identity. In 1915, the founding fathers of the Knights of Vartan probably had the same feeling, watching the destruction of our homeland and people. Vartan Mamigonian was seen as the defender of the Armenian People and defender of their Christian faith,” said Adams, who also serves as a Deacon in the Armenian Church.
The Knights of Vartan has taken on the responsibility of organizing an annual Vartanantz event. In the Central Valley, the location of the event changes every year, rotating between the major churches. The date for Vartanantz changes every year because the celebration is tied to Easter.
This year’s commemorative event was held at St. Paul Armenian Church on Thursday, February 28, and began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Yesai Bedros, pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church. Father Yeghia Hairabedian, St. Gregory Fowler; Rev. Nerses Balabanian, Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church; Rev. Greg Haroutunian, of First Armenian Presbyterian Church; and Father Zaven Margosian of St. Mary Armenian Church, Yettem, participated in the service.
Spiritual messages on the significance of the commemoration were delivered by Rev. Haroutunian and Fr. Margosian. After the homilies, students of the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School performed in the St. Paul Berberian Hall. Students prepared a tableau of the Armenians at Vartanantz, with the students reciting and singing songs in honor of the day. At the conclusion of the evening the Knights and Daughters of Vartan sponsored a reception for everyone to enjoy.
Ultimately, the Vartanatntz celebration is a reminder to Armenians to keep the faith no matter the circumstances.
The physical aspects of a people can be destroyed, and never seen again, but in the words of the 5th c. Armenian historian Yeghishe, who chronicled the battle of Vartanantz, “Death, not comprehended is death; death perceived is immortality.”