In memoriam: Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian

Published: Wednesday March 18, 2009

Rev. Vartan Kassabian. North Andover, Mass. - Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate, the clergy, and the Religious and Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America announced with sorrow the sudden passing of Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, on Thursday, March 12, at his residence.

Der Vartan (baptismal name Markar) was born and raised in Providence. He attended Rhode Island College and Providence College, where he studied theology and religion. He completed his studies in Armenian Church history and liturgics at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Antelias, Lebanon. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 26, 1992, by the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. He first served at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Granite City, Illinois, from 1992 to 2003. At the time of his death, Fr. Vartan served as pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Massachusetts.

A memorial service will take place on Tuesday morning, March 17, at St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, 9 to 11 a.m.

The funeral vigil will take place on Tuesday, March 17, at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, 4 to 8 pm, with services beginning at 7 p.m.

Extreme unction and the funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, March 18, at Sts. Vartanantz Church, at 10 a.m., under the presidency of Archbishop Choloyan. Burial will follow at North Burial Grounds in Providence.

On behalf of the clergy, church organizations, and faithful, the Prelacy extended heartfelt sympathy to Yeretzgeen Pauline, their children, and all family members.