InternationalThousands mourn passing of beloved pastor Vartan Kassabian
Published: Wednesday March 25, 2009
Rev. Vartan Kassabian.
Related Articles
In memoriam: Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian
Remembering Rev. Vartan Kassabian: a moment frozen in time
Providence - Only the good die young.
It is this tenet for which Der Vartan Kassabian will be remembered in a world he refined and consecrated over the past 51 years.
Condolences poured into New England from across the country and abroad for the beloved pastor who served his church for 17 years before climbing a stairway to paradise.
Der Vartan succumbed on March 12 after being stricken at his home in Methuen, Mass., from complications due to a blood clot, marking the first time in the 50-year history of the Prelacy a priest so young has died.
Only a week before, he had undergone surgery for a broken ankle suffered in a fall; it required two pins. Despite the ordeal, his spirits remained unbroken. He showed up days later in a wheelchair to deliver a sermon at St. Gregory Church in North Andover, Mass., his parish the last six years.
Despite the anguish, he also traveled to another community 20 miles away to preside over a funeral and deliver the eulogy.
The last photo taken showed Der Vartan in his element, giving a homily straight from the gut with his hand gesticulating in the air. A second photo showed him surrounded by schoolchildren holding a "get well" sign and other messages of love.
More than anything, he enjoyed preaching to the younger generation the last Sunday of every month. If a student impressed him with an answer, he would quip, "Son, you're Der Hayr material."
No badarak was complete thanks to all those who served on the altar – from the deacons to the choir members and organist. And always words of this nature.
"Folks, every day you wake up and your feet hit the floor, consider it a blessing."
One of the very last sermons which flowed throughout the sanctuary was "a spiritual housecleaning" in which he spoke of inner peace amid outward strife in a society bereft of turmoil.
His death was premature, given the breadth and scope of his constant mission. Der Vartan was preparing for Easter, a rash of April 24th commemorations, and a summer of brisk activity in his native city of Providence, which will host the Homenetmen Games as well as the AYF Olympics in which 19-year-old son Mgo would be competing.
"Everyone thought my husband would become an embalmer or a dentist but deep down inside, he knew he wanted to be a priest," said his wife Pauline. "You're talking about a good Catholic girl. My life gradually changed. He's right there in Heaven working to make the Diocese and Prelacy one church."
Memories of Markar Kassabian as a priest wanna-be continue to resonate, from the time he played church before his grandmother and walked the streets of Providence with a Walkman to his ear, listening to a Badarak tape. He never hesitated to emulate a priest whenever the occasion arose at a public gathering.
"For the 25 years I have known my husband, never in my life did I imagine a family life like this," she added. "We've had more aunts and uncles than anyone else."
The church of St. Gregory in North Andover was standing room only as mourners filed in from throughout New England. Standing in the rear, dressed in regalia, were members of the Arakadz Lodge of Merrimack Valley.
Der Vartan was serving as "asbed" or commander of the Knights of Vartan, an untypical role for any cleric, and would have attended the national convention in Boston this July. Also on his docket was a return trip to Armenia in June.
A host of clergy from both sides of the church joined in the memorial service which brought a stirring message from Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate and personal friend of the deceased.
"He used to call and say how he used to pray for me," Serpazan brought out. "Today, I am praying for him. He was a good shepherd who devoted his mind and body to his flock. You not only lost a priest but a father who baptized your children, married your sons and daughters, and eulogized your departed ones."
Looking into the casket as if conversing with the deceased, the prelate held back his tears and described "an immaculate life" while speaking in Armenian.
"You made us a better population through your service to God and country," he said. "Rest assured, we will continue to preserve the church in a way you have manifested."
An hour later, the casket was on its way to Providence for yet another committal service, making a second wake the same day that much more burdensome for the family.
The next day, mourners began filling the pews of Sts. Vartanantz Church an hour before the funeral. Once again, Archbishop Choloyan focused on the impact Der Vartan had upon the entire Prelacy family. In each of the three eulogies, a different text was offered.
"Providence was the boyhood of his life – from the heroes to the martyrs to the virtues of our families," the prelate again noted. "He's come back home, to the altar he once served – 17 years after his ordination."
The funeral liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, vicar general, who was surrounded by Der Vartan's clergy brothers.
From there, the entourage of 100-plus cars made its way to nearby North Burial Grounds where police closed off the interstate and three entrances to Route 95.
A memorial luncheon filled to capacity took place at West Valley Inn, West Warwick, where more tributes were rendered by clergy, family, and friends.
"It was a year ago when I broke the news to Der Vartan that I was to become his successor in Granite City," said Der Stepan Baljian, referring to the Illinois parish near St. Louis, Mo. "He broke out in a wide smile and offered his ultimate support. It was a wonderful way to begin my ministry. The new edifice he helped build there is now his memorial. I was a young boy when I watched him become ordained in 1992. It was then that I decided to walk in his footsteps."
