InternationalLate pastor's spirit hovers over Armenian School hantess
Published: Wednesday June 10, 2009
A scene from an Armenian School hantess at St. Gregory Church in North Andover, Mass., dedicated to its late pastor, Rev. Vartan Kassabian. . Tom Vartabedian
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North Andover, Mass. - The spirit of Rev. Vartan Kassabian proved a guiding light in an Armenian School hantess dedicated to his memory at St. Gregory Church last month.
The beloved pastor died unexpectedly this spring, shocking this Merrimack Valley community.
The schoolchildren more than rose to the occasion with an unparalleled display of music, dance, and recitation, under the devoted leadership of superintendent/instructor Sossy Jeknavorian.
"It was a very special occasion in more ways than one for our congregation," said the director. "The students all loved Der Vartan dearly. He was watching over this hantess the same way he did over the past five years."
Some 50 youngsters took part in the exercise, many dressed in costumes created by Degeen Sossy, who received able support from a cadre of parents.
Prior to the hantess, a Sunday School graduation took place in the sanctuary, also under Sossy's direction, where Yeretskin Pauline Kassabian read "a letter from heaven." The emotional text simulated an actual letter from Der Vartan in the heavens above.
Special notice was also paid to two winners of an essay contest on genocide, tendered by the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley. They are Dennis Teague, Jr., and Sonya Hovsepian, members of the local AYF. Both students were applauded for their exceptional reports.
A large and enthusiastic crowd shared in the experience.
