The Office of the Western Diocese announces with the deepest regret the passing away of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian. On behalf of the entire Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian wishes to convey his deepest condolences to the family members of Fr. Vartan. In our prayers let us beseech the Lord to welcome into His Kingdom of eternal peace and joy this tireless servant of His, and to grant consolation and comfort to all those who mourn Fr. Vartan’s passing.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, starting at 5:00 PM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Diocesan clergy will preside over the “Home Service” for Fr. Vartan at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale.

The Last Unction Rite for the deceased priest is scheduled to take place immediately after the “Home Service,” beginning at 6:00 PM, during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

In-lieu-of-flowers in Fr. Vartan’s name are gratefully accepted by St. Peter Armenian Church & Youth Ministries’ Center, 632 W. Stocker St., Glendale, CA 91202.

Please make you checks payable to the Western Diocese and write in memo section Stewardship Program (Fr. Vartan):

Western Diocese – Armenian Church

3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91504

The funeral service will be held at Masis-Ararat Cemetery in Fresno on the following day, May 7, 2009, at 1:00 PM. The funeral service will be headed by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno.

In memory of our beloved Fr. Vartan a short autobiographical piece – written recently by Fr. Vartan, who continued working hard until very recently – is included below in celebration of his long and fruitful life:

I was born at the Dardanelles on May 15, 1911.

My father died on the day that I was born.

I was a witness of the Genocide of the Armenians, and of the Massacres at Smyrna.  I survived miraculously.

During my childhood I lived in Athens, Greece, and there attended the local national school.

In 1926 we moved to Alexandria, Egypt, where I graduated from the Boghosian National High School.  I then attended the Berberian College of Cairo, from which I was graduated in 1928.

In 1932, through the generosity of the Greek Patriarch Meletios, I went to Greece, and for four years I followed the Literature-Philosophy course of study in Athens.

My teachers were the following: in the national school, Nicol Aghbalian and Levon Shant; and in the Berberian School, Retheos Berberian’s sons, Onnik and Shahan.

I served in teaching at the Boghosian, Haygazian, and Mekhitarian Schools, and as Choirmaster in the St. Boghos Bedros and the Catholic churches.

In 1933 I married Miss Zabel Tokatlian, and we were blessed with two daughters, Mary and Sonia, three grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. A few years ago my daughter Mary passed away in Freano.

I served as Principal and as Choirmaster in the natio