NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Instead of “With a Little Help From My Friends”, it was “With a Little Help From My Brothers” as some 30 Knights of Vartan members representing four New England lodges spent the afternoon of January 19 in New Britain, Connecticut, to attend and for some, participate in the degree ceremonies that brought three young Asbeds into the organization.
Hosted by Gamsaragan Lodge No. 27 from Hartford, the ceremony brought together members from Hartford, as well as Ararat Lodge No. 1 in Boston, Arshavir Lodge No. 2 in Worcester and Avakasz Lodge Lodge No. 35 in North Andover, Mass. The ceremony was held at the Masonic Temple in New Britain and presided over by former Grand District Representative Thomas Dabakian. A number of out of state lodge members also participated in the ceremony, including Rev. Stephen Baljian, Pastor of St. Gregory’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley. Rev. Stephen Baljian is the son of NS Der Antranig Baljian of Ararat Lodge No. 1 and Pastor of St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown.
Prior to the Degree Ceremonies, the Knights were treated to lunch prepared by Gamsaragan Asbed John Kasparian.
Installed as new Asbeds in the Knights of Vartan were Krikor Norsigian and Rodolfo Valentini of Gamsaragan Lodge No. 27 and Andrew Kibarian of Ararat Lodge No. 1.
- David Medzorian, Ararat Lodge No. 1
