News » Philanthropist, Architect Vartkess M. Balian Passed Away
Philanthropist, Architect Vartkess M. Balian Passed Away
Published on Aug 19 2008 by Divan of the Diocese
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, traveled to Washington D.C. this past weekend to participate in the funeral for Architect, Developer, Builder, Patron of Arts, and Philanthropist Vartkess M. Balian. He died on August 3, 2008, in Arlington, Virgina, at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer. Vartkess Balian dedicated his life to serving his family, his church, his nation, and his Armenian heritage, always with dignity, humility, kindness, and generosity. During the eulogy and prayer service on August 15th, His Eminence in part offered the following remarks in English in remembrance of the deceased: Dear Mrs. Rita Balian, beloved sons, family members and friends of Vartkess. The words that I will be reading from the Prayers of St. Augustine certainly mirror the spiritual life of Vartkess, who has lived a dignified life, a life with God, a life in walking with God – guided by His divine providence and laid-out path – intensifying God’s presence in his life: “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my moments and my days let them pass in endless praise. Take my eyes and let them see souls that may be saved for Thee. Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love. Take my voice and let me sing prayers and praises to my king. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee. Thus my life will truly be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”For all of us who have known Vartkess closely can make the clear statement that he truly understood the depth of the mystery of God’s gift of life and its transformation to light through the living faith and humble service. Vartkess has lived a life of service and dedication, guided by the most sacred values that we all strive to live up to. The journey of his life has been most inspiring and fulfilling. In his years of childhood, in his years of education, through his vision of the creation of a holy Armenian Christian family, in his professional life, in his community activities and leadership he has shown wisdom and love, and the vision of excellence. As we learn the steps of the journey his life, we then clearly see that he saw the rewards of his labor through the love and respect of his beloved wife and sons and grandchildren.Tonight we offer to God prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of his life – a life which has touched the hearts of many and has enriched the minds of those who strive for wisdom. Words will make no justice to give the necessary appreciation to the scope of the successful missions that he has achieved and accomplished for humanity led by the love of God. His presence has spread peace and love among others. His love and dedication for Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the people of Armenia has been the mission of his life. Tonight we offer our prayers to God to reckon his soul amongst the abode of the heavenly saints. We also offer prayers of thanksgiving for the unwavering love, care and support offered to Vartkess during his most difficult times by his beloved wife Rita and the closest ones.Rejoice my dear faithful for Vartkess continues to be with us with his unique smile, extending to us all the hope of everlasting, eternal life and conveying to us all the message of St. Augustine:“First give thyself to God: then to the work God gives thee to do.”
