Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church
Keghart Fall Edition
Armenian Publications in Social Studies
The link below is to an article that appeared in a journal for midwest social studies educators, written by George Dalbo, Talene Kelegian, Armen Hadjinian and John C. Savagian. It was based on a presentation given at the WI Council of Social Studies annual conference in March 2024. The publication asked several presenters to put the presentations to paper.
George Dalbo, the GenEd fellow, led the article effort.
Click the title below and be sure to read pages 28- 37 of the article:
Powerful Teaching and Learning of Social Studies
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From the Archives
Obituary of John Kaishian
February 17, 1934 – May 14, 2026
John Kaishian, a visionary entrepreneur, devoted family man, and proud member of the Armenian community, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026. Born in West Allis, Wisconsin, John was the youngest of eight children and the second of a pair of twins. His father, Yeghia, emigrated from Tomarza, Anatolia, in 1911, and his mother, Armenouhi, was a survivor of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. From his earliest years, John faced numerous challenges, including congenital disfigurements and hearing difficulties, yet he transformed obstacles into opportunities—a trait that defined his life.
John’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged at age six, selling ears of corn from his father’s yard, later becoming a paperboy, bicycle mechanic, and auto mechanic. At just 15, he built his own race car and set track records at area speedways before obtaining a driver’s license. He went on to promote and own multiple speedways, including Hales Corners Speedway, becoming America’s longest single-owner speedway operator. John served as president of Wisconsin Auto Racing Inc. and was inducted into the United States Auto Club (USAC) Hall of Fame.
Beyond racing, John founded Midwest Bleachers, supplying stadium-style seating across more than 20 states. A skiing enthusiast, he transformed unused land in Greendale, Wisconsin, into the Crystal Ridge Ski Area and the Rock Sports and Entertainment Complex, personally shaping the landscape to provide recreation for youth and adults alike.
John was deeply committed to his Armenian heritage and faith. He was a lifelong member of St. John Armenian Church, active in the choir, and a past commander of the Cilicia Lodge of the Knights of Vartan. With his wife Lynn, he generously supported church activities, donating equipment, the church hall in memory of his father, and stained glass windows illuminating the altar. For three decades, John and Lynn shared their 50-acre lake property for the Midwest Regional Hye Camp, earning the Hye Camp Gratitude Award, the St. Nersess Pontifical Shield, and Armenian Church Member of the Year in 2026.
Family was John’s greatest pride. He and his wife Lynn celebrated 67 years of marriage, raising five devoted children. He is survived by Lynn, daughter Kathleen, son Fr. Sahak (Michael), son James, daughter-in-law Lana, grandchildren Jacob, Michael Andrew, and Max, twin sister Jennie Boranaian, and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Yeghia and Armenouhi, siblings Zabel, Shakey, Garabed, Johnnie, Michael, and Mesrope, and children Peter and Kenneth, and daughter-in-law Tammy.
John’s warmth, engaging smile, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He touched countless lives, enriched the community, and made the world a better place. His legacy of family, faith, and vision will be cherished and remembered by all who loved him.
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With deep sorrow and profound regret, the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America wishes to inform its leadership of the death of the Reverend Fr. Arsen Avak Kahana Barsamian, who passed away on June 12, 2026, at age 94.
In the course of 66 years of priestly service, Fr. Arsen’s ministry touched generations of our faithful people. Born Steven Barsamian on April 6, 1932, in South Milwaukee, WI, he discerned a calling to the priesthood at a young age, setting aside a promising future in music to devote his life to the service of God and the Armenian Church. Through the generosity of benefactors and the guidance of church leaders, he pursued theological studies at the Catholicate of Cilicia in Lebanon, at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and at several American institutions of higher learning.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1960 by Archbishop Sion Manoogian, Fr. Arsen served Armenian communities in Milwaukee, WI; Waukegan, IL; West Allis, WI; Richmond, VA; and Watertown, MA. Throughout those decades of ministry, he was joined by his beloved wife, Yeretzgin Varteni, whose warmth, kindness, and devotion enriched every parish they served. Today as we remember Der Hayr, we also bless the memory of his dear wife of 54 years. Together they raised three children and became cherished friends and spiritual companions to countless faithful.
Many will especially remember Fr. Arsen's long ministry at Watertown’s St. James Church, where he served alongside the late Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian. The two priests formed a remarkable partnership. Fr. Dajad was known for his outgoing personality and energetic leadership, while Fr. Arsen's gifts were quieter but no less profound. Gentle, thoughtful, and deeply pastoral, he connected with people on a personal level, offering wise counsel, compassionate friendship, and a calming spiritual presence.
He also embraced the role of teacher and author, dedicating himself to helping Armenian Christians rediscover the richness of their spiritual heritage and cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in their daily lives. Through his books, articles, and pastoral guidance, he offered comfort, inspiration, and a vision of faith marked by dignity, peace, and devotion.
The family has written an overview of Der Arsen’s faithful life, which can be read here.
Funeral arrangements for Fr. Arsen Barsamian are as follows:
Visiting hours will be held at St. James Armenian Church (465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA) on Thursday, June 18, from 4 to 7 p.m., with the dahn gark (wake) service at 6:30 p.m.
The Divine Liturgy and Final Anointing will be held on Friday, June 19, at St. James Church, beginning at 9:30 a.m. As Primate I will preside over the service. Burial will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery.
Clergy wishing to participate in the services should contact Fr. Arakel Aljalian through the church office, at (617) 923-8860.
Memorial donations in remembrance of Der Arsen may be directed to the following churches: St. James Armenian Church (465 Mount Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472); Holy Resurrection Armenian Church (P.O. Box 143, South Milwaukee, WI 53172); and St. James Armenian Church (834 Pepper Ave., Richmond, VA 23226).
The karasoonk (40th-day memorial) for Der Hayr should be observed on Sunday, July 26.
May our Lord grant rest to His servant Der Arsen Avak Kahana Barsamian, and remember him on the great day of His judgment. With the words of Holy Scripture, we pray: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants” (Psalm 116:15).
Prayerfully,
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
Primate
