Eulogy for Armenouhi Kololian

Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian

      We are gathered in this sanctuary to pay out tribute and last respects to a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, a dear relative and friend, Armenouhi Kololian.

      On this solemn occasion, I pray that God will comfort our bereaved friends, strengthen them and grant them His peace, which passes all understanding.

      My friendship with the Kololian family goes back to July 1960, exactly 64 years, when, as a young minister I assumed the pastorate of the Armenian Evangelical Congregational Church of Cairo, Egypt. When I think of Armenouhi Kololian’s life, in some ways it resembles the life of the Biblical character, the godly and virtuous woman described in chapter 31 of the Book of Proverbs. Who was this virtuous and godly woman? The Bible describes her as a true homemaker, a woman of dignity and strength, an altruistic outreaching person, a caring and sharing person and a God-pleasing individual.

      First, Armenouhi Kololian was a true homemaker.  She was a devoted wife and a loving mother—a gentle lady, who loved her family wholeheartedly and gave herself to their well-being, quietly, cheerfully and sacrificially. We remember her as a loving wife to her husband Kevork. Together they made a congenial team. They both created a beautiful home in which hospitality, friendship and love became beacons of communication. They raised their two children, Vahan and Nairy, in the ways of the Lord and tried to pass onto them their dual Christian and Armenian heritages. In turn, their children justified their parents’ hopes and expectations.

      Second, Armenouhi Kololian was a woman of dignity and strength. She was a woman of noble character. She exercised a profound influence over many. People recognized her innate wisdom. She was a woman of sound judgment and great heart. If dignity is measured by one’s character and function, Armenouhi had both the dignity of character and dignity of function.

      Third, Armenouhi was an altruistic and outreaching person. She always displayed a genuine and compassionate sensitivity toward others. Infused with a sense of service, she searched for ways to help her fellow humans to lighten their burden.  Side by side with her husband Kevork, they were greatly involved in the Armenian community and made a difference. They made noteworthy contributions, one of which was the founding of the Kololian School.

      Fourth, Armenouhi was a caring and sharing person. She was a generous and warm-hearted lady who radiated an inner strength that touched people. She cherished her friendships dearly.

      Fifth, Armenouhi was a God-fearing Christian lady. She had a pure heart and goodwill towards others. She was someone who lived her religion in her everyday life.

      Armenouhi will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and her memory will always be cherished by those who knew her.