More than 630 people turned out for a banquet in honor of Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsian, pastor of St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence Sunday at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. He is retiring after serving as the church’s pastor since Oct. 1, 1999. Fr. Gomidas was cheered as he and a procession of church dignitaries entered the banquet tent. In remarks before the ceremony where he was greeted by Mayor Scott Avedisian, Fr. Gomidas said he is uncertain what he will do in retirement. “God opens the next chapter when he closes this one,” he said. Fr. Gomidas has served at the mayor’s inaugural ceremonies. On Sunday the roles were somewhat reversed as the mayor brought the greetings of the city. (Warwick Beacon photos)