PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
April 15, 2004
___________________

Week of April 9 to April 15, 2004
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ARMENIANS GATHER AT CATHEDRAL FOR EASTER

More than 1,500 Armenians from around New England gathered at St. Vartan
Cathedral for Easter services last Sunday (4/10). The celebration was
covered by a number of local and international print and broadcast
journalists. To see photos and read about Easter and Holy Week services at
the cathedral — and to see photos from Easter at the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin — click to the Eastern Diocese’s website:
;selmonth=4&selyear=
2004

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/14/04)
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HOLY FIRE CEREMONY CONDUCTED IN HOLY LAND

Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of the Easter Diocese,
represented the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem in the traditional Easter
Eve Holy Fire Ceremony last Saturday (4/10) in Jerusalem at the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher. Bishop Aykazian was the torchbearer, and accompanied
the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Irenios I into the Holy Tomb, where each lit
his bundle of candles from the oil lamp placed on Christ’s tomb.

The two then proceeded towards windows in the chapel of the Angel, through
which they passed candles out to the faithful from the Armenian, Greek,
Coptic, and Syrian Orthodox Churches.

(Source: Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, 4/12/04)
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PRIMATE TRAVELING TO CLEVELAND THIS WEEKEND

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, will be in
Cleveland, OH, this weekend, paying a pastoral visit to the St. Gregory of
Narek community. The Divine Liturgy on Sunday (4/18) will be followed by a
celebration of the parish’s 40th anniversary. The parish is located at 678
Richmond Rd. in Richmond Heights, OH.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/15/04)
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NEW PRIEST TO BE ORDAINED NEXT WEEKEND IN NEW YORK CITY

Next weekend (4/24-25), Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, will ordain Dn. Aren Jebejian as a priest. Dn. Jebejian, the
deacon-in-charge of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Chicago, IL, will
be ordained during two days of celebration at New York City’s St. Vartan
Cathedral. The events are open to the public. For more information, click
to the Eastern Diocese’s website:
;selmonth=4&selyear=
2004

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/8/04)
* * *

REMEMBERING THE GENOCIDE

Next Saturday (4/24), Armenians around the world will commemorate the 89th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turks. On
Saturday (4/24), New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral will hold a special
Martyrs Day Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. followed by a requiem service at
noon. A large public commemoration will take place in New York City’s Times
Square at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2004. Other remembrances will occur
throughout the Eastern Diocese. For more information, call your local
parish and click to the Eastern Diocese’s website Calendar of Events:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/14/04)
* * *

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GENOCIDE

The Diocese’s St. Vartan Bookstore has a variety of resources to help you
and your family learn more about the Armenian Genocide. From academic
essays to books for children to Hollywood movies, you can find what you need
on the bookstore’s website,

For a list of recommended reading on the Genocide, click here:
;selmonth=4&selyear=
2004

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/15/04)
* * *

TURKISH AUTHOR TO SPEAK AT DIOCESAN CENTER TONIGHT

The Diocese’s Zohrab Information Center and the Tekeyan Cultural Association
will host author Kemal Yalcin today (4/15). The Turkish writer’s bold new
book, “You Rejoice My Heart,” is based on interviews with survivors of the
Armenian Genocide. A free reception will follow the discussion of his
courageous book, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Center, 630
Second Ave. at 34th St. in New York City.

During the evening, Mr. Yalcin will sign copies of his new book. Also, a
limited supply is available from the St. Vartan Bookstore and can be shipped
to you signed. To buy your copy today and learn more about his book, click
to:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/15/04)
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RETREAT FOR 13-17 YEAR OLDS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

The Eastern Diocese’s Youth Ministry Program will hold a retreat this
weekend for New England’s ACYOA Jrs. — kids ranging from 13 to 17 years
old. The retreat — led by Yn. Arpi Kouzouian, coordinator of youth
outreach for the Eastern Diocese — will be in Contocook, NH, and will focus
on the idea of stewardship. The young Armenians will examine the gifts God
gave them, and how those gifts can be used in service to the church
community. For information on this retreat or to organize one in your area,
e-mail Yn. Kouzouian at arpik@armeniandiocese.org.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/14/04)
* * *

APPLY TO SUMMER CAMP TODAY

Spaces are going fast at the Diocese’s St. Vartan and Hye Camps. To save
your child’s space today, click here:

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/15/04)
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TRAVEL TO ARMENIA THIS YEAR

Traveling to Armenia strengthens your faith and dedication. If you haven’t
gone yet, there are five opportunities this year.

In June:

* Young Professionals Trip — June 12 to 26 / $2,250. Specifically designed
for travelers between the ages of 23 and 40, this trip offers a chance to
see the sights of Armenia and build life-long friendships with other
Armenian American professionals. Call the Fund for Armenian Relief (212)
889-5150.

* Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia and the Republic of Armenia —
June 17 to July 7 / $3,450. Travel to Istanbul, historic Armenian locations
in modern day Turkey such as Musa Dagh, Cappadocia, Mt. Ararat, and Ani.
Continue to Armenia to tour important historical and cultural sites. For
more information call Armen Aroyan (626) 359-9510.

* Armenia Service Program (ASP) — June 22 to July 15 / $1,980. A unique
opportunity for Armenians between the ages of 18 and 28, to help run a
summer camp in the village of Yeghegnadzor before touring throughout
Armenia. Call Nancy Basmajian (212) 686-0710.

In September:

* Women’s Guild Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 16 to 27 / $2,400. Tour
Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, ancient holy sites, and current cultural activities.
For more information call Ann Devejian (203) 838-5758.

* Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 18 to October 3 / $2,350. A
Diocesan-sponsored trip to all the highlights of Armenia. For more
information call Sidon Travel at (818) 553-0777.

To get more information on any of these travel opportunities, e-mail
info@armeniandiocese.org.

And don’t forget — you can also help fund the trip of a young person in
your parish, who will return more eager to be involved in parish life.

(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/15/04)

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress