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: [email protected]
Website:
April 22, 2004
___________________
Week of April 16 to April 22, 2004
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GENOCIDE COMMEMORATION EVENTS ORGANIZED AROUND DIOCESE
This weekend, a variety of events commemorating the Armenian Genocide
committed by Ottoman Turks during World War I will take place in
communities throughout the Diocese. New York City’s St. Vartan
Cathedral will hold a special service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday (4/24),
with a requiem at noon. A Martyrs Day Divine Liturgy will be celebrated
by the Primate at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 25, 2004, at the cathedral.
New York City’s Times Square will be the site of a massive commemoration
on Sunday, April 25, 2004, at 2 p.m.
For more information on these events, and others throughout the diocese,
click to our website’s Calendar of Events:
Check with your local parish for any other Genocide commemoration
events.
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/21/04)
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CANADIAN PARLIAMENT RECOGNIZES GENOCIDE
On Wednesday (4/21), the Canadian parliament voted to officially
recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide. The motion was adopted by
a vote of 153-68. Turkish officials called the legislators “narrow
minded”. Canada is the 16th nation to officially recognize the Armenian
Genocide. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, sent a letter to the speaker of the Canadian House of
Commons expressing the gratitude and appreciation of all Armenians
throughout the world for the decision.
“As we approach the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the
important issue of genocide remains before the whole of mankind,” the
Catholicos wrote in his letter. “Genocide can never be the solution to
the religious, social, and political conflicts of our times. The way to
prevent genocide is to recognize it. The only way to find justice for
its victims, both living and dead, is to condemn it. Genocide is not a
crime against one nation, but rather it is against man and against God.
It is the gravest crime against humanity.”
(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Globe and Mail, 4/22/04)
* * *
DN. JEBEJIAN TO BE ORDAINED AS A PRIEST
Dn. Aren Jebejian, deacon-in-charge of the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church in Chicago, IL, will be ordained as a priest by Archbishop
Barsamian during a two-day ceremony this weekend (4/24-25) at New York
City’s St. Vartan Cathedral. The Calling Service will be 7 p.m. on
Saturday, followed by a free reception. Sunday’s ordination will take
place during the Divine Liturgy, which begins at 10 a.m. and is followed
by a banquet. The public is invited to attend the services this
weekend.
For more information, click to the diocesan website:
;selmonth=4&sel
year=2004
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/21/04)
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DIOCESES JOIN WITH AGBU, ASSEMBLY AT WEEKEND CONFERENCE
Leaders of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), the
Western Diocese, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), and the
Armenian Assembly of America joined in Washington, D.C. for a weekend
conference (4/18-19) organized by the Assembly. Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, represented the Eastern
Diocese, along with Bishop Vicken Aykazian, diocesan legate and
ecumenical officer, and Diocesan Council members Sarkis Bedevian and
James Kalustian.
The purpose of the conference was to discuss issues pertaining to
Armenians, such as recognition of the Genocide, permanent normal trade
relations between Armenia and the United States, U.S. assistance to
Armenia, and American foreign policy towards the Republic of Armenia.
Archbishop Barsamian delivered the benediction during a banquet Monday
night (4/19) and Bishop Aykazian helped organize an ecumenical service
which featured speeches by Cardinal William Keeler, Catholic Archbishop
of Baltimore, MD; and Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National
Council of Churches.
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/21/04)
* * *
WORK CONTINUES AT DIOCESAN YOUTH AND CONFERENCE CENTER
Over the weekend (4/17-18), 14 volunteers from five parishes helped
renovate the diocese’s new Youth and Conference Center in upstate New
York. It was the second of three work-weekends scheduled to freshen the
look of the facility in time for this summer’s St. Vartan Camp. The
volunteers painted 13 rooms, a large hallway in one building, and began
installing shades in another building.
Volunteers are still needed for the last work weekend, May 21 through
23. Any number of people can come help. Volunteers will be able to
stay at the Ararat Center overnight while they work that weekend. For
information and to sign up, contact Karen Durgarian by e-mailing
[email protected].
Click to our website to learn more about the recent work weekend, see
pictures, and learn more about the Youth and Conference Center:
;selmonth=4&sel
year=2004
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/19/04)
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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)
* * *
SPEND YOUR SUMMER GUIDING OUR FUTURE
Looking for something to do this summer? Why not become a counselor or
staff member for St. Vartan Camp – with two sessions, running from June
27 to July 24. This year counselors and staff will be paid.
Application deadline is April 30, and camp organizers are particularly
looking for male counselors. Staff and counselors can work the full
four-week schedule or staff just one of the two-week sessions. They
must arrive at camp the day before the session starts and attend
pre-camp training, date to be determined. You must be 18 or older to
apply.
Camp organizers are also looking for hidden kitchen wizards to volunteer
in the kitchen. You don’t need to be a professional chef, just want to
have fun and like kids. Accommodations are available.
For more on these opportunities, e-mail Yn. Arpi Kouzouian at
[email protected].
(Source: St. Vartan Camp, 4/22/04)
* * *
ARMENIAN-AMERICAN SOLDIER RETURNS FROM IRAQ
John Merguerian, one of the Armenian-American soldiers fighting to bring
democracy to Iraq, recently returned from his tour of duty there. While
there, he was in contact with the Armenian community in Baghdad and
reports that they are working to rebuild their community. Click to the
Eastern Diocese’s website to read his most recent update on the Armenian
community of Baghdad, see photos of the people there, learn more about
the historic Armenian presence there, and see how you can help. Click
to:
;selmonth=4&sel
year=2004
(Source: John Merguerian, 4/19/04)
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ST. NERSESS TO HOST CLERGY CONFERENCE RECEPTION
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, NY, will host a special
reception for clergy of the Eastern Diocese next Thursday (4/29) at 11
a.m. The reception is in conjunction with the annual Clergy Conference
and Diocesan Assembly hosted this year by the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church in White Plains, NY.
You can click to the Eastern Diocese’s website for more information on
this reception and the clergy conference. Be sure to check there next
week for live updates from the Assembly. Just click to the special
Diocesan Assembly e-diary:
(Source: St. Nersess Seminary, 4/20/04)
* * *
ST. NERSESS ALUMNI TO MEET
Next Sunday and Monday (4/25-26), alumni of the St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary will meet at the seminary to discuss the status of their alumni
association. The intent of the gathering is to decide whether the
alumni want to resurrect the association. Alumni from the New York
area, California, Illinois, and Michigan will attend. For information
on the gathering and the association, e-mail alumna Nancy Basmajian at
[email protected].
(Source: St. Nersess Alumni, 4/22/04)
* * *
RI CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMS IN CANADA
The Junior Choir and the Nazeli Dance group of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church of Providence, RI, performed in Montreal, Canada, last weekend
(4/16-18) at the invitation of the Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada. Under the direction of
Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, the young singers took part in the Divine
Liturgy at Montreal’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The choir
and dance group also performed a special concert at the Armen-Quebec
Alex Manoogian Armenian School.
(Source: Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, 4/19/04)
* * *
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP TODAY
The William E. Doctor Fund (Yervant Hekimian) will give out $60,000 in
scholarships to approximately 25 deserving Armenian-American students
this year. Criteria for selection include strong academic performance,
American citizenship, financial need, and Armenian community
involvement. Applications can be obtained by e-mailing [email protected]
or calling (202) 364-1440. The fund is an independent charitable trust
administered by members of the St. Mary Armenian Church of Washington,
D.C. Applications for the fall 2004 semester scholarships are due June
30, 2004.
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) also manages
many scholarship funds created by individual endowments. For
information on those, and an application, click to our website:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 4/19/04)
* * *
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.
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
[email protected].
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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