PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 21, 2004
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WORKSHOP IN WATERTOWN FOCUSES ON WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Before running a marathon, you must first train. Before taking that
important test, you have to spend time studying and preparing.
The same might be said for living a Christian life: it takes
preparation and training.
Earlier this year, women from throughout the Watertown, MA, area
gathered at the St. James Church for a retreat titled “The Modern
Woman: Shaping Up For Faith; Training to Run the Good Race.” The event
was organized by “Circle of Friends” — the Watertown parish women’s
group focused on Christian fellowship and personal spiritual growth.
“The retreat was a great reminder of the practical steps we can take
to help us run the good race — that is, build a closer relationship
with Christ,” said Elaine Westermark, who coordinates the “Circle of
Friends” programs with Yn. Natasha Aljalian.
The half-day retreat on January 17, 2004, was coordinated by Elise
Antreassian, Diocesan coordinator of Christian education. It attracted
not only members of the St. James parish but women from other area
Diocesan churches, as well as from the local Armenian Catholic and
Protestant communities.
The day’s focus grew out of a conversation between Yn. Aljalian,
Westermark, Laura Purutyan, and Adrenna Antreasian, about the need for
more topical, spiritual programming for their diverse group of women,
who range in age from 20 to 70.
“We knew we were all committed to helping meet the need for spiritual
programming for women and so, with Der Arakel’s blessing, we decided
to jump in and begin planning,” Yn. Aljalian said. “We know how much
women can learn from one another and how much comfort we get from
sharing with one another, particular as women are often the ones
responsible for making Christ present in their homes and in the lives
of their families.”
The retreat began with participants getting to know each other and
sharing experiences and opinions, such as what they felt were high
and low points in the Sunday liturgy, and challenges to spiritual
growth they faced.
Participants then explored where they were going personally, by
assessing where they were in a session that covered personal finances,
relationships, happiness, and health.
During a discussion on the habits of a disciple, the group focused on
specific characteristics of Christian discipline: spending time with
God’s word by reading the Bible regularly; being prayerful in action
and attitude; being generous with the blessings and gifts that come
from God; and creating a fellowship of believers, such as the Circle
of Friends.
“The Circle of Friends has given me the outlet and resources to deepen
my understanding of life and God’s purpose,” said participant Lisa
Zeytoonian. “Everyone should have this kind of outlet.”
The Diocese conducts such retreats and seminars throughout its local
parishes for women’s groups, parish councils, couples organizations,
and general congregations.
“I am always amazed and inspired,” said the Diocese’s Elise
Antreassian, on her second visit to the Watertown women’s group.
“When people of different backgrounds, ages, and life stories come
together in the church, seeking the love of Christ in the fellowship
of one another, it feels magnificent.”
To arrange for a similar program in your area, contact Antreassian
by e-mailing [email protected] or calling the Diocese at
(212) 686-0710 ext. 57.
— 5/21/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the
Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Dozens of women from throughout the Watertown, MA,
area gathered at the St. James Church recently for a retreat run by
the Diocese and designed to enrich their personal faith.
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