PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: info@armenianprelacy.org
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
June 10, 2004
EASTERN PRELACY’S NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
CONVENES IN PHILADELPHIA
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN EMPHASIZES ROLE OF THE FAMILY
IN HIS MESSAGE TO THE ASSEMBLY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER, VIGEN GUROIAN, FOCUSES ON
“MARRIAGE AND FAMILY IN BRAVE NEW AMERICA”
NEW YORK, NY-The National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America (Eastern United States), met in Philadelphia
from May 19 to 21, at which time clergy and lay delegates deliberated on
future programs of the Armenian Church in America. The host parish was St.
Gregory the Illuminator Church.
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate, welcomed the delegates to the
NRA with special words of praise and thanks to the host church and its
priest, Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian.
“I have special words of thanks on behalf of the Religious and Executive
Councils and all of our parishes and faithful, to Philadelphia’s St. Gregory
Church, the pastor, board of trustees, and sister auxiliary organizations
for the hospitality they have extended us making our environment both
comfortable and enjoyable. We have heartfelt and sincere appreciation for
the St. Gregory Church community, which is one of our Prelacy’s most solid
and active communities-a community that has always been helpful and
supportive of all of our programs and efforts.”
AWARDS
Several important awards were conferred during the closing banquet on
Friday, May 21, including the “Prince of Cilicia” medal to K. Yervant
Terzian; “Person of the Year” to Mrs. Alice Sachaklian; “Spirit of Armenia”
award to Aram Hamparian; Youth Leadership awards to six local young adults;
and Certificates of Merit to eight local members in recognition of their
outstanding community service.
PRELATE’S MESSAGE
Before beginning the main part of his message, the Prelate expressed
greetings and congratulations to Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian who was
recently re-elected to a third term as Prelate of the Western Prelacy. He
expressed his thanks to Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada. He
expressed his thanks and appreciation to Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America and asked the
Diocese’s representative at the NRA, Mrs. Berjouhi Haigazian, “to extend to
Khajag Srpazan my heartfelt best wishes and love.”
In his address to the Assembly, His Eminence focused on the family which
with “its narrow and wide meaning comprises all of us individually and
collectively with a national and universal understanding.”
“Above all else,” the Prelate said, “the family is the environment that
provides identity to those living in the family, being taught and being
prepared for life. As much as that identity is the index of the genes
inherited through the centuries, it is as much the expression of that
environment, education, example, likeness, and imitation. The family gives
identity to the individual. It carves his or her personality and character.
Besides being inherited, character is also received and applied.”
The Prelate described the Armenian family as a church, and the Armenian
family as a nation. He asked the delegates to be “filled with hope and
strength to perform our obligations with love, dedication and sacrifice. If
we perform all of this with love and devotion, I am confident that the
Armenian identity will remain brilliant from generation to generation,
faithful to our Church, faithful to our Homeland and cause. We will survive
as we did for centuries through all difficulties, troubles, persecution,
massacres, and genocide.”
Before concluding his remarks, Archbishop Oshagan recalled the great
losses sustained by the Catholicate of the Great House of Cilicia during the
past five months. He recalled the achievements of Archbishop Sahag Aivazian,
Prelate of Greece; Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, the former Prelate of the
Eastern Prelacy, and Archbishop Zareh Aznavourian, noted Christian scholar,
translator and musician.
The Prelate also noted that next year, 2005, is the 90th anniversary of
the Armenian Genocide and how contact has been made with His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America, to commemorate the 90th anniversary jointly.
Finally, he had words of respect and gratitude for His Holiness Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.
As the delegates began their deliberations the Prelate prayed for God’s
wisdom and grace. “May God’s all-powerful eye watch over us, and give you
and your families good health, long life, success and happiness.”
The full text of the Prelate’s speech is on the Prelacy’s web page.
RELIGIOUS CONFERENCE
A report from the Religious Conference, which took place prior to the
full Assembly was offered by Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian. The report focused
on such topics as ecumenical relations, religious education, publications,
seminars, ordinations, clergy candidates.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT
The Executive Council report was presented by the chairman, Richard
Sarajian, Esq. He described the various achievements during the past year,
as well as pointing out the areas that need special attention.
“This year the Prelacy has strived to continue and improve the programs
of the past, add new programs as well as try to be a fiscally responsible
body. Our aim is to provide the very best services that are needed to serve
our parishes and the Armenian nation. This year we have tried to be a more
visible and vocal institution committed to religious and Armenian education.
We have hosted programs nationally and have become more accessible in our
communities. We have reached out during seminars to utilize our parishes’
talents in order to help each other. We continue to move forward with the
technology needed in this day and time.”
The Executive Council report concluded: “Finally, we emphasize that
success depends on all of us. Executive council members, or the clergy, or
the laity cannot achieve success alone. Ours is a partnership that requires
that we interact and work together. Our collective strength makes us capable
of great accomplishments in our mission to spread the word and the work of
our Lord.”
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY
PROFESSOR VIGEN GUROIAN
The Keynote Address was delivered by the well-known theologian and
ethicist, Vigen Guroian, Professor at Loyola College in Baltimore. Professor
Guroian’s address on “Marriage and Family in Brave New America; On Gay and
Same Sex Marriage,” was very timely as just days earlier there was much
media attention on the granting of same-sex marriage licenses in some areas
of the country.
Professor Guroian provided a brief history of the institution of
marriage from pagan days to the beginning of the Christian era.
“For reasons that on this occasion I can only sketch, it may no longer
be possible or permissible for the Armenian Church in the state of
Massachusetts, and no doubt soon in many other states, to cooperate or
collaborate with government in marrying persons, as has been carried on in
one form or another within Christendom since the fifth and sixth centuries.”
Professor Guroian went on to say, “In this serious challenge to our
faith there is, however, a wonderful hidden, maybe providential, silver
lining. It presents an opportunity for us as a church to recapture the full
significance of the sacrament and institution of marriage and to remind
ourselves of the difficult witness to truth that being the Body of Christ in
the world requires.” (The full text of the address in on the Prelacy’s web
page).
CONGENIAL SESSIONS
The efficient and congenial meetings were due in part to the expertise
of the co-chairmen, Jack Papazian of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, and
Artin Dermenjian, All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois. Rev. Fr. Sarkis
Aktavoukian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, was the Armenian
secretary and Ms. Barbara Baljian, of the Worcester parish, was the English
secretary.
Without doubt the extraordinary efforts of the host parish, the local
committee, and the ladies guild, were primarily responsible for the
efficient and pleasant Assembly.
The Workshops were divided into geographical regions and the discussions
focused on how educational programs can be strengthened on a parish and
regional level. The Executive directors of the Armenian Religious Education
Council (AREC), Deacon Shant Kazanjian; and of the Armenian National
Education Committee (ANEC), Ms. Gilda Kupelian, were available to discuss
the programs.
Alan Goshgarian, delegate from St. Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville,
Massachusetts, presented the results of a parish survey. The purpose of the
survey was to identify problems and limitations; explore religious
attitudes, practices and beliefs among parishioners; and to help prepare a
future course of action. The model for the survey was a survey conducted by
AREC many years ago. The presentation prompted a number of observations and
suggestions that will be useful to all parishes.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
LADIES GUILDS
Concurrent with the NRA the 21st Annual Conference of the National
Association of Ladies’ Guilds (NALG) took place. The Ladies had two days of
activities which included their annual meeting, a traditional celebration of
Ascension Day, and a dynamite presentation by sisters Sue Aramian and Margo
Aramian Ragan, and Margo’s daughter, Jocelyn. The trio talked about their
philanthropy and projects in Armenia.
ELECTIONS
As a final duty the delegates elected council members. Re-elected to
serve on the Religious Council was V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar
and Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, NY. Re-elected to serve on the
Executive Council were Michael Hagopian, St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, MI;
Stephen Hagopian, St. Gregory Church, Granite City, IL; and Dr. Dertad
Manguikian, Sourp Khatch Church, Bethesda, MD. Elected to a first term was
Mr. Hagop Khatchadourian, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, RI.
ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES
Delegates whose terms of office are up and are not eligible for
re-election were invited to address the Assembly, as did Ms Karen Jehanian,
outgoing member of the Executive Council, whose poignant message and
Armenian recitation elicited a standing ovation.
In his closing remarks, the Prelate again spoke about families. “We have
25 of our families here,” he said, alluding to the parishes represented. He
spoke lovingly of the dedication of people who serve their term of office
and who, like Karen, leave with such sadness.
His Eminence thanked the representative of the Diocese for her presence
and participation. “Our love for Etchmiadzin is genuine and sincere,” he
told her. He also thanked the representative of the Armenian Relief Society,
Mrs. N. Balanian; representative of the Hairenik Association, Mr. Zohrab
Tazian; to the Tivan of the Assembly and the entire Philadelphia community
for their exceptional love and care and especially the ladies who cooked and
served all of the delicious meals during the week.
CLOSING BANQUET
The 2004 NRA officially came to an end with the closing banquet attended
by delegates and community members. Richard Sarajian, Esq., served as the
Master of Ceremonies.
Jack Papazian, chairman of the host parish and co-chair of the Assembly,
once again welcomed everyone to Philadelphia. “We are proud to be part of
the Prelacy family,” he said. He acknowledged that it takes effort to host
an NRA and thanked the committees for their dedication. “I hope we have been
a worthy host,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of the host church, offered his thanks
“for giving us the privilege of serving you.” He expressed profound thanks
to our “super ladies guild members.”
Eight Certificates of Merit were presented to local parishioners. Glenn
Papazian introduced five of the winners: Philip D. Pilibosian, Martin
Shelengian, Ralph Jehanian, Albert Soltanian, and Jack Papazian. Rev. Fr.
Manoogian introduced, Asdghig Kazanjian, Jeanette Nazarian, and St. Gregory
Church Choir.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The Youth Leadership Awards were presented by Deacon Shant Kazanjian to:
Garen Nigon, Paul Sookiasian, Ani Jilozian, Peter Yeremian, Katrina
Selverian and Niki Arakelian, Jr.
Deacon Shant explained that the Youth Leadership Awards have now become
a Prelacy tradition. It is presented to young people who show outstanding
leadership qualities and love for the church which they receive first from
their parents and later from the Christian education they receive in their
Church. They serve as Sunday school teachers, sing in the choir, or serve on
the altar. They also serve outside of the Armenian community as volunteers
for charitable and service organizations. Many are graduates of the St.
Gregory of Datev program.
SPIRIT OF ARMENIA AWARD
The 2004 Spirit of Armenia award was presented to Aram Hamparian, the
Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America. Archbishop
Oshagan characterized the ANCA as a “very important organization,” and
described Aram as a “very humble person. I call him fedayee, because the way
he works, the time he gives, his devotion is like a fedayee. When I first
spoke with Aram he said, no I am not worthy of this award. But I tell you,
he is more than worthy and it is an honor for the Prelacy to present this
award to him.”
PERSON OF THE YEAR
Col. George Rustigian introduced the Person of the Year-Mrs. Alice
Sachaklian. “This is an easy task,” he said, “because I am going to talk
about my aunt. My late uncle, Harry Sachaklian and my aunt, Alice
Sachaklian, are wonderful benefactors who believe in the preservation of the
Armenian heritage through the Armenian Church. They were early financial
supporters of the Prelacy. They supported programs in Armenia, publications,
and clergy recruitment and training.”
Col. Rustigian spoke about one of the most significant contributions
made by the couple with the assistance of Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of
blessed memory, and that was the construction and on-going maintenance of
the Moughni Cultural Center, which has been dedicated in memory and honor of
her mother, Sophia Aghajanian Kesoyan. “Last year she established the Harry
and Alice Sachaklian Seminary Fund for clergy education. It is with pride
and honor that I introduce to you the Prelacy’s Person of the Year, my aunt,
Mrs. Alice Sachaklian.”
Mrs. Sachaklian received a standing ovation as Archbishop Oshagan read
the message of the award. Mrs. Sachaklian in her quiet unassuming way said,
“Thank you so much. May God bless all of you.”
PRINCE OF CILICIA
Richard Sarajian introduced the final honoree-the recipient of the
highest award given by the Holy See of Cilicia, Prince of Cilicia. He
described how he first met K. Yervant Terzian, a talented engineer and
tireless member of the Armenian community who used his skills to help his
nation. “The name K. Yervant Terzian is everywhere,” he said. “The support
he gives is far-reaching and he does it all without any fanfare.”
Mr. Sarajian invited Mrs. Helen Terzian to come to the podium to accept
the medal. Archbishop Oshagan first read the encyclical issued by His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I and then presented the medal to Mrs. Terzian,
telling her that he would visit Yervant tomorrow morning to congratulate him
personally. “I remember him as far back as my student days. Our church and
nation were his life.” Mr. Terzian is recuperating and was unable to attend
the banquet.
In his closing remarks Archbishop Oshagan reflected on the honorees
noting that all are dedicated to their church and nation. “We did not give
them awards; they earned them,” he said.
The 2004 NRA officially ended with the benediction and the singing of
Giligia.
VISIT THE PRELACY WEB SITE
Visit the Prelacy’s web page, , for a
photo gallery of the NRA by Bedo Der Bedrossian, full text of speeches, and
additional coverage.