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: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
September 29, 2004
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ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL AVAKS GROUP RESUMES ACTIVITIES
By Florence Avakian
September starts another fall season of vibrant activities for the Avak
seniors group at New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral. Already on the
schedule is a two-day trip to the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat Center in
upstate New York, on September 29 and 30, and an all-day trip to
Lancaster, PA, to see the Sight and Sound Theatre production of “Noah,”
on Thursday, October 14.
These special outings are in addition to the group’s regular meetings,
which are held every Thursday, starting at noon at the cathedral.
During those meetings, the Avaks meet for a Bible study session, after
which the members move from the sanctuary to one of the Diocesan
Center’s halls for lunch and topical program.
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The upcoming events come on the heels of a spring 2004 season of
lectures, films, musical events, and trips, organized by Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral and director of the Avaks group.
Last spring’s activities included lectures by Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian,
pastor of the Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY; fitness instructor
Arpine Dod; journalist Florence Avakian; as well as musical
presentations by St. Vartan Cathedral choir director Khoren Mekanejian,
singers Hasmig Meikhanedjian, Maro Partamian, and pianists Jeannette
Chirikjian, and Anna Mintanciyan.
One of the past season’s high points was a visit to St. Vartan Cathedral
by the newly ordained pastor of St. George Armenian Church in Hartford,
CT, Rev. Father Gomidas Zohrabian, and the Hartford church’s senior
citizen group. After a tour of St. Vartan Cathedral, Mrs. Eojen
Sukiasian, sister of the late primate of Georgia, Archbishop Kevork
Seraydarian, presented Fr. Gomidas with a hand-engraved silver incense
holder for his parish in memory of her late brother.
Another highlight of the spring season was an all-day trip for Avak
members and guests to Lancaster County, PA. More than 35 happy campers
enjoyed a choreg and cheese breakfast in their first-class bus while
rolling through the wintry landscape. Following an all-you-can-eat
lunch, the group shopped at a massive mall, then attended a special
showing of “Behold the Lamb” at Lancaster’s Sight and Sound Theatre — a
unique musical and dramatic production presenting Jesus Christ’s
agonizing path to the Cross and the miracle of His Resurrection.
The spring season also included a happy birthday celebration for Avak
member Mary Selvinazian, a fun-filled Valentine’s Day party, and a
rollicking picnic in June on the St. Vartan Cathedral Plaza replete with
a delicious shish kebab lunch, raffle gifts, and dancing to the catchy
Armenian tunes of the Johnny Vartan band. For faithful Avak member
Araxie Chirishian, the season was one of “interesting activities,
enjoyable trips, and great fellowship”.
The fall activities have now resumed, with the Avaks meeting each
Thursday at noon for Bible study, followed by lunch and a presentation
at 12:30 p.m. For more information, call Fr. Mardiros Chevian at (212)
686-0710, ext. 53.
— 9/29/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Mrs. Eojen Sukiasian presents Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian
with a hand-carved silver sensor in memory of her brother, the late
Primate of Georgia, Archbishop Kevork Seraydarian.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The seniors groups of St. Vartan Cathedral and St.
George Church of Hartford, CT, during a joint gathering in New York
City.
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