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:

October 15, 2004
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SUNDAY SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS FROM SISTER CHRUCHES SHARE IDEAS

On Saturday October 9, 2004, Christian educators from all five Oriental
Orthodox churches gathered for a meeting at the Eastern Diocesan Center
in New York City.

The meeting had several goals. One was to learn about each tradition
and produce resources to teach Sunday School teachers about our sister
churches. The educators also worked on ways they could support one
another’s education efforts by drawing on successes, exploring similar
challenges, and working together on joint projects.

Another goal of the day-long meeting was to create an Oriental Orthodox
identity and presence in Sunday Schools, by cultivating relationships
between parishes and educators.

“This is so remarkable,” said Fr. Anthony Deluca, a representative of
the Malankara Church. “I don’t think the Oriental Orthodox churches
have ever been together in one room for this specific purpose before.”

The meeting was organized by the Standing Committee of Oriental Orthodox
Educators, and the participants will continue to define precise
objectives and plans each church can implement. They decided their
first task would be to create an information booklet outlining the
history, traditions, and demographics of each of the Oriental Orthodox
churches — Armenian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Malankara, and Syrian.

The group will also plan a larger pan-Oriental Orthodox Sunday School
event for next year.

Representing the Armenian Church was Elise Antreassian, Diocesan
Christian education coordinator. She was joined in the meeting by Rev.
Dr. Anthony Deluca and James John both of the Malankara Church, Linda
Khoury of the Syrian Church, Hany Saleeb of the Coptic Church, and Dn.
Sayefa Selassie of the Ethiopian Church.

— 10/15/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Christian educators from the five Oriental Orthodox
churches gather at the Diocesan Center in New York City for a historic
gathering focused on combining efforts to educate our faithful.

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