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 25, 2004
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IN MIDWEST, PRIMATE HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESSFUL MINISTRIES OF DIOCESE

By Jake Goshert

The programs and ministries provided by the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern) touch each Armenian differently.

For Mike Tootooian, a parishioner at the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL, a Diocesan-sponsored pilgrimage in 2001 — “In
the Footsteps of St. Gregory the Illuminator” — brought on stronger
feelings for his heritage.

“That was an inspiring trip that got me back to my roots. I actually
now can see where my ancestors came from, where my grandparents were
born, the long road they traveled to get here to America,” said
Tootooian, a second-generation American. “It inspired me to become more
involved and know more about my past.”

With a deeper commitment to his culture, his faith, and his church,
Tootooian this year helped organize a reception at the Union League Club
in downtown Chicago on October 15, 2004, to kick-off the Archbishop’s
Annual Appeal 2004.

SHOWING SUCCESS

Though it is the main annual fund-raising effort of the Eastern Diocese,
the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is about more than money. It’s primary
purpose is to expand the understanding of the role the Diocese has in
supporting the parishes and the Armenian-American community.

Through events, like the inaugural reception in Chicago, the Primate and
Diocesan leaders are meeting with faithful to speak about the successes
of the Diocese’s ministries and programs, and the efforts that
strengthen local parishes and individual families.

“It’s natural for people to be more attached to their own local church
as opposed to the bigger organization, because people have more
day-to-day contact with their own local church than with the Diocese,”
Tootooian said. “But it’s important to support both. You need the
umbrella organization. The Diocese has to make it clear just what they
can offer and what they can do to help you: to show they can offer
things that the local parishes can’t individually.”

Some of the successful Diocesan efforts funded through the Archbishop’s
Annual Appeal include:

* Spiritual growth among Armenians of all age-groups, exemplified by the
record number of seminarians studying at St. Nersess Seminary;

* An ever-growing college ministry program, which has reached out to
students from schools in New England, New York, and the Midwest, and is
reaching even further through it’s newly launched website,
;

* The growth of the Diocesan website, which is a tool used by Armenians
around the world to educate their children — and themselves — in the
faith and heritage of the Armenian Church;

* A focused effort to provide support and ideas to local parish leaders,
to help each parish become a vibrant anchor for the local Armenian
community;

* Providing expanded, multi-media resources specifically tailored for
local Armenian School and Sunday School teachers, to provide them with
better tools to teach our children.

“The Diocese is doing a lot to connect each and every Armenian family to
their faith and heritage,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Eastern Diocese. “Together our dedicated Diocese and active local
parishes are building a bright future for our beloved church. We want
everyone to know that our Diocese’s ministries and programs are here to
meet the challenges of today, and to provide the foundation for our
community’s tomorrow.”

YOU CAN HELP

The continued growth of the Armenian Church in America can only be
assured with the support of every Armenian family. From attending
services weekly, to serving as stewards and leaders of their parishes,
to supporting the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, every Armenian has a role
to play.

Donations to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal support the Diocese’s
efforts to provide parishes with tools and resources. While some people
are able to make large donations, most of the support for the
Archbishop’s Annual Appeal comes from everyday people giving what they
can to support things such as youth ministry programs, outreach to new
immigrant communities, and Christian and Armenian-language educational
programs for both children and adults.

“The Diocese does so much to keep the flames of our faith burning, from
helping educate our youngsters to providing leadership training to our
parishes,” said Oscar Tatosian, a member of the Diocesan Council and one
of the organizers of the Chicago reception. “It’s important that
everyone support these efforts to whatever level they can, by giving to
the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.”

In the next few weeks, members of the Armenian-American community will
be receiving letters from the Primate highlighting the success of the
Diocese’s ministries and programs, and asking them to support the
Archbishop’s Annual Appeal 2004.

Receptions like the one in Chicago have also been set for Boston on
December 1, the New York City region on December 2, and New Jersey on
December 10. Receptions are in the planning stages for Detroit,
Philadelphia, and Florida.

For more information or to contribute today, contact the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern) by e-mailing
info@armenianchurch.org; calling (212) 686-0710; or writing 630 Second
Ave., New York, NY, 10016.

Learn more about the Diocesan ministries and the Archbishop’s Annual
Appeal 2004 by going online to the Diocese’s website,

–10/25/04

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, with Diocesan Council member Oscar Tatosian and Fr. Aren
Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago,
IL, during a reception in Chicago inaugurating the Archbishop’s Annual
Appeal 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate gathers on Friday, October 15, 2004,
with leaders from the Chicago-area parishes at the Union League Club in
downtown Chicago to launch the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal 2004.

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