ARCHBISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL 2004 SHOWCASED DURING GATHERING OF
BOSTON-AREA PARISHIONERS

BOSTON, December 9 (Noyan Tapan). On Wednesday, December 1, more than
70 Armenians from local parishes throughout the Boston area attended a
reception, during which they were introduced to the Archbishop’s
Annual Appeal 2004 and the future plans of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern).

According to the Press Office of the Diocese, the reception, hosted by
The Guleserian Family at the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Cambridge,
MA, was one of many regional receptions being organized to give
parishioners a chance to meet with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate; members of the Diocesan Council; and representatives from the
Diocesan staff.

The evenings are a chance for parishioners to get a better
understanding of what the Diocese does to further the Armenian
Christian faith, and why donating to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal
2004 makes a difference.

“People appreciated the Primate’s presence there, and the ability to
ask questions,” said John Amboian, vice chair of the Diocesan Council,
who attended the reception. “And they came away saying it was very
informative. They really learned how those funds will be
utilized. Some people think, when they give to something like the
Archbishop’s Annual Appeal that it will be used to pay rent or
utilities. But the point is that’s not right. We’re using those funds
to expand our programs and ministries that serve our parishes.”

The discussions on Diocesan programs and ministries focused on efforts
targeting six areas: building a better understanding of our faith,
engaging young people, supporting emerging Armenian communities,
providing continuing education and leadership training for clergy and
lay leaders, finding new ways to communicate with every Armenian, and
building a foundation of stewardship in all our parishes.

Christopher Tashjian, a member of the Armenian Church Youth
Organization of America (ACYOA) Central Council, told the attendees
how he personally has benefited from programs and ministries operated
by the Eastern Diocese thanks to the continuous support of the
Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.

The reception is just one of several planned throughout the Diocese
this winter. The Primate and Diocesan leaders already met with
parishioners in Chicago. They will gather in New Jersey on December
10; at the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, on December 16;
and at the St. John Church in Southfield, MI, on January 20. Other
events are being planned.

“We want to meet with the faithful and answer their questions and hear
their suggestions,” said Archbishop Barsamian. “We want to show them
how the Diocese, thanks to their support, is working to make the
Armenian Church a vital part of each Armenian’s life.”

The receptions are not just for donors, but are open to every
Armenian.