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:

August 16, 2005
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LONGTIME EDUCATOR TAKES REIGNS OF SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

By Jake Goshert

Growing up in an Armenian household in Lebanon, Gilda
Buchakjian-Kupelian knew her ayp, pen, kim before nursery school.
Today in America, with third- and fourth-generation Armenian Americans,
she sees an uphill battle passing along the Armenian language to the
next generation.

But it’s a battle that must — and can — be won.

“Although it’s hard to get people interested in learning Armenian,
because our language isn’t being used every day, we need to be reminded
that we are Armenians, Armenia is our country, and our official
language is Armenian,” said Buchakjian-Kupelian, who started as the
new Armenian Studies coordinator at the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern) on August 8. “Our faith and language and culture
have been transported to us through many hardships. Our forefathers
came to this country, and with every church they built a school,
so our language and culture would continue.”

Buchakjian-Kupelian majored in English and political science at
Lebanon’s Haigazian University, also earning a certification in
teaching, before coming to the United States. In America she started
volunteering as an Armenian language educator before spending 10
years overseeing the Armenian language program at the Eastern Prelacy.
She received her master’s degree in education administration.

“Teaching is one of my passions,” said Buchakjian-Kupelian, who proudly
adds that her three daughters are fluent Armenian speakers. “I believe
in the mission. It is important to transmit our language to the next
generation so we anchor them to our culture and heritage. When they’re
anchored to their culture, children grow up better citizens of the
world, because they have values and traditions instilled into them.”

In her new position, Buchakjian-Kupelian will oversee areas such as
curriculum development, teacher training, and student enrollment of
local parish Armenian schools; adult programs and special Armenian
heritage educational efforts; and the Armenian education content of
the Diocesan website,

While the Diocese has a strong program in place, Buchakjian-Kupelian
looks forward to expanding on that success through technology, extra
teacher training, and the creation of materials that speak to today’s
young students. “With effort on our part and support from the community
we can increase interest in Armenian Studies,” she said.

Buchakjian-Kupelian takes over the program guided for more than 30
years by Sylva der Stepanian.

“While no one can replace someone uniquely qualified and dedicated
as Sylva, it’s encouraging to see both she and Gilda share a love of
the Armenian language and faith,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Eastern Diocese. “Gilda is not only a gifted educator,
but also a proud Armenian. I look forward to working with her to
further enhance our rich Armenian Studies program.”

SIGN UP FOR ARMENIAN LESSONS TODAY

Many local parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese will be starting
the school year for their Armenian language programs for young people
and adults next month. Check with your local parish to see if they
have a program. If your parish does not have a language education
program, please contact Buchakjian-Kupelian for information on
establishing a school in your area. She can be reached via e-mail at
gildak@armeniandiocese.org or via phone at (212) 686-0710 ext. 48.

— 8/16/05

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian brings more than 10
years in Armenian language education and a life-time of passion for
the Armenian culture to her role as coordinator of Armenian studies
for the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).

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