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:
March 16, 2006
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NEW AVAK SEASON STARTS FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL FALL EVENTS
By Florence Avakian
The St. Vartan Cathedral “Avak” senior citizens group gatherings are in full
swing this winter/spring season. The gatherings began on January 26 after
the group’s Christmas break with a screening of the film “Yerevan” by Robert
Karapetian.
Meeting every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the participants first
attend an hour-long Bible study with Dn. Sebuh Oskerichian. That is
followed by a lunch and special program at 12:30 p.m. The “Avaks” program
is organized by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York City’s St. Vartan
Cathedral.
“Dn. Sebuh gives us understandable answers to our questions,” said longtime
Avak member Eugenie Soukiasian. “And Fr. Mardiros takes us on trips to
unique places which we enjoy immensely.”
During the fall season, a number of films, videos, lectures, and trips took
place, including a film on Armenian fashions, and a comedy video with the
incomparable Krikor Satamian. Featured musical performers and speakers
included singer Maro Partamian, police officer Stephen Ekizian, Diocesan
Armenian studies coordinator Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian, motivational speaker
Dottie Bengoian, and journalist Florence Avakian.
The fall season started with a three-day retreat at the Diocese’s Ararat
Center in upstate New York. Thirty Avaks enjoyed Bible study, fellowship,
and dinners together during the weekend. For a special treat they went
apple-picking in the glorious landscape of the Catskill Mountains.
Angel Vantzian looks forward to the Avaks gatherings on Thursdays because
she knows she will be “with friends, enjoying a good meal, and good
conversation. It’s always great fun.”
During a trip in November, more than 25 Avaks traveled to the Guggenheim
Museum to see the monumental “Russia” exhibit, featuring 19th- and
20th-century art and icons. A highlight was the powerful work by
19th-century Armenian seascape painter Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazovsky, entitled
“The Ninth Wave.”
December was another high point for the Avak members. Close to 50 Avaks
boarded a luxury bus for the all-day trip to Lancaster, PA, where they
enjoyed lunch, shopping, and a performance of the inspirational Sight and
Sound Theater’s production of “Miracle of Christmas.” On a stage which
wrapped around half of the audience, talented performers sang and acted the
timeless drama, starting with Mary and Joseph’s betrothal and ending with
the birth of Jesus.
The season ended with the annual Christmas party, which included a surprise
“grab bag” and delicious lunch. At this gathering, Maro Partamian led the
Avaks in Christmas carols and seasonal songs.
“These gatherings are a lovely initiative, because our soul gets closer and
closer to the church, which is God’s home,” said Sarkis Matosian. “The
sharing, love, smiles, and friendship are God’s blessed feeling, because
love is the unique language of all people. We have learned a great deal
about our Armenian heritage and history in a friendly atmosphere.”
For more information on the Avak gatherings, contact Fr. Mardiros Chevian by
e-mailing dean@armeniandiocese.org or calling (212) 686-0710.
— 3/16/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Motivational speaker Dottie Bengoian speaks to the Avaks
seniors group at New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral.
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