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:

May 19, 2006
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CLERGY GATHER FOR ANNUAL DISCUSSIONS

Clergy from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern) gathered for the annual Clergy Conference from May 1 to 4, 2006,
at the Star Lodge Resort in Bloomingdale, NJ.

“This is also an opportunity for the clergy to gather in prayer and
strengthen the bonds between each other by sharing our experiences with each
other,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate. “It is a wonderful
opportunity to learn from each other.”

The Primate, presided over the gathering of 43 clergymen from the Eastern
Diocese, Fr. Zareh Zargarian, a representative of the Canadian Diocese, and
two visiting clergy from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Fr. Zaven
Yazijian and Fr. Baruyr Avedisyan, who spoke about the continued renewal and
growth of Christianity in the Republic of Armenia.

“The faith in Armenia is finding its footing, rooting itself again in our
brothers and sisters of the motherland,” the Primate said. “And these young
clergymen are examples of how Armenians are reawakening to their faith.”

A message from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, was also read to the clergymen. Later, the Primate expressed
gratitude to the Catholicos for sending his annual message of encouragement
and blessings to the clergy.

“This is again a connection that binds us as servants of the same Apostolic,
Orthodox church,” the Primate said.

He also spoke with the clergy about the Diocesan theme for the next year:
“Church and Home: One in Spirit.” The theme was introduced by Diocesan
staff, who asked the clergy for ideas and suggestions for programs to build
that united spiritual life in Armenian families. The clergy will meet again
with Diocesan staff on June 6 to further this discussion.

Along with discussing programming ideas, clergy also heard from three
distinguished panelists who spoke on the theological and pastoral traditions
of the Armenian Church in relation to suicide. Speaking were Fr. Krikor
Maksoudian, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and Dr. Carlo Bayrakdarian, a geriatric
psychologist.

The conference was co-chaired by Fr. Haigazoun Najarian and Fr. Untzag
Nalbandian, with Fr. Shnork Souin and Dn. Levon Giragosian serving as
English and Armenian secretaries respectively.

— 5/19/06

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Clergy at the 2006 Clergy Conference discuss various
issues and proposals during the four-day event from May 1 to 4, 2006.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, the newest priest of the Diocese,
celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ,
during the close of the Clergy Conference.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Clergy from throughout the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern) gather for the Clergy Conference, which ran from
May 1 to 4, 2006.