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: [email protected]
Website:
May 30, 2006
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GRADUATION PROGRAM SET FOR JUNE 10
For the past six years they have focused on learning the Armenian language,
faith, culture, and traditions through the Khrimian Lyceum, the Eastern
Diocese’s educational program for local Armenian School graduates. On June
10, six Khrimian students will graduate, with five more marking the
completion of the first half of the six-year program.
Students in the program meet monthly for regular classes and guest lectures
from experts in a variety of fields. Along with the program held at the
Diocesan Center in New York, a Khrimian Lyceum was also recently started in
the Boston area.
WRAPPING UP A SUCCESSFUL YEAR
The last few sessions of the New York area Khrimian Lyceum have been filled
with special speakers. Parents and other guests were invited to join the
young scholars for a symposium on April 8, 2006.
“We wanted to give students a deeper understanding of the different
disciplines of our culture,” said Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian, coordinator of
Armenian studies for the Diocese. “Plus, we wanted to expose them to
contemporary events and thinking, to see a little of the possible future for
our people.”
Using a slide show of his work, Harry Koundakjian, a photographer and
coordinator of the Middle East archives for the Associated Press, spoke
about the disasters, wars, and landmark events — including the inclusion of
the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations — that he has covered in his
career. He was followed by freelance reporter Florence Avakian, who used
her life story to encourage the students to follow their dreams in choosing
a career path.
Armenian architectural expert Kevork Khrimian spoke about the cultural and
historic aspects that shaped Armenian architecture, particularly its great
churches. Actress and playwright Nora Armani spoke about the Armenian
stage, particularly the two key centers of Armenian theater in the 19th
century: Tbilisi, Georgia, and Istanbul.
THOUGHTS FROM AN ALUMNA
During their May class, before taking their final exams, the Khrimian Lyceum
students heard from a successful alumna, Ani Nalbandian, who spoke about her
self-published book “Polis: A Way of Life.”
She spoke about how the lessons she learned at the Khrimian Lyceum helped
strengthen her identity.
GRADUATION
Six students will graduate this year during a ceremony at New York City’s
St. Vartan Cathedral at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Five others will go
through the azkatroshn ceremony marking the completion of half the program.
During that ceremony, each student will be joined by sponsors who pledge to
support them in their education.
For more information on next year’s program and how to register your
children, contact Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian by e-mailing
[email protected] or calling (212) 686-0710 ext. 48.
— 5/30/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Photo-journalist Harry Koundakjian presents a photo of
the rising of the Republic of Armenia’s flag at the United Nations to
students at the Khrimian Lyceum symposium at the Eastern Diocesan Center on
April 8, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Journalist Florence Avakian with the young students at
the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Kevork Khrimian speaks about Armenian architecture
during the Khrimian Lyceum symposium on April 8, 2006.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Students in the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum program listen
to Nora Armani speak about Armenian theatrical traditions.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): Khrimian Lyceum graduate Ani Nalbandian speaks about the
power of young people during the last day of class for the 2005/2006 school
year.