PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: info@armenianprelacy.org
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2006

ST. GREGORY OF DATEV INSTITUTE
CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

NEW YORK, NY-It all started more than twenty years ago thanks to a visionary
Archbishop and a nucleus of dedicated priests. It evolved through the years
and adapted to the needs of the Armenian American community, and this year
the St. Gregory of Datev Institute commemorated a milestone with the
celebration of the 20th anniversary of what now is a popular youth-oriented
summer program.
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, a banquet to mark the two
decades of Datev took place on July 8 at the Holiday Inn in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, nearby the retreat center where the Institute holds its summer
sessions each year. The Datev Institute is sponsored by the Eastern
Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).

SECURING THE FUTURE
Mr. Hagop Kouyoumdjian served as the honorary chairman of the 20th
anniversary commemoration and chairman of the fundraising committee. Mr.
Kouyoumdjian and his wife Ica, dedicated supporters of the Armenian Church,
are especially devoted to youth programs. Mr. Kouyoumdjian’s efforts on
behalf of Datev made possible the establishment of an endowment fund
specifically for Datev. It is the hope of the Prelacy that this fund will
continue to grow ensuring the future continuity of the Datev program. (See
accompanying story about this year’s Datev program).
The gala celebration was attended by the seventy Datev students who
attended this year’s program, along with many alumni, clergy, and friends
throughout the eastern region of the United States and Canada. The master of
ceremonies for the evening was the director of the Institute and Vicar of
the Prelacy, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who had just returned
from Lebanon where he received his Episcopal consecration by His Holiness
Aram I.
Jeanette Nazarian, chair of the program committee, welcomed the guests.
As the first female student to attend the Institute, she provided background
and insight into what makes this program so special for the Armenian
American community. "The Institute has provided Armenian American youth with
not only a stellar education in Christian faith, but also a friendly
environment in which to grow and nurture relationships that last a
lifetime," she said.
In his remarks, Bishop Anoushavan provided a brief history of the
Institute and thanked all those who contributed to its success. He noted:
"The Institute was established in 1987 by His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, of blessed memory, as a training program for altar servers. In
1990, the Institute opened its doors to female participants, particularly
those involved in the various ministries of the church. Within a few years,
in an effort to meet the spiritual needs of various segments of our
communities, the Institute accepted all youth interested in learning more
about the Armenian Christian faith. By the mid-1990s, the Datev Institute
modified its goals and objectives, and evolved into a full-fledged
youth-oriented program. With the election of a new Prelate in 1998 this
impetus continued and we are proud to say that under the leadership of our
Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, the Datev program is one of the most successful
programs of the Eastern Prelacy."

SPREADING THE NEWS OF DATEV
The history of Datev was told in words and images through a 20th
anniversary booklet written and designed by Melissa Selverian, and an
audiovisual presentation prepared by Datev alumnus Mikhail Mekaelian.
Interspersed in the 32-page booklet amongst the text and photos were
"Spotlights on a Datevatzi," bringing to life the thoughts of graduates of
the program. Looking through the booklet one gets a good sense not only of
Datev’s past, but its bright future as well. The booklet was distributed to
everyone attending the celebration, and sent to all donors and friends of
Datev.
The audiovisual presentation provided everyone a delightful retrospective
on the past twenty years of the program. The audience-especially all of the
Datevatzis-looked on as the fond memories of the great friendships forged
and positive experiences with students and instructors were recalled. Two of
those instructors-Haroutiun Misserlian and Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian-spoke
about the memories they cherished. Two Datev alumni, Dn. Jack Karakelian
(class of 1991) and Ms. Mary Gulmezian (class of 2004), reflected on their
experiences and what the Institute has meant for them.
The musical portion of the evening included hymns by a choir of Datev
students under the direction of Dn. Nishan Baljian, and a violin interlude
by a current Datevatzi, the talented Arpi Shetilian.
Following the various presentations, Archbishop Choloyan spoke to the youth.
Directing his words to them, His Eminence spoke about the importance of
communicating their newly acquired knowledge to their respective
communities. He encouraged all to return to their communities with new
motivation to participate in the life of the church.
"Amongst all of the programs of the Eastern Prelacy," His Eminence said,
"the Datev Institute has a unique position and role. The Institute is where
our young generation receives its vital instruction in language, religion,
liturgy, and history-all of which augments the attentive participation of
our younger generation in the life of our church and nation. The Datev
Institute deserves everyone’s wholehearted support. We are confident that in
the future the roots of Datev’s mission will be further strengthened in its
fertile soil."
Before concluding, His Eminence expressed his thanks to Bishop
Anoushavan, the director of Datev, to the guest lecturers and faculty,
especially Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council (AREC), and the many volunteers. "We pray that the
protective arm of Almighty God will stretch over and protect the Institute,
the administration, the teachers and students so that through their service
to our Lord they will enjoy the grace and happiness of the spiritual growth
of our people," said the Prelate.
Evening entertainment was provided by the wonderful sound of the Aravod
Band, which includes several Datev alumni. The popular musicians donated
their services as a token of their esteem for the Datev program.
Current and former students celebrated the 20th anniversary of Datev with
renewed resolve to give the Datev program the support that it richly
deserves.
For more information about the Datev Institute, visit the Prelacy website
at

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