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:

September 20, 2006
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ACYOA CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETS IN WATERTOWN

On Saturday, September 9, 2006, the ACYOA Central Council, along with ACYOA
Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian, met at the St. James Church of
Watertown, MA.

Also attending portions of the meeting were Diocesan Council members James
Kalustian and Fr. Arakel Aljalian. Julie Hoplamazian, the Diocese’s new
college ministry facilitator, also attended to share her ideas with the
ACYOA leaders and to explore ways in which she and the youth organization
can collaborate.

This was the second meeting of the council elected during this spring’s
ACYOA General Assembly.

"I have a lot of confidence in this group of young people. They’re hard
workers and have a deep sense of commitment to the ACYOA and its mission. I
think we’re going to get a lot done this year," Basmajian said.

Among the agenda items at the meeting were programming goals for the 2006-07
year which will include a regional retreat series, the Archbishop’s
Tournament (to be hosted this year by the Watertown ACYOA chapter from
October 6 to 8), the annual leadership conference, the Armenia Service
Program, a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and satellite college chapters.

The ACYOA this year also has plans to produce a new promotional brochure and
to publish several issues of its official newsletter, "Hye Hokin."

During the September 9 meeting, Central Council members also discussed ways
in which they will advance the year’s Diocesan theme: "Church and Home: One
in Spirit." The Primate has asked the young leaders to assist in recruiting
young adults to help implement and evaluate the activities being planned for
the year.

The ACYOA Central Council members are: Chair Gregory Andonian of the St.
Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; Vice Chair Ani Tovar of the St.
Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; Secretary Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary Church
of Washington, DC; Treasurer John El Chemmas of the St. John Church of
Southfield, MI; Programming Coordinator Talin Hitik from the St. Gregory the
Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL; Public Relations Coordinator Alex
Derderian of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA; and
Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, WI.

For more on the ACYOA, visit its newly-redesigned website:

— 9/20/06

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

PHOTO CAPTION (1): The ACYOA Central Council members, with Executive
Secretary Nancy Basmajian, and Fr. Arakel Aljalian, member of the Diocesan
Council and pastor of the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, after the
liturgy on September 10.

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