PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 24, 2007
___________________
STUDENTS FROM NEW YORK, BOSTON GATHER FOR SYMPOSIUM
What does it mean to be an Armenian living in America? How important is the
Armenian language to creating a cultural connection? How have Armenian
traditions held up over time and distances? These questions were the topic
of discussion when young Armenians from Boston and New York gathered for the
annual Khrimian Lyceum Symposium on April 14, 2007.
The students from the two Diocesan Khrimian Lyceums, six-year educational
programs for graduates of local Armenian schools, gathered at the Diocesan
Center in New York for the day-long symposium.
The day featured three guest speakers: Lucine Kasbarian, Hovhannes
Hosdeghian, and Sahan Arzruni.
ARMENIAN IDENTITY
Writer and editor Lucine Kasbarian spoke to the students about current
issues touching on language, homeland, school and dating from her
perspective as an American born Armenian. She spoke in detail about what it
really means to be an Armenian and questioned if growing up Armenian is a
"duty, burden and joy" no matter what part of the world one lives in.
"Being Armenian is the toughest job you’ll love" Kasbarian told the
assembled students and teachers.
She also distributed IndyKids, a youth-oriented publication which included
her article about the lingering effects of genocide denial. The publication
also featured Tamar Beylerian, a student in the St. Leon Armenian School of
Fair Lawn, New Jersey, who was shown in traditional Armenian costume.
"Lucine left me with a lot of food for thought," said Khrimian Lyceum
student Liana Kurkjian. "We could very much relate to her, because as
teenagers and the future of the Armenian society, it is our job to carry the
torch to the future generation of Armenians. Our culture, beliefs and
people are so strong and we must make sure it stays that way no matter
circumstances are barring down upon us."
ORIGINS OF ALPHABET
Longtime educator and scientist Hovhannes Hosdeghian spoke about the origin
of the Armenian alphabet – tracing it back to migration from the 10th
century BC, when the Urartian Kingdom developed the parent of the Armenian
language. Speaking about the times of Haig and Pel and the subtle
differences and influences that came from other peoples, Hosdeghian made a
comparative analysis with other indo European languages.
"Our language is its own and has never and will never change into another,"
student Kurkjian said in describing Hosdeghian’s remarks.
TRADITION
Noted pianist and musicologist Sahan Arzruni led an animated presentation
about the centuries old feasts and traditions that still remain in effect in
much of Armenia and other areas in the Middle East with historic Armenian
communities.
His talk of tradition touched on Navasart, the traditional celebration of
Armenian New Year; as well as the Armenian tradition of using characters
from the alphabet to represent numbers.
He also led the students in an interactive recreation of Vijag, a pagan
practice that takes place at the same time as the Feast of the Ascension of
Christ. During Vijag, flowers are gathered from seven water sources and put
in a bowl. Personal items are added to the bowl, which is covered. An item
is drawn out and the fortune of its owner is told.
Following the symposium, students from the New England Khrimian Lyceum
toured the St. Vartan Cathedral with Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the
Cathedral.
NANCY KRIKORIAN
The following month, on May 19, students from the Khrimian Lyceum heard from
another exemplary writer, Nancy Krikorian, author of the book "Zabelle."
She told students she was inspired to write because of the stories her
grandmother told. "Writing the novel was an inheritance and a debt," she
told the students as she read an excerpt from the novel. The story led to a
discussion of what it means to be an Armenian.
One of the students reflecting on her true identity said "being Armenian is
not a job." Several students also expressed the dichotomy they occasionally
experienced as Armenians integrating into American society.
Kricorian encouraged the Khrimian Lyceum students to write and told them to
feel free to contact her for writing advice.
PLANNING FOR ANNIVERSARY
Khrimian Lyceum organizers are planning a celebration for the program’s 20th
anniversary. The celebration, which will feature this year’s graduation, a
talent show, and an alumni reunion, is scheduled for June 16, 2007, at the
Diocesan Center in New York City.
Khrimian Lyceum alumni are encouraged to contact the Diocese in order to
develop an alumni network.
For more information on the anniversary celebration, or on registering for
the 2007-2008 school year, contact Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, coordinator of
Armenian Studies for the Diocese, by e-mail at [email protected] or
by calling (212) 686-0710, ext. 148.
— 5/24/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Students from the New York City and Boston Khrimian
Lyceum programs gather at the Diocesan Center in New York City for the
annual Khrimian Lyceum Symposium on April 14, 2007.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Writer and editor Lucine Kasbarian speaks about Armenian
identity during the Khrimian Lyceum Symposium on April 14, 2007.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Hovhannes Hosdeghian speaks about the history of the
Armenian alphabet to students in the Khrimian Lyceum, a six-year educational
program for graduates of local Armenian schools.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Sahan Arzruni leads the Khrimian Lyceum students in a
recreation of the Armenian traditions of Vijag during the Khrimian Lyceum
Symposium on April 14, 2007.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): Nancy Krikorian, author of the book "Zabelle," reads
excerpts from her work to students in the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum on May
19.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the St. Vartan Cathedral,
give students from the Boston branch of the Khrimian Lyceum a tour of the
Cathedral in New York City.