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: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
July 24, 2007
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DIOCESAN KHRIMIAN LYCEUM PROGRAM MARKS 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH TRIBUTE TO
NAMESAKE
One by one the students came forward to the front of New York City’s St.
Vartan Cathedral. As the teens approached the altar, their Azkahayrs and
Azkamayrs reiterated a pledge that they would continue their study of and
work for the Armenian Church. The powerful pledge was but a part of the
Azkatroshm graduation ceremony of the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum program.
The Khrimian Lyceum is a six-year course of study offered to graduates of
local Armenian Schools. Students study the Armenian faith, language,
heritage, and art. This year’s service marked the 20th anniversary of the
program, which in the past few years expanded to Boston with plans to grow
into Chicago.
It was also a celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the passing of
Catholicos Mgrdich Khrimian, the program’s namesake, and his contributions
to the Armenian Church and nation.
HONORING SUCCESS
During the graduation ceremony presided over by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian
and held at New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral on June 16, 2007, 11 young
students were honored. Also joining in the celebration was Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, dean of the cathedral.
"These students represent our future. Their dedication and devotion to our
faith and heritage will help strengthen our culture," said Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern). "The goal of this institution is to bring Armenian students
together to inspire and strengthen their hearts."
Each student rose to address the assembled friends and family, showcasing
their mastery of the Armenian language, before they themselves were honored
in tributes by Khrimian Lyceum teachers Shake Kadehjian and Janet Demirozu.
"As we mark 20 years of the Khrimian Lyceum, we thank our primate and the
teachers and the past director who have contributed to the religious and
cultural education of a generation of young Armenians," said Gilda
Buchakjian Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian studies at the Diocese.
"Through programs such as the Khrimian Lyceum, we’re encouraging young
Armenians to remember what distinguishes us Armenians from others. Our
church, nation, language — all of these elements are part of our shared
identity. It is up to us — teachers, parents, clergy, other adult mentors
— to inspire another generation that will not say ‘My parents are
Armenian,’ but rather say ‘I am Armenian’ and mean it."
MARKING 20 YEARS
Following the ceremony in the cathedral, the program moved to the Haik and
Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, where students participated in a Dagh u Daghant
cultural and artistic talent show. Many alumni were on hand to help
celebrate the program’s two decade anniversary. And a choir performed, led
by Maro Partamian and accompanied by Florence Avakian.
The students’ performances and artistic displays during the Dagh u Daghant
program focused on celebrating and honoring the life and work of Khrimian
Hayrig. Students read excerpts from his work in the original Armenian.
Displayed during the evening were portraits done by the students of Khrimian
Hayrig as well as artworks done in the style of famed Armenian artist
Martiros Sarian, created in art classes led by Susan Kirby.
The portraits of drawn by the students were used to create U.S. postage
stamps, which sold out almost as soon as they were printed.
HONORING A LEADER
The Khrimian Lyceum was started 20 years ago to honor Catholicos Mgrdich
Khrimian, affectionately called Khrimian Hayrig. This year marks the 100th
anniversary of his death. During his tenure, Khrimian Hayrig established
the Diocese in America.
Born in Van in 1820, Khrimian Hayrig served the Armenian people as a
teacher, writer, newspaper editor, poet, priest, dean of the Varak
Monastery, Patriarch of Constantinople, and Prelate of Van. In 1892, he was
chosen to serve Catholicos of All Armenians, a position he held until his
passing on October 27, 1907.
In 1878, at the request of Patriarch Nersess and the National Assembly,
Khrimian Hayrig donned his political hat to represent the Armenians at the
Congress of Berlin, with "great hopes that the Congress would bring peace to
the world and liberation to the small and oppressed nations, among which we
count ourselves."
His famous "Iron Ladle" sermon delivered upon his return to the Armenian
Cathedral in Constantinople drew the analogy of the big pot of herisseh
(stew) where all other nations partook their share with iron ladles.
"I drew near with the paper petition from the National Assembly, presented
it and asked that they fill my plate too with herisseh," said Khrimian
Hayrig. "Then, the officials standing before the bowl asked me, ‘Where is
your iron ladle? It is true that we are serving herisseh here, but he who
does not have an iron ladle cannot draw from it. Listen up. In the future,
if this herisseh is distributed, do not come without a ladle or you will
return empty handed.’"
"Dear Armenian people, Could I have dipped my paper ladle in the herisseh?
It would have become soggy and stayed there. There, where guns talk and
swords make noise, what significance do appeals and petitions have? And so,
dear and blessed Armenians .. above all, place the hope of your liberation
on yourself. Use your intellect and muscle! Man must toil himself in order
to be saved."
For more information on the Khrimian Lyceum in New York City, Boston, or
Chicago, contact Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian by calling (212) 686-0710 ext.
148 or via e-mail at gildak@armeniandiocese.org.
— 7/24/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Graduates of the Khrimian Lyceum join their teachers,
Fr. Mardiros Chevian, and Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian during the graduation
ceremony on June 16, 2007, at New York City’s St. Vartan Cathedral. (Photo
by Berch Manukian)
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Khrimian Lyceum students perform in the Dagh u Daghant
program during the graduation festivities. (Photo by Berch Manukian)
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Khrimian Lyceum students recite in Armenian as a group
during the graduation celebration on June 16, 2007. (Photo by Berch
Manukian)
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Khrimian Lyceum graduate Deanna Gulmezian takes part in
graduation ceremonies with her Azkahayr and Azkamayr Shemavon and Nushig
Atamian. (Photo by Berch Manukian)