PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

August 24, 2009
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SUMMER INTERNS ADVANCE THEIR EDUCATIONS AND STRENGTHEN THEIR TIES TO THE
CHURCH THROUGH DIOCESAN SUMMER PROGRAM

This summer, two dedicated and hard-working Armenian-American college
students became part of the daily life of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern) in New York City. The pair-participants in AGBU’s New
York Summer Internship Program-were the latest interns in the Diocese’s
annual summer program.

Gevorg Azizi and Taleen Terjanian interned at the Diocesan Center for eight
weeks in July and August. Azizi, of Chicago, Ill., who attends the St. James
Armenian Church in Evanston, worked in the accounting department alongside
Alex Cedeno and John Woo.

For a good portion of his internship, Azizi did inventory at the St. Vartan
Bookstore. His other duties in the accounting department included bank
reconciliation of payroll and operating and journal entries.

"Being here gave me an opportunity to network with people in my field and
understand what it is I am going into," said Azizi, a junior at DePaul
University majoring in finance and economics.

Taleen Terjanian, of Holmdel, N.J., and a member of the St. Stepanos
Armenian Church in Elberon, worked in the Department of Youth and Education
alongside Julie Hoplamazian (coordinator of College Ministry), Nancy
Basmajian (ACYOA executive secretary), and Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian
(coordinator of Armenian Studies). She had a variety of tasks, including
working on logistics for the Ecumenical Workweek, re-organizing ACYOA
archives, and creating various flyers and brochures for the Khrimian Lyceum.
She also wrote summaries on 200 books for Jennifer Morris (coordinator of
Youth Ministry) and catalogued books in the Zohrab Center.

"There’s a lot more work involved than I thought," said Terjanian, a senior
at Rutgers University majoring in animal science with a minor in business.
"All of the departments are involved in making sure the church and Diocese
run smoothly."

Alongside their regular, 9-to-5 work at the Diocesan Center, they took part
in activities such as Bible Study sessions, and visits to St. Nersess
seminary and the Ararat Center.

They also had lunch with visiting clergy throughout the eight weeks of their
internship program.

"My impression was that as soon as we got here, everyone was open, friendly
and helpful," said Azizi.

"It has definitely been rewarding to work at the Diocese, alongside familiar
people, and also to have the opportunity to get to know a lot of the new
faces," said Terjanian.

Diocesan staff gathered for a farewell reception in honor of Azizi and
Terjanian on Friday, August 7. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Diocese, gave the two interns copies of the book, The Lamentations of St.
Gregory of Narek. The Primate expressed his gratitude to the interns and
their contributions to the Armenian Church on both a Diocesan and parish
level, and encouraged them to stay involved.

The interns presented the Diocesan staff with a musical card thanking them
for their guidance over the summer weeks.

"It was a true pleasure to have Taleen and Gevorg working with us this
summer. Not only did they grow professionally, but they also grew culturally
and spiritually during their time here," said Julie Hoplamazian, who
supervised this year’s interns. "I was continually impressed with the
professionalism, maturity, and efficiency they displayed in their work, as
well as their love for the Armenian Church."

"Our summer intern program is a great opportunity for young people to come
to the Diocesan Center and cathedral complex, become a part of its daily
life, and get to know New York City," said Archbishop Barsamian. "But it’s
equally an opportunity for the Diocese to welcome our young sons and
daughters, to get to know them, encourage them on their life’s path, and
send them back to their home parishes with a stronger attachment to our
church."

"It’s a great benefit to everyone involved, and a very welcome period of
each year," the Primate said.

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Photo attached: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presents interns Gevorg Azizi
and Taleen Terjanian with copies of the book, The Lamentations of St.
Gregory of Narek.