PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Fr. Untzag Nalbandian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 21; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 29, 2005
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ANNUAL GRADUATION AND AZKATROSHM CEREMONIES AT SAINT VARTAN CATHEDRAL
FOR KHRIMIAN LYCEUM: “THE JEWEL OF THE DIOCESE”
In 1898 on the occasion of the establishment of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America the Catholicos Khrimian Hayrig in his
encyclical advised the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America to take
care of the religious and cultural needs of the Armenian people living
outside their fatherland. The Jewel of the Diocese the “Khrimian Lyceum”
is the perfect example of the many achievements of our Church in this
role.
Saturday, June 11, 2005 was an exciting day for all those who are
involved and interested in the Khrimian Lyceum work and accomplishments.
At 4:30 am the plaza of the Church and the sidewalks were filled with
proud parents, curious guests and happy student who had come to take
part in the “Graduation” and “Azkatroshm” Ceremonies.
The “Azkatroshm” ceremonies started with “Oorakh Lehr” by Maro
Partamian, the international opera singer as well as one of the
instructors at the Khrimian Lyceum, accompanied by the organist Florence
Avakian, while the former Primate of England Archbishop Yeghisheh
Gizirian and his entourage entered the church. The Alumni member of the
Khrimian walked down the aisle holding silver plates with the
certificates, gold charms and flowers and stood on both sides of the
alter ready for the ceremonies.
In her opening remarks Mrs. Shakeh Kadehjian, the Mistress of
ceremonies, said: “The Khrimian Lyceum, established in 1987 by the
Diocesan ALLARC, is an extensive Six-year Program for the graduates of
Armenian schools from 12 to 18 years old. It aims to prepare them to be
well-rounded and knowledgeable leaders, teachers administrators of the
Armenian churches and various communities. The Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum
aspires to be an Ivy League type of an Armenian private institution
where Armenian school graduates, with common interests learn in a highly
friendly, formal and intellectual environment. The curriculum requires
from the, along the formal courses, a selection of particular community
services and internships as well as extracurricular activities such as;
computer skills, one-day symposiums on various subjects, educational
tours, art & crafts, chorale, orchestra, dance, choir, drama and book
club, organization of the annual “Gala des Amateurs”, reading of the
Holy Scriptures and singing Badarak on Christmas & Easter eves and on
Tarkmantchats day, the official opening day of the Armenian Schools, as
well as Christmas Tea party, Strawberry Festival, A Touch of Class
Dinner, and a series of awards: Role Model, Abrik and Perfect
attendance.
The Khrimian Lyceum graduates are also required to participate in the
Four Eight-Day Accredited Summer programs of the Diocese. Participants
learn the mechanics of working in various communities, the process of
organizing cultural and religious programs for all ages, as well as the
specific areas of academic discipline. Their training includes teaching
the various grades and organizing educational, religious and cultural
programs.
After her remarks, the Instructors of (Naruhntchakooyn Tasaran): Shakeh
Kedehjian and Karine Barsoumian called upon each Azkasans/sanoohies and
Azkahayrs/mayrs to come forward to pledge and receive blessings of
Surpazan Hayr. The students were; Apanossian Anita, Aiazian Sharis,
Aydin Talar, Barikian Gabrielle, Babikian Armine, Chahinian Philippe,
Dabaghian Lori, Esenyan Sibyl, Hamparsoumian Gayane, Kudyan Haig,
Krikorian Markrete, Keurian Ani, Mikaelian Tamar, Nigdelian Taline,
Oganisyan Nareg and Panoyian Ani.
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, Director of
the Department of Youth and Education, and Deacon Levon Kirakosyan of
St. Vartan Cathedral performed the three parts “Azkatroshm” ceremony.
1. The Presentation: Each student “azkasan/sanouhy” accompanied by
his/her in this case “azkahayr and azkamayr” (equivalent to
godfather/godmother) were presented to Surpazan Hayr. After installing
the “Stole of Duties” on their azkasans/sanouhis’ shoulders, they
requested that he blessed them so that, with the Grace of the Holy
Spirit, they become the worthy children of the Armenian Church and
Armenian Nation. After the presentation, the Askahayrs received the
Primate’s Certificate of Merit and Azkamayrs red roses, for accepting to
take the responsibility of the Religious and Cultural education of their
azkasans/sanouhies.
2. the Pledge: The students pledged to be faithful to their Armenian
Faith and Armenian Nation.
3. the Blessings: Special prayers from “Mashdots” book were said. Each
azkasan/sanouhy received medallions called “Az-ka-nuh-shans” a golden
charm representing the Map of Armenia and a Cross right where Holy
Etchmiadzin is, as a reminder of their nation and faith. They also
received the Certificate of Merit of the Khrimian Lyceum for attending
the first three year courses and completing their internship.
The Second part of the program was devoted to students who completed the
Khrimian Lyceum studies and will be heading to prestigious
Colleges/Universities; Armagan Ari, Baydar Jacqueline, Kherlopian Ani,
Kayserian Andrew, Manoukian Lori, Minassian Christine, Nalbandian Ani,
and Nisanyan Lori.
Lucy Martayian, Instructor of the graduating class (Yerevan Tasaran)
spoke about the Vision of Mesrob Mashdots, who 1600 years ago invented
the Armenian Alphabet and gave us the “Golden Age of Armenia” for which
we are all so proud. She praised the students for their achievements and
encouraged them to continue to learn, to be involved in their Armenian
communities and touch the heart and mind of every single Armenian and
promote the Armenian riches.
Prof. James Jacobson, Chairman of the Educational Department of St.
Peter’s College and the Director of the Khrimian Lyceum presented to
each graduate a letter from St. Peter’s College attesting their hard
work and achievements.
The Primate’s gifts, The “Stole Of Duty” and the prayer book “Nareg”,
were presented to them as a reminder of their duties towards their
Armenian Nation and their Armenian Church and the power of prayers.
On behalf of the Graduates, Lori Manoukian, the assistant coordinator
and recipient of the “Role Model” award spoke in Armenian and Lori
Nisanyan in English. They both thanked the Primate for supporting
Khrimian Lyceum and encouraging the students in their endeavors. Then
they recited poems thanking their parents for helping them to go to an
Armenian School and enrich their knowledge by attending the Khrimian
Lyceum.
Archbishop Yeghisheh Gizirian, impressed by the participants
seriousness, gave his fatherly advice and encouraged them to be the
active leaders of the Armenian Church and Communities and remain
concerned with the well being of their Nation and people.”
After the singing of Hayr Mer the ceremonies ended with a joyful note
with cymbals and music of “Sion”. Group pictures were taken after which
the Clergy, graduates, instructors and parents headed to Waldorf Astoria
Hotel, on Park Avenue, NY, to celebrate The Special Day Of The Khrimian
Lyceum with a sumptuous dinner at the beautifully decorated “Bull and
Bear” restaurant.
“I cannot explain my feelings, I don’t know what to say, but today the
ceremonies touched me. I know this will last in me forever. I promise
you to bring all my children to Khrimian Lyceum. I want them to get this
memorable experience in participating in this impressive and moving
ceremony. I am certain that our youngsters will always remember this day
that was so tastefully and meaningfully organized” said one of the
Azkahayrs/Azkamayrs, with tears of happiness and pride for belonging to
a Nation that could survive, because of its committed sons/daughters, to
a Nation that is ready to take-up the challenges of the third
millennium. These feelings were shared by all mothers, fathers,
azkahayrs/mayrs and guests.
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 graduates
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The graduates
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Krimian Lyceum graduates with Abp. Yeghishe Gizirian
and Fr. Untzag Nalbandian
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Participants of “Azkatrosh” ceremony
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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress