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: [email protected]
Website:
June 29, 2006
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SPREADING THE GOSPEL TO OUR YOUNG FAITHFUL
On June 21, 2006, Angela Costello, director of animation and creative
services for the Virginia-based Christian Broadcast Network (CBN), visited
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
She met with Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education, to
discuss the recent gift by CBN of 800 Christian children’s videos to the
Diocese. The two also spoke about ways to coordinate and cooperate on
upcoming projects to spread Christ’s teachings to young children.
"We’re looking for new and innovative ways to reach children with the
Gospel," Costello said, noting that CBN is looking to create programming for
iPods and cell phones. "Not just to present the Gospel, but we want to do
it in a creative and imaginative way. We want children to be entertained as
they begin to understand the real mission and purpose of these programs:
That Jesus loves them."
The CBN videos were distributed to the Eastern Diocese and other Armenian
Church organizations throughout North America. They are cartoons depicting
Bible stories along with other films exploring Christian themes such as
courage and love.
Antreassian said the videos would be used by the Diocese in its Sunday
School programs. Mission parishes will also be sent some of the videos for
use in their educational efforts.
"These are wonderful ways to bring the Bible to life for today’s children,
who grew up on television and the Internet," Antreassian said. "We’re
grateful to have a partner such as CBN to help us with our Christian
education mission."
Part of the discussion at the Diocesan Center in New York City revolved
around ways CBN and the Armenian Church could work together.
"My big goal is to create effective partnerships," Costello said.
"Scripture reminds us that every child should hear the Gospel message. And
partnerships are necessary to accomplish that goal."
She said organizations like the Diocese have a connection to people and CBN
can provide resources that otherwise wouldn’t be available.
"Partnerships help us all reach people we might not otherwise reach,"
Costello said. "We’re glad to be able to provide you with resources you can
use to help people learn about the gospel."
The partnership can grow in the future, including things such as the Diocese
undertaking an effort to translate CBN videos into Armenian, or new CBN
videos on the specific stories of Armenian Christianity, such as how Armenia
became the first Christian nation.
"We look forward to working with CBN and joining our skills, resources, and
passions to spread a love and appreciation of our Lord," Antreassian said.
— 6/29/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for
the Eastern Diocese, (left) meets with Angela Costello, director of
animation and creative services for the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN),
at the Diocesan Center in New York City on June 21, 2006.