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Chicago kicks-off Archbishop's Annual Appeal

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  • Chicago kicks-off Archbishop's Annual Appeal

    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: www.armenianchurch.org

    October 25, 2004
    ___________________

    IN MIDWEST, PRIMATE HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESSFUL MINISTRIES OF DIOCESE

    By Jake Goshert

    The programs and ministries provided by the Diocese of the Armenian
    Church of America (Eastern) touch each Armenian differently.

    For Mike Tootooian, a parishioner at the St. Gregory the Illuminator
    Church of Chicago, IL, a Diocesan-sponsored pilgrimage in 2001 -- "In
    the Footsteps of St. Gregory the Illuminator" -- brought on stronger
    feelings for his heritage.

    "That was an inspiring trip that got me back to my roots. I actually
    now can see where my ancestors came from, where my grandparents were
    born, the long road they traveled to get here to America," said
    Tootooian, a second-generation American. "It inspired me to become more
    involved and know more about my past."

    With a deeper commitment to his culture, his faith, and his church,
    Tootooian this year helped organize a reception at the Union League Club
    in downtown Chicago on October 15, 2004, to kick-off the Archbishop's
    Annual Appeal 2004.

    SHOWING SUCCESS

    Though it is the main annual fund-raising effort of the Eastern Diocese,
    the Archbishop's Annual Appeal is about more than money. It's primary
    purpose is to expand the understanding of the role the Diocese has in
    supporting the parishes and the Armenian-American community.

    Through events, like the inaugural reception in Chicago, the Primate and
    Diocesan leaders are meeting with faithful to speak about the successes
    of the Diocese's ministries and programs, and the efforts that
    strengthen local parishes and individual families.

    "It's natural for people to be more attached to their own local church
    as opposed to the bigger organization, because people have more
    day-to-day contact with their own local church than with the Diocese,"
    Tootooian said. "But it's important to support both. You need the
    umbrella organization. The Diocese has to make it clear just what they
    can offer and what they can do to help you: to show they can offer
    things that the local parishes can't individually."

    Some of the successful Diocesan efforts funded through the Archbishop's
    Annual Appeal include:

    * Spiritual growth among Armenians of all age-groups, exemplified by the
    record number of seminarians studying at St. Nersess Seminary;

    * An ever-growing college ministry program, which has reached out to
    students from schools in New England, New York, and the Midwest, and is
    reaching even further through it's newly launched website,
    www.college301.org;

    * The growth of the Diocesan website, which is a tool used by Armenians
    around the world to educate their children -- and themselves -- in the
    faith and heritage of the Armenian Church;

    * A focused effort to provide support and ideas to local parish leaders,
    to help each parish become a vibrant anchor for the local Armenian
    community;

    * Providing expanded, multi-media resources specifically tailored for
    local Armenian School and Sunday School teachers, to provide them with
    better tools to teach our children.

    "The Diocese is doing a lot to connect each and every Armenian family to
    their faith and heritage," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
    the Eastern Diocese. "Together our dedicated Diocese and active local
    parishes are building a bright future for our beloved church. We want
    everyone to know that our Diocese's ministries and programs are here to
    meet the challenges of today, and to provide the foundation for our
    community's tomorrow."

    YOU CAN HELP

    The continued growth of the Armenian Church in America can only be
    assured with the support of every Armenian family. From attending
    services weekly, to serving as stewards and leaders of their parishes,
    to supporting the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, every Armenian has a role
    to play.

    Donations to the Archbishop's Annual Appeal support the Diocese's
    efforts to provide parishes with tools and resources. While some people
    are able to make large donations, most of the support for the
    Archbishop's Annual Appeal comes from everyday people giving what they
    can to support things such as youth ministry programs, outreach to new
    immigrant communities, and Christian and Armenian-language educational
    programs for both children and adults.

    "The Diocese does so much to keep the flames of our faith burning, from
    helping educate our youngsters to providing leadership training to our
    parishes," said Oscar Tatosian, a member of the Diocesan Council and one
    of the organizers of the Chicago reception. "It's important that
    everyone support these efforts to whatever level they can, by giving to
    the Archbishop's Annual Appeal."

    In the next few weeks, members of the Armenian-American community will
    be receiving letters from the Primate highlighting the success of the
    Diocese's ministries and programs, and asking them to support the
    Archbishop's Annual Appeal 2004.

    Receptions like the one in Chicago have also been set for Boston on
    December 1, the New York City region on December 2, and New Jersey on
    December 10. Receptions are in the planning stages for Detroit,
    Philadelphia, and Florida.

    For more information or to contribute today, contact the Diocese of the
    Armenian Church of America (Eastern) by e-mailing
    [email protected]; calling (212) 686-0710; or writing 630 Second
    Ave., New York, NY, 10016.

    Learn more about the Diocesan ministries and the Archbishop's Annual
    Appeal 2004 by going online to the Diocese's website,
    www.armenianchurch.org.

    --10/25/04

    E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
    and Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website,
    www.armenianchurch.org.

    PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
    Diocese, with Diocesan Council member Oscar Tatosian and Fr. Aren
    Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago,
    IL, during a reception in Chicago inaugurating the Archbishop's Annual
    Appeal 2004.

    PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate gathers on Friday, October 15, 2004,
    with leaders from the Chicago-area parishes at the Union League Club in
    downtown Chicago to launch the Archbishop's Annual Appeal 2004.

    # # #
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