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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
July 7, 2005
___________________
YOUNG DELEGATES FOCUS ON CARRYING THE FLAME OF CHRISTIANITY
The Armenian Church rocked in Cleveland, OH, as young people from
throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
descended upon the city for the 2005 Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA) General Assembly and Sports Weekend from May 26 to
30, 2005.
Hosted by the ACYOA Sr. chapter of the St. Gregory of Narek Church in
Cleveland, OH -- with an organizing committee chaired by Gregory
Andonian -- the weekend began with the business of the General Assembly.
"I always enjoy being in the presence of our youth. Today, we have
young people in our parishes, in our Diocese, who have a sense of
identity as Armenian Christians," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate. "They live their faith in their daily lives, whether it's at
school, at work, in their social lives, with their families, or in their
parish communities. I have the privilege of knowing our youth and am
always pleased to be with them. I feel so much joyful pride when I see
them gathered like this."
DELEGATES TACKLE BUSINESS
More than 40 delegates and others representing 17 parishes attended the
two-day ACYOA General Assembly on May 26 and 27 at the Marriott Hotel in
down town Cleveland, OH. Antranig Garibian, a parishioner at the Holy
Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, was elected Assembly chair and Ani
Tovar from the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, was elected Assembly
secretary.
Business tackled by the delegates included the presentation of committee
and leadership reports. Jennifer Morris, outgoing Central Council
chair, reviewed the activities, programs, and communication efforts of
the Central Council and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian
offered some recommendations and observations on the state of the ACYOA.
Other business included chapter reports and elections for Central
Council and the Nominating and Auditing Committees.
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian spoke to the delegates on the meaning of
Pentecost. During his presentation, the ACYOA leaders were given lit
candles as a reminder of the flame that empowered the apostles and which
is given to each of us to carry into the world. Fr. Doudoukjian said
the flame of the Holy Spirit infuses each Christian at the time of their
personal Pentecost at Chrismation.
"It is an inspiration to see the ACYOA delegates display a profound
faith and commitment to their Armenian identity," Fr. Doudoukjian said.
"God is blessing our church with such dedicated and devoted young
members. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to infuse them with the
passion of service to Jesus Christ and the Armenian Church."
PASSING THE FLAME
In his remarks, the Primate urged the young people to carry forward the
fame of their Armenian Christianity.
"I say to you: Be humble, as our Lord was; but don't be shy -- because
He wasn't, either. Don't be afraid to take ownership, and assume
responsibility, for the precious treasure of our heritage. You need to
receive the flame. And our elder generation needs to show its faith, by
passing the flame on to you," the Primate said.
"I feel very confident, from my meetings with young people throughout
our Diocese, that your generation is eager, willing, and eminently
capable of doing justice to the task of carrying the flame. It will be
everyone's task throughout this 'Year of the Youth' to seek out,
encourage, and prepare the leaders of tomorrow. But not only of
tomorrow. For as I said at the beginning, you are surely the leaders of
today, as well; and our church is depending on you to accept the role of
responsibility, and take up your rightful places in the long chain of
souls who have proudly and piously carried our flame, across the
centuries and across oceans, in times of liberty and times of
persecution, into the bright dawn of the 21st century."
After the Primate's remarks, delegates divided into small groups for a
discussion based on the issues raised by the Primate. They discussed
the nature of the flame, how each person can assume responsibility for
passing the flame, and what strategies we can use to engage more youth
in the life of the church.
ELECTION OF LEADERSHIP
Other highlights of the Assembly included the adoption of ACYOA's budget
and elections for leadership positions.
Four new members were elected to the ACYOA Central Council: Gregory
Andonian of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; John El
Chemmas from the St. John Church of Southfield, MI; Ani Tovar from the
St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; and Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary
Church of Washington, DC. They replaced outgoing members: Jennifer
Morris, Tammy Bagdigian, Dn. Diran Jebejian, and Christopher Tashjian.
Newly elected Central Council officers for the next year are: Chair
Maria Derderian, from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
PA; Vice Chair Karen Khatchadourian of the St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ; Treasurer Rita Akaraz from the St. John Church of Southfield, MI;
Secretary Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary, Church of Washington, D.C.;
Chapter Relations Coordinator Ani Tovar; Programming Coordinator Gregory
Andonian; and Public Relations Coordinator John El Chemmas,
"This is an exciting time for the ACYOA. We will reflect on how far we
have come as we plan for the upcoming celebration of the 60th
anniversary of the founding of our organization, and at the same time we
will look to the future," Derderian said. "The large amount of
first-time delegates at General Assembly this year, eager to take an
active role in the business of the ACYOA, is proof that this
organization will continue to grow even stronger in the next 60 years."
The 2006 Sports Weekend will be hosted by a National Committee in
commemoration of the ACYOA's 60th anniversary, with the location to be
determined.
Present during the Assembly were several clergymen, including: Fr.
Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of the St. Peter Church in Watervliet, NY,
and the newly appointed director of vocations and youth for St. Nersess
Seminary; Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church in Chicago, IL; Fr. Nersess Jebejian pastor of the St. Hagop
Church of St. Petersburg, FL; Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, pastor of the St.
Mesrob Church of Racine, WI and a member of the Diocesan Council; and
Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.
"I am always in awe of the intelligence, articulation and the purity of
the youth who come to represent the ACYOA at these general assemblies,"
Fr. Kelegian said. "I look forward to working in tandem with these
youth as we enter this year, carrying the flame of the Armenian Church.
These youth obviously will be our Parish Council members and Diocesan
delegates in the next 10 years."
HONORING COMMITMENT
During lunch, traditionally hosted by the Primate, the Central Council
announced the winners of the group's annual awards.
Several awards were presented to ACYOA Jrs. chapters and members. The
ACYOA Jrs. chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, received the
ACYOA Jrs. Chapter A Award for creating an atmosphere conducive to
Christian love, education, and service. Lauren Sarkisian, from the St.
John Church of Southfield, MI, received the Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan
Service Award for serving the Armenian Church and the ACYOA with the
humility and compassion similar to its late founder. Meredith Samoorian
from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, received the
Archbishop Tiran Nersoayn Leadership Award for approaching leadership
roles in her ACYOA chapter and parish with Chrsitian love,
understanding, and patience. Arthur Sabounjian from the Church of the
Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, was given the Archbishop Tiran
Nersoyan Vision Award for establishing meaningful programs and creating
a lasting effect on his ACYOA and parish.
Three awards were presented to ACYOA Srs. chapters and members. The
chapter A Award was presented to the St. Gregory of Narek Church of
Cleveland, OH, for fulfilling the standards set forth by the Central
Council and being a model chapter for all to follow. The Gregory
Arpajian Award, presented to Evelyn Boyajian of the St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, TX, recognized her leadership and service to the Armenian Church
and community. The Sam Nersesian Award was given to Thomas Stamboulian
of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, for his Christian values of
love, patience, humility, and understanding.
The Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award was awarded to Fr.
Doudoukjian. That honor is given each year to a clergyman in
recognition of passionate leadership, exemplary service, and dedicated
efforts on behalf of the youth of the Armenian Church in loving memory
of a pastor whose dynamic ministry to youth continues to bear fruit.
The Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award was given to Steve Megrdichian, the
youth director of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.
That award is presented each year to a layperson in honor of continued
devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church. The award was created in
loving memory of a pastor whose commitment continues to be an exemplary
model for all Christians.
Eliza Manukyan, who was invited to attend the ACYOA Assembly by the
Primate, is the director of the press center for the Araratian Diocese
in Yerevan, Armenia. She is also the chairperson of the local church
youth organization connected to that Diocese. She addressed the
Assembly participants in English and spoke about various youth ministry
efforts organized by the church in Armenia. During her three-week stay
in America, Manukyan will visit several communities as well as the
diocesan centers in New York City and Burbank, CA.
"I have observed that although many American-born young Armenians have
not been to their motherland, they do not forget their roots as Armenian
Christians. They belong to the Armenian Church," Manukyan said. "Many
of them don't speak Armenian, but they have the Armenian spirit and the
church is supporting them and keeping them together in the Diaspora. I
find it amazing that, in spite of the large geographic area of the
Eastern Diocese, the Primate has managed to provide opportunities for
young Armenians to gather together around the Church."
For more information on the ACYOA, visit their website at www.acyoa.org
or contact [email protected].
-- 6/7/05
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, joined by the
newly elected Central Council of the Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA) and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at the
St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate blesses the newly elected ACYOA Central
Council during badarak at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland,
OH, on Sunday May 29, 2005.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian is presented with The Very
Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award during the 2005 ACYOA General
Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Sam Nersesian Award is presented to Thomas
Stamboulian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, during the 2005
ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Gregory Arpajian Award is presented to Evelyn
Boyajian of the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, during the 2005 ACYOA
General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): The chapter A Award is presented to the St. Gregory
of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, during the 2005 ACYOA General Assembly
and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): The ACYOA Jrs. chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, WI, receive the ACYOA Jrs. Chapter A Award during the 2005 ACYOA
General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
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
July 7, 2005
___________________
YOUNG DELEGATES FOCUS ON CARRYING THE FLAME OF CHRISTIANITY
The Armenian Church rocked in Cleveland, OH, as young people from
throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
descended upon the city for the 2005 Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA) General Assembly and Sports Weekend from May 26 to
30, 2005.
Hosted by the ACYOA Sr. chapter of the St. Gregory of Narek Church in
Cleveland, OH -- with an organizing committee chaired by Gregory
Andonian -- the weekend began with the business of the General Assembly.
"I always enjoy being in the presence of our youth. Today, we have
young people in our parishes, in our Diocese, who have a sense of
identity as Armenian Christians," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate. "They live their faith in their daily lives, whether it's at
school, at work, in their social lives, with their families, or in their
parish communities. I have the privilege of knowing our youth and am
always pleased to be with them. I feel so much joyful pride when I see
them gathered like this."
DELEGATES TACKLE BUSINESS
More than 40 delegates and others representing 17 parishes attended the
two-day ACYOA General Assembly on May 26 and 27 at the Marriott Hotel in
down town Cleveland, OH. Antranig Garibian, a parishioner at the Holy
Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, was elected Assembly chair and Ani
Tovar from the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, was elected Assembly
secretary.
Business tackled by the delegates included the presentation of committee
and leadership reports. Jennifer Morris, outgoing Central Council
chair, reviewed the activities, programs, and communication efforts of
the Central Council and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian
offered some recommendations and observations on the state of the ACYOA.
Other business included chapter reports and elections for Central
Council and the Nominating and Auditing Committees.
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian spoke to the delegates on the meaning of
Pentecost. During his presentation, the ACYOA leaders were given lit
candles as a reminder of the flame that empowered the apostles and which
is given to each of us to carry into the world. Fr. Doudoukjian said
the flame of the Holy Spirit infuses each Christian at the time of their
personal Pentecost at Chrismation.
"It is an inspiration to see the ACYOA delegates display a profound
faith and commitment to their Armenian identity," Fr. Doudoukjian said.
"God is blessing our church with such dedicated and devoted young
members. I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to infuse them with the
passion of service to Jesus Christ and the Armenian Church."
PASSING THE FLAME
In his remarks, the Primate urged the young people to carry forward the
fame of their Armenian Christianity.
"I say to you: Be humble, as our Lord was; but don't be shy -- because
He wasn't, either. Don't be afraid to take ownership, and assume
responsibility, for the precious treasure of our heritage. You need to
receive the flame. And our elder generation needs to show its faith, by
passing the flame on to you," the Primate said.
"I feel very confident, from my meetings with young people throughout
our Diocese, that your generation is eager, willing, and eminently
capable of doing justice to the task of carrying the flame. It will be
everyone's task throughout this 'Year of the Youth' to seek out,
encourage, and prepare the leaders of tomorrow. But not only of
tomorrow. For as I said at the beginning, you are surely the leaders of
today, as well; and our church is depending on you to accept the role of
responsibility, and take up your rightful places in the long chain of
souls who have proudly and piously carried our flame, across the
centuries and across oceans, in times of liberty and times of
persecution, into the bright dawn of the 21st century."
After the Primate's remarks, delegates divided into small groups for a
discussion based on the issues raised by the Primate. They discussed
the nature of the flame, how each person can assume responsibility for
passing the flame, and what strategies we can use to engage more youth
in the life of the church.
ELECTION OF LEADERSHIP
Other highlights of the Assembly included the adoption of ACYOA's budget
and elections for leadership positions.
Four new members were elected to the ACYOA Central Council: Gregory
Andonian of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; John El
Chemmas from the St. John Church of Southfield, MI; Ani Tovar from the
St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; and Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary
Church of Washington, DC. They replaced outgoing members: Jennifer
Morris, Tammy Bagdigian, Dn. Diran Jebejian, and Christopher Tashjian.
Newly elected Central Council officers for the next year are: Chair
Maria Derderian, from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
PA; Vice Chair Karen Khatchadourian of the St. Thomas Church of Tenafly,
NJ; Treasurer Rita Akaraz from the St. John Church of Southfield, MI;
Secretary Sarine Zenian of the St. Mary, Church of Washington, D.C.;
Chapter Relations Coordinator Ani Tovar; Programming Coordinator Gregory
Andonian; and Public Relations Coordinator John El Chemmas,
"This is an exciting time for the ACYOA. We will reflect on how far we
have come as we plan for the upcoming celebration of the 60th
anniversary of the founding of our organization, and at the same time we
will look to the future," Derderian said. "The large amount of
first-time delegates at General Assembly this year, eager to take an
active role in the business of the ACYOA, is proof that this
organization will continue to grow even stronger in the next 60 years."
The 2006 Sports Weekend will be hosted by a National Committee in
commemoration of the ACYOA's 60th anniversary, with the location to be
determined.
Present during the Assembly were several clergymen, including: Fr.
Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of the St. Peter Church in Watervliet, NY,
and the newly appointed director of vocations and youth for St. Nersess
Seminary; Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church in Chicago, IL; Fr. Nersess Jebejian pastor of the St. Hagop
Church of St. Petersburg, FL; Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, pastor of the St.
Mesrob Church of Racine, WI and a member of the Diocesan Council; and
Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.
"I am always in awe of the intelligence, articulation and the purity of
the youth who come to represent the ACYOA at these general assemblies,"
Fr. Kelegian said. "I look forward to working in tandem with these
youth as we enter this year, carrying the flame of the Armenian Church.
These youth obviously will be our Parish Council members and Diocesan
delegates in the next 10 years."
HONORING COMMITMENT
During lunch, traditionally hosted by the Primate, the Central Council
announced the winners of the group's annual awards.
Several awards were presented to ACYOA Jrs. chapters and members. The
ACYOA Jrs. chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, received the
ACYOA Jrs. Chapter A Award for creating an atmosphere conducive to
Christian love, education, and service. Lauren Sarkisian, from the St.
John Church of Southfield, MI, received the Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan
Service Award for serving the Armenian Church and the ACYOA with the
humility and compassion similar to its late founder. Meredith Samoorian
from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, received the
Archbishop Tiran Nersoayn Leadership Award for approaching leadership
roles in her ACYOA chapter and parish with Chrsitian love,
understanding, and patience. Arthur Sabounjian from the Church of the
Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, was given the Archbishop Tiran
Nersoyan Vision Award for establishing meaningful programs and creating
a lasting effect on his ACYOA and parish.
Three awards were presented to ACYOA Srs. chapters and members. The
chapter A Award was presented to the St. Gregory of Narek Church of
Cleveland, OH, for fulfilling the standards set forth by the Central
Council and being a model chapter for all to follow. The Gregory
Arpajian Award, presented to Evelyn Boyajian of the St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, TX, recognized her leadership and service to the Armenian Church
and community. The Sam Nersesian Award was given to Thomas Stamboulian
of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, for his Christian values of
love, patience, humility, and understanding.
The Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award was awarded to Fr.
Doudoukjian. That honor is given each year to a clergyman in
recognition of passionate leadership, exemplary service, and dedicated
efforts on behalf of the youth of the Armenian Church in loving memory
of a pastor whose dynamic ministry to youth continues to bear fruit.
The Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award was given to Steve Megrdichian, the
youth director of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.
That award is presented each year to a layperson in honor of continued
devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church. The award was created in
loving memory of a pastor whose commitment continues to be an exemplary
model for all Christians.
Eliza Manukyan, who was invited to attend the ACYOA Assembly by the
Primate, is the director of the press center for the Araratian Diocese
in Yerevan, Armenia. She is also the chairperson of the local church
youth organization connected to that Diocese. She addressed the
Assembly participants in English and spoke about various youth ministry
efforts organized by the church in Armenia. During her three-week stay
in America, Manukyan will visit several communities as well as the
diocesan centers in New York City and Burbank, CA.
"I have observed that although many American-born young Armenians have
not been to their motherland, they do not forget their roots as Armenian
Christians. They belong to the Armenian Church," Manukyan said. "Many
of them don't speak Armenian, but they have the Armenian spirit and the
church is supporting them and keeping them together in the Diaspora. I
find it amazing that, in spite of the large geographic area of the
Eastern Diocese, the Primate has managed to provide opportunities for
young Armenians to gather together around the Church."
For more information on the ACYOA, visit their website at www.acyoa.org
or contact [email protected].
-- 6/7/05
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, joined by the
newly elected Central Council of the Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA) and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at the
St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate blesses the newly elected ACYOA Central
Council during badarak at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland,
OH, on Sunday May 29, 2005.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian is presented with The Very
Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award during the 2005 ACYOA General
Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Sam Nersesian Award is presented to Thomas
Stamboulian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, during the 2005
ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Gregory Arpajian Award is presented to Evelyn
Boyajian of the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, during the 2005 ACYOA
General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): The chapter A Award is presented to the St. Gregory
of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH, during the 2005 ACYOA General Assembly
and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): The ACYOA Jrs. chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, WI, receive the ACYOA Jrs. Chapter A Award during the 2005 ACYOA
General Assembly and Sports Weekend in Cleveland, OH.