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ACYOA to fast this April

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  • ACYOA to fast this April

    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

    March 31, 2005
    ___________________

    FASTING, FELLOWSHIP TO MARK 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE

    This April, young people throughout the Eastern Diocese will quietly,
    yet profoundly, commemorate the Armenian Genocide by doing something to
    better the lives of needy people in Armenia.

    The Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) is organizing
    "Giving the Bread of Life: ACYOA Fast for Armenia" on April 23 and 24,
    2005. Participants will be marking the 90th anniversary of the Genocide
    by fasting, gathering for Bible study, and raising funds to support the
    Orran Shelter in Yerevan.

    "This project will give ACYOA members the unique opportunity to work,
    learn, and pray together for a worthy cause," said Karen Khatchadourian,
    of the Central Council who is organizing the day of fasting with fellow
    Council member Chris Tashjian. "More than just a day without eating,
    the project's intent is to remember our martyrs and raise awareness
    about hunger and poverty in Armenia."

    Participants will begin fasting at noon on Saturday, April 23. Chapters
    are being encouraged to organize various activities for fasters, such as
    Bible studies on the theme of hunger, viewing and discussion on movies
    such as "The Passion of the Christ," and fun activities such as tavloo
    tournaments.

    Fasters will not break the fast until receiving communion during the
    Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 24. Participants in the Mid-Atlantic
    and New England areas are being asked to attend the service being held
    at St. Vartan Cathedral.

    Participants will also be asking friends and family to sponsor their
    fast, by providing donations that will go to support Armenia's Orran
    Shelter, which provides humanitarian assistance to children and the
    elderly in Yerevan.

    Parishes without full-fledged ACYOA chapters are being asked to also get
    their youth involved in the ACYOA fast for Armenia.

    "What these young people are setting out to do is a terrific way to help
    Armenia while helping themselves," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
    Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
    "Though simple, their sacrifices will serve as strong reminders of
    Christ's sacrifice which is central to the faith that saw our ancestors
    through the darkness of the Genocide."

    If you would like to support this effort by the ACYOA, please contact
    your local parish's chapter. You can also send sponsorship donations to
    ACYOA Fasting Project, c/o The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    (Eastern), 630 Second Ave., New York, NY 10016.

    -- 3/31/05
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