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Diocesan legate leads delegation to annual NCC assembly

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  • Diocesan legate leads delegation to annual NCC assembly

    PRESS OFFICE
    Department of Communications
    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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurch.net

    December 11, 2006
    ___________________

    ARMENIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN OTHERS AT CONVOCATION

    The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) was well represented
    when 250 delegates from 35 member churches gathered in Orlando, FL, from
    November 6 to 9, 2006, for the General Assembly of the National Council of
    Churches (NCC).

    Heading the Armenian delegates was Bishop Vicken Aykazian, diocesan legate
    and ecumenical officer, who also serves as the president-elect of the NCC.

    Joining the legate in the Armenian delegation was Fr. Haigazoun Najarian,
    Diocesan Council member and pastor of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of
    Wynnewood, PA; Fr. Papken Anoushian, pastor of the St. Thomas Church of
    Tenafly, NJ; Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator
    Church of Chicago, IL; Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of the St. John Church
    of Southfield, MI; and Yn. Arpi Kouzouian, youth ministry director of the
    Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. Also attending was Fr. Nersess
    Jebejian, the Diocese's representative on the NCC Hurricane Katrina
    Commission.

    On Tuesday, November 7, 2006, there was a gathering of delegates from the
    Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches hosted by the local Greek Orthodox
    Community.

    HEALING OF NATIONS

    The theme of this year's assembly was based on a quote from the Book of
    Revelations -- "For the healing of the nations" Rev. 22:1-2 -- which was
    used by delegates to focus on events taking place throughout the world.

    The highlights of the business sessions included reports on delegations that
    traveled to the Middle East on a fact-finding mission following the recent
    fighting in Israel and Lebanon. Reports were also heard on ongoing efforts
    to aid those impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

    A special presentation was given by Dr. Richard Dixon, associate director
    for science at the Center for Disease Control, who detailed the impacts we
    could expect if a serious flu pandemic spread worldwide.

    Delegates also attended forums on topics such as: Armageddon Theology and
    its impact on the Middle East, biotechnologies, churches' role in protecting
    and resettling Karen Burmese refugees, fighting global hunger and poverty,
    new tools for congregations, the "Let Justice Roll" living wage campaign,
    local church resources toolkit, recovering from trauma; breaking the cycle
    of violence, and the ecumenical goal of unity.

    The 2007 General Assembly will take place in New York City, where Bishop
    Aykazian will be installed as the President of the council for 2008-2009. A
    special installation service will take place that November at St. Vartan
    Cathedral.

    -- 12/11/06

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

    PHOTO CAPTION (1): Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of
    the Eastern Diocese and president-elect of the National Council of Churches,
    addresses the NCC General Assembly, held November 6 to 9, 2006, in Orlando,
    FL.

    PHOTO CAPTION (2): The delegation from the Armenian Church at the NCC
    General Assembly, November 6 to 9, 2006, in Orlando, FL.

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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