PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
May 25, 2012
_______________________________________________
DIOCESE'S Khrimian Lyceum Marks 25 Years
The Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum marked the 25th anniversary of its
establishment with a cultural program at the Diocesan Center on Saturday,
May 19.
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian presided over the afternoon program during
which students showcased their talent through musical performances, poetry
recitations, and other activities. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, was also present.
One highlight was the performance, in Armenian, of Hagop Baronian comedy
"The Perils of Politeness." The play was directed by Vartan Garniki, and
featured students Arthur Ipek, Arthur Kesenci, Ara Arsenian, and Vahe
Gemdzian.
A dance choreographed by Naira Lazarian had students executing elaborate
footwork while donning traditional Armenian costumes. Students also sang a
selection of songs under the direction of Maro Partamian, with Florence
Avakian accompanying on the piano. They recited poetry, and gave
performances on the piano, trumpet, and violin. Tamar Tokman sang and gave a
solo dance performance.
A brief documentary titled "What it Means to be Armenian" was screened for
the audience. It was prepared by the Lyceum students earlier in the academic
year with assistance from instructor Lisa Kletjian. The film featured young
people's reflections on their understanding of the Armenian identity.
The audience-which was comprised of Khrimian Lyceum alumni, staff, parents,
and other guests-also enjoyed a slideshow of photographs highlighting the
institution's 25-year history.
Archbishop Gizirian closed the program with a message and benediction. He
encouraged the young people to preserve their heritage and continue their
involvement in the life of the Armenian Church.
"The cultural and faith basics the students receive are enhanced with their
artistic expression in the Armenian tradition," said Gilda Buchakjian,
director of the Khrimian Lyceum and the Diocese's coordinator of Armenian
Studies. "In addition, the students feel a strong sense of camaraderie among
their peers and can't wait to get together during the Lyceum sessions."
The Khrimian Lyceum was founded in 1987. The project was spearheaded by
Sylva der Stepanian, the Diocese's former Armenian Studies coordinator,
under the guidance of then-Primate Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. The
educational program takes its name from Catholicos Mkrtich Khrimian, a great
proponent of equal education for men and women who officially established
the Armenian Church of America in 1898.
In its quarter-century of activity, the Khrimian Lyceum has helped countless
young people strengthen their Armenian language skills and develop a deeper
understanding of the Armenian faith, history, and culture.
An art show of student work on display last Saturday highlighted scenes from
the Lyceum's history. Students also unveiled a commemorative yearbook,
co-edited by Tamar Tokman and Christopher Artun, dedicated to the 25th
anniversary celebration.
"It was an exciting celebration," said Ms. Buchakjian. "The credit goes
first to the parents who are cognizant about the importance of this
identity-building education and to the teachers who communicate it."
Other students participating in Saturday's program include: Armen Arsenian,
Varujan Belekdanian, Shant Bekarian, Armen Bjimenian, Daniela Haigian, Talar
Hovsepian, Sarine Kabarajian, Patrick Kerestejian, Matthew Krikorian, Arthur
Mouradian, Julia Naldjian, Lara Ozyan, Christina Rymond, Brian Sarafian,
Kyle Torosian, Andrew and Linda Yenicag, and Lerna Yesiltepe.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Students perform Hagop Baronian's comedy "The Perils of
Politeness."
Photo 2: Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian encourages young people to preserve
their heritage.
Photo 3: Students perform a dance.
From: A. Papazian
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
May 25, 2012
_______________________________________________
DIOCESE'S Khrimian Lyceum Marks 25 Years
The Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum marked the 25th anniversary of its
establishment with a cultural program at the Diocesan Center on Saturday,
May 19.
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian presided over the afternoon program during
which students showcased their talent through musical performances, poetry
recitations, and other activities. The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, was also present.
One highlight was the performance, in Armenian, of Hagop Baronian comedy
"The Perils of Politeness." The play was directed by Vartan Garniki, and
featured students Arthur Ipek, Arthur Kesenci, Ara Arsenian, and Vahe
Gemdzian.
A dance choreographed by Naira Lazarian had students executing elaborate
footwork while donning traditional Armenian costumes. Students also sang a
selection of songs under the direction of Maro Partamian, with Florence
Avakian accompanying on the piano. They recited poetry, and gave
performances on the piano, trumpet, and violin. Tamar Tokman sang and gave a
solo dance performance.
A brief documentary titled "What it Means to be Armenian" was screened for
the audience. It was prepared by the Lyceum students earlier in the academic
year with assistance from instructor Lisa Kletjian. The film featured young
people's reflections on their understanding of the Armenian identity.
The audience-which was comprised of Khrimian Lyceum alumni, staff, parents,
and other guests-also enjoyed a slideshow of photographs highlighting the
institution's 25-year history.
Archbishop Gizirian closed the program with a message and benediction. He
encouraged the young people to preserve their heritage and continue their
involvement in the life of the Armenian Church.
"The cultural and faith basics the students receive are enhanced with their
artistic expression in the Armenian tradition," said Gilda Buchakjian,
director of the Khrimian Lyceum and the Diocese's coordinator of Armenian
Studies. "In addition, the students feel a strong sense of camaraderie among
their peers and can't wait to get together during the Lyceum sessions."
The Khrimian Lyceum was founded in 1987. The project was spearheaded by
Sylva der Stepanian, the Diocese's former Armenian Studies coordinator,
under the guidance of then-Primate Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. The
educational program takes its name from Catholicos Mkrtich Khrimian, a great
proponent of equal education for men and women who officially established
the Armenian Church of America in 1898.
In its quarter-century of activity, the Khrimian Lyceum has helped countless
young people strengthen their Armenian language skills and develop a deeper
understanding of the Armenian faith, history, and culture.
An art show of student work on display last Saturday highlighted scenes from
the Lyceum's history. Students also unveiled a commemorative yearbook,
co-edited by Tamar Tokman and Christopher Artun, dedicated to the 25th
anniversary celebration.
"It was an exciting celebration," said Ms. Buchakjian. "The credit goes
first to the parents who are cognizant about the importance of this
identity-building education and to the teachers who communicate it."
Other students participating in Saturday's program include: Armen Arsenian,
Varujan Belekdanian, Shant Bekarian, Armen Bjimenian, Daniela Haigian, Talar
Hovsepian, Sarine Kabarajian, Patrick Kerestejian, Matthew Krikorian, Arthur
Mouradian, Julia Naldjian, Lara Ozyan, Christina Rymond, Brian Sarafian,
Kyle Torosian, Andrew and Linda Yenicag, and Lerna Yesiltepe.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Students perform Hagop Baronian's comedy "The Perils of
Politeness."
Photo 2: Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian encourages young people to preserve
their heritage.
Photo 3: Students perform a dance.
From: A. Papazian