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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 5, 2013
___________________
New Sunday School Books Released
Curriculum is definitely a team effort. For each textbook, the Department
prepared a "scope-and-sequence" or outline of lessons, and writers drafted
the lessons in a constant back-and-forth with the project editor. The drafts
were read for language, grammar, accuracy of Scripture references and lesson
objectives. Then there was a final check with a clergy reader. (Even then,
revisions continue as teachers provide additional insights while actually
teaching from the material.)
Once the text was set, lay-out began along with the search for
photographs-already underway by contacting Sunday Schools for assistance.
The artist and designer of the entire We Believe series, Armen Edgarian, is
a prize-winning photographer and freelance designer, currently working for
the Wall Street Journal. A native of Iran, Armen spent long hours looking
for the right photos or composing them himself where necessary. Designing
for each grade level with the appropriate balance of Armenian and Christian
iconography was a challenge, but somehow each book achieved the perfect
blend.
While the new We Believe series has been the work of a number of textbook
writers and clergy working in close collaboration with project director
Elise Antreassian, these two books are the first that draw on talents from
the Western Diocese. Both Debbie Derderian (Grade Seven) and Yeretzgin Talin
Petoyan (Grade Two), are members of the Christian Education Council of the
Western Diocese (the CEC nurtures teachers and provides resources for the
Sunday Schools of the Western Diocese; Debbie is Chair) and long involved as
leaders and educators in the church.
The Writers
Yn.Talin Petoyan was born and raised in Burbank, California. A graduate of
St. Peter Armenian Church Sunday School of Van Nuys, she was preparing to
attend Law School when she decided to pursue her true calling of education.
In 2001, she earned both her California Teaching Credential and M.A. in
Elementary Education. Since then, she has taught grades K-3 in both private
and public schools.
Yeretzgin served as a counselor, dean, director and curriculum coordinator
for the Western Diocese Summer Camp Program and taught Sunday School for
over 20 years at various grade levels, serving as superintendent for 10 of
those years. Since 2009, she lives in Southern California with her husband,
Fr. Sarkis, pastor of St. Gregory Church in Pasadena, and their 6-year-old
daughter, Grace Shenorig Verjeen. One of her greatest joys and
accomplishments was leading 10 annual pilgrimages to Armenia with Fr.
Sarkis, which resulted in the participation of over 250 pilgrims and the
distribution of $360,000 in aid.
"The most gratifying part of drafting the curriculum was seeing a scope and
sequence outline blossom into a meaningful, creative, accessible, and
updated book for our youth. There were two challenges. The first was
establishing an exciting and interesting "hook" for each lesson, which would
serve as a catalyst for discussion and lesson topic. Once the hook was done,
the rest of the lesson fell into place beautifully.
The other equally challenging aspect was making sure that the lesson
material was age appropriate and inclusive of all children regardless of
where they were in their faith formation.
Having been a dedicated educator for so long, Yeretzgin is a passionate
spokesperson."My deepest hope for our youth is that they will experience our
faith with passion. The Armenian Church should continue its mission, making
faith formation their number-one priority by providing exciting, engaging
and user-friendly messages for our children."
Debbie Derderian (Grade Seven) describes her faith experience as having
spanned two unique cultures: the Roman Catholic where she was born, raised
and educated and the Armenian Orthodox into which she married at the age
of 19. She and her husband Bob eventually moved from their native New Jersey
to California where they became members of St. John Garabed Armenian Church
in San Diego.
Debbie has served as a Parish Council member, Ladies' Society Chair, Parish
Youth Advisor, and Sunday School teacher and is currently the Superintendent
of Faith Formation for Children/Sunday School. She was a member of the
Summer Camp Committee and for the past 11 years a member of the Christian
Education Council. She received a Masters Certification in Catechesis
through the Diocesan Institute of San Diego.
She was recently appointed Parish Life Director at St. James Catholic Church
where she has worked since 2000. She and Bob are blessed with two children,
Robert and Dana, and 4 grandchildren.
Debbie is eloquent when it comes to the importance of Christian education:
"Jesus formed his disciples into a community of faith. He instructed them,
prayed with them, and showed them how to live... After his death and
Resurrection, they were commissioned, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
to go out and teach all nations. The faithful of the Armenian Church are a
link in that unbroken chain and responsible and privileged to witness a
Christian way of life!"
"Having the opportunity to participate in the creation of a faith-filled
curriculum for our children was wonderful... and a humbling experience. It
took much, much longer than I thought and I often felt that I lost
continuity lesson to lesson. However, seeing the finished product I realized
that I had a Divine partner speaking through my heart on each and every
page. I am most grateful to have had the opportunity to be a link in the
unbroken chain by proclaiming in print not what I know but Who I know!"
To order the new curriculum books, contact the St. Vartan Bookstore at (212)
686-0710.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Circles of Faith (Grade Two) is comprised of 28 full-color
individual newsletter lessons.
Photo 2: Surprised By Joy: Discovering God (Grade Seven) is designed for
middle schoolers whose faith questions are explored in the context of real
life.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 5, 2013
___________________
New Sunday School Books Released
Curriculum is definitely a team effort. For each textbook, the Department
prepared a "scope-and-sequence" or outline of lessons, and writers drafted
the lessons in a constant back-and-forth with the project editor. The drafts
were read for language, grammar, accuracy of Scripture references and lesson
objectives. Then there was a final check with a clergy reader. (Even then,
revisions continue as teachers provide additional insights while actually
teaching from the material.)
Once the text was set, lay-out began along with the search for
photographs-already underway by contacting Sunday Schools for assistance.
The artist and designer of the entire We Believe series, Armen Edgarian, is
a prize-winning photographer and freelance designer, currently working for
the Wall Street Journal. A native of Iran, Armen spent long hours looking
for the right photos or composing them himself where necessary. Designing
for each grade level with the appropriate balance of Armenian and Christian
iconography was a challenge, but somehow each book achieved the perfect
blend.
While the new We Believe series has been the work of a number of textbook
writers and clergy working in close collaboration with project director
Elise Antreassian, these two books are the first that draw on talents from
the Western Diocese. Both Debbie Derderian (Grade Seven) and Yeretzgin Talin
Petoyan (Grade Two), are members of the Christian Education Council of the
Western Diocese (the CEC nurtures teachers and provides resources for the
Sunday Schools of the Western Diocese; Debbie is Chair) and long involved as
leaders and educators in the church.
The Writers
Yn.Talin Petoyan was born and raised in Burbank, California. A graduate of
St. Peter Armenian Church Sunday School of Van Nuys, she was preparing to
attend Law School when she decided to pursue her true calling of education.
In 2001, she earned both her California Teaching Credential and M.A. in
Elementary Education. Since then, she has taught grades K-3 in both private
and public schools.
Yeretzgin served as a counselor, dean, director and curriculum coordinator
for the Western Diocese Summer Camp Program and taught Sunday School for
over 20 years at various grade levels, serving as superintendent for 10 of
those years. Since 2009, she lives in Southern California with her husband,
Fr. Sarkis, pastor of St. Gregory Church in Pasadena, and their 6-year-old
daughter, Grace Shenorig Verjeen. One of her greatest joys and
accomplishments was leading 10 annual pilgrimages to Armenia with Fr.
Sarkis, which resulted in the participation of over 250 pilgrims and the
distribution of $360,000 in aid.
"The most gratifying part of drafting the curriculum was seeing a scope and
sequence outline blossom into a meaningful, creative, accessible, and
updated book for our youth. There were two challenges. The first was
establishing an exciting and interesting "hook" for each lesson, which would
serve as a catalyst for discussion and lesson topic. Once the hook was done,
the rest of the lesson fell into place beautifully.
The other equally challenging aspect was making sure that the lesson
material was age appropriate and inclusive of all children regardless of
where they were in their faith formation.
Having been a dedicated educator for so long, Yeretzgin is a passionate
spokesperson."My deepest hope for our youth is that they will experience our
faith with passion. The Armenian Church should continue its mission, making
faith formation their number-one priority by providing exciting, engaging
and user-friendly messages for our children."
Debbie Derderian (Grade Seven) describes her faith experience as having
spanned two unique cultures: the Roman Catholic where she was born, raised
and educated and the Armenian Orthodox into which she married at the age
of 19. She and her husband Bob eventually moved from their native New Jersey
to California where they became members of St. John Garabed Armenian Church
in San Diego.
Debbie has served as a Parish Council member, Ladies' Society Chair, Parish
Youth Advisor, and Sunday School teacher and is currently the Superintendent
of Faith Formation for Children/Sunday School. She was a member of the
Summer Camp Committee and for the past 11 years a member of the Christian
Education Council. She received a Masters Certification in Catechesis
through the Diocesan Institute of San Diego.
She was recently appointed Parish Life Director at St. James Catholic Church
where she has worked since 2000. She and Bob are blessed with two children,
Robert and Dana, and 4 grandchildren.
Debbie is eloquent when it comes to the importance of Christian education:
"Jesus formed his disciples into a community of faith. He instructed them,
prayed with them, and showed them how to live... After his death and
Resurrection, they were commissioned, through the power of the Holy Spirit,
to go out and teach all nations. The faithful of the Armenian Church are a
link in that unbroken chain and responsible and privileged to witness a
Christian way of life!"
"Having the opportunity to participate in the creation of a faith-filled
curriculum for our children was wonderful... and a humbling experience. It
took much, much longer than I thought and I often felt that I lost
continuity lesson to lesson. However, seeing the finished product I realized
that I had a Divine partner speaking through my heart on each and every
page. I am most grateful to have had the opportunity to be a link in the
unbroken chain by proclaiming in print not what I know but Who I know!"
To order the new curriculum books, contact the St. Vartan Bookstore at (212)
686-0710.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Circles of Faith (Grade Two) is comprised of 28 full-color
individual newsletter lessons.
Photo 2: Surprised By Joy: Discovering God (Grade Seven) is designed for
middle schoolers whose faith questions are explored in the context of real
life.