The group which included the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, was scheduled to travel to the historic Armenian region of Van as well, but the earthquake in that region on Sunday afternoon caused a cancellation of those plans.

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As reported shortly after news of the disaster broke, the pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese are safe and were unaffected by the earthquake. But in a telephone interview Sunday, Archbishop Barsamian said, “After such a splendid [re-consecration] ceremony, our hearts were heavy when we learned of the earthquake, and our prayers go out to the victims and their families.”

The restoration and re-consecration of the St. Giragos Armenian Church was a major event in the region, with dignitaries and pilgrims from around the world participating.  Constructed in the 16th century, St. Giragos is arguably one of the great sanctuaries of the worldwide Armenian Church.  After years of abuse, the recent renovation project—to which a number of diaspora Armenians contributed—has restored it to its former glory.

The group of pilgrims from the Eastern Diocese arrived in Istanbul on Friday, October 21, and had dinner that evening with Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Patriarchal Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, who warmly welcomed the group. Archbishop Barsamian extended his thanks to Archbishop Ateshian.

On Saturday morning, the pilgrims travelled to Diarbekir (Dikranakert), and on their arrival at the local airport they were welcomed by members of the St. Giragos Armenian Church parish council. They proceeded to tour the Old City of Dikranakert—including the ancient St. Sarkis Armenian Church, located in the historic district.

Streets throughout Diarbekir were festooned with flags in Armenian, Turkish, and Kurdish reading “Welcome home.” The sentiment throughout the city was festive, warm, and welcoming.

The consecration of St. Giragos Armenian Church began at 5 p.m. Archbishop Ateshian, Archbishop Barsamian, Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Bishop Shahan Sarkisian (Primate of Aleppo), and Bishop Sahag Mashalian (from Istanbul) consecrated the five altars. Also present was the Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian, formerly of the Eastern Diocese and currently the Pontifical Legate for Central Europe.

The number of participants in the service exceeded 2,000, with groups of Armenian pilgrims from Istanbul, the U.S., Armenia, Holland, Germany, Aleppo, and Lebanon present.

Among the dignitaries attending were the United States Consul General of Istanbul, Scott Kilner; the U.S. Consul of Adana, Daria Darnell; the mayor of greater Diarbekir Osman Baydemir; Abdullah Demirbas, mayor of the city’s Sur Ici section (the area “inside the walls” of the old fortified city); and Mayor Scott Avedisian of Warwick, Rhode Island (U.S.A.)—all of whom were very interested in the service and supportive of the historic event.

At the conclusion of the service, the mayor of greater Diarbekir, Osman Baydemir, offered his warm welcome to the visitors—speaking first in Armenian, then in Kurdish, Turkish, English, and Arabic. To the Armenian pilgrims he said, “Welcome to your home. You are not guests here; this is your home. Anytime you come here, you are coming to your home.”

“This is a happy and special day not only for you but also for us,” Mayor Baydemir continued. “We all know about past events, and our wish is that our children will celebrate together the coming achievements.” Mayor Baydemir’s remarks were frequently interrupted by applause, as those gathered were gratified to hear acknowledgement that the city is indeed an historic Armenian center.

“A day of hope”

Mayor Baydemir hosted a diner for the clergy and guests, where the U.S. Consul General and the U.S. Consul of Adana were also present.

Vartkes Ergun Ayik, chairman of the St. Giragos Church parish council, welcomed the visitors, thanked all those who had participated in the restoration project, and invited Archbishop Barsamian to offer some remarks.

The day’s achievement, said Archbishop Barsamian, “represents many things to all of us.  But most of all, perhaps, it is the result of the mutual recognition and respect of everyone involved, which has animated this project from the very beginning. That is a great reason to be hopeful, and it makes today, above all, a day of hope—a day to look to the future with optimism.”

“As pilgrims from America who have been blessed to be a part of this day, we share in that sense of optimism and hope,” he added. He closed by making presentations of the “St. Vartan Award” to Mayor Osman Baydemir and Mayor Abdullah Demirbas.

Archbishop Aram Ateshian likewise expressed thanks to everyone, and presented silver awards to both mayors, and to the architect of the restoration project.

Greater Diarbekir Mayor Baydemir concluded the evening by characterizing the occasion as one not only for celebration, “but a day of expressing our apologies for the tragic events of the past. We want to see you come back here not only as tourists, but also as people coming back home.”

Sunday morning witnessed the celebration of the Armenian Divine Liturgy in the newly re-consecrated St. Giragos Church. Archbishop Ateshian was the celebrant and homilist, and members of the Sts. Vartanantz Church choir from Ferikoy, Istanbul, sang the Komitas setting of the badarak.

The service took place before another remarkably large gathering of the faithful, which included guest Armenian clergy, as well as the Syrian Orthodox bishop of Adiaben; the representative of His Holiness Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople; mayors Baydemir and Demirbas, and the two American consuls.

To conclude the liturgy, the Armenian hokehankisd (requiem) service was performed for the deceased primates, pastors, altar servers, and faithful of Dikranakert.

With the next day’s planned trip to Van (where the group of pilgrims was scheduled to visit the Holy Cross Church on Aghtamar Island) cancelled due to the earthquake, the Eastern Diocese group drove instead to visit the 17th-century St. Kevork Church in Derek, near Mardin. There they met the caretakers who faithfully care for the 300-year-old Bible and hymnal housed within the church. The pilgrims were welcomed by Eyyup Guven, author of a biography titled “Kohar”—the memoir of an Armenian Genocide survivor from the area. During their visit the pilgrims were trailed by a sizeable group of local residents, eager to say that they were of Armenian origin.

The group is scheduled to fly to Istanbul on October 25, and will return to the United States later this week.

Source: www.armenianchurch.net

The event was held at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Club and was attended by 60 people in an atmosphere of warm friendship and cordiality. 

Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU, acting as the master of ceremonies, welcomed the guests and congratulated His Holiness on his birthday.

“You are surrounded tonight by great friends of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos of All Armenians” he said, and further noted that the AGBU has been a longstanding supporter of His Holiness’ initiatives to further strengthen the Armenian Church. 

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), after thanking the hosts and congratulating the Catholicos, spoke on the need to develop strong spiritual leadership in the Armenian Church—a mission His Holiness has advanced throughout his pontificate. He then announced on that occasion the establishment of the Pontifical Endowment for Pastoral Development, which will be chaired by Mr. Setrakian.

“From my experience, I can testify that having a dedicated, well-prepared pastor is key to a flourishing parish life…Our parishes flourish, family spiritual life flourishes, and our church as a whole will flourish,” said the Primate.

Following the announcement of the establishment of the fund, Mr. Berge Setrakian stated that AGBU had decided to earmark $1 million of its scholarship programs for this purpose. 

Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian then took the initiative of donating in lieu of Vehapar’s birthday gift $1 million to this fund and they were followed with similar amounts by Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Ruth Bedevian and Mr. and Mrs. Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan. 

Mr. and Mrs. Setrakian then announced their contribution of $250,000 and they were followed by Mr. and Mrs. Yervant and Melissa Demirjian, Mr. and Mrs. Haig and Elsa Didizian, and Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Margaret Atinizian with $100,000 each. Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Edna Keleshian, Oscar Tatosian, and Jerry Demirjian pledged $50,000 each. Mr. and Mrs. George and Alice Kevorkian, Mr. and Mrs. Zaven and Arlene Dadekian, Mr. and Mrs. Papken and Anahid Megerian, and Dr. and Mrs. Haroutune and Shakeh Mekhjian pledged $25,000 each. Further donations continued to follow.

Mr. Setrakian then announced that Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Diocese of Armenian Church of America (Western), had informed him that a pledge drive getting underway in that region had raised $1 million so far for the same purpose.

To conclude the evening, His Holiness Karekin II expressed his deep appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian for hosting the evening, and addressed the guests in his usual cordial tone. ”Coming here, I feel I am among family,” he said.

“I feel blessed and strengthened to know that you have been and continue to be so supportive of my ministry as Catholicos of All Armenians, and recognize the importance of advancing the clergy in our church,” His Holiness said.

Information on the “Pontifical Endowment for Pastoral Development” can be obtained by contacting Laura Gononian at .

Source: www. armenianchurch.net

In a directive to parish leaders, the Primate asked to have a special prayer recited as part of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 11, 2011. The prayer, which accompanied the directive, was specially composed for the occasion, in English and Armenian.

The Primate advised parish leaders to inform their fellow parishioners in advance, so that communities can observe the solemn milestone together. He also encouraged participation in the memorials of the larger society, marking the passage of a decade since “that infamous, world-altering day.”

“Across our nation, people will be solemnly commemorating the occasion,” says the directive, “and I encourage you to take part in your local and municipal observances, joining with our fellow citizens of the United States of America.”

It is noteworthy that this year’s 10th anniversary coincides with a major feast day of the Armenian Church: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The traditional church practice on major feasts is to refrain from performing the hokehankisd (requiem) service, and the Primate advised that this tradition should be observed on Sunday, September 11. However, the Primate has given special dispensation to hold the requiem service in several cases, for departed members of the community who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

The special prayer beseeches God to “have mercy on the souls of all the men and women who perished in the terrible calamities on September 11, 2001, in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Take them into the peace of your heavenly kingdom, and never cease to console their loved ones, who will always grieve for their losses.”

The entire prayer, in English and Armenian, is available here.

Source: armenianchurch.net

What follows is a message from Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

 Ten Years After Sept. 11, 2001

On Sunday, September 11, 2011, the faithful of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America are joining our voices with millions of our fellow Americans—and with people around the world—to offer prayers on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America.

Like so many others, with the approach of this milestone I have tried to recollect what it was like on that day a full decade ago. Americans of our generation have taken to greeting every 11th of September in the same way—and I imagine we will continue doing so for the remainder of our lives.

I vividly recall the spontaneous gathering in the sanctuary of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City, on the afternoon of September 11, 2001.  I recall looking out from the altar, and seeing all manner of people: familiar faces alongside new ones from off the street. A number of people had narrowly escaped the disaster zone, and bore traces of dust and debris from the collapsing Twin Towers. They had instinctively come to a place of peace and prayer, like so many others in that great march northward through the city, which choked the streets around us with the refugees from southern Manhattan.

Although we did not know it at the time, three hours earlier, in the very midst of the terrorist attacks, others had followed the same instinct. On Flight 93, a young man facing what he knew to be the final minutes of his life, spoke on a cell-phone to a telephone operator he had never met. He asked her to pray with him, and together they recited the 23rd Psalm. Having uttered these words, Todd Beamer and the brave passengers on the doomed Flight 93 proceeded to take the plane back from the hijackers, de-railing the terrorists’ plan, at the cost of their own lives.

This was only one of the many stories—heart-breaking and inspiring at the same time—which we learned in the aftermath of 9/11. Ten years later, those stories have become a part of our national culture: a part of America’s own story. Perhaps for that reason, the personal, human toll of that day has receded into the background: a part of history we all share, but take for granted.

But on this solemn, milestone anniversary let us promise never to forget these stories, or the people who lived them. Let us never forget the families of those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attacks—among them, people from our own community. Our thoughts are with them, as with all who have suffered and sacrificed in the long aftermath of that day.

Let us vow that their examples, their sacrifices, have not been made in vain; that each of us, to the best of our ability, will continue the struggle to preserve freedom, justice, and true peace against those who do not hold life sacred. And we pray too that—should we ever face our own fateful hour—God will summon from us the same courage He drew from our lost countrymen, on that terrible day ten years ago.

Above all, as I search these ten-year-old memories, the words of the 23rd Psalm impress themselves upon me, as they did so powerfully on that day:

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23)

May we all likewise dwell in our Lord’s house, now and always. May He keep watch over the souls He drew to His kingdom on 9/11, and bestow His peace on their loved ones. May He grant guidance to our leaders, and strengthen the resolve of those who stand in defense of our country. And may He always shed His shining grace on the United States of America.

Source: www.armenianchurch.net

In an official written statement addressing an inquiry from New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, regarding the present operational status of “the more than 2,000 Christian churches functioning prior to 1915 on the territory of present-day Turkey,” Amb. Ricciardone asserted: “Most of the Christian churches functioning prior to 1915 are still operating as churches. Some churches of significance operate as museums. The remaining have fallen into disrepair or were converted to mosques for lack of use.”

The full text of Archbishop Barsamian’s letter to Secretary Clinton, in response to the above assertion, appears below.

Dear Madame Secretary:

My kind greetings and blessings you, as you continue your service to our nation.

As Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, I write regarding the statements made by Ambassador Francis Ricciardone, President Obama’s appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, during his confirmation hearing.

Please know that we have been generally supportive of the efforts of the U.S. government to promote a more normal relationship between the republics of Turkey and Armenia. Likewise, we greatly respect and appreciate the productive role you personally have played in such initiatives.

With those efforts in mind, it is difficult to understand Ambassador Ricciardone’s assertions about the status of historic Armenian churches, and other Christian churches, in Turkey. The loss of these many hundreds of churches, their neglect and outright destruction, and the conversion of many of our sanctuaries into mosques, is a matter of intense pain to Armenians: an ongoing reminder of the loss of life and the destruction that we suffered as a result of the 1915 Genocide.

Ambassador Ricciardone deeply offended Armenian-Americans with his remarks, opening sensitive wounds and potentially setting back the gradual process of healing. In all charity, perhaps the Ambassador is simply unaware of certain facts. But mastery of the history of a country, its dark as well as bright chapters, is essential to serving the United States effectively and diplomatically in this important and complex region.

Again, it is our general support for your efforts, Madame Secretary, as well as our desire to see genuine progress made to benefit the entire region, that prompts this letter to you. I am confident that you will give these thoughts all due consideration, as you make decisions about the vital role America plays in Turkey, in Armenia, and throughout the world.

Madame Secretary, you have our great respect and support in all your undertakings. May our Lord strengthen and guide you in your service to our beloved country.

With prayers,

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
Primate

Source: www.armenianchurch.net

Armenia’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Tigran Sargsyan, personally presented the award and proclamation to Archbishop Barsamian on July 13, during the Primate’s visit to Armenia.

Prime Minister Sargsyan expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Barsamian for his efforts to help the Armenian people. The Prime Minister’s proclamation noted Archbishop Barsamian’s “work to strengthen state and church relations” and “his contributions to the education of Armenian youth.”

Under the leadership of Archbishop Barsamian, the Eastern Diocese and its parishes have extended spiritual and material outreach to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh. In the past two decades, the Diocese has spearheaded a number of service and exchange programs, pilgrimages, publications, and other initiatives to build connections between the Armenians in the United States and their brothers and sisters in the homeland.  

In addition, the Fund for Armenian Relief-which was established by Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Kevork Hovnanian, and Dr. Edgar Housepian in the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake in Spitak and Gyumri-has grown under Archbishop Barsamian’s guidance to become the homeland’s leading humanitarian organization, offering programs in education, health care, child protection, and economic development.

Archbishop Barsamian also has been a great supporter of Holy Etchmiadzin, and with the blessings of the Mother See, has represented the Armenian Church on various ecumenical and interreligious boards worldwide, helping to raise the profile of the Armenian Church on the national and international levels.  

Source: www.armenianchurch.net

The day-long meeting on Tuesday, July 26, included sessions with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Assistant Leader James Clyburn, and staff members of House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

“To ensure a fair budget, it is very important that we remember the most vulnerable: the elderly and children, as well as those who are poor, sick, hungry, or disabled,” Archbishop Aykazian said. “It is our moral responsibility to take care of these people.”

Archbishop Aykazian said the religious leaders expressed disappointment at the protracted negotiations, and called for a fair and just approach to reducing the nation’s deficit.

Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders took part in the day’s program.

Archbishop Aykazian delivered a prayer during an afternoon press conference organized by the group, asking God “to give strength and courage to our leaders to come to a peaceful solution.”

Source: www.armenianchurch.net

Connecting to make a difference

Randy Sapah-Gulian, chair of the Board of Directors of the Fund for Armenian Relief, spoke about the organization’s accomplishments since its founding 20 years ago, and the promise of its newest initiatives, including the FAR-ACYOA partnership and the Young Professionals Trip to Armenia, which will include a tour of historic Armenian lands in eastern Turkey for the first time in the program’s history. 

In the past two decades, FAR has allocated $290 million in humanitarian assistance and developed more than 220 programs in Armenia, including efforts to bolster education, infrastructure, social services, and medicine.

Mr. Sapah-Gulian also highlighted the upcoming tribute in honor of Charles Aznavour. Scheduled for Friday, May 20, in New York City, the evening will mark the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence and honor this great artist, humanitarian, diplomat, and visionary.

ACEF Board members Haig Ariyan and Tom Garabedian presented the report of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund. They stressed that despite economic difficulties, ACEF returns have outperformed the market and the organization’s own benchmark since 2000.

ACEF had $78 million in assets, with a total of 1,400 endowed funds at the end of 2010. A total of $3.5 million was distributed to beneficiaries in March 2010, and $3.1 million in March of 2011.

Mr. Ariyan, who chairs ACEF’s investment committee, also noted that ACEF represents a diverse class of investments to ensure income, appreciation and safety. He added that the organization launched a new website and accompanying marketing materials to help familiarize current and potential beneficiaries with its work.  

Ararat Center Board vice chair Rose Najarian Kedeshian gave an animated PowerPoint presentation highlighting the different organizations within and outside the Armenian community that have made use of the Ararat Center.

She said the 65-acre camping, retreat, and conference center serves diverse needs, and encouraged delegates to consider the center when planning parish retreats and other activities. “This is a place where we come together to connect and to make a difference for other generations,” she said.

She also shared information about this year’s Ararat Center Festival scheduled for Saturday, July 23, which will be dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

Called to serve together

Diocesan Legate Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Director of Ecumenical Relations at the Eastern Diocese, and Legate’s Committee members Lisa Esayian and Antranig Garibian spoke about efforts to raise awareness about the Armenian Church among ecumenical and interfaith groups and to advocate for the Armenian community at various levels of government.

In the past year, Archbishop Aykazian met with members of President Obama’s administration to discuss the status of Christians in the Middle East, attended a meeting of religious leaders in Canada, and accompanied His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on a trip to Baku for a World Summit of Religious Leaders. He has also begun serving as the chair of the fundraising committee for the World Council of Churches.

Archbishop Aykazian has continued efforts to support the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Armenian community in the Holy Land, and to seek action on the Armenian situation in the Republic of Georgia. In addition, he has called for increased outreach to Christians in Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.

He visited parishes across the Diocese throughout the year to inform them about the Diocese’s ecumenical efforts, and to encourage them to participate in ecumenical and interfaith activities on a local level.

The Very Rev. Fr. Papken Salbiyan, vicar of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Javakh, spoke about the importance of supporting Armenian churches and villages in the region. He described his own experiences of ministering to Armenians in Javakh, and underlined the need for continued spiritual, financial, and political action to ensure the future of the community.

Another guest speaker, Kathryn M. Lohre, president-elect of the National Council of Churches, addressed the Assembly on the message of the Easter story. Drawing on her own research of the Armenian Genocide, Mr. Lohre acknowledged this year’s rare coincidence of Armenian Martyrs Day and Easter Sunday, and placed it in the context of Christ’s powerful victory over death.

“Our faith in the risen Christ is a faith in defiance,” she said. “We must continue to ask ourselves how we can live this faith together.”

Turning to the Diocese’s theme of lay ministry, Ms. Lohre said, “The church, as a body of Christ, must galvanize all of its members.” She went on, “What is your call to serve? And what is our call to serve together?”

Assembly presentations continued on Thursday evening with a report from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, given by its dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and board member Raffi Balian.

Now in its 50th year, the seminary plans to expand its programs to offer special training for priests traveling to the Eastern Diocese from Armenia, boost engagement with parish clergy, and increase exchange programs with seminaries in Armenia and Jerusalem.

During the current academic year, four seminarians have been preparing for ordination at St. Nersess. In the 2011-12 year, the seminary expects to enroll eight full-time students, plus three part-time students who are interested in learning more about the Armenian Church without becoming ordained as priests. In the summer, the seminary will continue its popular conferences for high school and college students, with a total of five sessions planned for the coming months.

Mr. Balian said the seminary has improved its financial standing and welcomed new board members who have helped strengthen its efforts to educate future clergy and reach out to the larger Armenian community. He added that the board will continue to investigate options for relocating the seminary to a well-suited location for future growth.

Budget and development

Delegates heard from James Kalustian, treasurer of the Diocesan Council, about the Diocese’s financials, and approved revisions to the 2011 budget and a new 2012 budget.

Echoing last year’s message, Mr. Kalustian emphasized that the Diocese would continue a very disciplined financial course, noting that operating expenses declined in 2010 from the previous year.  The revised 2011 budget and the new 2012 budget have outlined further reductions.

Outgoing Diocesan Council member Sandra Shahinian Leitner spoke about the Diocese’s development initiatives. In 2010, the Diocese raised $720,929-nearly $74,000 more than the previous year-and attracted new donors through its Matching and Challenge Grant initiatives. She also noted that clergy, delegates, and others in leadership position participated in the Annual Appeal at a greater percentage in 2010.

Dr. Sam Mikaelian, coordinator of development at the Diocese, announced that in 2011 the Annual Appeal would be dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.

He launched the drive during the Assembly proceedings in Boston, where he was able to raise more than $20,000 last week. The sum will be matched by an anonymous donor, giving the Diocese a “head start” in its Annual Appeal.

Youth outreach

At the Second General session on Friday, April 29, James Kalustian presented an update on the “Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of the Armenian Church”-a constitutional framework for all Armenian Church dioceses, worked out during meetings of a five-member committee at Holy Etchmiadzin.

Mr. Kalustian served on the five-member committee and offered a comparison of the guidelines to the bylaws of the Eastern Diocese, which was completed by a second committee appointed by the Diocesan Council and Primate three years ago at the request of the Diocesan Assembly.

Following a discussion of the document, delegates voted on the following statement, which the Diocesan Council will communicate to Holy Etchmiadzin: “The Diocesan Assembly appreciates and encourages the initiative of His Holiness and the Supreme Spiritual Council in continuing the process of providing guidelines to govern the Armenian Church.”

Lydia Kurkjian, chair of the ACYOA Central Council, and Danny Mantis, the council’s vice-chair, spoke about plans to offer more leadership workshops and training opportunities for members of the organization.

The ACYOA also plans to spend more time developing the newly-formed FAR-ACYOA partnership-an initiative that allows young people across the Eastern Diocese to learn more about FAR’s programs and to become involved through various fundraisers, “pen-pal” type programs, and other activities.

Mr. Mantis also said the ACYOA would focus greater effort on building its 26 chapters, and encouraging the formation of new chapters where possible. He asked clergy and lay leaders to support the organization by promoting its activities and offering other forms of assistance at the local parish level.

Dn. Rubik Malian, chair of the Sacred Music Council, said the organization plans to organize regional workshops for choir members and directors in the coming year. He said the Music Council will also work to increase communication with clergy and choir members, improve its organizational structure, and develop new methods to teach the sacred music of the Armenian Church to young people across the Diocese.

Proposals and thanks

The Third General session began on Saturday, April 30, with a sermon by the Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, Fla.

Zita Butler, chair of the Women’s Guild Central Council, discussed activities the organization has planned for the coming year, including a symposium in New York City in the fall and a Holy Land pilgrimage next winter.

Diocesan Council chairman Oscar Tatosian opened the council’s presentation with a video reviewing the programs and activities organized in the past year. He said that the Diocese remains committed to supporting programming that will help young people become more familiar with the practices and traditions of the Armenian Church, and gain the skills they’ll need to assume leadership positions in the future.

Turning to new business items, delegates adopted proposals to install a plaque and photo of the late Rev. Fr. Paree Metjian at the Ararat Center in honor of his dedication to the St. Vartan Camp program.

They also adopted a proposal directing the Diocesan Council to invite comments from the delegates on the “Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of the Armenian Church” and the Bylaws of the Eastern Diocese, and to share a compilation of the comments at regular intervals. Another adopted measure calls on the Diocesan Council and the Primate to emphasize that members of the Supreme Spiritual Council should be elected by the National Ecclesiastical Assembly.

Other proposals adopted include support for the Armenian Patriarchate and the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, and the extension of role of the Executive Secretary of the ACYOA.

Before adjourning, delegates thanked the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, Mass., and the host parish’s Assembly Committee, which was co-chaired by Janice Dorian and Nancy D. Kasarjian. Delegates also expressed their gratitude to Assembly chair Antranig Garibian, vice chair Dn. Ara Jeknavorian, secretary Terry Peterson, and assistant secretary, the Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan.

The 110th Diocesan Assembly will be hosted by St. Mark Church of Springfield, Mass.

2011 DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY ELECTION RESULTS

Below are the names of individuals elected to Diocesan boards and positions during the 109th Diocesan Assembly.

Diocesan Board of Trustees
Janet Mardigian (10-year term)
Charles Guleserian (5-year completion of term)

Source: www.armenianchurch.net

We were pleased to have more then seventy five people with us for lunch as well as a musical program by Julia Pogosova, Maria Amiryan and Sarkis Chorbajian.

A moment of silence was observed in recognition of the April 24th Genocide, and St. Sarkis was open all day on April 25th for those who wanted to light candles.

View Photo Gallery

The evening included a program of remarks, recitations, and musical interludes. The church’s bell choir, under the direction of Scott Rauschenberg, performed a selection of Armenian hymns. Musical performances were also given by Vardges Vardanyan, Lexi Arbajian, and Daniel Zalinov.

Anni Kastorian recited a poem by Baruyr Sevag, and the entire community took part in a sing-along of popular Armenian songs. The banquet culminated in a special cake-cutting ceremony led by parish council chair Hagop Sarkissian.

More than 100 people attended the gathering, including local ecumenical leaders representing the Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and United Methodist churches.

“It was a festive and joyful atmosphere,” Mr. Sarkissian said.

On Sunday, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed a blessing of Madagh service.

In his sermon, the Primate spoke about St. Sarkis the Warrior—the saint after whom the Charlotte church is named and whose feast day was observed on February 19.

St. Sarkis was a Roman soldier who embraced Christianity, and facing persecution for his faith, found refuge in Armenia with his son, Mardiros. Sarkis and Mardiros were later martyred in Persia, and their relics were recovered and brought to Armenia by Mesrob Mashdots.

“This church should symbolize everything that St. Sarkis found, when he came as a refugee to Armenia,” Archbishop Barsamian said. “For he found in our sacred land a welcoming home. A sanctuary of safety and acceptance. A place where he and his child could live in peace—and where their good works would always be remembered.”

The Primate also had a message for the parish’s young generation: “To God looking down on you, each of you is a knight in shining armor: defending the good, fighting against evil, protecting the weak and helpless,” he said. “Wearing the armor of God—and above all, having Christ in your heart—makes you a hero.”

A requiem service was held in memory of the deceased benefactor and parishioners of St. Sarkis Church. A blessing of madagh followed the Divine Liturgy. The madagh was donated by Sergey Mouradkhanian.

Later in the afternoon, parishioners had the opportunity to speak with Archbishop Barsamian during an informal fellowship hour.

“It was a very successful visit by the Primate,” Mr. Sarkissian said. “Everyone was happy to see him.”

The Armenian community of Charlotte began to form in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lena Kupelian Neau, the current parish council secretary, was instrumental in bringing together Armenian families in the region, and helping organize a community that eventually became a mission parish of the Eastern Diocese.

Others active in the parish’s early efforts include Roland Telfayan; Arthur, Puzant, and Paul Yessayan; and Hagop and Zaven Touloukian. Many other individuals and families also stepped forward to volunteer their time and resources.

In March 2000, the parish purchased a property in Charlotte and began planning the construction of a new house of worship. The late Sarkis Acopian of Easton, Pa., and his wife, Bobbye Acopian, generously pledged more than $2 million to the building project in memory of Mr. Acopian’s mother, Dr. Arax Acopian.

Four years later, a cornerstone-blessing was held, and in July 2005, Archbishop Barsamian traveled to Charlotte to consecrate the newly-built St. Sarkis Church.

In addition to the bell choir, the parish has a number of active organizations including ACYOA Juniors and Seniors chapters, a Women’s Guild chapter, and Sunday and Armenian Schools.

Hagop Sarkissian says the community is now focusing on bringing a permanent pastor to St. Sarkis Church. A stewardship campaign is underway as part of this effort.

Committee members organizing last weekend’s celebration include: Lena Kupelian Neau, Pierre Arbajian, Donna Loutigian, Anni Kastorian, Charles Diman, Hagop Sarkissian, Astghik Vardanian Hensley, and Diane Gulkasian Tudor.

Source: www.armenianchurch.net