PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Communications Officer
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 6, 2004
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Week of April 30 to May 6, 2004
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DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY A SUCCESS
This past weekend (4/29-5/02), almost 150 representatives from local
parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese worked through a heavy agenda
during the Diocesan Assembly, hosted by the St. Gregory the Enlightener
Church of White Plains, NY. One of the major items on the agenda was
passage of next year’s Diocesan budget. The delegates also spent a lot
of time discussing the idea of stewardship and brainstorming ways to
build stewardship programs within their parishes. For more on the
actions of the delegates and to see pictures from the Assembly, click to
our Assembly blog:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
* * *
SERVICES THIS WEEKEND FOR FR. KABARADJIAN
The V. Rev. Fr. Varoujan Kabaradjian, long-time pastor for Evanston, IL,
passed away last Friday (4/30) after a prolonged illness. Funeral
services, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian,
former Pontifical Legate and Primate of the Armenian Church of Great
Britain, will be held this weekend. For more on the life and service of
Fr. Kabaradjian and for details on the funeral service and viewing,
visit our website:
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(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/4/04)
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PRIMATE TO BE IN BINGHAMTON THIS WEEKEND
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, will pay a
pastoral visit to the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton,
NY, this weekend. The parish will hold a dinner to honor the Primate on
Saturday at the church, and the Primate will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy on Sunday, during which he will ordain Hagop Injajigian, a
dedicated memver of the parish, as a deacon. Sunday’s service will be
followed by a reception at 1:30 p.m. at the Regency Hotel. For more
information on this parish, click to our website:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/6/04)
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PRIMATE PRESENTS HONOR IN FAIR LAWN, NJ
On Sunday (5/2), Archbishop Barsamian was in Fair Lawn, NJ, where he
joined the parishioners of the St. Leon Church for the parish’s
appreciation day celebration. During the festivities, the Primate
presented S. Rex Kachigian with the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali
Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians. The St. Nersess medal — the Armenian
Church’s highest lay honor — is awarded to individuals who demonstrate
outstanding commitment and service to the Armenian Church. To learn
more, click to the Eastern Diocese’s website:
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(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/3/04)
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ETCHMIADZIN ORDAINS NEW PRIESTS
On Sunday (5/2), during a Divine Liturgy presided over by His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Grace
Bishop Abraham Mkrtichian, Primate of the Diocese of Syunik in Armenia,
ordained six new priests. Three of the new priests are celibate
priests.
(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 5/2/04)
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CATHOLICOS VISITS SOUTH AMERICA
On Monday (5/3), Catholicos Karekin II headed to South America, where he
will travel throughout the month. His agenda includes stops in Sao
Paolo and Osasco, Brazil; Montevideo, Uruguay; and Buenos Aires and
Cordoba, Argentina. During the trip, the Catholicos will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy in many communities, meet with officials, and hold
discussions with local ecumenical meetings.
(Source: Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 5/3/04)
* * *
REQUEST A PRAYER
When you feel as though you need a little more spiritual support, you
can request a prayer be said for you at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in
New York City. Simply click to our website, and your prayer will be
said during Sunday services:
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
* * *
ASP TRIP FILLED
This year’s Armenian Service Program (ASP) trip is filled; 26 young
people will take part in it. The trip — organized by the Armenian
Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) — is an opportunity for
young people to visit Armenia while also helping the Republic’s
children. Participants will spend part of their summer trip serving as
counselors for a summer camp for children. If you would like more
information on future ASP trip contact the ACYOA by e-mailing
[email protected].
(Source: ACYOA, 4/30/04)
* * *
TRAVEL TO ARMENIA THIS YEAR
Traveling to Armenia strengthens your faith and dedication. If you
haven’t gone yet, there are four opportunities this year.
In June:
* Young Professionals Trip — June 12 to 26 / $2,250. THREE SPOTS ARE
LEFT, SIGN UP TODAY! Specifically designed for travelers between the
ages of 23 and 40, this trip offers a chance to see the sights of
Armenia and build life-long friendships with other Armenian American
professionals. Call the Fund for Armenian Relief (212) 889-5150.
* Diocesan Pilgrimage to Historic Armenia and the Republic of Armenia —
June 17 to July 7 / $3,450. Travel to Istanbul, historic Armenian
locations in modern day Turkey such as Musa Dagh, Cappadocia, Mt.
Ararat, and Ani. Continue to Armenia to tour important historical and
cultural sites. For more information call Armen Aroyan (626) 359-9510.
In September:
* Women’s Guild Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 16 to 27 / $2,400.
Tour Etchmiadzin, Yerevan, ancient holy sites, and current cultural
activities. For more information call Ann Devejian (203) 838-5758.
* Pilgrimage to Armenia — September 18 to October 3 / $2,350. A
Diocesan-sponsored trip to all the highlights of Armenia. For more
information call Sidon Travel at (818) 553-0777.
To get more information on any of these travel opportunities, e-mail
[email protected].
And don’t forget — you can also help fund the trip of a young person in
your parish, who will return more eager to be involved in parish life.
(Source: Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), 5/5/04)
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