PRESS OFFICE
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. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
March 31, 2005
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FASTING, FELLOWSHIP TO MARK 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE
This April, young people throughout the Eastern Diocese will quietly,
yet profoundly, commemorate the Armenian Genocide by doing something to
better the lives of needy people in Armenia.
The Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA) is organizing
“Giving the Bread of Life: ACYOA Fast for Armenia” on April 23 and 24,
2005. Participants will be marking the 90th anniversary of the Genocide
by fasting, gathering for Bible study, and raising funds to support the
Orran Shelter in Yerevan.
“This project will give ACYOA members the unique opportunity to work,
learn, and pray together for a worthy cause,” said Karen Khatchadourian,
of the Central Council who is organizing the day of fasting with fellow
Council member Chris Tashjian. “More than just a day without eating,
the project’s intent is to remember our martyrs and raise awareness
about hunger and poverty in Armenia.”
Participants will begin fasting at noon on Saturday, April 23. Chapters
are being encouraged to organize various activities for fasters, such as
Bible studies on the theme of hunger, viewing and discussion on movies
such as “The Passion of the Christ,” and fun activities such as tavloo
tournaments.
Fasters will not break the fast until receiving communion during the
Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 24. Participants in the Mid-Atlantic
and New England areas are being asked to attend the service being held
at St. Vartan Cathedral.
Participants will also be asking friends and family to sponsor their
fast, by providing donations that will go to support Armenia’s Orran
Shelter, which provides humanitarian assistance to children and the
elderly in Yerevan.
Parishes without full-fledged ACYOA chapters are being asked to also get
their youth involved in the ACYOA fast for Armenia.
“What these young people are setting out to do is a terrific way to help
Armenia while helping themselves,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
“Though simple, their sacrifices will serve as strong reminders of
Christ’s sacrifice which is central to the faith that saw our ancestors
through the darkness of the Genocide.”
If you would like to support this effort by the ACYOA, please contact
your local parish’s chapter. You can also send sponsorship donations to
ACYOA Fasting Project, c/o The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), 630 Second Ave., New York, NY 10016.
— 3/31/05