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:
August 7, 2006
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ARCHBISHOP AND AGBU INTERNS DISCUSS ROLE OF FAITH IN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), welcomed 34 young Armenians to the St. Vartan
Cathedral and Diocesan Center in New York City on Thursday, July 13, 2006.
The young students are working in New York City this summer through the
summer internship program operated by the Armenian General Benevolent Union
(AGBU). The interns come from around the globe and work in banks,
government institutions, media, and non-profit organizations.
"I am always pleased to see such energetic, young Armenians," the Primate
said. "They are skilled and knowledgeable, but, more important, they share
a deep love for their unique Armenian Christian faith."
After a tour of the St. Vartan Cathedral led by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean
of the Cathedral, the Primate hosted the interns for dinner in the Diocesan
Center.
He welcomed questions from the young Armenians, leading to a frank
discussion of issues ranging from church teachings to the challenges faced
by young Armenian Christians in today’s modern society.
"It is important that we, the clergy of the church, engage our young people
in an open discussion," he said. "Each year the interns bring up such
interesting questions and topics. I enjoy hearing from them and having them
share their ideas as well."
The AGBU New York Summer Intern Program (NYSIP) was established in 1987 to
provide professional opportunities for Armenians living in the United States
and abroad. While working in their internships, the AGBU participants also
get involved in the community by visiting the Diocese, local Armenian
schools, and retirement homes.
— 8/7/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, answers questions posed by young Armenians interning in New York
City this summer through the AGBU summer internship program.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The Primate listens as one of the AGBU interns discusses
her faith and heritage during a dinner at the Diocesan Center in New York
City.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): The Primate and Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the St.
Vartan Cathedral, with the AGBU interns during their visit to the cathedral
and Diocesan Center on July 13, 2006.