PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
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. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
December 11, 2006
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ARMENIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS JOIN OTHERS AT CONVOCATION
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) was well represented
when 250 delegates from 35 member churches gathered in Orlando, FL, from
November 6 to 9, 2006, for the General Assembly of the National Council of
Churches (NCC).
Heading the Armenian delegates was Bishop Vicken Aykazian, diocesan legate
and ecumenical officer, who also serves as the president-elect of the NCC.
Joining the legate in the Armenian delegation was Fr. Haigazoun Najarian,
Diocesan Council member and pastor of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of
Wynnewood, PA; Fr. Papken Anoushian, pastor of the St. Thomas Church of
Tenafly, NJ; Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL; Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of the St. John Church
of Southfield, MI; and Yn. Arpi Kouzouian, youth ministry director of the
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. Also attending was Fr. Nersess
Jebejian, the Diocese’s representative on the NCC Hurricane Katrina
Commission.
On Tuesday, November 7, 2006, there was a gathering of delegates from the
Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches hosted by the local Greek Orthodox
Community.
HEALING OF NATIONS
The theme of this year’s assembly was based on a quote from the Book of
Revelations — "For the healing of the nations" Rev. 22:1-2 — which was
used by delegates to focus on events taking place throughout the world.
The highlights of the business sessions included reports on delegations that
traveled to the Middle East on a fact-finding mission following the recent
fighting in Israel and Lebanon. Reports were also heard on ongoing efforts
to aid those impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
A special presentation was given by Dr. Richard Dixon, associate director
for science at the Center for Disease Control, who detailed the impacts we
could expect if a serious flu pandemic spread worldwide.
Delegates also attended forums on topics such as: Armageddon Theology and
its impact on the Middle East, biotechnologies, churches’ role in protecting
and resettling Karen Burmese refugees, fighting global hunger and poverty,
new tools for congregations, the "Let Justice Roll" living wage campaign,
local church resources toolkit, recovering from trauma; breaking the cycle
of violence, and the ecumenical goal of unity.
The 2007 General Assembly will take place in New York City, where Bishop
Aykazian will be installed as the President of the council for 2008-2009. A
special installation service will take place that November at St. Vartan
Cathedral.
— 12/11/06
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate and ecumenical officer of
the Eastern Diocese and president-elect of the National Council of Churches,
addresses the NCC General Assembly, held November 6 to 9, 2006, in Orlando,
FL.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The delegation from the Armenian Church at the NCC
General Assembly, November 6 to 9, 2006, in Orlando, FL.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
