PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
March 17, 2011
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New iPhone App from the Eastern Diocese
This month the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America announced
the release of Vemkar-a new mobile application for the iPhone and iPod
touch.
The app-available free of charge in the App Store and on iTunes-incorporates
a wide range of features, including daily scripture readings, photo and
video galleries, Armenian spiritual and folk music, a calendar of events, a
directory of Diocesan parishes, a prayer request function, and much more.
Users are invited to post comments, share images with friends, or read the
latest news from the Eastern Diocese.
In Armenian, a “Vemkar” is the specially anointed stone that serves as a
movable altar, which can be used for ritual functions in the absence of a
permanent sanctuary. As a portable tablet, it allows the sacred power of the
Armenian Church to be brought to people in even the most remote places. The
Vemkar app places access to the Armenian Church in the palm of one’s hand.
The app is the latest in a series of efforts to expand the Diocese’s digital
media outreach.
In June 2010, the Diocese unveiled the complete redesign of its website:
The new site serves not only as a platform for the distribution of news and
information about the Eastern Diocese, but also as a vibrant portal where
visitors can submit questions and ideas, and share content via social media
sites.
The website project was followed by a redesigned weekly e-newsletter, and
the development of Facebook and Twitter communities.
The Diocese also continues to produce and post short video clips-on topics
ranging from the saints and feasts of the Armenian Church to brief news
updates and thematic clips focusing on ministry in the modern world-on both
its website and YouTube channel.
To learn more about the Eastern Diocese, visit
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Photo: Screenshots of the Diocese’s new iPhone app, Vemkar, which is
available for free download in the App Store and on iTunes.
From: A. Papazian