PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web:
Email: [email protected]
** TOP STORY November 29, 2012
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Archbishop Torkom Manoogian
Archbishop Manoogian (1919-2012).
** Karasoonk for Patriarch Torkom Manoogian
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The 40th-day requiem service, or karasoonk, in memory of His Beatitude
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late 96th Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem, and long-serving former Primate of the Eastern Diocese,
will be held at parishes across the Diocese on Sunday, December 2.
At St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros
Chevian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, beginning at
10:30 a.m. The requiem service will follow.
Textual, photographic, and video resources on the life and ministry of
Patriarch Torkom Manoogian are available on the Diocesan website,
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. The Diocese is planning to mark the one-year anniversary of his
passing with a special commemoration in 2013.
St. Sahag Church
** Primate to Visit St. Sahag Church of St. Paul, MN
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Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit St. Sahag
Church of St. Paul, MN, this weekend, as the parish marks the 10th
anniversary of the church’s consecration and welcomes its new pastor,
the Rev. Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan.
On Saturday, December 1, Archbishop Barsamian and Diocesan Council
members the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian and Lisa Esayian will meet
with the pastor and members of the Parish Council to help the parish
create a strategic plan.
On Sunday, December 2, Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and elevate young parishioners Hagop Toghramadjian and Andy
Ylitalo to the sub-diaconate. A banquet will follow in the church
hall.
** Scripture of the Week
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Is 36:22-37:11
1 Thes 4:1-11
Lk 13:1-9
** Prayer of the Week
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Dear Lord, you parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River as your people
journeyed to the Promised Land. Lift away those things that keep us
from you today as we continue the journey. We ask this in your name,
and with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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1 December: Holy Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew, First Enlighteners
of Armenia
2 December: Second Sunday of Advent
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Louise Manoogian Simone
Louise Manoogian Simone is the first recipient of the `Knight of Holy
Etchmiadzin’ Pontifical Medal.
** Distinguished Honor for a Church Leader
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In New York on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, His Holiness Karekin II,
the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presented a
unique honor to Mrs. Louise Manoogian Simone, lifelong Armenian
philanthropist and past president of the AGBU, making her the first
recipient of the `Knight of Holy Etchmiadzin’ Pontifical Medal.
The medal had been conferred on Mrs. Manoogian Simone in February
2011, but during this month’s visit to the Eastern Diocese His
Holiness wanted to personally present it and to express his deep
appreciation to Mrs. Manoogian Simone for her numerous contributions
to Armenia’s national and ecclesiastical life.
Known throughout the world as a heroic supporter of Armenian causes,
Mrs. Manoogian Simone has followed in the distinguished tradition of
her late parents, Alex and Marie Manoogian, who were themselves
recognized by the Republic of Armenia as National Heroes of the
homeland in tribute to their countless benefactions for the Armenian
people, and visionary leadership of AGBU.
Louise Manoogian Simone’s long tenure as AGBU president straddled
Armenia’s Soviet period and its rebirth as an independent republic,
and her efforts at a critical time proved instrumental to the
development of the young republic and Nagorno-Karabagh. Her support
has been both organizational and personal, practical and visionary,
and has always been undertaken with a direct, `hands-on’ approach.
Click here
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to read more.
Armenian Church in Khndzorout, Armenia
St. Vartan the Warrior Church was consecrated last week in Vanadzor.
** New Church Consecrated in Vanadzor, Armenia
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On Thursday, November 22, a new church was consecrated in Vanadzor,
Armenia, by Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan, Primate of the Diocese of
Gougark. Government officials and local residents took part in the
service.
The small house of worship named `St. Vartan the Warrior Church’
stands on the site of a former sanctuary dating to the 7th
century. That building was restored in 1857, but was destroyed in the
1988 earthquake.
The construction of St. Vartan Church is part of an ongoing revival of
ecclesiastical buildings in the Gougark Diocese. Since 1996, more than
30 churches have been built or renovated in cities and villages across
the region.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese’s 2012 Annual Appeal
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The Eastern Diocese has launched its 2012 Annual Appeal-and we need
your help to make it a success! The Appeal is the only Diocesan-wide
fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese undertake the many
ministries, programs, and resources that enrich life in our local
parishes.
We have set a target of $825,000 for the 2012 Annual Appeal. Funds
raised beyond that target will help to support one of the great
institutions of our community: the Armenian Church Youth Organization
of America (ACYOA). Please consider making a contribution to the 2012
Annual Appeal to help spread the good work of the Armenian Church
across our local communities=80’and across the generations.
Follow these links to donate now
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, and to learn more
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about the 2012 Annual Appeal.
Karekin II visits St. Nersess Seminary site
>From left: Hagop Kouyoumdjian, Elza Didizian, Kevork Toroyan, Haig
Didizian, His Holiness Karekin II, Michael Haratunian, and Haig Ariyan
at the future site of St. Nersess Seminary.
** His Holiness Karekin II Visits Future Site of Seminary
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On Saturday, November 17, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, toured the future site of
St. Nersess Seminary in the company of the main benefactors of the
seminary project, Mr. and Mrs. Haig and Elza Didizian.
His Holiness Karekin II arrived at the site in Armonk, N.Y.-which is
currently under construction-with the Didizians and seminary board
members Haig Ariyan, Michael Haratunian, Hagop Kouyoumdjian, and
Kevork Toroyan.
Having viewed the beautiful property and having reviewed the ambitious
plans for developing it as center of learning for future clergy and
lay leaders of the Armenian Church, His Holiness, the Didizians, and
the board members traveled to the Diocesan Center in Manhattan, where
they were welcomed by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and
new seminary dean the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian.
In the formal reception room of the Diocesan Center, Fr. Chevian
presented St. Nersess Seminary’s new vision and expanded mission to
Catholicos Karekin II. The new dean and the board members emphasized
their hope to strengthen the enduring relationships between
St. Nersess Seminary and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadizin, as well
as with the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. After listening to the
presentation, His Holiness offered his own recommendations, commending
the plans and assuring the others that Holy Etchmiadzin and the
Catholicos himself would be supportive of them.
Click here
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to read more.
Bishop Armash Nalbandian visit Diocesan Center
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with Bishop Armash Nalbandian at the
Diocesan Center.
** Diocese Welcomes Primate of Damascus
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Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of Damascus, is visiting New York
this week. Upon his arrival at the Diocesan Center, he met with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, and the Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar.
He will be speaking to the public, in both Armenian and English, at
two New York Metro-area churches. The talk, titled `The Armenian
Community in Syria: Its Flourishing Past and the Challenge of the
Present,’ will be given at the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside,
NY, on Thursday, November 29, at 7:30 p.m. A similar discussion will
take place at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, on Friday, November
30, at 7 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
The Eastern Diocese’s fundraising campaign for Syrian-Armenian relief,
which was first announced in August, is still underway. Individuals
and parishes can make checks out to the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (please write `Syrian Relief’ in the memo). All funds
collected should be sent to the Diocesan Center (630 Second Avenue,
New York, NY 10016). Individuals can also donate now
()
through our Diocesan website. (Please note: In the lower part of the
online information entry form, select the button `In Memory of,’ and
type =80=9CSyrian Relief’ in the memo bar that appears.)
All the proceeds collected will go to the relief effort, to be
distributed through the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
Archbishop Aykazian visits Iraq
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian greets President Massoud Barzani in Iraq’s
Kurdish autonomous region.
** Ecumenical Director Meets with Officials in Iraq
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Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, joined
U.S. church leaders on a visit to Iraq earlier this month, where the
delegation met with government officials to discuss Christian-Kurdish
relations in the country’s northern region.
The visit, which took place from November 3 to 10, was led by Cardinal
Theodore McCarrick, the retired Roman Catholic Archbishop of
Washington. Participants also included Evangelical and Episcopalian
church leaders.
The church leaders met with government officials of the Kurdish
autonomous region, including its President Massoud Barzani, and with
local church leaders in Iraq. Conversations focused on the
difficulties facing Christian families in the region, and on ways the
government could reach out to support this minority population.
Archbishop Aykazian also had an opportunity to meet with Archbishop
Avak Asadourian, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Iraq, and to
visit the Armenian Church in Dohuk.
Click here
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to read more.
FAR
Doctors at the seminar held at the Republican Scientific Medical
Library.
** Doctors in Armenia Attend Continuing Education Seminar
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Armenia’s regional physicians enrolled in the Fund for Armenian
Relief’s Continuing Medical Education (CME) program recently
participated in a seminar on the latest electronic medical library
resources. The physicians attended an interactive session on optimal
ways of using bibliographic databases, a forum on evidence-based
medicine, and a talk on the relationship between health and the law.
The seminar was part of the ongoing partnership between FAR and the
Republican Scientific Medical Library
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, which hosted the event. The long history of the collaboration dates
back to FAR’s ground-breaking assistance at the very first stages of
technically equipping the library. Click here
()
to read more.
CME was established in 2005 by FAR in collaboration with FAR’s
Fellowship Alumni Association. The program enhances the professional
training of physicians in Armenia, Javakhk, and Nagorno-Karabakh by
providing training, creating opportunities to learn the latest medical
technologies, upgrading physicians’ computer and English-language
skills, providing a forum for networking and information exchange, and
improving medical supplies in regional hospitals.
** PARISH NEWS
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St. Mary Church Hall Blessing, NJ
Mr. Hratch Toufayan cuts the ribbon during the opening ceremony for
the new hall, as His Holiness Karekin II and Mrs. Suzanne Toufayan
look on.
** Livingston, NJ, Parish Celebrates Opening of New Hall
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On Friday, November 16, parishioners of the St. Mary Church of
Livingston, NJ, gathered to celebrate the opening of the church’s
newly expanded hall, and to welcome His Holiness Karekin II, the
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, who presided over
the evening’s dedication service and banquet.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate; Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian, the Eastern Diocese’s Ecumenical Director; Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian; Bishop Haigazoun Najarian; the Rev. Fr. Arakel
Vardazaryan, parish pastor; and the main benefactors of the hall
expansion, Mr. and Mrs. Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan, and their family,
were among those sharing in the celebration.
Surrounded by clergy and members of the Toufayan family, His Holiness
blessed the new `Haroutune and Siranoush Toufayan Hall,’ which was
named in honor of Mr. Toufayan’s late parents.
Following the blessing ceremony conducted by St. Mary’s pastor,
deacons, altar servers and choir, the presiding Catholicos Karekin II
cut the ribbon to officially open the hall, and led the guests inside
for a tour of the new facility.
During the banquet, His Holiness congratulated the Toufayan family and
all the
parishioners of St. Mary Church on this new chapter in the parish’s
history. He presented the parish with a painting of an Armenian
landscape to hang in the church, which was accepted on behalf of their
fellow parishioners by Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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.
Festival of Nations in Albany
“Miss Armenia” (second row, left) with other representatives at the
Festival of Nations.
** Armenian Culture Showcased at Festival in Albany, NY
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St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, took part in the Festival of
Nations, held in Albany, NY, last month. The event, now in its 41st
year, strives to educate the public about the cultural heritage of
local residents, and to foster unity and fellowship among diverse
populations.
Armenia was among the 23 nations represented at the
festival. Activities included an Armenian food booth, a `Miss Armenia’
dressed in traditional costume, and a dance performance.
Click here
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to read more.
Holy Trinity Church Choir
Choir members and altar servers with Fr. Vasken Kouzouian and
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian.
** Cambridge, MA, Parish Marks Two Milestones
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On Sunday, November 4, Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA,
celebrated the 100th anniversary of its choir and welcomed its former
pastor Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian to honor the 65th anniversary of
his ordination to the holy priesthood.
Archbishop Gizirian, who served as pastor of Holy Trinity Church from
1974 to 1976, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian, parish pastor, assisting. At the conclusion of badarak, a
requiem service was conducted for deceased members of the church
choir.
Following services, choir members, parishioners, and guests came
together to celebrate the two milestones. Click here
()
to read more.
St. David Church ACYOA, FL
Retreat participants with Fr. Nareg Berberian.
** ACYOA Members Gather for Retreat in Boca Raton, FL
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On Friday, November 16, some 35 young people participated in an ACYOA
Juniors overnight `Lock-In Retreat’ at the St. David Church school
building in Boca Raton, FL.
The event, titled “Building Friendships,” was organized by the Very
Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, parish pastor. Attendees had the opportunity
to get to know each other and to appreciate the importance of staying
connected with their friends, faith, and culture.
Another retreat is planned for the winter of 2013.
Armenian Church of Hye Pointe, Food Drive
Fr. Vart Gyozalian blesses donated food items at Hye Pointe Church.
** Sunday School Students Learn to Give Back
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Earlier this month, Sunday School students at the Armenian Church at
Hye Pointe in Ward Hill, MA, took part in a food drive to collect
non-perishable items for area shelters.
At the conclusion of the drive, students brought their items to the
church where the food was blessed by the Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalian,
parish pastor, before being delivered to the shelters for
distribution. `This initiative helps Sunday School students learn
about giving back,’ Fr. Gyozalian said. `It’s a wonderful opportunity
for young people to practice outreach.’
Click here
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to view photos.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host the `Trinity Christmas
Bazaar’ on Friday, November 30, from 3 to 9 p.m., and Saturday,
December 1, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The bazaar will be held at the
church (145 Brattle Street in Cambridge).
The two-day event will feature Armenian dinners, vendor booths,
`Santa’s Playland’ for children, and other activities. Click here
()
for information, or call the church at (617) 354-0632.
On Sunday, December 9, Holy Trinity Church and the Erevan Choral
Society and Orchestra will present their annual “Christmas Holiday
Concert,” beginning at 3:30 p.m., in the church sanctuary.
Featured soloists are mezzo-soprano Victoria Avetisyan, tenor Yeghishe
Manucharyan, and soprano Noune Karapetian. The program will include a
variety of traditional Armenian and Western sacred and holiday
music. The concert is free and open to the public. For information,
call the church at (617) 354-0632, or email
[email protected]. (mailto:[email protected].%0b)
St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
The Women’s Guild of St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will sponsor
a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and
Sunday, December 2, from 12 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a lahmajoun lunch and dolma dinner on Saturday and madzoonov
kufte on Sunday. A variety of homemade foods-including manti, michov
or sini kufte, boreg, string cheese, choreg, simit, kadayif, paklava,
and more-will be available for purchase. There will be family
entertainment on Saturday and Sunday.
Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
St. John Church | Southfield, MI
The Parish Council and Apostolic Society of St. John Church of
Southfield, MI, will host an Armenian dance on Saturday, December 8,
featuring Onnik Dinkjian and his ensemble. The event will be held in
the church’s cultural hall, beginning at 7 p.m. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a Food Festival and Bazaar
on Saturday, December 8 , from 12 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, December 9,
from 12 to 6 p.m.
Enjoy gourmet Armenian food, including kebab, boreg, manti, kufteh,
yalanchee, baklava, and more. The festival will also feature vendors,
music, raffles, and activities for children.
St. Thomas Church is located at the corner of East Clinton Avenue and
Rt. 9W in Tenafly. Click here
()
to view a flyer, or call (201) 567-5446 for information.
Sts. Vartanantz Church | Chelmsford, MA
Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, will host an `Appreciation
Day Family Dinner’ celebrating the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan’s
fifth anniversary at the church on Sunday, December 9.
Dinner and a program will follow church services. For reservations,
contact Patty Kayajanian at (978) 937-9379 or Milka Jeknavorian at
(978) 251-4845.
Holy Resurrection Church | New Britain, CT
The Women’s Guild of the Church of the Holy Resurrection of New
Britain, CT, will host a Holiday Concert featuring the New Britain
High School Madrigal Singers on Thursday, December 13, at 7 p.m.
The NBHS Madrigal Singers, under the direction of Brian Germain, have
performed in the sanctuary for over 10 years. The group comes in full
costume, singing musical selections from their annual Boars Head Feast
and Christmas music selections which include songs in multiple
languages.
The concert is open to the public. A reception will follow in the
church’s Abrahamian Auditorium. Click here
()
to view a flyer. For information, contact the church office at (860)
223-7875.
** EVENTS
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Columbia University
Marco Polo and a caravan on the Silk Road, from the ‘Catalan
Atlas’. Ar. 1375. Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris.
** Armenian Studies Lecture at Columbia University
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The Armenian Center at Columbia University will host a lecture by
Sergio La Porta, Professor of Armenian Studies at California State
University, Fresno, on Friday, November 30, at 7 p.m.
The lecture is titled “Networks of Knowledge: Communication and
Identity in 12th-14th Century Armenia.” It will be held at the
Columbia University Faculty House (64 Morningside Drive at West 116th
Street).
Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
NYC
** Annual Appeal Reception to be Held in New York
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The Diocesan Council will host a reception in support of the 2012
Annual Appeal on Thursday, December 6, at the Michael Aram flagship
store in New York. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m.
All are invited to enjoy an evening of fellowship. A raffle will be
held for an original Michael Aram creation.
The store is located at 136 West 18th Street in New York City. RSVP by
December 3 by e-mailing [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .
Click here
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to view an invitation card.
**
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Concert at St. Vartan Cathedral
** Classical Concert Postponed to December 8
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Due to power outages caused by the recent hurricane in New York, the
classical concert scheduled to take place at the Diocesan Center on
November 3 was postponed. The concert has been rescheduled for
Saturday, December 8, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Sopranos Anoosh Barclay, Hasmik Meikhanedjian, Narine Ojakhyan, and
Anahit Zakaryan-accompanied by pianist Garen Hagopian-will perform the
works of Pergolesi, Donizetti, Verdi, Rossini, Bizet, Dvorak, Komitas,
Tigranian, Melikian, and Abrahamian. The concert will go forward under
the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian.
The concert will be held in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of
the Diocesan Center (630 Second Avenue, New York City). Call the
Diocese at (212) 686-0710 for information. Click here
()
to view a flyer.
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian will speak in Charlotte, NC, next month.
** Archbishop Aykazian to Speak in Charlotte, NC
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Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, will
give a talk on the challenges facing Christians in the Middle East on
Saturday, December 8, at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in
Charlotte, NC. The event will begin at 7 p.m.
Archbishop Aykazian will discuss Christian communities in the Middle
East and offer ways Christians in the U.S. can help influence
peace-building efforts.
Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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Khrimian Students visit old age home
Students sing an Armenian folk song at the Armenian Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, NJ.
** Khrimian Lyceum Students Visit the Elderly
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A group of over 30 Khrimian Lyceum students, teachers, and chaperones
visited the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, NJ,
on Saturday, November 17. Under the direction of Florence Avakian,
students gave instrumental, choral, and solo performances of Armenian
folk songs and Christmas carols. Arthur Ipek accompanied on the
piano. Click here
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to view photos.
After lunch, the group visited entrepreneur, art collector, and
lecturer Andreas Roubian to view his extensive collection of Armenian
art, including works by Hovhannes Ayvazovsky and Hovsep
Pushman. Students also viewed pieces from the Napoleonic period, and
heard Mr. Roubian speak about the artists and their work.
On Saturday, December 8, the Khrimian Lyceum will welcome Cesar
Chekijian to the Diocesan Center for a presentation on the city of
Aintab and historic Armenia.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: