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 December 21, 2012
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Holy Cross Church
Holy Cross Church on Aghtamar island.
** Primate’s Christmas Message
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In his annual Christmas Message, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian reflects on the journey of the wise men-on the experience of
taking an unfamiliar path, and then realizing that the unexpected has
changed us.
`My own path took just such a turn this year,’ he writes, `when I led
a pilgrimage to one of the most inspirational spots in historic
Armenia: the Church of the Holy Cross on the island of Aghtamar.’
`I envisioned our communities in America; our miraculous Republic of
Armenia-realities of the present day that the pilgrims of former
generations could not even have imagined. And I wondered to myself
what other miracles the future might hold-new pathways that we today
have not even dreamed of, but that God, in His good time, will make
plain.’
Read the entire 2013 Christmas Message in English
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and Armenian
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Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese’s 2012 Annual Appeal
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The Eastern Diocese’s 2012 Annual Appeal is in its final weeks=80’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. Please
consider making a contribution to help spread the good work of the
Armenian Church across our local communities-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.
** Scripture of the Week
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Is 40:18-31
Heb 4:16-5:10
Lk 18:9-14
** Prayer of the Week
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Son of God, true God, who descended from the bosom of the Father and
took flesh of the holy Virgin Mary for our salvation, who was
crucified, buried, and arose from the dead, and ascended with glory to
the Father.
Grant forgiveness to me a sinner, for since my birth at the holy font
until this day I have sinned before your Godhead with my senses and
with all the members of my body.
Have mercy upon your creatures, and upon me, a great sinner.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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22 December: Holy Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nissa, Sylvester of Rome,
and Ephrem the Syrian
24 December: St. David the Prophet-King and the Holy Apostle James,
Brother of the Lord
25 December: St. Stephen the Protodeacon and First Martyr
27 December: Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Syrian Armenians in Yerevan
Children from Syria attend school in Armenia.
** Holy Etchmiadzin Supports Syrian Armenians
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Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenia Round Table Charitable Foundation
have launched a Rapid Response Program to aid Syrian Armenians seeking
refuge in the homeland. Families in need receive deliveries of food,
first aid items, and other necessities to assist them upon arrival in
Armenia. The program is funded by Acting Churches Together, an
ecumenical network of churches and aid organizations. Click here
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to read more on this initiative.
Click here
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to read a New York Times article about Syrian Armenians who are
resettling in Armenia. Click here
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to read First Things’ `What’s Next for Syria’s Christians?’=80’a
recent post by Mark Movsesian, director of the Center for Law and
Religion at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.
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
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through our Diocesan website. (Please note: In the lower part of the
online information entry form, select the button `In Memory of,’ and
type `Syrian 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.
Candles
** Der Voghormya: Lord, Have Mercy…
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The Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, pastor of Holy Ascension Church of
Trumbull, CT, represented the Armenian Church at the interfaith vigil
held in Newtown, CT, on Sunday, December 16, in the aftermath of last
week’s school shooting.
Of the wicked murder of innocents, that occurred two days earlier,
there is little of meaning to be said, beyond the words from the
Armenian hokehankisd service:
`Christ, Son of God, forbearing and compassionate: As our loving
creator, have mercy on the souls of your servants who are at rest;
especially on the souls of the children and adults whose precious
lives were taken last Friday. They were your servants, and for them we
offer this prayer.
`Remember them, on that great day when your Kingdom comes. Make them
worthy of mercy; expiate and forgive their sins. Glorify them, and
reckon them among the saints at your right hand.
`For you are the Lord: creator of all things, judge of the living and
the dead. Glory, dominion, and honor belong to you, now and always,
and unto the ages of ages. Amen.’
To a people acquainted with grief, this prayer has been recited for
generations to bring a measure of peace to mind and soul. May it do so
now.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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Christmas Services
** Christmas Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
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The Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed
at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Saturday and Sunday,
January 5 and 6. Click here
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to view the special liturgical schedule for these “Armenian Christmas”
services.
The Blessing of Water service will follow the Divine Liturgy on
January 6. Sarkis Jebejian will serve as “godfather” of the Blessing
of Water service. Click here
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to view a brief video of the 2012 Christmas services at St. Vartan
Cathedral.
A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will be held in Haik
and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following services on January 6. The
Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under the direction of
choreographer Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian, will perform during the
reception, which is free and open to the public.
For information on services in your area, contact your local parish
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to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.
US Ambassador to Armenia
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern speaks at the `town hall’
meeting.
** Ambassador Heffern Speaks at Diocese
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On Monday, December 17, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern spoke
to an audience of more than 150 people at the New York headquarters of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
He detailed America’s goals, programs, and incentives in Armenia,
during his `town hall’ meeting organized by the Diocese and the Fund
for Armenian Relief (FAR), with the participation of a number of
Armenian organizations. The gathering was one of several appearances
by the Ambassador before Armenian-American audiences scheduled for his
current visit to the United States.
Prior to the public gathering, the Ambassador was welcomed in a
reception in the formal reception room of the Diocesan Center, by
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Diocesan Primate; Archbishop Vicken
Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director; the Diocesan Council; and
members of the Fund for Armenian Relief Board of Directors. In a
cordial atmosphere, the group of Diocesan leaders had an opportunity
to offer their greetings to the ambassador and his staff, and to
exchange thoughts on his mission in Armenia, and the Diocese’s own
efforts in the homeland, through FAR.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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Diocesan Center
** Diocese and UN Mission Host Diplomatic Dinner
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At the Diocesan Center on Tuesday evening, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
presided over a dinner for members of the diplomatic community. The
gathering has become an annual tradition jointly hosted by the Primate
and Ambassador Garen Nazarian, the Permanent Representative of
Republic of Armenia to the United Nations.
In the Diocese’s formal reception room (tahlij), Ambassador Nazarian
and his wife Siranush graciously welcomed the guests, among whom were
some senior officials of the United Nations Secretariat, as well as
several UN ambassadors, and their spouses.
In a prayer before dinner, Archbishop Barsamian recalled the painful
episodes of recent weeks, in America and across the world, and asked
God to guide world leaders and their citizens. `We feel the burden of
your gift of free will, which makes us responsible for the choices we
make for the future. Give us the courage, O Lord, to choose the
vibrant path of Life, Tolerance, and Compassion. In this holy season
of your birth, guide our hands to shape a future in accord with the
angelic message of Peace on Earth, and Good Will among all your
children.’
SCOOBA
Participants in this week’s meeting pose for a group photo at the
entrance to St. Nersess Seminary.
** Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches Meets
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On Wednesday, December 19, the Primates and delegates of the Armenian,
Coptic, Ethiopian, Syrian and Malankara Syrian Orthodox Churches
gathered at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary for the semi-annual meeting
of the Standing Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Among the issues discussed were plans for a major gathering of
Oriental Orthodox youth next year, the creation of an Oriental
Orthodox NGO to foster humanitarian projects among the sister
communities, and the effects of Syria’s civil war on the Syrian
Orthodox and Armenian communities in the country.
Representing the Armenian Church were Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, and Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian.
Diocesan Council Meeting
** Diocesan Council Works on Budget
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Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Monday, December 17, members of the
Diocesan Council continued to work on budgetary issues, brainstorm
ideas for increasing revenue, and make updates to the 2013 budget.
The council also worked on a number of follow-up items from the last
Diocesan Assembly, including the “Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of
the Armenian Church.’ In addition, reports were presented by Diocesan
Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Vicar the Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, and executive director Michael Guglielmo.
Later in the evening, the Diocesan Council and members of the Board of
Directors of the Fund for Armenian Relief met privately with
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern for a discussion about
developments in the homeland.
Fr. Daniel
Fr. Daniel Findikyan is the new director of the Zohrab Center.
** A New Director for the Diocese’s Zohrab Center
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The Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, the newly-appointed director of
the Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, has spent
his first month at the Diocese getting acquainted with the center’s
rich collection.
`I’m looking forward to making the Zohrab Information Center a place
where Armenians and non-Armenians will come to discover who we really
are in and through the literary, theological, musical, historical, and
other achievements of our past, and the vibrant spirit that drives
Armenian creativity today,’ he said.
Most recently Fr. Findikyan served at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary,
where he was dean for 12 years and where he continues to teach
liturgical studies. He is also a visiting professor of theology at the
University of Notre Dame.
To learn more about Fr. Findikyan’s plans for the Zohrab Center, and
to read recent blog posts on the center’s blog, visit
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FAR
FAR’s Health Programs Assistant Arin Balalian at a gathering of health
professionals in Armenia.
** FAR Collaborates with USAID on Healthcare Project
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The Fund for Armenian Relief and the USAID-funded Healthcare System
Strengthening in Armenia
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program celebrated a successful year of collaboration last week.
The partnership allowed for the implementation of ongoing workshops
for regional doctors enrolled in FAR’s Continuing Medical Education
program. The workshops were led by experts from the Armenian
Cardiologists Association and the Armenian Medical Association.
Click here
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to visit FAR’s blog and to read more.
** PARISH NEWS
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St. James Church Name Day
Edward Brewster and Karen Dederyan were honored with the “Parishioner
of the Year” award.
** Two Parishioners Honored in Watertown, MA
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Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian visited the St. James
Church of Watertown, MA, on Sunday, December 16, as the parish
observed its 81st anniversary and held its annual Name Day banquet.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the
sermon. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor of St. James Church,
assisted the Primate. Also taking part in the service were the Very
Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian, and
Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.
At the banquet following services, the community honored Edward
Brewster and Karen Dederyan with the “Parishioner of the Year”
award. Both are longtime parishioners of St. James Church, who have
served as Diocesan delegates and Sunday School teachers for more than
30 years, in addition to taking up other roles at the local and
Diocesan levels.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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Holy Trinity Church
** Christmas Concert Held in Cambridge, MA
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On Sunday, December 9, Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, and the
Erevan Choral Society and Orchestra held their annual “Christmas
Holiday Concert” in the church sanctuary. The program went forward
under the leadership of Maestro Konstantin Petrossian.
Featured soloists included mezzo-soprano Victoria Avetisyan, tenor
Yeghishe Manucharyan, and soprano Noune Karapetian. The program was
dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Republic of Karabagh and the
20th anniversary of Armenia’s admission to the United Nations.
Click here
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to read more.
Christmas Concert
A young parishioner performs Christmas music at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church.
** Young People Celebrate Christmas in Providence, RI
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On Saturday, December 15, the Cultural Committee of Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, held a Christmas concert featuring
the students of the parish’s Arts Education Program, the Nazeli Dance
Group, and the Junior Choir. Maestro Konstantin Petrossian and Janna
Guegamian were among the program’s organizers.
The Rev. Fr Shnork Souin, pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church,
congratulated the young performers and thanked the teachers and
parents for supporting the children’s cultural and artistic
development. The evening closed with a dessert reception prepared by
the parents of the Arts Education Program, the Nazeli Dance Group, and
the Junior Choir.
Click on the following links to learn more
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about these youth programs and to view photos
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Holy Trinity Church Christmas Concert
Kids at the Dec. 9 pageant at Holy Trinity Church.
** Christmas Pageant Held in Cheltenham, PA
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On Sunday December 9, Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, held its
annual Christmas Pageant following the Divine Liturgy. The older
students read passages from the Gospel of Luke in Armenian and
English, while the younger children brought to life the Christmas
story on stage.
The program closed with the singing of `O Holy Night’ in Armenian and
English, with the entire congregation joining in. A pizza lunch with
Santa followed the pageant. Click here
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to view photos.
Holy Martyrs Basketball Coach
Carl Bardakian (center) coaching the 2011 Pan-Armenian Games in Los
Angeles.
** Bayside Basketball Alum Tapped to Coach Team Armenia
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True story: A kid from Long Island grows up in Bayside’s Holy Martyrs
parish, becoming a fixture in all the youth offerings of the community
and Diocese: Sunday School, St. Vartan Camp, St. Nersess Conferences,
ACYOA, pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Armenia-and especially the parish
basketball team. As an adult, now married with kids in California, he
continues his service as a deacon and member of his parish and
Diocesan councils. And his love of sports and heritage leads to a
thrilling turn in his life.
That’s how it’s played out for Carl Bardakian, who was tapped by the
Republic of Armenia to be head coach of the national basketball team
playing in Europe’s Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball (FIBA)
competition.
`I got my start in basketball at Holy Martyrs,’ says Carl, the son of
Tom and Claire Bardakian, who played on the 1980s-90s-era Bayside team
at ACYOA Sports Weekends and Archbishop’s Tournaments, as well as on
the regional AGBU squad under legendary coach Misak Aprahamian.
This will be the first time Armenia is fielding a men’s national team
in the FIBA Europe basketball competition. The 2014 tournament will
match Armenia against teams representing Scotland, Wales, Malta,
Moldova, Andorra, Gibraltar, and San Marino. The Armenian squad will
unite the best players from Armenia and the diaspora (including a
current Holy Martyrs star, six-foot-five Garen Spendjian) and will
begin official training in Yerevan in the summer of 2013.
The Basketball Federation of Armenia named Carl as coach earlier this
year-a unique distinction for an American, and a source of pride for
his native parish and Diocese. The team is receiving support and
encouragement from Armenians around the world. Log onto FIBA’s website
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to read about Team Armenia, and to keep up with developments.
Junior Choir
Workshop participants with Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian and Dn. Rubik
Mailian.
** Young Choir Directors Meet at St. Nersess
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The `Boyajian Youth Choir Directors Program’ held a session at
St. Nersess Seminary on Saturday, December 8. Dn. Rubik Mailian, chair
of the Diocese’s Sacred Music Council, opened the day and led the
instructional sessions.
The students learned about voice ranges, conducting elements, and
proper posture. The participants also practiced conducting the hymns
of the Divine Liturgy. Students were reminded to study the score,
music, and text, and to take other steps to prepare each time they
lead a choir.
Many of the participants were from St. George Church of Hartford, CT,
where their pastor, the Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, has been
encouraging young people to learn the liturgical music of the Armenian
Church. Sara DerAprahamian, an ACYOA member at the Hartford parish,
served as the counselor at this month’s gathering. Click here
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to view photos.
The Boyajian Youth Choir Directors Program will meet again in the
summer of 2013. Check the Diocesan website for an application early
next year.
Archbishop Henry
Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian congratulates Archbishop Henry Mansell, the
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Hartford.
** Hartford Pastor Attends Ecumenical Celebration
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On Wednesday, December 19, the Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, pastor of
St. George Church of Hartford, CT, took part in an ecumenical service
at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. The gathering marked the
50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Archbishop Henry
Mansell, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Hartford.
On behalf of St. George Church and the Armenian community,
Fr. Zohrabian congratulated Archbishop Mansell and wished him many
long years and a fruitful ministry.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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Holy Cross Church | New York, NY
Holy Cross Church in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood will
host an English-language Christmas concert on Sunday, December 23, in
the church sanctuary. The concert will begin at 1:15 p.m. Click here
()
for information.
Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a New Year Dinner
Dance on Monday, December 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the church
hall. Enjoy Armenian music, a potluck dinner, a visit from Santa for
kids, a gift exchange game, and more. For information, call (407)
973-0205, or click here
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to view a flyer.
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a New Year’s Eve
celebration on Monday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy dinner,
music by DJ Alan Gragossian, and entertainment for children. For
information, call (201) 567-5446, or click here
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to view a flyer.
St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its 6th annual `Winter
Dance Armenian Style’ on Saturday, January 12, from 7 p.m. to 12
a.m. Enjoy music by Onnik Dinkjian and the John Berberian
Ensemble. For information, call (201) 444-5475, or click here
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to view a flyer.
** EVENTS
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Movie
** “If Only Everyone” Film Screening at the Diocese
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`If Only Everyone’-a new film produced in Armenia-will premiere in New
York on Friday, January 4, at 7:30 p.m.
The screening will take place at the Diocesan Center’s Haik and Alice
Kavookjian Auditorium (630 Second Avenue, at 35th Street, in New York
City). A Q&A with writer, actor, and producer Michael Poghosian will
follow the screening.
Tickets are $20, and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Click
here
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to view flyer for more information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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Diocesan Summer Camps
Campers pose for a group photo at St. Vartan Camp.
** Get Ready for the 2013 Summer Camp Season
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The Diocese is pleased to announce that online registration
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for St. Vartan Camp is now open. Hye Camp applications will be
available in February. Click here
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to view a camps flyer, or for additional information.
In honor of its 50th anniversary, Hye Camp will expand to a two-week
program in 2013, while St. Vartan Camp will continue to offer three
two-week sessions.
Those interested in staff positions, can download and print a
St. Vartan Camp CIT application
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, staff application
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, or volunteer application
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. CIT applications are due by February 1; staff and volunteer
applications are due by March 1.
For last-minute Christmas shopping, visit the online camp store
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offering apparel, accessories, and gifts for the entire family.
For more information about the camp programs, contact Jennifer Morris,
the Diocese’s Youth Outreach coordinator, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
ACYOA Chapter Workshop
ACYOA members making sandwiches during the 2012 Chapter Workshop.
** Register for the ACYOA Chapter Workshop
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The ACYOA Central Council will sponsor its fifth annual Chapter
Workshop on January 11-13. The workshop will be hosted by St. Hagop
Church in Pinellas Park, FL, with participants staying in
St. Petersburg.
The gathering will give chapter representatives an opportunity to
strengthen leadership skills and to discuss challenges they face in
their local parishes. The Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian will serve as the
weekend chaplain.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
