PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212–779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web:
** TOP STORY May 8, 2014
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2014 Annual Assembly in New York City
** Diocese Introduces Strategic Plan at Annual Assembly
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Clergy and lay delegates from across the Eastern Diocese gathered at
the Diocesan Center in New York City last week for the 112th Diocesan
Assembly.
In addition to reviewing organizational reports, delegates were
introduced to a comprehensive strategic plan developed by the Diocesan
Council to help parishes advance the Diocese’s theme `Living the
Gospel of Christ’ in their local communities.
Elections were held for the Diocesan Primate and various Diocesan
boards. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian was re-elected to a seventh term
as Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern).
The Women’s Guild hosted its annual assembly concurrent with the
Diocesan Assembly, and the annual Clergy Conference was held at the
beginning of last week (see stories below).
Click on the following links to read about this year’s Diocesan
Assembly
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, the Primate’s election
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, and to view photos
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.
St. Sarkis Church, Dallas, TX
** Primate to Visit St. Sarkis Church
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Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will visit St. Sarkis
Church of Carrolton, TX, this weekend, where he will preside over the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy and install the new members of the
parish council.
On Sunday, May 11, the Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian, parish pastor, will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy, and Archbishop Barsamian will deliver
the sermon. Later that afternoon, Archbishop Barsamian will travel to
the site where the parish plans to build a new sanctuary and community
center and receive an update on the progress of the project.
Also on Sunday, the ACYOA will host a Mother’s Day picnic and a soccer
tournament.
** Scripture of the Week
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Acts 13:16-43
1 Pt 5:1-14
Jn 5:18-30
** Prayer of the Week
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Christ, living Fire, inflame my soul with the fire of your love, which
you sent forth upon the earth, that it may consume the impurities of
my soul, cleanse my conscience, purge the sins of my body, and kindle
in my heart the light of your knowledge. Have mercy upon your
creatures, and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
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11 May: Red Sunday
18 May: Apparition of the Holy Cross
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
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Karekin II in Vatican
A prayer service at the Mother of the Redeemer Chapel in the Vatican.
** His Holiness Karekin II Meets with Pope Francis
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His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican earlier today. The two
leaders met at the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the
Pope in Vatican City, and later prayed at the Mother of the Redeemer
Chapel.
Pope Francis recalled Pope St. John Paul II’s visit to Armenia in
2001, and the visits made by His Holiness Karekin II in recent
years. `The mystery of the Cross, so dear to the memory of your
people, represented in the splendid stone crosses that adorn every
corner of your land, has been lived by countless of your children as a
direct participation in the chalice of the Passion,’ Pope Francis
said. =80=9CTheir testimony, at once high and tragic, must not be
forgotten.’
His Holiness Karekin II said that the Armenian Genocide remains an
open wound for the Armenian people. He invited Pope Francis to visit
Armenia next year to take part in the commemoration of the 100th
anniversary of the events of 1915. `In the deserts of Der Zor, Syria,
thousands of Armenians perished. They were martyrs of the first crime
committed against humanity in the 20th century,’ His Holiness
said. `And it’s truly tragic when the world does not learn lessons
from the past and allows history to repeat.’
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, was among the
Catholicos’ delegation. The Catholicos is in Rome on a three-day visit
from May 7 to 9. Click on the following links to view a video
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and photos
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of the visit.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
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2014 Diocesan Clergy Confrerense
Clergy in prayer during last week’s conference in Huntington, NY.
** Clergy Gather for Annual Conference
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The 112th Diocesan Assembly was preceded by a clergy conference, held
April 28 to April 30, at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in
Huntington, NY. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
presided at the event where members of the clergy gathered for prayer,
services, and a series of presentations on various aspects of the
ministry.
In a written message, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, encouraged clergy of the Eastern Diocese
to remain firm in their calling and to continue their service to the
Armenian people.
Among the presenters at the meeting were visiting priests from the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Rev. Fr. Hovel Kamaghelyan and
Rev. Fr. Markos Mankasaryan. Fr. Kamaghelyan explained how the church
in Armenia is working to establish orphanages, soup kitchens, and
other social services. Fr. Mankasaryan spoke about youth programs
offered by Holy Etchmiadzin.
Another highlight was a presentation by Dr. Robert Gunn, director of
the program in pastoral care and counseling at the Blanton Peale
Institute and Counseling Center in New York City. In a presentation
titled `Love and Loss: Counseling with the Bereaved and the
Divorcing,’ Dr. Gunn stressed the importance of the priest’s role in
the healing process.
Among other topics discussed were Christian education programs,
liturgical matters, the requirements for ordination to the diaconate
and sub-diaconate, the distribution of Holy Communion during Lent, and
Diocesan youth programs.
Click on the following links to read more
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and to view photos
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2014 Women’s Guild Assembly
Women’s Guild members pose for a photo with clergy following the
“Woman of Wonder” luncheon on May 3.
** Women’s Guild Honors Longtime Member
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More than 90 representatives and parish priests gathered for the 28th
annual Women’s Guild Assembly held in New York City last week.
The participants delved into discussions centered around two
questions. The first revolved around how to get more women to be part
of the parish women’s guilds; the second concerned the role women’s
guilds could play in accomplishing the Diocesan theme, “Living the
Gospel of Christ.” Elections were also held for the Women’s Guild
Central Council. Click here
()
to read more.
On Saturday, May 3, the Women’s Guild honored Diana Burggraf for her
lifelong, dedicated service to the Women’s Guild, her parish of the
Holy Cross Church in Union City, NJ, and the Diocese. The occasion
marked the fifth annual “Woman of Wonder” event. Click on the
following links to read more
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and view photos
()
.
Dr. Raffy Hovanessian honored
Archbishop Barsamian and Diocesan Council chair James Kalustian
(right) present Dr. Raffy Hovanessian with the “Armenian Church Member
of the Year” award.
** Two Luminaries Honored at Assembly Banquet
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On Friday, May 2, the Eastern Diocese hosted a gala banquet as part of
the 112th Diocesan Assembly.
During the evening’s program, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian
()
was honored for his longtime leadership of the community as the
Diocese’s 2014 `Armenian Church Member of the Year.’ Honored as this
year’s =80=9CFriend of the Armenians’ was rock musician Ian Gillan
()
of the 1970s band Deep Purple, who has been a benefactor of Armenia
since the 1988 earthquake.
Assembly Committee co-chairs George and Lorraine Marootian-for whom
the banquet was the culmination of some two years of effort organizing
the 112th Diocesan Assembly-began the evening with a warm
welcome. Mistress of ceremonies Sandra Shahinian Leitner pointed out
that the large number of guests present was a testimony to the high
regard and respect the two honorees have inspired in the
community. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian congratulated the honorees,
saying that the Armenian people “are fortunate to have such dedicated
individuals as Ian Gillan and Dr. and Mrs. Hovanessian among us.”
Click on the following links to read about the banquet
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, view photos
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, and view videos about Dr. Hovanessian
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and Mr. Gillan
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.
FAR
A child at Gavar Special School. The school will soon have a new
elevator thanks to “Ayo!”
** “Ayo!” Raises Funds for Armenia’s Gavar School
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The Fund for Armenian Relief’s crowdfunding platform `Ayo!’
()
has completed its second campaign, which will directly benefit the
physically handicapped children of Armenia’s Gavar area.
Thanks to loyal supporters, a total of $21,950 was raised to purchase
and install an elevator in the Gavar Special School. The elevator will
allow physically handicapped students, who are currently carried up
and down stairs by teachers and volunteers, to independently access
all levels of the school.
`Ayo!’ collaborated with several Armenian NGOs during the campaign to
organize a civic initiative in Yerevan
()
. In addition to raising a portion of the funds for the elevator, the
event helped raise awareness about accessible education in
Armenia. Also among the supporters of the online campaign were two
groups in New York: the Gavar Special School Auxiliary Committee and
the ACYOA Seniors of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY.
Click here to read more
()
on FAR’s blog.
** PARISH NEWS
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Mary Selvinazian
Mary Selvinazian speaks about Bayside’s Narrec newsletter.
** Bayside’s “Narrec” Turns 60
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On Sunday, May 4, Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, celebrated the
60th anniversary of its monthly newsletter, Narrec, with a program in
the church’s Kalustyan Hall.
Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, parish pastor, opened the afternoon with
a prayer. In welcoming remarks, Dr. Lynn Cetin, a member of the Narrec
editorial committee, spoke about the publication’s history, and
managing editor Mary Selvinazian reflected on this milestone year.
The program also featured musical performances, and remarks by Karine
Kocharyan of `Voice of Armenians Television.’ Click on the following
links to read more
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and to view photos
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.
Piano Concert in Albany
** Armenian Pianists Perform in Albany
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Pianists Marina Abrahamyan and Susanna Kirakosyan of Armenia gave a
concert at the `Egg’ performing arts center in Albany, NY, on
Saturday, April 26.
The program featured works by Armenian and international composers,
and was dedicated to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide of
1915. Proceeds from the event will be directed toward the Syrian
relief effort.
The Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, pastor of St. Peter Church of
Watervliet, NY, which hosted the concert, delivered opening and
closing remarks. Click here
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to read more.
JoJo White
Basketball legend JoJo White speaks at Holy Trinity Church.
** Cambridge Hosts Basketball Legend JoJo White
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Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, hosted a luncheon with Boston
Celtics two-time NBA champion JoJo White on Sunday, April 27.
The athlete spoke about his days as a professional basketball player,
his childhood, his faith in God, and his experience as a black athlete
during the Civil Rights movement. “Everything I am I got from God,’ he
said. `Everything I know I learned from someone else. That’s why I
pass it on. We all have to pass it on.” Also in attendance was Mark
C. Bodanza, author of JoJo White’s biography, Make It Count.
The program was sponsored by the parish council and the Holy Trinity
ACYOA Seniors. Click here
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to view photos.
Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Parishes
** Armenian Martyrs Day Observed Across Diocese
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The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 was commemorated
at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and by parishes across the Eastern
Diocese last month. At the cathedral in New York the Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, celebrated the Divine
Liturgy and performed a requiem service on April 24. A blessing of
madagh took place following the service. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian,
Diocesan Primate, took part in the annual Genocide Commemoration
sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan in Times
Square on Sunday, April 27.
Parishioners at Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, gathered for
a requiem service at the parish martyrs monument on April
24. Following the service, Dr. Ivy Helman, professor of religious
studies at Merrimack College, and Dn. Ara Jeknavorian of the Merrimack
Valley Armenian Genocide Education Committee shared their experiences
in leading discussions about the Genocide and Holocaust at local
schools and colleges. Dro Knayan, one of the founders of the genocide
education committee, provided a brief history of the outreach
program. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, parish pastor, said that the work of
the committee is key to teaching young people about crimes against
humanity and helping to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In Providence, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church hosted a concert of
remembrance. The Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island performed under the
direction of Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, with Mari Panosian and
Janna Guegamian playing the organ. Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, parish
pastor, performed a requiem service and blessed madagh. An exhibition
by artist Mher Khachatryan of New Jersey followed the concert.
The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, visited Holy
Virgin Mary and Shoghagat Church of Belleville, IL, where he
celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 27, and led a requiem
service in front of the church’s khatchkar monument for the martyrs of
1915, and for the Very Rev. Fr. Shnork Kasparian on the 40th day after
his passing.
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, commemorated Armenian Martyrs Day
on April 24 with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and a requiem
service at the memorial khatchkar in the church courtyard. Fr. Arakel
Aljalian, parish pastor, also blessed madagh, which was distributed to
parishioners. The Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian and Rev. Fr. Arsen
Barsamian also participated in the services.
At Holy Resurrection Church of New Britain, CT, the ACYOA members
installed white `martyrs crosses’ on church grounds.
Click here
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to view photos from the parish Martyrs Day events.
Easter in Parishes
An Easter egg hunt in Jacksonville, FL.
** Holy Week and Easter Album
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In addition to the parish Holy Week and Easter observances we
highlighted in our April 23 newsletter, several parishes have
submitted photos from local activities.
At St. Stepanos Church in Elberon, NJ, the Sunday and Armenian School
held its annual `Easter Breakfast, Egg Hunt and Egg Cracking Contest’
on April 26. The day began with a service led by parish pastor the
Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian. Children then gathered in the church hall
for the breakfast and egg hunt, which was made possible by parish
families, many of whom also volunteered at the event.
Sunday School and Saturday School students at St. James Church of
Watertown, MA, took part in all Holy Week services by reading the
scriptures. A home blessing service and reception was held on Easter
Eve following the Divine Liturgy, and the Holy Week journey culminated
with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday, April 20.
The ACYOA Juniors of Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, hosted a
Palm Sunday banquet during which they performed a skit titled `Life
Application Bible…Good News.’ Inspired by the Campbell’s Soup
`Wisest Kid’ commercial, the skit called on each ACYOA member to share
their favorite Bible verse with the parish. It was spearheaded by
ACYOA chair Ani Javardian and written by ACYOA parent advisor Leslie
Movsesian.
The Washing of the Feet ceremony at St. George Church of Hartford, CT,
was covered by the Hartford Courant. The Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian,
parish pastor, officiated at the ceremony, which reenacts Christ’s
humble service to his 12 disciples during the Last Supper.
In the mission parishes of Jacksonville, FL, and Baton Rouge, LA, the
Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of the Diocese’s Mission Parish
program, performed services and presided over local celebrations.
Click here
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to view parish photos.
Upcoming events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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St. Mary Church | Washington, DC
St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, will host its annual spring food
festival from May 8 to 10. Enjoy Armenian cuisine, including shish
kabob, rice pilaf, eggplant delight, lahmajoon, kufta, yalanchi dolma,
and more. The festival will be held on church grounds at 4125
Fessenden Street NW in Washington, DC. Click here
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to view a flyer for information.
Saint Hagop Church | Pinellas Park, FL
Saint Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL, is conducting an online
auction to benefit its church hall fundraising campaign. Auction items
include antique carpets, jewelry, football and baseball club tickets,
paintings, and more. The auction will conclude at 10 p.m. EST on
Friday, May 9. Winners will be announced at the parish gala evening
()
on May 9. Click here
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to visit the online auction page and to make a bid.
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host Russian-Armenian singer
Avraam Russo live in concert on Friday, May 16. The program will
include Armenian, Arabic, English, and Russian songs. Click here
()
to view a flyer for ticket information, or contact Talar Sarafian at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or (201) 444-2478;
Maral Kalishian at (845) 729-1888; Tanya Vartanyan at (201) 941-6764;
or the church office at (201) 567-5446.
St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
The Women’s Guild of St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, will observe
its 100th anniversary with a dinner dance on Saturday, May 17,
beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Desmond Hotel &
Conference Center in Albany, NY. All proceeds will benefit the `Mer
Doon’ organization in Armenia. Click here
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to read more about the Women’s Guild and for ticket information.
St. John Church | Southfield, MI
St. John Church of Southfield, MI, will host a `Celebration of
Service’ on May 17 and 18. On Saturday, May 17, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), will ordain 21 acolytes.
On Sunday, May 18, Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy and ordain a sub-deacon. During a luncheon following services,
the parish will honor the recipients of the Diocesan `St. Vartan
Award’ and the parish’s `St. John the Forerunner Award.’ Click here
()
to view a flyer for information, or call the church office at (248)
569.3405.
** YOUTH NEWS
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ACYOA
Central Council members with Archbishop Barsamian, Lorie Odabashian
(far left), and Jennifer Morris (far right).
** ACYOA Central Council Prepares for General Assembly
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Jonathan Pelaez, ACYOA Central Council chair, represented the Central
Council during the group’s report at the 112th Diocesan Assembly in
New York on Thursday, May 1. The Central Council was also present for
part of the assembly proceedings on Saturday, May 3.
Later that day, the council members met at the Diocesan Center with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate; Very Rev. Fr. Simeon
Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar; and Sam Mikaelian, the Diocese’s acting
development coordinator. Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s Youth and
Young Adult Ministries director, and department coordinator Lorie
Odabashian also took part in the meeting.
The Central Council discussed the current status of ACYOA chapters
across the Diocese and reviewed final preparations for the upcoming
2014 ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend, which will be hosted
in New York by the ACYOA Seniors of Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside,
NY.
Summer Camps
Campers enjoy the pool at St. Vartan Camp.
** Register for Summer Camp
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Space is still available for campers in all three sessions of
St. Vartan Camp. Founded in 1979, the program began as a one-week
project with the ACYOA Seniors. In 1980, the Rev. Fr. Paree Metjian of
blessed memory served as camp director with just 68 campers, 8
counselors, and 5 staff members. The Diocese has carried on the
tradition of St. Vartan Camp throughout the years, and now offers a
six-week program for campers and a four-day staff training
session. The camp family includes more than 300 campers, CITs, and
staff who gather each summer season at the Ararat Youth and Conference
Center in Greenville, NY.
Hye Camp, which serves the Midwest parishes, celebrated its 50th
anniversary last summer. The program began as a grassroots effort in
1963 and continues to be guided by the leadership of the Midwest
parishes. With more than 200 participants, the camp has expanded to a
two-week program and is hosted at Camp Hickory in Ingleside, IL.
Both Diocesan camps provide a physically, emotionally, and spiritually
safe environment in which young people are exposed to the faith and
heritage of the Armenian Church.
Click here
()
to learn more about St. Vartan Camp and Hye Camp.
Armenian School Jeopardy
Armenian School students at the Jeopardy game in White Plains.
** “Armenian Jeopardy” Tests Students’ Knowledge
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More than 120 people gathered at the St. Gregory the Enlightener
Armenian School in White Plains, NY, on Sunday, May 4, for the
“Armenian Jeopardy” tournament developed and organized by the
Diocese’s Armenian Studies department.
The Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church, stressed the importance of learning about one’s
heritage. The questions were based on 150 entries about the Armenian
Christian faith and culture.
Among the attendees were 40 students representing Armenian schools
from White Plains, NY; Bayside, NY; Tenafly, NJ; Cheltenham, PA; and
Dallas, TX. Fr. Kasparian, Diocesan staff member Lorie Odabashian, and
former Khrimian Lyceum teacher Talin Manukian served as judges. Arpi
Nakashian and Kathyrn Ashbahian, both students of St. Nersess
Seminary, served as moderators. Berch Manukian provided technical
support and photos.
St. Sarkis Armenian School of Dallas, TX, took first place, and the
Kirikian Armenian School of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, came in
second. The winning teams received trophies, while other participants
received medals.
The Diocese’s Armenian Studies department hopes to schedule similar
tournaments in other regions of the Diocese. `In addition to providing
a learning experience, the Jeopardy tournament allowed students to
interact with their peers, compete, and have a memorable time all at
once,’ said Gilda Kupelian, head of the Armenian Studies department.
Click here
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to view photos.
** EVENTS
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Zahrad
The late Armenian poet Zahrad.
** A Literary Evening in Honor of Zahrad
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The Esayan-Getronagan Alumni will mark the 90th birthday of the late
Armenian poet Zahrad with a literary evening on Saturday, May 10. The
event will be held at the Holy Martyrs Church in Bayside, NY,
beginning at 8 p.m.
The program will include recitations and remarks. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
St. Leon Church, NJ
** Maintaining the Western Armenian Language
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Socio-linguist Dr. Arda Jebejian will give a presentation on
maintaining the Western Armenian language at St. Leon Church in Fair
Lawn, NJ, on Friday, May 16. The talk is scheduled to begin at 7:45
p.m.
Titled `Challenges and Opportunities to Maintaining an Endangered
Language,’ the presentation will explore the experience of other
endangered languages, and explain why languages die, what is lost, and
what can be done to avoid extinction.
Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.
The Dildilian family home in Marzovan
An Armenian home in Marzovan.
** Zohrab Center Lecture on Islamized Armenians
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Dr. Armen T. Marsoobian, chair of the philosophy department at
Southern Connecticut State University, will give a lecture at the
Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center on Thursday, May
29, at 7 p.m. The talk is titled `Resisting the Darkness: The Story of
an Islamized Armenian Family in Marzovan (Armenia), 1915-1919.’
He will describe daily life in a Genocide-era Ottoman city, where the
only remaining Armenians were those who had purportedly adopted a
Turkish identity. The presentation is based on extensive family
memoirs, letters, oral testimony, and historic photographs.
The lecture is free and open to the public. A reception will
follow. Click here
()
to visit the Zohrab Center’s blog for information.
Clash
** Summer Concert on the Cathedral Plaza
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St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will host `A Night Under the Stars’
featuring the Huyser Music Ensemble on Friday, June 6, on the
cathedral plaza. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
The evening’s program-`Project 2 Clash’=80’will feature a `clash’ of
different musical instruments, talents, and genres. It will include
Armenian pop and folk music, contemporary jazz, and Spanish guitar
music.
Click here
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to view a flyer for ticket information, or visit
()
.