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PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
June 5, 2007
___________________
ACYOA CELEBRATES GROWTH
This past year was a good one for the Armenian Church Youth Organization of
America (ACYOA), organization leaders said during the group's General
Assembly, held Thursday to Friday, May 24 to 25, 2007, in Troy, Michigan.
In remarks to the 84 delegates gathered for the business sessions, ACYOA
leaders highlighted the addition of six new chapters, bringing the total
number of chapters to 19. They also remarked on the record number of young
people who have participated in ACYOA events in 2006, including a record
number of 75 who attended the ACYOA National Young Adult Leadership
Conference.
Many of those new chapters were making their first appearance at the ACYOA
General Assembly.
"It was great to see the new chapters take part in this year's General
Assembly," said Central Council member Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob
Church of Racine, Wisconsin. "The ACYOA is growing and it was apparent when
I saw these new chapters come to life. All the young adults who
participated showed great leadership qualities and feel confident that the
ACYOA is moving in a positive direction."
But while more people are getting involved in the ACYOA, delegates heard
from speakers who stressed the need to get back to the basics in promoting
an understanding of Christian teachings. ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy
Basmajian spoke of the importance in increasing the attendance of young
Armenians at badarak.
"All young adult faithful need to be nourished by a few basic things:
participation in a loving and affirming faith community where they find
meaning and can respond to a call to serve; significant relationships in
which they are mentored and also mentor others; and finally the Church's
unique and life-affirming sense of joy, recreation and celebration," she
told delegates. "In such ways, young adults not only discover who they are
as members of a particular Church family - the Armenian Church - but also
grow closer to the source of life itself, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
RETURN TO BASICS
In his remarks to the delegates, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, also spoke about the importance to return to the basics of
our Christian faith.
"For too many, the Church is seen as an institution, a social or even
cultural club - not the Body of Christ. This is at the heart of the
confusion about the Church and its role. Our members see the Armenian
Church as a cultural experience influenced by religion, rather than a
miraculous religious belief colored by our culture," the Primate said. "We
need to return to the basics and help build our families upon the most solid
foundation we could have - Jesus Christ."
The Primate's remarks were followed by a discussion session in which youth
and clergy were divided into small groups led by various ACYOA Central
Council members. Their task was to share their feelings regarding what it
takes to create an Armenian Christian home in today's society.
NEW CENTRAL COUNCIL
During the Assembly, delegates elected new members to the ACYOA Central
Council. On Saturday, May 26, 2007, those new members met to elect officers
for the next year. The new Central Council is Chair Johnny Elchemmas, Vice
Chair Ani Tovar, Secretary Sarine Zenian, Treasurer Alex Derderian,
Programming Coordinator Talin Hitik, Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan
Sheridan, and Public Relations Coordinator Danielle DerAsadourian.
"Following up such a strong year in the ACYOA, I am proud to be leading the
youth," Elchemmas said. "There was such a strong presence, not only at
General Assembly and Sports Weekend, but also at the badarak. The whole
church was full and most of the people were ACYOA members. When I turned
and saw the youth behind me in church, I was impressed and it proved to me
what an honor it is to be a member of the Armenian Church."
OTHER TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
During the Assembly, delegates also heard from a number of other interesting
individuals.
Fr. Khoren Kirakosyan, one of the guest clergy from Armenia touring the
Diocese, addressed the Assembly. He equated youth with vision and said that
a Church without youth is a Church without vision
Iveta Kosyan, a young artist from Armenia, shared experiences of her
ministry through art back in Armenia. She also spoke during an Insights
program on Saturday afternoon at the Sports Weekend, in which she showed a
DVD on "Witnessing Faith through Art in Armenia." More than 40 young people
attended that hour-long program.
Delegates also heard from Nancy Malkasian Banks, city clerk for the city of
Southfield, Michigan, and an ACYOA alumnus. She recalled her own
involvement in the ACYOA as a Central Council member, and told delegates
that the Assembly experience is first-hand leadership training. "Look around
at the people gathered in this room, because the relationships you form
while working with each other will last a lifetime," she told delegates.
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, director of youth and vocations for St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary, joined by Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of the seminary,
spoke on the need for young people, especially men, to come forward and
serve the Church in ordained ministry.
Also speaking was Julie Hoplamazian, college ministry facilitator for the
Diocese. She spoke about her work with Armenian college students throughout
the Diocese and presented some interesting statistics on college students
and religion.
Jennifer Morris, coordinator of youth outreach for the Diocese, spoke about
the two Diocesan camps, St. Vartan and Hye Camp, calling for young people to
serve as counselors and instructors.
SPECIAL AWARDS, GUESTS
Every year at the Assembly, the Primate hosts a luncheon for the delegates
during which the ACYOA presents a number of awards to individuals and
chapters.
Recent St. Nersess Seminary graduate, and a former Central Council Chair,
Maria Derderian of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
Pennsylvania, received the Sam Nersessian Award, which is given to
individuals who display the Christian values of love, patience, humility,
and understanding.
Arda Paylan chair of the ACYOA Chapter at the St. James Church of Evanston,
Illinois, was presented with the Gregory Arpajian Award for her leadership
and service to the Armenian Church and community.
The "Chapter A" Award went to the ACYOA Chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, Wisconsin. The award is presented each year to the best all-around
chapter.
The Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award, given to a layperson who has exhibited
continued devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church, was presented to
Rosanne Manoogian-Attar of the St. John Church of Southfield, Michigan.
The Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award is presented each year to a clergyman in
recognition of his leadership, service, and dedicated efforts on behalf of
the youth. This year's recipient was Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, New York.
The delegates were especially honored during the luncheon with the presence
of Mrs. Helen Mardigian. Along with her husband, the late Edward Mardigian,
she has been the major benefactor of the ACYOA, contributing more than
$200,000 to an Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) endowment fund
benefiting ACYOA.
When she was introduced by the Primate, she received a standing ovation
lasting several minutes. The Primate commended her and her late husband for
their commitment and devotion to youth and educational programs at the
Diocese.
"She understands the importance of our youth," the Primate said. "Both she
and her husband dedicated themselves years ago to making the youth a
priority. It is because of the family's continued generosity that we have
seen the ACYOA grow in recent years. It is truly an exciting time for our
Church because we see our future is energized by the work of the ACYOA."
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
The delegates at the Assembly also conducted several business meetings.
During those sessions, they approved three notable proposals. One
authorized the ACYOA to conduct an essay contest this fall focused on the
theme: "Why I Belong to the Armenian Church."
In an effort to strengthen the historic Armenian community in the Holy Land,
delegates approved a proposal to donate $1,000 annual to the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.
Delegates also authorized the Central Council to establish a committee to
review and make recommendations on changes to the ACYOA by-laws.
"There was a great presence of individuals from throughout the Diocese at
this year's Assembly," said Danielle DerAsadrouain of the St. James Church
of Evanston, Illinois, who was elected to the Central Council during the
Assembly. "Their willingness to speak and share ideas really demonstrates
the number of youth who care about the ACYOA and our Church."
ASSEMBLY OFFICERS, PARTICIPATING CLERGY
Harry Kezelian from the host parish of the St. John Church of Southfield,
Michigan, was elected chair of the Assembly. Arpi Paylan, of the St. James
Church of Evanston, Illinois, was elected Assembly secretary.
Clergy attending the Assembly included Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Fr. Aren Jebejian,
Fr. Nersess Jebejian, Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, Fr. Garabed Kochakian, Fr.
Haigazoun Najarian, Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Dn. Vahe Hovsepian, Dn. Artak
Khachikyan, and Dn. Levon Kirakosyan. Also present, as guests of the
Eastern Diocese, were two clergymen from Etchmiadzin: Fr. Khoren Kirakosyan
and Fr. Adam Margaryan.
6/5/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Diocesan Vicar Fr. Haigazoun Najarian with the new ACYOA
Central Council.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Participants in the ACYOA General Assembly take part in
one of the workshops that took place form Thursday to Friday, May 24 to 25,
2007, in Troy, Michigan.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Harry Kezelian, from the host parish of the St. John
Church of Southfield, Michigan, serves as chair of the ACYOA General
Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Primate and members of the ACYOA Central Council
present Arda Paylan, chair of the ACYOA Chapter of the St. James Church of
Evanston, Illinois, with the Gregory Arpajian Award.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Primate and members of the ACYOA Central Council
present the "Chapter A" award to the ACYOA Chapter at the St. Mesrob Church
of Racine, Wisconsin.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): Iveta Kosyan, an artist from Armenia, shares her history
of using art in ministry during the Insights program, which was part of the
ACYOA Sports Weekend.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Nancy Malkasian Banks, city clerk of the city of
Southfield, Michigan, and a former ACYOA member, speaks about the life-long
importance of ACYOA to the delegates at the ACYOA General Assembly, which
was hosted by the St. John Church of Southfield, Michigan, from May 24 to
25, 2007.
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
June 5, 2007
___________________
ACYOA CELEBRATES GROWTH
This past year was a good one for the Armenian Church Youth Organization of
America (ACYOA), organization leaders said during the group's General
Assembly, held Thursday to Friday, May 24 to 25, 2007, in Troy, Michigan.
In remarks to the 84 delegates gathered for the business sessions, ACYOA
leaders highlighted the addition of six new chapters, bringing the total
number of chapters to 19. They also remarked on the record number of young
people who have participated in ACYOA events in 2006, including a record
number of 75 who attended the ACYOA National Young Adult Leadership
Conference.
Many of those new chapters were making their first appearance at the ACYOA
General Assembly.
"It was great to see the new chapters take part in this year's General
Assembly," said Central Council member Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob
Church of Racine, Wisconsin. "The ACYOA is growing and it was apparent when
I saw these new chapters come to life. All the young adults who
participated showed great leadership qualities and feel confident that the
ACYOA is moving in a positive direction."
But while more people are getting involved in the ACYOA, delegates heard
from speakers who stressed the need to get back to the basics in promoting
an understanding of Christian teachings. ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy
Basmajian spoke of the importance in increasing the attendance of young
Armenians at badarak.
"All young adult faithful need to be nourished by a few basic things:
participation in a loving and affirming faith community where they find
meaning and can respond to a call to serve; significant relationships in
which they are mentored and also mentor others; and finally the Church's
unique and life-affirming sense of joy, recreation and celebration," she
told delegates. "In such ways, young adults not only discover who they are
as members of a particular Church family - the Armenian Church - but also
grow closer to the source of life itself, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
RETURN TO BASICS
In his remarks to the delegates, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, also spoke about the importance to return to the basics of
our Christian faith.
"For too many, the Church is seen as an institution, a social or even
cultural club - not the Body of Christ. This is at the heart of the
confusion about the Church and its role. Our members see the Armenian
Church as a cultural experience influenced by religion, rather than a
miraculous religious belief colored by our culture," the Primate said. "We
need to return to the basics and help build our families upon the most solid
foundation we could have - Jesus Christ."
The Primate's remarks were followed by a discussion session in which youth
and clergy were divided into small groups led by various ACYOA Central
Council members. Their task was to share their feelings regarding what it
takes to create an Armenian Christian home in today's society.
NEW CENTRAL COUNCIL
During the Assembly, delegates elected new members to the ACYOA Central
Council. On Saturday, May 26, 2007, those new members met to elect officers
for the next year. The new Central Council is Chair Johnny Elchemmas, Vice
Chair Ani Tovar, Secretary Sarine Zenian, Treasurer Alex Derderian,
Programming Coordinator Talin Hitik, Chapter Relations Coordinator Stan
Sheridan, and Public Relations Coordinator Danielle DerAsadourian.
"Following up such a strong year in the ACYOA, I am proud to be leading the
youth," Elchemmas said. "There was such a strong presence, not only at
General Assembly and Sports Weekend, but also at the badarak. The whole
church was full and most of the people were ACYOA members. When I turned
and saw the youth behind me in church, I was impressed and it proved to me
what an honor it is to be a member of the Armenian Church."
OTHER TOPICS OF DISCUSSION
During the Assembly, delegates also heard from a number of other interesting
individuals.
Fr. Khoren Kirakosyan, one of the guest clergy from Armenia touring the
Diocese, addressed the Assembly. He equated youth with vision and said that
a Church without youth is a Church without vision
Iveta Kosyan, a young artist from Armenia, shared experiences of her
ministry through art back in Armenia. She also spoke during an Insights
program on Saturday afternoon at the Sports Weekend, in which she showed a
DVD on "Witnessing Faith through Art in Armenia." More than 40 young people
attended that hour-long program.
Delegates also heard from Nancy Malkasian Banks, city clerk for the city of
Southfield, Michigan, and an ACYOA alumnus. She recalled her own
involvement in the ACYOA as a Central Council member, and told delegates
that the Assembly experience is first-hand leadership training. "Look around
at the people gathered in this room, because the relationships you form
while working with each other will last a lifetime," she told delegates.
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, director of youth and vocations for St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary, joined by Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of the seminary,
spoke on the need for young people, especially men, to come forward and
serve the Church in ordained ministry.
Also speaking was Julie Hoplamazian, college ministry facilitator for the
Diocese. She spoke about her work with Armenian college students throughout
the Diocese and presented some interesting statistics on college students
and religion.
Jennifer Morris, coordinator of youth outreach for the Diocese, spoke about
the two Diocesan camps, St. Vartan and Hye Camp, calling for young people to
serve as counselors and instructors.
SPECIAL AWARDS, GUESTS
Every year at the Assembly, the Primate hosts a luncheon for the delegates
during which the ACYOA presents a number of awards to individuals and
chapters.
Recent St. Nersess Seminary graduate, and a former Central Council Chair,
Maria Derderian of the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood,
Pennsylvania, received the Sam Nersessian Award, which is given to
individuals who display the Christian values of love, patience, humility,
and understanding.
Arda Paylan chair of the ACYOA Chapter at the St. James Church of Evanston,
Illinois, was presented with the Gregory Arpajian Award for her leadership
and service to the Armenian Church and community.
The "Chapter A" Award went to the ACYOA Chapter at the St. Mesrob Church of
Racine, Wisconsin. The award is presented each year to the best all-around
chapter.
The Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award, given to a layperson who has exhibited
continued devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church, was presented to
Rosanne Manoogian-Attar of the St. John Church of Southfield, Michigan.
The Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award is presented each year to a clergyman in
recognition of his leadership, service, and dedicated efforts on behalf of
the youth. This year's recipient was Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the
St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, New York.
The delegates were especially honored during the luncheon with the presence
of Mrs. Helen Mardigian. Along with her husband, the late Edward Mardigian,
she has been the major benefactor of the ACYOA, contributing more than
$200,000 to an Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) endowment fund
benefiting ACYOA.
When she was introduced by the Primate, she received a standing ovation
lasting several minutes. The Primate commended her and her late husband for
their commitment and devotion to youth and educational programs at the
Diocese.
"She understands the importance of our youth," the Primate said. "Both she
and her husband dedicated themselves years ago to making the youth a
priority. It is because of the family's continued generosity that we have
seen the ACYOA grow in recent years. It is truly an exciting time for our
Church because we see our future is energized by the work of the ACYOA."
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS
The delegates at the Assembly also conducted several business meetings.
During those sessions, they approved three notable proposals. One
authorized the ACYOA to conduct an essay contest this fall focused on the
theme: "Why I Belong to the Armenian Church."
In an effort to strengthen the historic Armenian community in the Holy Land,
delegates approved a proposal to donate $1,000 annual to the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem.
Delegates also authorized the Central Council to establish a committee to
review and make recommendations on changes to the ACYOA by-laws.
"There was a great presence of individuals from throughout the Diocese at
this year's Assembly," said Danielle DerAsadrouain of the St. James Church
of Evanston, Illinois, who was elected to the Central Council during the
Assembly. "Their willingness to speak and share ideas really demonstrates
the number of youth who care about the ACYOA and our Church."
ASSEMBLY OFFICERS, PARTICIPATING CLERGY
Harry Kezelian from the host parish of the St. John Church of Southfield,
Michigan, was elected chair of the Assembly. Arpi Paylan, of the St. James
Church of Evanston, Illinois, was elected Assembly secretary.
Clergy attending the Assembly included Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Fr. Mardiros
Chevian, Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Fr. Aren Jebejian,
Fr. Nersess Jebejian, Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, Fr. Garabed Kochakian, Fr.
Haigazoun Najarian, Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Dn. Vahe Hovsepian, Dn. Artak
Khachikyan, and Dn. Levon Kirakosyan. Also present, as guests of the
Eastern Diocese, were two clergymen from Etchmiadzin: Fr. Khoren Kirakosyan
and Fr. Adam Margaryan.
6/5/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website, www.armenianchurch.net.
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Diocesan Vicar Fr. Haigazoun Najarian with the new ACYOA
Central Council.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Participants in the ACYOA General Assembly take part in
one of the workshops that took place form Thursday to Friday, May 24 to 25,
2007, in Troy, Michigan.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Harry Kezelian, from the host parish of the St. John
Church of Southfield, Michigan, serves as chair of the ACYOA General
Assembly.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Primate and members of the ACYOA Central Council
present Arda Paylan, chair of the ACYOA Chapter of the St. James Church of
Evanston, Illinois, with the Gregory Arpajian Award.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): The Primate and members of the ACYOA Central Council
present the "Chapter A" award to the ACYOA Chapter at the St. Mesrob Church
of Racine, Wisconsin.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): Iveta Kosyan, an artist from Armenia, shares her history
of using art in ministry during the Insights program, which was part of the
ACYOA Sports Weekend.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Nancy Malkasian Banks, city clerk of the city of
Southfield, Michigan, and a former ACYOA member, speaks about the life-long
importance of ACYOA to the delegates at the ACYOA General Assembly, which
was hosted by the St. John Church of Southfield, Michigan, from May 24 to
25, 2007.