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  • Cathedral Avaks head up north

    PRESS OFFICE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
    Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurch.org

    November 3, 2004
    ___________________

    AVAKS HOLD RETREAT AT ARARAT CENTER

    As soon as the St. Vartan Summer Camp youngsters were gone, it was time
    for the St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks seniors group to have a load of fun
    with their friends at the Eastern Diocese's new Ararat Center.

    About 30 members from the seniors group traveled to the 65-acre Ararat
    Center in Greenville, NY, for a two-day spiritual retreat on September
    29, 2004. They were led by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the cathedral,
    and two deacons.

    The overnight retreat included a Bible study and worship service, a
    movie and discussion, and plenty of time for fellowship and fun on the
    serene Ararat Center campus.

    This was the first trip to the Ararat Center for many of the Avak
    members. The Ararat Center, located 30 miles south of Albany, NY, was
    bought by the Eastern Diocese this past January. While it is the new
    home of the St. Vartan Camp, the rest of the year it is available for
    use by any groups. Already it has been used as a retreat site by
    organizations such as the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of
    America, and St. Nersess Seminary.

    "The Avaks were excited to be there and fell in love with the facility,"
    Fr. Chevian said. "They were glad there was now a permanent home for
    our camp program and, more importantly, they were excited to be able to
    take advantage of the wonderful respite offered by the rural setting.
    They're eagerly looking forward to going back for another retreat soon."

    All parishes and Armenian organizations are invited to use the
    seven-building Ararat Center for events such as retreats, picnics, and
    seminars.

    "We want all Armenians to feel that the Ararat Center is their home,"
    said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese. "For
    it was the labor and dedication of Armenians throughout the Diocese that
    made this site a reality. And we believe everyone should be able to
    come to the Ararat Center to rest, revive, and reconnect with their
    heritage and faith."

    For more information on the Ararat Center, contact Frank
    Avakian-Stoneson by calling (212) 686-0710 ext. 35 or e-mailing
    [email protected].

    -- 11/03/04

    E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
    and Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website,
    www.armenianchurch.org.

    PHOTO CAPTION (1): Some of the St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks members talk
    with Dn. Levon Kirakosyan during their recent retreat at the Ararat
    Center in Greenville, NY.

    PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of the St. Vartan
    Cathedral, leads a service during the Cathedral Avaks' two-day retreat
    at the Ararat Center in Greenville, NY.

    PHOTO CAPTION (3): Members of the St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks group
    attend a Bible study during a two-day retreat at the Eastern Diocese's
    Ararat Center in Upstate New York on September 29 and 30, 2004.
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