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=?utf-8?Q?eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 07/03/2014

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  • =?utf-8?Q?eNewsletter of the Eastern Diocese - 07/03/2014

    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: http://www.armenianchurch.org/



    ** TOP STORY July 3, 2014
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Independence Day


    ** Happy Independence Day
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    On behalf of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the entire Eastern
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, we wish all of our readers
    a happy Independence Day.

    For well over a century now, Armenians have been blessed to merge our
    way of life with the bounty and liberty of this great nation of
    America. On these shores our people found a refuge from persecution,
    but also a land that would sustain and strengthen us as we sought to
    honor our heritage, and worship our Lord.

    This Independence Day, we renew our prayers, asking God to bless this
    land and her people, so that she may continue to be the great beacon
    of hope to our world, and a nurturing friend to our young homeland.


    St. Vartan Camp
    Campers enjoy the new pool at the Ararat Center, home of St. Vartan
    Camp.


    ** Summer Camp Season Begins
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    St. Vartan Camp-which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this
    year-has opened for the summer season in upstate New York.

    Session `A' began on Sunday, June 29, and campers have been busy with
    classes, sports, and other activities. The Rev. Fr. Khatchatur
    Kesablyan, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, and the
    director of Session `A,' is leading prayer services and joining
    campers for various sessions throughout the day.

    This year Session `A' has a higher camper and CIT enrollment than in
    previous years, with participants from more than 20 parishes across
    the Diocese. Limited space is still available for Sessions =80=9CB'
    and `C.' For registration information, call the St. Vartan Camp office
    at (518) 966-8380.

    Prior to the camp season, staff gathered at the Ararat Youth and
    Conference Center for intensive training. The program was designed and
    led by Jennifer Morris, director of the Diocese's Department of Youth
    and Young Ministries. Bible studies were led by all three camp
    directors: Fr. Kesablyan; Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, pastor of the
    Armenian Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA; and Rev. Fr. Vasken
    Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. Additional
    staff sessions were led by Lorie Odabashian, Youth and Young Adult
    Ministries coordinator, and Maria Derderian, youth minister at
    St. James Church of Watertown, MA.

    For the latest from St. Vartan Camp, click on the following links to
    visit the camp blog
    (http://bit.ly/1kfAhv8?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    and to view photos
    (http://bit.ly/1mV4J2m?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    .



    ** Scripture of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Is 1:21-31
    Rom 7:25-8:11
    Mt 12:38-45


    ** Prayer of the Week
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy
    Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on
    my behalf. You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who
    trusts in you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy
    Cross. Amen.


    ** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    5 July: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Discovery of his Relics)

    8 July: St. Daniel the Prophet and Companions Shadrach, Meshach and
    Abednego


    ** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    St. Catherine Armenian Church, St. Petersburg, Russia
    St. Catherine Armenian Church is centrally located on Nevsky Prospect
    in St. Petersburg, Russia.


    ** Renovating One of Russia's Historic Armenian Churches
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The Armenian Diocese of Russia is renovating St. Catherine Armenian
    Church in St. Petersburg, Russia. The project began earlier this year
    under the direction of Archbishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of New Nakhichevan and Russia.

    Restoration experts have worked to clean the church interior and
    restore its sculpted reliefs and paintings. They expect to complete
    the project in the fall of this year.

    Armenians began to settle in Russia in the second half of the 14th
    century, and by the time Peter the Great set out to build
    St. Petersburg at the start of the 18th century, an Armenian community
    had begun to plant roots in the area.

    Especially influential was the Lazarian (Lazarev) family-merchants,
    manufacturers, and miners who had come to Russia from Isfahan
    (Iran). In 1771, when Russia was ruled by Catherine the Great, Ovanes
    Lazarian decided to build an Armenian Church in St. Petersburg. Today,
    more than 30,000 Armenians live in the city.

    Click here
    (http://bit.ly/1rZOAsT?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    to view a video about the church restoration project.


    ** DIOCESAN NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Diocesan Council Meets in New York City
    Council members Antranig Garibian (left) and Paul Mardoian.


    ** Diocesan Council Reviews Feedback from Assembly
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Friday, June 27, members of the
    Diocesan Council received and discussed reports pertaining to
    St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, the ACYOA, and the Women's Guild
    Central Council. The council also discussed the National
    Representative Assembly which will convene at Holy Etchmiadzin later
    this year.

    Turning to the 2014 Diocesan Assembly, council members reviewed the
    requests, recommendations, and decisions made at the assembly sessions
    and parish council chairs' breakfast. In addition, they heard reports
    from the Primate, Vicar, Treasurer, and the Diocese's Development
    Department.

    The council plans to issue quarterly informational updates to keep
    clergy, delegates, and parish council chairs abreast of council
    meetings and activities.


    Andrea Halejian
    Andrea Halejian.


    ** In Memoriam: Andrea Halejian
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    The Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of Andrea Lynn Halejian, a
    lifelong member of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, and a great
    supporter of many Armenian causes. She passed away on June 28 at the
    age of 61.

    In her home parish, Mrs. Halejian taught Sunday School, took an active
    part in the local Women's Guild, and dedicated countless hours to
    planning and organizing church fundraising events and social
    activities. She launched a blood drive initiative, and personally
    called parishioners to encourage wide participation in this lifesaving
    effort.

    She was also a supporter of AGBU Camp Nubar, as well as other programs
    for young people both in the Armenian community and beyond. In New
    York City, she was a familiar presence at the Diocesan Center, where
    she helped carry out various projects. Most recently, she dedicated
    her time to organizing the celebration honoring the legacy of His
    Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of
    Jerusalem.

    She is survived by her devoted husband Dr. Barry Halejian, and her
    children Alexis, Eric, and Sarah; and many friends and loved ones.

    In a eulogy delivered during the funeral at the Fair Lawn parish on
    July 3, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian said: `Andrea
    carried on the legacy of her parents: Andrew and Dovie Tilbian. She
    grew up in a loving Armenian family, where she learned the importance
    of caring for others.'

    `At the center of her life was a deep and abiding faith in the
    goodness of God, and in the hope offered to all mankind through the
    resurrection of Jesus Christ,' Archbishop Barsamian went on. `In
    everything she did, Andrea truly embodied the Christian values of
    humility and service.'

    In-lieu-of-flowers donations may be directed to AGBU Camp Nubar (55
    East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022) or St. Leon Armenian Church
    (12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410).


    Deacons Training in Jerusalem
    Deacons Training Program participants with local seminarians in prayer
    at Sts. James Armenian Cathedral.


    ** Training for the Diaconate in the Holy Land
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    A group of 13 young altar servers from 10 parishes across the Eastern
    Diocese are taking part in a Deacons Training Program at the Armenian
    Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The two-week session, which began on June
    25, is part of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary summer program. It is
    led by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and the Rev. Fr. Daniel
    Karadjian.

    Participants are living in the Armenian monastery of Jerusalem, and
    taking part in services at various holy sites, including the Church of
    the Nativity of Christ, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the
    Church of the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin. They also visited Sts. James
    Armenian Cathedral, and earlier this week they were welcomed by His
    Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of
    Jerusalem, who spoke to them about the importance of preserving the
    ancient Armenian presence in the Holy Land.

    The program was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Dr. and
    Mrs. Garo and Cece Garibian in memory of His Beatitude Archbishop
    Torkom Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.


    FAR
    Preparations are underway for the installation of new greenhouses in
    Tavush, Armenia.


    ** New Greenhouses for Farmers in Tavush
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Five families in Armenia's Tavush region will soon own new
    greenhouses, thanks to the Fund for Armenian Relief's `Breaking the
    Cycle of Poverty Program.'

    The families have already participated in a training session on how to
    best utilize the greenhouses. The initiative will allow the farmers to
    control the growing environment of plants and increase fruit and
    vegetable production.

    `Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program' was established by the
    Mardigian Family Foundation through the largest-ever contribution made
    to FAR. The five-year project addresses malnutrition, unemployment,
    poverty, and infrastructure weaknesses in Armenia's northeastern
    province.

    Click here
    (http://bit.ly/VeX6JL?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    to read more on FAR's blog.


    Holy Cross Church in Van
    Holy Cross Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on
    Aghtamar island in Lake Van.


    ** The Clock is Ticking
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    There is still time to register for the Eastern Diocese's pilgrimage
    to historic Armenia, scheduled for September 3 to 15, 2014.

    Participants will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on
    the island of Aghtamar, and take part in prayer services at the
    St. Giragos Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church
    in Kayseri.

    The pilgrimage also includes visits to other cities of historic
    Armenia=80'Kharpert, Malatya, and Sepastia, and other locales. The
    journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
    Armenian Patriarchate.

    Click here
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=3734c6cff1&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
    about the Diocese's 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
    (http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=e0f47da0c2&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    .


    ** PARISH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    Holy Trinity Church honors parishioners
    >From left: Dn. Albert Keshgegian, Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, and Gloria
    Basmajian.


    ** Cheltenham Community Honors Two Parishioners
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    During Sunday fellowship on June 29, the Holy Trinity Church of
    Cheltenham, PA, honored two parishioners on the occasion of their
    retirement. Gloria Basmajian and Dn. Albert Keshgegian were presented
    with a celebratory cake, and the entire parish congratulated them on
    this special milestone. The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor,
    said a prayer for Gloria and Dn. Albert, and wished them an enjoyable
    and fulfilling retirement.

    Gloria served for many years as the administrative manager of the
    English Department at Temple University in Philadelphia. At Holy
    Trinity Church, she has served on the parish council, been a longtime
    manager of the parish bookstore, and is currently the church school
    registrar.

    Dn. Albert dedicated more than 30 years to the field of medical
    pathology. He worked as an assistant professor, then as medical
    director of clinical laboratories and as system chairman of pathology
    at Philadelphia area hospitals. He is the longest serving deacon at
    the parish and the author of a number of resources published by the
    Diocese.


    Father's Day at St. Stepanos Church, Elberon, NJ
    Richard McOmber with his grandchildren at St. Stepanos Church.


    ** Elberon Names "Father of the Year"
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Sunday, June 22, St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, honored
    parishioner Richard D. McOmber as `Man and Father of the Year.' The
    presentation of the award was made at the conclusion of the Divine
    Liturgy in the church sanctuary, in the presence of Mr. McOmber's
    family and the parish community.

    He has been an active member of St. Stepanos Church for many years,
    serving as chair of the annual parish assembly, singing in the choir,
    leading the stewardship campaign, and assisting in other
    capacities. He is currently working with the Rev. Fr. Daniel
    Karadjian, parish pastor, on implementing a new Bible study class.

    Later on the afternoon of June 22, the parish gathered for its annual
    picnic. Also in attendance was U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone.


    St. James Picnic
    Kids enjoyed face painting and other activities at the June 8
    celebration.


    ** Armenian Festival in Watertown
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Sunday, June 8, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, hosted its
    annual Armenian Festival.

    Hundreds gathered on church grounds and enjoyed Armenian food,
    dancing, and music provided by Jay Baronian, Leon Janikian, Ken
    Kalajian, and Bob Raphalian. Children's games and activities included
    a moon bounce, caricature artist, and relay games.

    The festival was co-chaired by Emily Bedrosian and Mark Yacubian
    Torre. Click here
    (http://smu.gs/1q01hT0?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    to view photos.


    Choir training at St. Vartan Cathedral
    Maestro Khoren Mekanejian with Salpi Katanjian (left) and Rita
    Katanjian.


    ** Dallas Parishioners Study Hymns of the Badarak
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese's coordinator of music
    ministry, recently trained two choir members of St. Sarkis Church of
    Dallas, TX, at the Diocesan Center in New York City. Rita Katanjian,
    17, and her mother Salpi traveled to New York on June 15, where they
    spent a week studying the hymns of the Divine Liturgy and learning how
    to conduct their church choir.

    At the conclusion of the workshop, Rita was invited to sing with the
    St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. In addition to strengthening the choir in
    Dallas, she said she hopes to inspire young people in her home parish
    to learn the sacred music of the Armenian Church.


    Upcoming events


    ** Upcoming Parish Events
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Sts. Joachim and Anne Church | Palos Heights, IL
    Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights, IL, will host its
    annual church picnic on Sunday, July 13, from 12 to 5 p.m.

    Enjoy lamb, chicken, and shish kebob; khorovadz, and other Armenian
    favorites. The event will be held on church grounds (12600 South
    Ridgeland Avenue in Palos Heights). Click here
    (http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/4ac0bdc9-8bbc-44ca-8abc-942f3ed93406.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=3974c51ce2-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email&utm_term= 0_3f0172fcf2-3974c51ce2-159688434)
    to view a flyer for information.


    ** YOUTH NEWS
    ------------------------------------------------------------
    ACYOA Central Council Meeting


    ** ACYOA Central Council Meets with Primate
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    On Saturday, June 21, the ACYOA Central Council held its first meeting
    since the organization's General Assembly in May. Archbishop Khajag
    Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided. Also attending were Jennifer
    Morris and Lorie Odabashian of the Department of Youth and Young Adult
    Ministries.

    The council extended its gratitude to outgoing member Armen
    Terjimanian for his hard work over the past three years. Currently
    serving on the council are: Ani Grigorian (chair), Jonathan Pelaez
    (vice chair), Chelsea Kress (secretary), Shant Paklaian (treasurer),
    Sarine Atamian (public relations coordinator), Adrienne Ashbahian
    (programming coordinator), and Daniel Zalinov (chapter relations
    coordinator).

    The members focused on strategic planning and goal setting. ACYOA
    programming, chapter relations, public relations, and fundraising are
    at the forefront of the agenda for the coming year. They also reviewed
    the successful 2014 General Assembly and Sports Weekend, which was
    hosted by Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, and drew more than 500
    participants.


    ASP 2014
    ASP participants await their flight at JFK Airport in New York City.


    ** Armenia Service Program Arrives in Yerevan
    ------------------------------------------------------------

    Participants in this year's ACYOA Armenia Service Program arrived in
    Armenia this week.

    The program of travel and service gives young adults a unique
    opportunity to discover their homeland and to serve its people in a
    meaningful way. Through a partnership with the Fund for Armenian
    Relief, participants will volunteer at a summer camp and the Vanadzor
    Old Age Home.

    This year's trip is led by the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, pastor of
    St. Gregory of Narek Church of Richmond Heights, OH. The program runs
    through July 20.

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