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Life of faith inspiration for book to help others

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  • Life of faith inspiration for book to help others

    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

    February 14, 2006
    ___________________

    DIOCESE'S NEW PRAYER BOOK GIVES YOUNG ADULTS MEANINFGUL CONNECTION TO THE
    LORD

    It's comforting to know that there's someone you can call any time --
    someone who will never put anyone on hold.

    Through prayer we can connect to God in a truly meaningful way.

    Now, with its new prayer book aimed at young adults and relevant to people
    of many ages, the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is
    working to help every Armenian grow closer to God, through the power of
    prayer.

    The book, "Here I Am, Lord," is a collection of prayers and meditations for
    young adults drawn from the Bible, traditional Armenian prayers, and
    original prayers written specifically for this project.

    The book was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the husband of
    Rose Mekenian, a former Diocesan Council member who was also a devoted high
    school educator and administrator.

    Additional support for the project came from Rose's son, Stephen, and his
    family, along with Michael and David Kasparian and their families; the
    brothers are the sons of Lillian (Kasparian) Chapian the late Caspar
    Kasparian, long-time friends of the Mekenians.

    "George Mekenian thought such a book would be an appropriate memorial to his
    wife, Rose," said Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for
    the Diocesan Department of Youth and Education and editor of the book. "He
    thought it would be a fitting tribute to her love of young people if this
    pocket-sized book was made available to throw into backpacks or briefcases,
    or just to have handy. Rose was a devoted and successful teacher, who had a
    special affection for this age group."

    The book is an ideal way to get high school seniors and new college students
    geared up for the habit of prayer. They are encouraged to start using the
    prayers in this book for inspiration in building a life of prayer. Each
    page includes not only prayers but reflection questions, allowing them to
    dig deeper into their faith.

    To facilitate use in everyday life, the book lists prayers in categories
    related to daily activities. For example, there are prayers to use when
    you're feeling lousy, before an exam, when making an important decision, and
    before a date.

    For George Mekenian, the book is just a continuation of his late wife's
    effort to provide guidance and direction to young people.

    "Throughout her career she was very intellectually and emotionally involved
    with young people. And her connection to the Armenian Church faith was very
    strong," he said of his wife, who along with being a member of the Diocesan
    Council also served on ACYOA Central Council, the Diocese's Religious
    Education Committee, and in the choir and women's guild at St. Thomas Church
    in Tenafly, NJ. "She sensed the need, especially in young Armenians, for a
    means of identifying and finding something to nurture them in the Armenian
    Church family."

    That love for young people comes through in an essay by Rose that is
    included in the new book. In it, she addresses recent high school graduates
    as they transition into adulthood.

    "You perhaps have discovered that life can seem quite meaningless at times
    unless you find values onto which you can hold and to which you can relate
    your judgments and actions," she wrote. "Some people term this 'tuning in
    God.' Having a philosophy of life is vital to each individual."

    "Here I Am, Lord" is the latest of several publications from the Diocese to
    focus on bringing young people into the life of the church.

    "This year, as the Diocese continues focusing on bringing our unique
    Armenian Christian faith into the homes of our young members, I hope every
    young Armenian will begin using this book," said Archbishop Khajag
    Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese. "Prayer can shape our lives for
    the better. I encourage everyone to take the effort to form a life-long
    habit of talking with our Lord through prayer.

    "Here I Am, Lord" is available for $6; it can be purchased through the St.
    Vartan Bookstore by going to www.stvartanbookstore.com or by calling (212)
    686-0710 ext. 52.

    -- 3/14/06

    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): The Diocese's newest prayer book, "Here I Am, Lord," is
    specially designed for young adults but usable by everyone. It is available
    for purchase from the St. Vartan Bookstore.

    # # #
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