Clergy Conference visits new Ararat Youth and Conference Center

On Wednesday, April 28, 2004, the clergy participating in the 2004 Clergy Conference in paid a visit to the new Diocesan Ararat Youth and Conference Center, 30 miles south of Albany, NY.

The clergy toured the seven buildings of the 65-acre site, ate a lunch provided by volunteers from the St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, and discussed plans and ideas for the center's use.

"This is such a blessing for our Diocese," said Fr. Tavit Boyajian, pastor of the Sts. Joachim and Anne Church in Palos Heights, IL. "It's going to be a wonderful facility for our Diocese."

Members of the committees that coordinated the purchase of the site and are now working on the renovation and opening of the site gave guided tours to the clergy. Many of the clergy expressed an interest in bringing parish groups up to the site for retreats and workshops.

"The place is fantastic. I look forward to coming here for St. Vartan Camp and at other times," said Fr. Tateos Abdalian, pastor of the Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA. "I already have two groups in my parish that want to come up."

The Ararat Center's first client will be St. Vartan Camp, which will rent the facilities for its programs this year. The Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA) have also already booked the facility for a junior choir workshop. The St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks group is also planning on coming up for a visit, possibly with their friends from Hartford, CT. Anyone wishing more information on renting the facilities should contact Frank Avakian-Stoneson at the Eastern Diocese by calling (212) 686-0710.

"This will be used for youth, families, and seniors," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. "Sometimes we put so much emphasis on our youth, but we should not forget our families and the elderly. They should be welcomed and encouraged to come up here. This is a new home for all Armenians."

This was the first visit to the site for many of the clergy. The site was bought in February 2004, after four years of work and exploration. The call for the purchase came from a grass-roots movement at the Diocesan Assembly in 2000. The advisory committee tasked with overseeing the center's start up and raising the remaining purchase price will speak to the delegates at this year's assembly later this week.

"This is a moment in the life of our Diocese to celebrate," said Fr. Garabed Kochakian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.

Posted by Jake at April 28, 2004 11:33 PM