2004 Assembly Begins

With an opening prayer by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, the 2004 Diocesan Assembly -- 102nd assembly -- got underway on Thursday, afternoon April 29, 2004, at the Rye, NY, Hilton hotel.

The Assembly's 123 delegates began with official housekeeping business, such as confirmation of newly elected delegates and the selection of Assembly officers.

Chosen as Armenian-language secretary was Fr. Simeon Odabashian, pastor of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI. He was chosen by a voice vote of the delegates after it was announced the second candidate, Yn. Anahid Kalayjian of the St. Mary Church in Washington, D.C., was not in attendance due to illness.

Elected as chairman of the assembly was Thomas Ashbahian, from the St. Leon Church of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ. Chosen as vice chairman was Van Krikorian from the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY. Anna Marie Norehad, from the St. James Church of Evanston, IL, was selected as English-language secretary.

On Friday the delegates will vote for a variety of positions: the Diocesan Board of Trustees, Auditing Committee, Nominating Committee, and Proposals Committee.