Friday presentations

There were several presentations to delegates on Friday afternoon.

WESTERN DIOCSE

The delegates heard from a representative of the Western Diocese, who shared her excitement in the state of California finally officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

AUDITING COMMITTEE

Then the auditing committee – Karen Dederyan, Dean Shahinian, and Charles Guleserian – addressed the delegates. The committee shared its thoughts, concerns, and praise for the Diocese's finances and bookkeeping.

For example, the committee suggested the Diocese should better label restricted donations. "If we put the specific purpose on each, it leads to greater assurances," Shahinian said.

The council also urged the members of the Diocesan Council to meet with outside auditors each year, something not done this year because of scheduling.

"That is just a good idea, a good common sense idea," Dederyan said.

The committee urged delegates to question the Diocesan Council members during the following presentation of the 2006 proposed budget.

"If we say 'Well, this is what's proposed and I don't want to stand up and try to make changes or ask questions,' then we're not good stewards," Shahinian told delegates.

LEGATE

The Auditing Committee was followed by a presentation on the year's successes by Bishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocesan legate and ecumenical officer.

"The Armenian Church has traditionally been active in ecumenical efforts worldwide. And the Diocese is a key part of that for various reasons," said Michael Haratunian, a member of the Legate's advisory committee. "We have to be there because our voices have to be heard."

Haratunian urged delegates to build ecumenical relations within their local communities.

Posted by Jake at April 29, 2005 06:16 PM