Youth talk

After his remarks to the delegates, the Primate welcomed several young Armenians to speak before the delegates about their connections to the Armenian church.

"These are the next generation of Armenian leaders," the Primate said. "It is important to understand how they are connected to the Armenian Church."

First to speak was Antranig Garibian, 20, a member of the Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA. A sub-deacon, member of parish council, and now a delegate, he said being ordained has changed how he feels about the Armenian Church.

"It made me realize that it wasn't enough anymore just to participate in our worship, but now I was expected to lead and to teach," he said. "With every worship service, I made new friends and became closer to the Armenian Church. I hope that others see what a gift it is to worship in the Armenian Church."

The next speaker was Taleen Terjanian, 17, a choir member from the St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, and a recent graduate of the leadership development program operated by the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA).

"I remember the sensation that came over me when I first put my love to got in prayers and song. It was a complete different connection between me and my God," she said.

She will join other young choir members later this year in a special trip to Armenia. "Thanks to programs like these, Armenian-American youth are remaining active in our culture and faith," she said. "And we will be able to pass on our experiences to keep our heritage and culture alive."

Speaking about his leadership experiences, Gregory Andonian, 26, a choir member and ACYOA leader at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH, spoke about his experience leading the planning for a recent ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend.

"I needed to motivate and delegate a wide variety of Armenian youth," he said. "Our community supported us because they saw we were accomplishing, we were working hard, coming together, and we were not succumbing to barriers we were growing stronger. As a leader you can use the strength of the church and do you part to protect our Armenian church."

He said now as an ACYOA Central Council member, he enjoys working to assure our churches have productive chapters and an opportunity for Armenian youth to be involved in their church.

"Activities of the youth are so important because they bring energy and community and strength and they strengthen us the protectors of the Armenian Church," he said.

The youngest speaker, 16-year-old Bethanie Mangigian, a member of the St. John's Church of Southfield, MI, spoke about her experiences with Diocesan staff and other church leaders.

She spoke about interactions with Jennifer Morris, the Diocese's coordinator of youth outreach, as well as various clergymen who have welcomed her into the church.

"She demonstrated her passion for giving God's word to youth. I believe this zeal is the key to bringing more youth to the church," she said. "The strength of her retreats rests in the relationships she forms with every person and she is just one example."

"These amazing adults understand the importance of developing personal relationships with young adults never patronizing us and always balancing education with fun in our discussions," she added.

By being welcomed into the life of the church, she said she has been able to be a stronger person.

"In today's atmosphere the church offers a rare place of peace for me. In church itself I communicate personally with God every week. I receive a loud communication from God through Holy Communion, where God tells us he not only forgives our sins but welcomes us," she said. "This is a powerful message. As a youth in the Armenian Church, I use this message to combat the influences of the outside world."

She would not be involved as she is, unless she was called to be active.

"The church called out to me and I decided I needed to heed this call to become active," she said.

The last speaker, Karinne Hovnanian, 19, also of Cheltenham, PA, spoke about the need to give of one's self through service.

"Sharing our love as God intended us to, with all those around us, sharing our skills – skills with a hammer, or our voice through song -- and sharing our energy to bring God's love to those who need it most, this is service," said Hovnanian, who is a choir member, active in St. Vartan Camp and the Armenian Service Program, and the Diocese's "Alternative Spring Break" Habitat for Humanity program. "It is through stewardship and sharing with others that I have become who I am today. It is now my time to take that flame of love and pass it on to someone else."

The delegates erupted in a standing ovation following the presentations.

"These young people have eloquently detailed the success of our goals," the Primate said. "It is my commitment to engage more and more young people on an ongoing basis -- in our Assemblies, at Diocesan meetings, and in other occasions."

"With such youth among us, we have nothing to fear about the future and everything to hope for," the Primate added. "They are a living testament to a bright future. It is my sincere belief that our efforts over the past five years, your efforts as leaders of the Armenian Church, are beginning to bear fruit. I want to thank you all for everything you have done."

Posted by Jake at May 5, 2006 10:33 AM