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Three leaders from Diocesan-affiliated organizations -- the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA), the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA), and the Women's Guild Central Council -- spoke to the delegates.
It was during the 2002 Assembly that the ACYOA asked for funding for a full-time executive secretary. With that support, the organization has had many successes this year, including: the hosting of four regional conferences which brought 100 youth, timely publications that reach out to all young Armenians, and the full compliment of volunteers taking part in this year's Armenian Service Project.
However, Diran Jebejian, ACYOA Central Council chairman, said more parishes need to send young parishioners to the National Young Adult Leadership Conference, hosted by the Diocese and ACYOA each year. Last year only 48 young adults from 22 parishes attended the free conference.
"This is the most important program the Diocese puts together every year," he told the delegates. "And only 22 parishes out of 60, approximately one-third, sent someone to this free conference. To me that is unacceptable. The most important activity of our Diocese of the ACYOA, sustaining the future of our church, and only 48 young adults came."
Dn. Gregory Krikorian, chairman of the choir association, told the delegates the Diocese needs to get younger singers involved in the parish choirs.
"If we don't supplement our choirs with the young kids, we're going to have serious troubles with our churches," he said, explaining that the association is hosting a junior choir training conference this year to energize young singers. "This is a vital program. We're going to develop future choir leaders for our churches through this program."
In her report, Elizabeth Sahagian, the outgoing chair of the Women's Guild Central Council, spoke of the importance of Saintly Women's Day, during which local parishes hold events honoring women who have shaped our faith. The money collected during those services is used for a variety of projects at the St. Vartan Cathedral.
She also outlined a plan to hold regional seminars in parishes throughout the Diocese and detailed the growth in the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP), through which sponsors aid needy children in Armenia.
"We don't just make pilaf, we like to learn about academic subjects too," she said. "We do many things that are worthwhile."
Friday afternoon the Assembly delegates discussed the 2003 budget. In terms of finances 2003 was a significant year for the Diocese, which despite a challenging economy had satisfactory financial results.
The sluggish economy meant the Diocese received less distribution from the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF). The Diocesan budget was reduced by $400,000 in 2003. There was still a year-end deficit of $93,000, which was mostly related to assisting clergy in needs and spiritual outreach, which is related to deacons and other clergy.
The Diocesan 2003 budget was $4.37 million.
"The Diocese operated within its means in a prudent and responsible manner, while satisfying the needs and requests of our parish community," said Oscar Tatosian, treasurer of the Diocesan Council.
Delegates asked questions of the Diocesan Council and the staff related to the projected revenues and changes of spending in the past year and the proposed upcoming budget year. One focus of the discussion was the Assembly's approval last year of an increase in the budget of youth ministry and religious education.
The Diocesan Council said the hire of a college ministry facilitator and additional secretarial support for the ministry and program coordinators will improve and strengthen the Diocese's youth ministry and Christian education efforts.
Some delegates disagreed and asked the Diocese to instead hire additional well-qualified religious education staff. That proposal was voted down.
"I would request you don't go into micromanagement," the Primate told the delegates. "Just ask what you want from the Diocese. If your requests are not fulfilled, bring your concerns to me."
When dealing with the upcoming 2005 budget, the delegates saw familiar numbers.
"The year 2005 is very similar to 2004, in terms of personnel, expenditures, revenues," Tatosian said. "The years are a continuation."
More than a third of the budget is focused on youth and education.
"Now we have to make sure we're performing. The money is there, but it's not going to be the only solution. We need to make sure to get maximum benefit," Tatosian said.
Questions were raised as to the Diocese's backup plan if fund-raising efforts fall short in the coming year.
"When we do see there is a shortfall in revenues, we have frozen spending until we can make sure the revenue shortfall is overcome," said Diocesan Council member James Kalustian.
Next year's budget was accepted as presented.
With energetic music, the leaders working to bring to life the Diocese's new Ararat Youth and Conference Center entered the room. The Assembly Delegates caught the excitement, and began clapping in time with the energetic music.
It was a welcoming party, welcoming into the family the new facility, bought in early 2004 after four years of work initiated by the 2000 Diocesan Assembly in Philadelphia.
"We have accomplished a significant milestone for our church our community and our families," said Steve Hovnanian, chairman of the advisory committee overseeing the Ararat Center. "We're excited about having this facility in our Diocese and being able to use it."
Delegates viewed before and after photos, highlighting the recent renovations volunteers have made to the seven buildings on the 65-acre site. Volunteers have been working to get the site ready for its first rental, the Diocese's St. Vartan Camp.
"This will give us a huge opportunity to bring our young people together," said Karnig Durgarian, a member of the advisory committee. "This home will be far your children's children's children."
The center is not just for camp and youngsters; it will be used by parish leaders, clergy, and other associations for workshops and retreats. However the initial idea that culminated in the purchase was to find a home for St. Vartan Camp.
At that Philly Assembly in 2000, an anonymous donor made a $150,000 donation to get the ball rolling. She would later give another $50,000. Her name was Acabe Boornazian. Her niece spoke to the 2004 Assembly, praising her late aunt.
"She told me that she remember the light in my nephews eyes when they would come home from that camp and she would see how Armenian they were," said her neice, Anne Terkanian, who has been involved with St. Vartan Camp for the past three years. "Now that I work at camp, I know what it is like to see that light, not only in my children's eyes but in all your children's eyes. The light is there. This is an important project. Let's pay it off."
While donations have been given to cover much of the purchase price, there is an outstanding balance. The advisory committee also is looking to establish an endowment fund to cover operations at the year-round center.
The delegates were asked to return to their parish and think of ways they could support the center's purchase and set up.
During the morning on Friday, the delegates broke into five smaller groups to discuss a variety of aspects of stewardship -- the giving of one's time, talent, and treasure.
The breakout groups covered topics such as how to build a year-round stewardship program and creating and moving forward with strategic plans.
"The most important part of planning is keeping the people involved," said delegate Paul Korian.
Another factor to good planning is to get the younger generation involved.
"We told our young people if you don't get involved, our church will die," said Sarkis Boyajian, a delegate from Palos Heights, IL. "We're telling them not 'you should', but 'you must get involved', otherwise there won't be a church for their children to grow up in."
Participants in the session focused on engaging children in the life of the church shared ideas on ways more children can play a role in the church, such as keeping them in the sanctuary during most of the Divine Liturgy and asking them to serve the church as altar servers or greeters.
"We are trying to make sure whenever they're in the church, they're doing something appropriate," said delegate Dn. Ara Jeknavorian, from Sts. Vartanantz Church.
During the breakout groups, the delegates shared ideas, received input from facilitators chosen for their expertise, and learned they don't have to reinvent the wheel. Rather they need to share and build upon experiments in other parishes and take advantage of Diocesan efforts.
For example, instead of spending time managing parish endowment investments, parishes should invest their endowments with the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF).
"What I have seen is parishes with endowments spend hours trying to decide what to invest in or how to change their investments. But ACEF is a wonderfully performing, professionally managed endowment," he told the workshop on endowments and planned living. "What we're saying is you should invest your endowment with ACEF, so you can focus on how to raise more money for your parish endowment and not just how to manage it."
When it comes to building and strengthening a parish, plans can be created to perfection. They can cover endowments and strategic plans and year-round stewardship programs. But they're not enough to be successful.
"If you have a friendly church, where people love the Lord and love one another, the money comes in. All you have to do is send out an envelope and ask them to send it back," Diocesan Council member Fr. Yeprem Kelegian told participants in a workshop on creating a welcoming church. "This is where it starts. You can have the best planned, strategic, glossy brochures, but unless there's love and friendliness, that isn't going to get you anywhere."
Following the Primate's opening remarks and a Bible study on the topic of stewardship, the Diocesan Assembly welcomed its keynote speaker, Barbara Tellalian, a member of the Board of Directors of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) and a principal at the firm of Tellalian Consultants for Development and Fund-raising.
"Conferences with universal themes such as stewardship are intended to spark the imagination and encourage us to think broadly and thoughtfully while engaging us in an exchange of ideas followed by action," Tellalian said. "And that, I am sure, is happening."
Saying religious people are more likely to be generous givers to charity, Tellalian also said knowing the donation will do good prompts donations. It is also important for donors to have seen examples of stewardship growing up.
"Each of us has been influenced by a parent, grandparent, clergy, or friend whose dedication and commitment as stewards of the Armenian Church have inspired us to be stewards, giving greater meaning to our lives and our reason for being," she said.
For Tellalian, that pride and influence came from her parents, who raised their family in the Armenian Church. And just as her parents were influential in building her love for the church, Tellalian is working to turn the next generation of her family into stewards of the church.
"Today our adult children and grandchildren are embracing the Armenian Church with the same love and dedication as the Church embraces them," she said, noting that along with her and her husband a variety of people in her home parish of Holy Trinity in Cambridge, MA, have worked to instill a love and appreciation of the Armenian Church in her children.
"That's what it takes: reaching out and bringing in; engaging; giving thanks; giving of gifts of time, talent, and treasure; building our parishes; building the Diocese; building our Armenian Church; building Armenia," she added. "Together, our work will provide this legacy of stewardship, one generation to the next. Stewardship is grounded in the fact that all of human life and experience is a gift – a gift from God – that requires a response of faithful service."
Echoing the notion that strengthening the church is intertwined with building the Armenian community was Alex Dadourian, chair of the Diocesan Development Committee, who told the delegates that anything that strengthens the Armenian Church strengthens Armenians.
"The Armenians in America have to lead the way. We must think about how we can help Armenianism here in the U.S. to grow," he told the delegates. "No one else can do that but us."
Following a social dinner, the delegates returned to the first day of the Diocesan Assembly on Thursday, April 29, 2004. The meat of the evening session was reports by the Diocesan Council, Diocesan program staff, and organizations affiliated with the Diocese.
Haig Dadourian, chairman of the Diocesan Council, highlighted some of the Diocese's successes of 2003, which included: buying the Diocesan Ararat Youth and Conference Center, organizing one a parish council chairmen meeting, and the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, the success of which had a major affect on our ability to reduce our deficits.
"At the same time there's still works in progress, things the Council has to address," he said.
He indicated the Diocesan Council needed to address clergy recruitment, communication efforts, and outreach to newly arrived Armenian immigrants.
Another area he mentioned was the language of the badarak, "a subject the Diocesan Council is passionately committed to," he said. "We of course, as an Assembly, are going to address that later, but we as the Council are committed to addressing that issue."
Also speaking for the Diocesan staff was Dr. Sam Mikaelian, executive director of the Diocese. He highlighted the remarkable job Diocesan staff is doing on limited human and fiscal resources.
"We should be committed to making a positive improvement in all of our ministries with an eye to measurable results," he said. "Our footing at the Diocesan Center is stronger today than yesterday because of your involvement and participation, so I say thank you to you."
He unveiled several new programs, such as a newsletter specifically targeted to local parish leaders and the insertion of St. Vartan Bookstore catalogue pages in upcoming issues of The Armenian Church magazine, saving the costs of printing a separate catalogue. Following the recommendations from the parish council chairmen's meeting, Dr. Mikaelian presented to delegates a draft Parish Council Handbook, for local parishes to issue to new parish council members.
Last year the Diocesan Assembly voted to increase the budget for Christian education and youth ministry. Dr. Mikaelian told the delegates that that budget increase was used to pay for secretarial help and a new college ministry facilitator.
"This program bridges the gap between Sunday School graduation and post college church participation," he said. "It is also an important outreach program that will be supporting other ministries."
ARARAT CENTER MANAGER NAMED
In discussing the Diocese's new Ararat Youth and Conference Center, Dr. Mikaelian announced that an on-site facilities manager has been named. Robert Meeson will assume the position in June. A contractor and building inspector, Mr. Meeson has been parish council chairman at St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, for the past three years, has been active in Sunday School education, and has been a member of the church since he was 5 years old.
"We are standing behind him in the launch of the newest and most ambitious effort of the Diocese in many years," Dr. Mikaelian said.
CHALLENGES
Not all of Dr. Mikaelian's address was rosy. In discussing the challenges facing the Diocese, he focused on the lack of financial resources. Even with $400,000 in budget cuts, the 2003 operating budget still came in with a $94,000 shortfall.
"We closely monitored expenditures, yet we continue to be faced with a strangulating budget that limits initiatives we can make," he said.
He outlined other priorities for the coming years as: improve infrastructure and technology, developing data analysis tools to track Diocesan efforts, grow and improve Diocesan programs and missions, and ensure success of newly acquired Ararat center.
"I cannot explain to you how optimistic I feel about the prospects of this organization. After many years of experience, I've learned to be guarded about expectations but I can only say our future is guardedly bright," he said. "With your help, we are determined to succeed in all these initiatives. We at the diocesan center are working hard to make our work as efficient and productive as possible, but I continue to ask for your help, support, and prayers to make our dreams come true. Ultimately, it is the grace of our people that will secure the future for generations to come."
Simon Balian, executive director of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the Diocesan-affiliated international humanitarian aid organization, detailed to the delegates the various programs managed by the organization through the support of donors and government grants.
This was the last Assembly for Mr. Balian, who is stepping down from FAR this year after 11 years at the helm.
"Because of his leadership, FAR has come to this point. It has become the number one organization helping Armenia and also Karabagh, because of the love and integrity of Simon Balian," said Archbishop Barsamian, to thunderous applause. "We know he will continue his support of FAR in many other ways."
Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, also spoke to the Assembly delegates. He spoke of the recent ordinations in the Diocese, saying that St. Nersess Seminary is now responsible for 35 clergymen.
"Slowly but surely St. Nersess Seminary has become the heart of our diocese the spiritual birthplace of nearly half our diocese's clergy," he said. "It is a place where the precious traditions and teachings of the Armenian Church are savored and made relevant to our people today."
Fr. Findikyan announced to the Assembly that a new library, classroom, and chapel complex at the seminary will soon begin, with a ground breaking on Saturday June 12, 2004, at 1 p.m.
"The construction is a first step of attaining full accreditation for St. Nersess Seminary, which has become an absolute necessity," he said, adding that the process could take three to five years. "This accreditation will allow us to craft our own program, which better responds to the needs of our parishes and all of you."
He told the delegates that this year the Seminary was able to take its much valued summer conferences for young people on the road. It held a min-St. Nersess conference in March at the St. John Church in Southfield, MI. The Seminary is planning to hold two similar weekends in other areas this fall.
Stressing the importance of attracting people to study at the Seminary, Fr. Findikyan told the delegates that members of the Diocesan Council have formed a committee to work on projects and efforts to encourage young men to go into the Seminary.
"That's the kind of collaboration that has to strengthen and grow, and good things will come out of that I'm sure," Fr. Findikyan said.
Fr. Aved Terzian, who chaired the 2004 Clergy Conference, reported to the delegates of the happenings during that gathering, which was held Monday through Thursday.
During their conference, the clergy discussed the practices of the Washing of the Feet service, Lenten practices, cremation, funeral rites, inter-faith marriages, the choice of best man at a wedding, remarriage after a divorce, and how to deal with the death of children. They also heard a presentation on the theme of stewardship in the church from the Orthodox church's perspective.
The conference also explored the idea of creating a sabbatical system for priests, before traveling to the new Diocesan Ararat Center, 30 miles south of Albany, NY.
"They left inspired by the various possibilities it offers for the future," Fr. Terzian told the delegates.
Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the host parish, St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, welcomed the delegates.
"Hosting the Assembly, helps cultivate further love and fellowship among members," Fr. Kasparian said. "We are stronger for it now. And I am very glad we had a wonderful committee working together."
Lisa Kouzouian, the chairman of the organizing committee, also welcomed the delegates. "We'd like you to have a wonderful time; and we'll see you in church on Sunday," she said.
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.
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.
From April 26-28, the annual Clergy Conference of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) will convene in White Plains, New York, following which, from April 29-May 1, the annual Diocesan Assembly will take place. The host parish this year is St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church.
Upon the Pontifical Order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikian and Rev. Fr. Asoghik Karapetian will participate in the Conference and Assembly as the representatives of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. During their stay in the United States, the Reverend Fathers will also visit Armenian communities and parishes throughout the diocese. They are scheduled to visit parishes in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida and Washington D.C.
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
April 22, 2004
St. Nersess Seminary will host a special reception for clergy of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2004, at the Seminary, in New Rochelle, New York. The reception is in conjunction with the annual Clergy Conference and Diocesan Assembly hosted this year by the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY. St. Gregory's is just a few minutes drive from St. Nersess.
"Since most of our clergy from the Eastern Diocese will be in town, we thought it would be nice to invite them to the Seminary for an informal visit with our seminarians, faculty, and Board Members," said Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess, who will also be participating in the Diocesan meetings that week. "I am eager for our clergy to see for themselves how St. Nersess is growing, in numbers and quality of students, in our educational and youth programs, and of course by means of the new library and chapel complex."
"We owe so much of this growth to our parish priests, who are out there on the front lines working with St. Nersess to cultivate future priests and leaders for the Armenian Church," Fr. Daniel said. "The most effective recruiters of future seminarians are priests who, by their own example of loving and dedicated service, are an inspiration to young men who might consider following in their footsteps."
Transportation will be provided from the site of the Clergy Conference to the Seminary, and, following the reception at about 1 p.m., to the Diocesan Assembly hotel.
If you're a delegate, priest, parish council chairman, or other individual attending the Diocesan Assembly in White Plains and you need to register, call St. Gregory the Enlightener Church at (914) 428-2595 or e-mail Lisa Kouzoujian at lbkesq@aol.com.
Watch this space for photos of the assembly proceedings.
Watch this space for news and updates on the 102nd Annual Diocesan Assembly.
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