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The Diocesan Assembly held a closing banquet on Saturday, during which the Diocese honored U.S. Senator Charles Schumer as the "Friend of the Armenians" and Haig and Alex Dadourian as the "Armenians of the Year."
FRIEND OF THE ARMENIANS
Sen. Schumer was honored for his work on behalf of the Armenian cause in both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate – particularly his efforts to recognize the Armenian Genocide, to promote trade opportunities for Armenia, and to end the Turkish blockade of Armenia.
"He knows the truth about the Armenian Genocide and he speaks about it so clearly and eloquently," said Diocesan Council member John Amboian. "The senator is truly a fine friend of the Armenians."
The senator was in Washington on business, but his part-Armenian assistant, Amanda Titus, read a letter from the senator.
"The Armenian Diocese is a vital piece of the mosaic of New York," he wrote in his message. "The great works and accomplishments of the Armenian Community in New York have made an indelible impact on our state and in the entire nation."
ARMENIANS OF THE YEAR
Brothers Haig and Alex Dadourian were honored for their decades of service to the Armenian Church, a dedication they inherited from their father Dadour, who helped found the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF), pushed for the construction of the St. Vartan Cathedral, and worked on a variety of fund-raising efforts throughout the Diocese.
Dadour's sons have continued his work. Alex is a vital member of the ACEF board and Haig is a long-time Diocesan Council member and current chair. Both have served in their local parishes, on the altar, and in the choir.
"They are a great example of this year's theme: carrying the flame," said Haig's daughter Melanie in her introductory remarks. "You would think after the Genocide their parents generation would have doubted their faith. But they didn't. I once asked my grandfather why. He told me that if it weren't for God, he never would have escaped and survived here in America."
"Being part of the church was expected of my father and uncle, but at the same time it was natural to them because seeing my grandfather carry the flame helped pass it on to them," she added. "It is a flame we all share as Christian Armenians, which we will, in turn, pass along to our children. That will be the best way we can honor our parents and generations that came before them."
Both brothers were humble in the recognition bestowed upon them.
"I still don't think I deserve it. But you probably just couldn't find anyone else," Alex said. "But let me take a moment to tell you something about my brother. He epitomizes love for the church. Those that don't know him do not realize he really loves what he does for the church."
In his remarks, Haig shared his concerns that there is a growing divide between the church and the people and the diminishing role of faith in today's society.
"What makes the Armenian Church different than other Armenian institutions is the salvation of souls," he said. "Still, when people talk about the Armenian Church, very little is said about its spiritual dimensions. Rather, we talk about its history, culture, and traditions."
To continue carrying the flame, the next generation of Armenians – Dadour's 11 grandchildren and 16 grandchildren – announced they were setting up an endowment fund to prepare and train future clergy.
"Thank you for giving the Dadourian family the continued opportunity to serve the Armenian Church," said Alex's daughter Lynn.
Saturday was the day for proposals and new business at the Diocesan Assembly, after a morning worship service.
There was one pre-submitted proposal, which was submitted by the Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights, IL. It is a resolution dealing with parish assessments, the "tax" paid by each parish to fund Diocesan ministries.
Currently the assessments are a percentage of only certain types of parish income -- plate collections and dues for example – while not taking into account things such as picnics and raffles, donations, and endowments. The parish proposing the resolution says the current formula penalizes parishes that hold stewardship drives as opposed to parishes who rely on events.
"Certainly this is not an easy situation to correct. This is backwards in its current format," said Paul Mardoian of Palos Heights. "You cannot penalize churches for doing the right thing. This needs to be reviewed to make this a better formula, though maybe not perfect."
The Diocesan Council and other delegates stood in support of the proposal, though the proposals committee – charged with screening proposals – said its members did not support the proposal because any system would benefit some parishes and hurt others.
"Our assessment is almost twice per member of any other parish in the Diocese. Something has to be done, otherwise you'll encourage people to play games," said Sarkis Kechejian, delegate from the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX, who said his parish saw its assessment rise after a successful fund-raising effort.
The delegates passed the proposal.
NEW BUSINESS
Tom Garabedian, a delegate from the Holy Translators Church in Framingham, MA, introduced a motion to require the Diocesan Council to conduct a professional study of opinions and views of church members and those Armenians not involved. The study should would look at sociological and linguistic issues that are barriers that interfere with or impede broader participation in the worship and other aspects of parish life and anything that interfere with the spiritual mission of the church.
The proposal set a budget of $40,000 for the study.
"The mission of the Diocese is to make the Armenian Church significant in the lives of every Armenian. Fulfilling that goal requires an understanding of the spiritual needs of the Armenians in the Diocese," Garabedian said.
Some delegates expressed concern that the study was aimed primarily at the issue of the use of English in the Divine Liturgy, an idea discussed at last year's Assembly and one which His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, has made official announcements about.
"If it involves the Divine Liturgy and vernacular within the aspects of study, then I'm concerned about it. We've heard very clearly from the Primate that the Catholicos has announced that vernacular is out of our power at this time," said Fr. Nersess Jebejian of the St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL. "If there are other issues that concern our Diocese and parishes, then I think it will be a good thing to start and get some results."
Some delegates said its purpose was not to address the language of the Divine Liturgy but to see how the Diocese could strengthen its outreach to those who do not attend church. They also said the study is not an action item, but rather getting data about all aspects of church life that can then be used for future planning.
"We want to understand why are the people not going to church, what are the road blocks," said Paul Mardoian of Palos Heights. "Maybe it is the language and we can't do anything about it. But we need to know the roadblocks, so we need to have a study. The other things we can make a difference and we'll take action on that."
The motion was passed.
However the proposal's language, particularly its reference to the word "linguistic", continued to raise concerns given the divisive nature of past discussions on the idea of using English in the Divine Liturgy.
"I am speaking as chief pastor of this Diocese, so I will be very open and very frank. A proposal passed according to the rules and regulations of our Diocese, that's wonderful but I want to make sure we don't go through what we did last year," the Primate said. "There is no question in my mind that people of genuine good will, whatever their position on this matter of the language of the Divine Liturgy, are all motivated by the desire to strengthen our church. However, they disagree how to achieve that goal. But in the past it has gotten out of hand. It was not a good Christian attitude."
The Primate said past arguments on the issue was unnecessarily divisive, especially given the fact that the Catholicos has directed that the badarak will be celebrated in Armenian. While he supported the idea of finding out the needs of Armenians in the Diocese, he worried the new survey would continue the un-Christian attitudes.
"Let us find a good way the best way to move our church forward rather than creating another struggle among ourselves, which will affect each one of us. It would not be beneficial to anyone of us," the Primate said.
Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, a member of the Diocesan Council, asked delegates to rescind the recently approved proposal and instead offered a new proposal that simply requested a "sociological study to determine the state of the Armenian Church Eastern Diocese and to find steps to be taken to bring more people, especially the youth, into the life of the church."
The second survey was approved to replace the first proposal.
At the end of the day Friday delegates were told of the final outcome of the election for the lay seat on the Diocesan Council. Papken Megerian was elected.
The last business on Friday was the completion of the Diocesan Council presentation, a review of the 2004 budget, and approval of the 2006 budget.
Delegates brought up a variety of issues with the Council members, such as:
Concern the Diocese and Armenians have not done enough to help the victims of the Darfur genocide in the Sudan;
Wanting the levels of clergy stipends to be more accessible to delegates;
Expressing appreciation to Sylva der Stepanian, who stepped down last year as coordinator of the Diocese's Armenian studies program after 30 years;
Urging the Council to focus more resources on adult Christian education needs. "The challenge is how can we enlarge the education of our Diocese as a whole. This is the mission of our church," the Primate concurred;
The need to focus resources and personnel on aiding mission parishes. "We are loosing Armenians in these communities, because we are not attending to their needs effectively," said Fr. Tateos Abdalian. "We need to pay more attention to these communities, otherwise we are going to lose more and more.";
And, requesting the Diocesan Council provide the delegates with future plans each Assembly so delegates can see what the goals of the budget are.
SHARING CONSERNS
Diocesan Council Chairman Haig Dadourian shared with the delegates some thoughts he had on the Armenian Church and some concerns he had for its future. After attending a conference on church governance, he said he realized how important lay leaders are to the Armenian Church.
Citing the election of the Catholicos and Primate by assemblies with lay members and the committees of laity who advise both leaders, he marveled at the lay leadership role in the Armenian Church.
"I wonder if all of us are aware of the role we play. It is a truly unique role," he said. "There is a 1,700-year-old tradition of lay participation in the church."
He called on lay leaders to be more engaged in the business of the church and expressed his concern that too many of our parishes are not communities.
"How many churches do we have in our Diocese where people come to worship as a family, not just dodge in and out quickly?," he asked. "I'm beginning to see a drift in the youth. We know they're distracted by society, and that's understandable. But we have to ask ourselves, how many people would feel deeply upset if they missed badarak this Sunday? And if we don't, why should our youth be involved?"
He urged delegates and clergy to come together in a more productive partnership.
"I call out to all of you to consider this partnership, to find yourselves working with your priests and bishops to create the partnerships that will bring us closer to the church," Dadourian said.
BUDGET
In reviewing the 2004 budget, the Diocesan Council was pleased to announce that in 2004 the Diocese ended the year with a surplus of $74,258. That is thanks mostly to a couple generous wills.
The financial shape is much better than the last two years, which saw a $93,987 deficit in 2003 and a $607,240 deficit in 2002.
The delegates then approved the 2006 budget (the Council members apologized to delegates for getting them the details of the budget late, reducing their time to review it). The 2006 budget is $4,453,380, about 5 percent higher than the actual 2004 budget.
Revenues for 2006 include slightly more income from endowments in the ACEF and from increased inflow through fund-raising efforts such as the Archbishop's Annual Appeal. The Council members noted that parish dues have not been raised since 1992 and they hoped to soon work out a plan to lower that reliance.
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.
After the day of discussion about the youth in small groups and hearing from the panel of young leaders, the Primate invited delegates to share with the whole assembly some of the highlights of their discussions about who we are and what engages us to the church.
Delegates said it is important to engage not just youth but parents, especially those who are busy and do not always bring their children to church. They asked that the Diocese make sure to create educational opportunities for all age levels.
They asked that the recently completed survey of delegates, parish council chairs, clergy, and ACYOA members be improved and expanded to reach more groups and provide more usable information. They expressed surprise the youth were as conservative as the survey reported, and questioned if that was because it surveyed youth leaders and not disengaged young Armenians.
Citing the important, life-changing aspects of trips to Armenia, the delegates said church members should do everything they can to send their young parishioners to Armenia.
Regrettably, they said that sometimes parish leaders are more focused on administrative and financial responsibilities rather than religious responsibilities such as going to church.
They encouraged parishes to offer mentors for young people at all areas of church life – from altar servers to parish council to working in the kitchen.
All the notes from the small group discussions will be collected and the Diocesan Council and staff will create a guidebook for parishes with shared ideas and resources to bring youth into the parish life.
"The parishes will be asked to create their own strategy for youth and then we will have regional meetings where each parish will share their strategy to do this work so we can learn from each other," the Primate said. "The conversation, the discussion, the panel which began this morning will be an ongoing effort on the Diocesan level, regional level, and parish level."
On Friday a panel of young people from throughout the Diocese spoke about their faith and heritage, and how the church can attract the next generation of faithful.
"For those of you who fear the flame is dying, fear not. The flame may not burn in all of us but the pilot light is still on," said Arda Haratunian, who moderated the seven-member panel.
What follows are excerpts from the discussion.
TELL US ABOUT WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOUR ARMENIAN EXPERIENCE IS
Chris Tashjian, ACYOA Central Council Member and parishioners from Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge: "As I got older, I would still come to church in the summers and I knew church was important to me. But as far as being a leader, I wasn't involved. Then I was chosen to go to Armenia to celebrate the 1700th anniversary. It is one of those experiences that help change your life. Not to be cliché but it was unbelievable. It really instilled in me what can I do to help my community."
Jennifer Morris, ACYOA Central Council chair and parishioner from St. John Church in Southfield, MI: "For me being an Armenian is who I've been my entire life. I don't know anything different. With the blond hair and name, I was constantly asked if I was an Armenian. And when I was younger, I would go home and cry. I almost felt I needed to prove my identity growing up. But now I’m confident about my identity and don't feel the need to anymore."
"And like others, when I went to college I lost touch of my church. But we had visits by Fr. Vasken and Yn. Arpi (Kouzouian) with youth ministry, and my pastor (Fr. Garabed Kochakian) was great. And through their enthusiasm they brought me into the life of the church. They just had such a great love for what they were doing and I couldn't help but being drawn in."
Anna Demerjian, parishioner, Armenian School teacher, and choir member from St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY: "It's a hard question for me to answer -- what is my Armenian experience -- because I was born and raised in Armenia and moved here just two years ago. It's odd to think about that experience, because living in Armenia is about as Armenian as you can get."
"However after thinking about it more deeply, I thought how much we take for granted in Armenia and how much I've learned to be thankful for being Armenia while not living in Armenia. When I left the church there I was feeling very sad, but here the church here has opened its arms and let me in and it's an amazing experience."
"In the church in Armenia the flame has not been as strong the past couple of decades, because of communism, but in the past few years the flame has been strong and has come back and it is very exciting for me."
Lena Guleserian, parishioner from St. Peter Church in Watervliet: "I am a first generation Armenian American. I was born speaking Armenian in the house, going to Sunday school and Armenian school. I grew up in ACYOA. I consider myself an Armenian Christian now."
Roy Seter, a college freshman and parishioner at the Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY: "My parents were born in Istanbul. When they came, they came for the betterment of my sister and myself and their main thing was to get an education. So the first thing they did was enroll me in the Saturday school in Holy Martyrs. And besides learning Armenian at home, which I did before English, it really helped me so much. I'm glad I learned the language, because now after years of wasting my Saturdays I'm so happy I will be able to pass on what I learned to my children."
"On my college application essays, I wrote about why I was at school on Saturdays when all my friends were watching cartoons. It was hard then, but now it is an easy question to answer now that I'm older."
Arpie Paylan, a parishioner from St. James Church of Evanston, IL: "My Armenian experience has been as an Armenian, and not necessarily as an Armenian Christian. I think now, at this point in my life, I'm coming into that religious heritage. But for the majority of my life, my concern has been my responsibility to my cultural heritage."
"It has been difficult in that I didn't involve myself in the Armenian community. I often felt different from my friends. I was the one Armenian in my high school and one of 10 in my university. I always felt I was unable to understand what my responsibility was to my culture. Even now I fight against it. I say that it's not my responsibility, it is just something I was born into. But at the same time, I realize because it's something unique, it is something I need to hold onto."
Justin Ajemian, parishioner at St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, and a part-time seminarian at St. Nersess Seminary: "I wasn't brought up really Armenian until about five years ago, when I went to St. Nersess for summer conferences. I'm half Armenian and third generation Armenian America, and I don't speak Armenian, so it's really hard to know what is Armenian to me. But when I went to St. Nersess it opened my eyes to see what is an Armenian and what should it be. So now I'm a part-time seminarian and with God's will, hopefully I will one day be a priest in the Armenian Church."
WAS THERE A FLAME BEARER IN FAMILY?
Demerjian: "Here in America, the flame is the culture and the faith, but in Armenia the culture wasn't an issue. We had it, but the faith was an issue. In Soviet times my family didn't really attend church, but here I am. I am part of a lucky generation, to be blessed by God to carry this flame and pass on the flame of faith and Christ's teachings to future generations and also to give back to my parents' generation, because they didn't have the privilege to carry it."
Tashjian: "My parent's didn't bring me to church at 10:15 in the morning and then go off to play golf with friends. Unfortunately that happens. I had friends in Sunday School who drifted off from the church because their parents didn't instill that respect."
Morris: "My mom was one of those drop-off moms. She would take me to Sunday School and then another parent would pick me up. She wasn't a religious role model. She was a role model who provided me with moral examples, but she wasn't a religious role model. But I was lucky enough to have a strong parish to support and lead me. As well as grandparents who lived to be 100 and served as valuable role models."
Paylan: "In my life the flame bearer has been my mother. What is interesting about that is my mother grew up without a church, in Turkey, and they were really not allowed to practice religious openly. So that carried over to her life in America, and we really haven't been consistent churchgoers as a family. But she's always been a spiritual and religious person, but not in a typical sense. She didn't go to church until recently. That's been a very interesting way to look at religion and how it can be passed on."
Seter: "My entire family played a role by saying 'Count your blessings' and 'Thank God you're healthy,' but really, if you ask the question who in your parish contributed to us spiritually, I know in my mind I have to thank Fr. Vahan, who has helped make my church attendance maybe 100 percent. He spends tremendous amounts of time sitting down with me and telling me what to read and going over it with me. I serve on the altar and he spends hours working with me going over how to do it."
Guleserian: "My father is a very religious man, although our attendance in church isn't so stellar. But he has always taught me."
Ajemian: "My aunt! She was the one who sent me to St. Nersess. I was so adamant against going. I did not want to go what so ever! But she basically put me in a car and forced me to go and I thank her very much for that."
Haratunian: "There is no black and white definition for the flame, it is whatever is going to carry us on. For some people it is religion, it is going to church; for others it is just the culture, being Armenian. But we see the institution of the Diocese has a real role and responsibility to play, because who hires the youth director who hires and trains the priests? There is a functional role the church must continue playing it isn't only up to us as parents."
WHO IN YOUR PARISH PLAYED A ROLE IN GIVING YOU THE FLAME?
Paylan: "I was a Hye Camp counselor three years ago and met Fr. Yeprem. I guess the only thing I can say is I genuinely see him as believing deeply in God in everything he does and it shows. So, for me, it has been critically important to see that, because you often wonder what it means to believe in God and what it does for you. And to see that his belief makes him a very good person and a happy person, it is very important. It shows me the depths of what it means to believe in God and the enormity of it."
Tashjian: "Dn. Greg Krikorian and Dn. James Kalustian. They've always been patient with me and have taught me the ways of the altar. They're very busy in their lives and on every committee, but they're true role models for me. Hopefully, maybe some day I'll convince someone younger I'm a role model for them."
Haratunian: "Earlier Chris pointed out that a trip to Armenia made a difference for him. A few years ago I was talking to a room full of ACYOA members and asked that that if the sky was the limit, anything you could do, what would you do to inspire and draw in a new group of young people. They came up with the idea of taking a bunch of young Armenians first-class, all-expenses paid trip to Armenia. If the issue was paying for every young Armenian to go to Armenia and that would be the solution to our problems the question is would we do it? The answer is probably yes, we'd just have to raise the money."
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND RELIGIOUS HERITAGE -- IS IT ONE IN THE SAME AND SHOULD IT BE?
Demerjian: "I can't really say black and white, they are not together or say one can't live without the other. Armenia survived. We didn't have the big flame of faith, but the culture was still there. Being here, I can just see how important it is to have the culture and faith together. I can't imagine not knowing Armenian or being an Armenian Christian without knowing the culture as well."
Morris: "I've been able to travel to 30 countries, and I've always sought out Armenian churches. What connected me to the Armenian Church is walking in and hearing the same litanies and hearing the same hymns and hearing the same language I love, even though I didn't know it. For me the connection is the service I love. And it's connected -- the language, the religious, the culture, the heritage. There's a feeling you have when they're all brought together as one. To separate them, I'd be saddened and disheartened if it ever happened."
Seter: "We have the world we see on maps, but when we look at the world from outer space we just see a globe there's no countries. We just see one world and it's hard to think when God created the world he really had the idea that humans would do this – create countries like an Armenia or a Turkey. When I think of Christianity, I don't think of divisions I just see the world we're lucky to see from above. I think it is important Armenians are associated with the Armenian Church but I think if it were a perfect world there would be no difference between people."
Ajemian: "I believe it was St. Vartan who said being Armenian and being Christian goes hand in hand. Asking an Armenian to deny Christianity is like asking a man to deny the color of his skin."
Tashjian: "Yes we are Armenian, but we are Christians. We need to realize what that means. There's a spiritual side to that that we as ACYOA tries to build upon. Christianity should be number one in our life, but we're also Armenian so there are other aspects. But Christianity is number one, because we all go to Sunday morning badarak to praise God."
Paylan: "Spirituality is ultimately a very private and personal thing and I don't think you can necessarily come upon it through religion. Definitely this is a way to do it. I'm not saying people who go to church are not religious, but spiritually comes first and that has to be a step you take and then the rituals that go into a religious ceremony has meaning. The Armenian Church needs to recognize that difference and understand that the church needs to be a place of acceptability."
"We need to have a discourse about religion and what it means to be religious but not necessarily at the same time questioning a person's spirituality that needs to be something someone can keep to themselves. The church needs to be a place you can come to seek spiritually or come with spiritually."
Haratunian: "One of the issues that has become controversial in the church is the language of the badarak and taking that a step further is why don't people come to church -- the issue of relevance and making it relevant so our kids do want to go.
HOW CAN WE MAKE OUR CHURCH AND OUR HERITAGE MORE RELEVANT TO OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES AND WHAT CAN OUR CHURCH ELDERS DO DIFFERENTLY AND WHAT IS BEING DONE WELL?
Tashjian: "One of the things our church has done very well is printing those pew books. It is there in simple black and white. You don't need to speak or understand Armenian fluently to celebrate badarak. It's the same service that goes on every week. You can probably recite it in the back of your head without even realizing it."
"Maybe we need to spend more time on the local level educating our parents and helping them. We should ask them what are you doing for your kids to try and involve them. If kids don't have that social atmosphere to make friends it's tough to get them involved later. It's important at a young age to establish those friendships that will really pull you in as you get older."
Morris: "A friend once called me a born again Christian, and I was upset by that. But then Fr. Garabed said that was wonderful. He said you're witnessing your faith you're remaining true to who you are and sharing that with others. Jesus is a part of who I am and that's a part of who each of us need to try to be. I don't think everyone is at that comfort level yet. It's been a journey for me along the way. As Christians it is our responsibility to witness our faith to others in platforms we interact with others."
"It's been a long journey for me and one many young adults at this point in life come across. It's our church's responsibility to be there with them along that journey to let them better understand their faith it is our responsibility to help each of them be better Christians."
Demerjian: "We have to show the youth that not only is it your responsibility to pass on the flame but we need to make them realize that being a part of the Armenian Church is not a responsibility but a gift. That is something that needs to come across."
"And the ACYOA Leadership Retreat, that is a wonderful program. We need to keep that up. It's one thing that really works. I like it because we always say we need to educate the youth to be leaders and sometimes you forget to educate them to be good followers, you can't be a good leader without being a good follower, and the Leadership Conference helps you be humble and learn to be a good follower."
Guleserian: "The one thing I think that needs just a little bit of tweaking in the Armenian Church is the transition of being at a Leadership Conference, learning all these tools and skills, and apply them when you go back to your parish. That was the biggest obstacle for me."
"Also I feel if I wasn't asked to be a leader or active member of the church then I probably wouldn't have taken the initiative in myself to be a leader and active participant in our church. So we need to ask more people. The people who volunteer in our churches, it feels that it is always the same group of people who are spreading themselves thin. I think that sets other people back from joining in unless they're asked. Usually if you go up to a young adult and ask them to do something for you, chances are they're going to say yes if you're personable. But you have to ask because you get to a level where those yes men get burned out and start to say no. So you need to get a more diverse amount of people to help you in church."
Seter: "The youth want meaning. What do I want form my church? It's exactly that. I want meaning. I want to know there will eventually be a day of judgment and I will be before the thrown of Jesus -- we'll see what happens there -- but to be honest with you I think it's really, really important that those of us who didn't go to Sunday School can be introduced into understanding the gray area of Christianity, even though Fr. Vahan says there is no gray."
"We all have these questions about why I have to go to church, why do I have to do this. I have found meaning and the way I found meaning was through the Bible and maybe if I had an endless supply of money I would buy every Armenian 18 and down a Bible and pay them to read it. I think by the time they get to the book of Revelations they'll start giving me my money back."
Paylan: "One defining experience I have regarding my image of the Armenian Church was in Hye Camp during religion class I asked why women can't be priests. I was told it's an old rule and there's nothing we can do about it so I should try to focus my energies toward roles that are already acceptable. I thought, well, that's the worst answer ever! But I feel that it points to this deeper issue that the Armenian Church is old and traditional and that's a good thing in many ways; but there are things that need to change."
"Religion has to be living and in discourse with its community. The Armenian church needs to always be in discourse with the community, understand its needs, and give up some of those traditional things that maybe have less meaning now that we're in a completely different society than the one the Armenian Church was created in. There are things we can give up without threatening the Armenian Church or culture at all."
Ajemian: "The most important thing we can do to bring youth into the church is live by example – by living as good Armenian Christians and explain to youth why you should live your life like that. All too often we get caught up in our lives and forget why and how to live like Armenian Christians. But we can't do that! Don't just tell your children this is how it should be done, but explain why it should be done and how it should be carried out."
Seter: "I'd just like to comment on what she said -- about this era liberalizing the church. Are we better or do we even have the authority to move against the teachings of Christ? The reason we have male priests is Jesus chose men as His apostles. Yes it's good to liberalize things, but it is the worst thing in the world to move away from what the Lord says -- the facts of the church, not the traditions."
Haratunian: "This is a tough thing to do in 50 minutes. This is really just starting. This panel embodies all the issues we can debate for thousands of hours. It embodies language, intermarriage, spirituality, stereotypes."
"My parents always told me it is both a burden and privilege to be Armenian and that has never changed in my 40 plus years of life. But a burden doesn't have to be a negative thing; it just means we have to work."
# # #
Before breaking for lunch on Friday, delegates received word of the election results for the various offices. Winners must receive a majority of the votes.
Two clergymen were chosen for the two seats on the Diocesan Council: Fr. Arakel Aljalian and Fr. Haigazoun Najarian.
There are four lay seats in the Diocesan Council up for election. Three candidates were chosen in the first round of balloting: Dr. Raffi Hovanessian, James Kalustian, and Oscar Tatosian.
There will be a second round of balloting so a fourth candidate can receive the needed majority vote. There will also be a second round of voting today for the one position on the Board of Trustees. The low polling candidates will be dropped from the ballot in the second round.
Howard Atesian was elected to the Auditing Committee.
Chosen for the Nominating Committee was: Yn. Patricia Buttero, Fr. Vazken Kouzouian, Lisa Kouzoujian, Gregory Krikorian, and Gregory Saraydarian.
Elected to the Proposals Committee was: Fr. Nersess Jebejian, Nishan Kechejian, Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Michael Mamishian, and Fr. Shnork Souin.
Following the Primate's remarks, Diocesan Council member James Kalustian discussed a survey recently undertaken by the Diocese of ACYOA members, clergy, delegates, and parish council chairs.
"We wanted to better understand what the flame is and how it represents our Christian identity," Kalustian said. "What it means to us individually and as a whole. We want to begin a dialogue today and this dialogue is not going to end today. The challenge is to make sure this dialogue continues throughout the coming years so we're beginning to dialogue today to try and get the next generation more involved in the leadership of the church."
The respondents of the survey said that overall they believe the Armenian Church is an excellent vehicle for their relationship with Jesus Christ, Kalustian said, adding that there are opportunities to improve that vehicle to improve that relationship.
Some overall results of the survey showed that promoting the Armenian heritage is an important part of the church, but not a primary responsibility of it. The respondents also strongly disagreed with the statement "To be an Armenian Christian you need to speak the language."
Kalustian said that for ACYOA members, it is more important their children marry members of the Armenian Church then it is that they merry Armenians.
"Overall respondents are split as to weather being Armenian and being an Armenian Christian are one in the same," he said, noting the clergy and ACYOA respondents share a belief it is.'
The respondent pool was also split in their belief that the Armenian Church is important in the lives of every Armenian, though they said it should be. Kalustian said the language of badarak was not identified by the respondents as source for church not being significant.
Clergy and ACYOA members reportedly feel there should be more training and skill development opportunities for young people.
"While everyone agreed there should be more opportunities for youth and young adults to carry the flame. there was no consensus that the youth were prepared to carry the flame at this time," Kalustian said, noting that in general clergy and ACYOA respondents shared common views on most issues.
The delegates, joined by delegates to the Women's Guild Assembly, then discussed the results and what it means to be an Armenian Christian today in small group round table discussions lead by clergy, Diocesan Council members, staff, and youth representatives.
As they arrived at the Assembly on Friday, delegates submitted their votes for the various open positions before heading into the meeting room for a prayer service lead by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, with the help of Dn. Mitchell Mouradjian, of the Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT; Fr. Mikael Devejian of the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; and Fr. Hovakim Manukian, one of the visiting priests from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The other visiting priest, Fr. Yessai Artenian, then read a message from His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in Armenian as English translations were distributed.
CARRYING THE FLAME
Addressing the delegates, the Primate first spoke in Armenian before switching to English to share his thoughts and vision.
"Each one of you here at this Assembly constitutes the leadership of our Diocese," the Primate said. "I hope and I pray our work these next few days and this year will prove very fruitful."
He discussed the intent of the Diocese -- that the Armenian Church is significant in the lives of all Armenians – and outlined the five areas the Diocese has been focusing on: stewardship, leadership, communications, worship, and youth. This year the Assembly begins the "Year of the Youth: Carrying the Flame," which is dedicated to programs aimed at bringing the youth into the life of the church.
"We are charging our youth to carry the flame. What is this flame? What does it mean to both us and the youth? We chose the flame not by accident," the Primate said in his address. "The flame, or fire if you will, provides warmth and life. These are basic to human survival. But we chose it because it symbolically reaches beyond our basic instinct to survival. The flame symbolizes something invisible and something eternal to us Christians. The flame represents the living Christ."
The Primate said the idea of the flame represents not just Christianity but the Armenian national identity.
"The flame is a symbol of our unity -- of our Christianity and our Armenian culture -- and all this implies," he said. "Our faith is bound to our history and culture. At their best, our faith and culture inform each other. They cannot sand alone. Without that identity we are forced to lead unfulfilled lives of wondering generalities."
Reflecting on his time with Pope John Paul II and seeing so many young people descend upon Rome after the pope's death, the Primate said the pope was greater than his office.
"That was not why he was so greatly loved and respected. I think what so many people loved with him originated outside the powers and prestige of his office. Behind the formal powers of the papacy stood a simple Polish man, who was distinctly himself. He was humble, approachable, and down to earth. He was authentic," the Primate said. "He knew who he was and because he knew who he was he could walk confidently and boldly, yet humbly. That confidence allowed him to be open to the entire world, to engage in it, and act in it."
The Primate said he thought the lesson of Pope John Paul II and how he maintained his Polish identity can serve as a role model to the Armenians.
"There is a lesson in how we too can hold to our identity and heritage. We, too, can be confident about being Armenian, about carrying our special unique flame. That confidence, if it is genuine and rooted in a knowledge of our history and heritage, frees us to be open without fear to the rest of the world."
Today's young people can be proud of their ancient heritage, the Primate said. However, the elders of the church must make an effort.
"It is vitally important that we meet our youth where they are, on their own terms," he said. "That is where we start. Our youth may appear to be tuned out to what the church has to offer, but I know that in their hearts they want to connect."
"We sometimes do not give our youth enough credit. Most of our youth are searching for meaning , for something real. They will look back to the teachings they know to be true to find meaning in their lives and to take possession of their identity. What will they behold in us when the time comes for them to ask 'Who am I?'"
The Primate asked the delegates to think about the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, specifically that his father maintained a home his son could return to and welcomed him back with open arms and clothing him in the best robes.
"Are we earnestly maintaining our Armenian homes for that moment when our children come home?" the Primate asked. "I ask each one of us to open our arms for our youth, understand their needs, and clothe them in the fine robe of the Armenian Christian identity and our traditions. Naturally those needs change over time that is why we need to make an effort to find things in our church that speak directly to the new generation, that make the church relevant to each present moment."
Today's elders owe the very existence of the Armenian Church to the survivors of the Genocide who carried their faith through that tragedy, the Primate said. Equipping young leaders with the skills and faith needed to lead the church in the future is a way of honoring the memory of the survivors.
"The survivors had every reason to give up and assimilate into the larger world, but they chose otherwise and we are better because of that. Now, five generations later, we are proof they succeeded in keeping the flame alive," the Primate said.
"Carrying the flame means doing anything and everything that keeps our Armenian Christian heritage going and going strong. We are very fortunate that there seems to be no shortage of people willing to accept this responsibility. Everyone in this room still finds fulfillment and excitement in the idea of keeping our flame alive. That is the first and most important step in passing the flame. For if we ourselves are not excited by the flame we have been given, then how can we inspire a new generation to carry on after us."
The privilege of carrying the flame includes the duty to pass it on, the Primate told the delegates.
"Our youth need to receive the flame. They need to take ownership and assume responsibility for the precious treasures of our heritage., And as leaders in the church we need to show we have faith in our youth by passing the flame onto them. Since we are the current leaders of our church, it must begin with us. We should not look around and point the finger to the other person, we should start looking to each one of us to help pass the flame."
"In passing on the flame we will be fulfilling the highest duty of leadership: ensuring that the flame is carried in good hands into the future."
Reflecting on his various meetings with youth from throughout the Diocese, the Primate said they are ready to accept larger roles of responsibility.
"It will be our task throughout this year of the youth, and even later, to seek out, encourage, and prepare these leaders of tomorrow," the Primate said.
On Friday, the delegates will begin the day by voting for a number of offices, including Diocesan Council. There are two positions for clergy, and four lay positions on the Diocesan Council up for election.
Candidates for the clergy positions include:
Fr. Arakel Aljalian of the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, an incumbent Council member.
Fr. Aren Jebejian of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL.
Fr. Haigazoun Najarian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA.
Fr. Krikor Sabounjian of the Holy Translators Church in Framingham, MA, an incumbent Council member.
Candidates for the four lay seats include:
John Amboian of the Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, an incumbent council member, former member of the Diocesan Board of Trustees, a delegate to the 1995 and 1999 National Ecclesiastical Assembly, and member of the board of directors of St. Nersess Seminary.
Naomi Davitian of the St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, who is her parish's secretary, a delegate, choir member, Women's Guild member, and past parish council chair.
James Kalustian of the Holy Trinity Church in Cambridge, MA, who has been aCouncil member since 2001, a deacon, parish council chairman, delegate, and organizer of various fund-raising efforts for the Diocese.
Van Krikorian of the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, who has been a delegate since 1999 and a member of the National Ecclesiastical Assembly in Armenia in 1999, and a parish council member.
Lisa Manookian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnwood, PA, a former Diocesan Assembly secretary who has been a delegate, parish council chair, newsletter editor, and ACYOA Central Council chair.
Papken Megerian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, who has a delegate for 18 years, parish council chairman, and Armenian School superintendent.
Dr. Dennis Papazian of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, who has been a past member of the Council, Diocesan Trustees, and chair of the Diocesan Assembly.
Oscar Tatosian of the St. James Church of Evanston, IL, who is completing his second term on the Diocesan Council and has been a delegate and council member as well as a delegate at the National Ecclesiastical Assembly.
Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, whose nomination was made from the floor on Thursday, and who serves on the board of the St. Nersess Seminary.
DIOCESAN COUNCIL
At the end of the day on Thursday, Council Chairman Haig Dadourian addressed the delegates, welcoming their questions about the report of the Council and Diocesan staff.
The delegates asked about the recent incorporation of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF), and asked that they be provided with more information on that change in structure.
"We have created a separate corporation for ACEF to safeguard the assets," said Dadourian, who said he believed parishes were informed. Even though it was incorporated separately, the Diocesan Council maintains jurisdiction over ACEF and members of the ACEF board must be approved by the Council.
The Council also was questioned about creating and enforcing policies regarding parishes which are in arrears with their dues.
"The Council feels the Assembly should have some sort of voice in the governance of assessments. We feel like we should leave it up to you to decide how you want to treat parishes that are significantly delinquent," Dadourian said. "We have our own thoughts, but feel it should be left up to you. So perhaps at the next Assembly, the delegates can either form a committee to come up with a draft policy or you can leave it up to the Council. But I really feel this is something the entire Assembly should address."
Delegates also questioned the Council members to discuss the details of a transfer of drawings by Arshille Gorky -- which were left to the Diocese and are now on display in a museum in Portugal -- to Armenia at the request of the Catholicos and as a stipulation of the will, in which Gorky's relative wished that the art eventually find a home in Armenia. The Council has hired professional experts to provide advice and draw up legal arrangements regarding future ownership of the pieces and to assure the art would be properly displayed.
"All those diligence issues will be looked at comprehensively before any action is taken," said Council member Oscar Tatosian.
The Council was also asked if the Diocese could sell these pieces of art and use the income to set up endowments. "It is up to the Assembly. We can do whatever we want because we own it. That's a decision of the Assembly," Dadourian said.
Delegates questioned the Diocese about the standing of the St. Sarkis Church of Niagara Falls, NY, which is considering becoming a mission parish.
"There's no question St. Sarkis Church of Niagara Falls should stay open, absolutely must stay open," said Council member Fr. Mardiros Chevian, who recently went to visit with the parish leaders with Dr. Sam Mikaelian, executive director of the Diocese. "The church serves the spiritual needs of that Armenian community in the area. The question is how can it best serve those needs and how can the Diocese best help them."
In discussing a proposed and then dropped needs assessment, delegates wanted to know, in general, what level of funding the Council can approve during the year without it being part of the budget approved by the Assembly.
"There are no written guidelines. You tell me, you're the Assembly. You're the people who pass the budget. To some degree that is a policy decision that the Assembly should address," Dadourian said, as delegates agreed it is something they might want to explore in the future.
The Council was asked about that study -- which was proposed at last year's Assembly to study what members are looking for in the church so the Diocese can better fulfill the mission of making the church significant in the lives of Armenians and how the Armenian-language Divine Liturgy affects membership -- and why the study wasn't conducted as authorized.
"Everyone in this Assembly has a right to express your thoughts and opinions. And there are certain things in the hands of this Assembly that you can take action on, and there are things that belong to the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin. There are certain rules and regulations," the Primate said.
The Primate added that after the survey was approved in last year's Assembly, the Council sat down, took requests, and approached experts to conduct a survey.
"It was a struggle for the Council members, because there was money related to this study. The Council came to the point that, before spending any money they said we should check with His Holiness," the Primate said. "His Holiness's stance was very clear: That there was a decision by the Supreme Religious Council and all the churches around the world were to follow that decision. It was very clear. The council did not leave this issue on one side."
Delegates urged the Council to go forward with the professional sociological survey of needs and desires of the Armenians in America anyways, to see how membership can be increased and more Armenians reached spiritually, even if the language of the badarak is not addressed in the study. Delegates even offered to provide the funding for the study, which they said would help strengthen the future of the church.
Delegates agreed to revisit the issue later in the Assembly.
ARARAT CENTER
Stephen Hovnanian, chair of the Ararat Center Advisory Committee, outlined the success the center has had in its first year and credited the hundreds of volunteers who have worked to make that a reality.
The center has been used by camps, avaks, parish councils, choir members, and St. Nersess seminarians.
"This is just the beginning of where this particular center can evolve to," he said. "If we are successful we will find that this center is in a very positive cash flow in three years. We see this facility growing beyond even what our current imagination is. We hope we will continue to be supported by everyone."
The Assembly begins at 7 a.m. on Friday morning.
On Thursday evening, delegates were addressed by and able to question the Diocesan Council, staff, and affiliated organizations – the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA), the Women's Guild, and the Armenian Church Youth Organization.
CHOIR ASSOCIATION
Last summer, the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA) held its first junior choir retreat at the Diocese's Ararat Center. It hosted 12 young people from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Leaders from the AACCA showed the delegates an informative video about that successful program.
The young choir members who attended studied not only singing skills, but also playing the organ, conducting a choir, and the role of the various participants in the Divine Liturgy and the relevance of the service as a whole. A similar program will be held again this year.
The AACCA also spoke about its junior choir program. In 1999 there were three junior choirs in the Diocese. Today there are 24 active junior choirs. The AACCA is also working on outreach to increase the numbers of participants in parish choirs and in the AACCA annual assembly.
"Our goal is to continue instituting these programs and increase our numbers but we need the support of our parishes," said Arpie Kouzouian, Chair of the AACCA.
WOMEN'S GUILD
Virginia Belemjian, the chairwoman of the Women's Guild Central Council (WGCC), stressed the inclusiveness of the group, introducing the WGCC members and noting they come from parishes throughout the Diocese.
"We do come from different areas, and represent different parishes," she said. "We're representative of the Diocese."
Each parish has a designated WGCC liaison, and she urged parish leaders to contact their Central Council liaison to get more information on Women's Guild programs such as the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP), which allows donors to "adopt" an Armenian orphan; the Schoolbag Program, through which donors send school supplies to Armenia; and the organization's fund-raising efforts with its Christmas ornament.
Belemjian announced to the delegates that through the annual Saintly Women's Day, the WGCC has raised another $10,000. Every time the annual effort accumulates $10,000, the money is used on a project designated by the Primate. So XXX asked the Primate to think about what could be done with the check the WGCC is ready to write.
Belemjian applauded the St. Mary Church in Washington, D.C., for hosting the first Women's Guild symposium earlier this spring. "It was very successful. So, we're hoping other churches in their region will hold a forum," she said.
Though the WGCC made an effort this year to build a chapter in a mission parish, Belemjian was sad to report that so far that effort has not been successful.
ACYOA
Jennifer Morris, the chair of the Central Council of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA), told the delegates local parishes need to take advantage of the leadership and resources of the ACYOA Central Council and to promote active ACYOA chapters in their home communities.
"As we embark upon the year of the youth and focus our energies on bringing the youth into Christ's holy church it is important we do not lose focus on the ACYOA and its mission," she said. "I have traveled to parishes throughout the Diocese and seen first-hand how ACYOA programs have changed the lives of young adults."
ACYOA has seen increasing interest in some programs, such as its Armenian Service Project, through which participants spend the summer working at a camp in Armenia. In years past they struggled to find interested young people. This year, however, will be the second in a row it has sold out with 26 participants.
Also gaining in interest is the Columbus Day Archbishop's Basketball Tournament, the Sports Weekend (to be held this year in Cleveland, OH), and the National Leadership Conference and regional conferences. Morris urged delegates to send young representatives from their parish to these events and to allow their pastors to also attend.
"We hope you will return to your parish and make sure you send delegates to Cleveland this year and please by all means make it possible for your pastor to be with us as well," she said. "Having the love and support of our spiritual leaders is what we crave and what we need."
She urged delegates to buy and promote in their home parishes the national fund-raising raffle being organized to help pay for ACYOA programs and communications efforts. ACYOA is selling 500 tickets, at $100 a piece, and the drawling will be held during the sports weekend.
Urging delegates to actively engage and build ACYOA chapters, Morris told them they should ask themselves if they're doing enough.
"What can I do and what will I do? To what do you commit yourself right now?," she said. "We're a council of seven volunteers, busy with demands of family, work, and school. In order for our mission to be successful it is essential we have your support -- each and every one of you."
In the last half of their first work session, the delegates heard from a number of organizations within the Diocese. They also heard from representatives of the Armenian Church in Canada and the Armenain Prelacy.
CLERGY CONFERENCE
First up was a discussion on the clergy conference presented by Fr. Daniel Findikyan, who said the clergy reflected on the theme of the year: "Youth: Carrying the Flame." He said the Primate reflected that the flame is symbolic of the hope Christ brings into our lives.
The clergy also heard from two clergymen from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, who are also attending the Assembly. Fr. Hovakim Manukian spoke of his work in ecumenical efforts and Fr. Yessai Artenian discussed his ministry to the 115,000 deaf and disabled people in Armenia.
"He captivated the clergy when he demonstrated how, during the Divine Liturgy, he provides translation into sign language," Fr. Findikyan said. The clergy were so moved they raised $4,000 to benefit his ministry. "We feel blessed to see such gracious and competent clergy at the forefront of the church in our Motherland."
Delegates asked if the clergy discussed the language of the badarak during their conference and were told it was not on the agenda.
ST. NERSESS SEMINARY
Fr. Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, was then joined by Seminary Board Member Raffy Hovanessian, to present a report on the Seminary's actions.
After telling delegates that the Primate recently ordained the 36th St. Nersess graduate into the holy priesthood, Fr. Findikyan said that this year there are 12 students at the Seminary, twice as many as last year. That number includes eight full-time students.
On May 22 the Seminary will hold graduate three seminarians. The public is invited to the ceremonies.
Fr. Findikyan outlined the Seminary's plans to hire two priests, part-time, to recruit new seminarians. One in the East Coast and one in the West Coast.
"Recruit ment of qualified students is a primary effort of the Seminary," he said, noting that this year five people (three men, two women) have applied for the fall 2005 semester.
The Seminary is also developing its own master's program, so it will no longer have to offer a joint degree with St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary. This program will include not only Armenian studies but youth ministry classes, parish administration studies, public relations training, and classes in preaching.
"We'll ask what is needed in your parish. St. Nersess has to be able to train our candidates to meet these requirements. Our own master's program will allow us to do just that," Fr. Findikyan said.
FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF
During a discussion on the success of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), its executive director, Garnik Nanagoulian, urged the delegates to help educate parishioners about the efforts of FAR.
"FAR is your organization. For 16 years the organization has been guided and inspired by the values of the Armenian Church," he said, noting that FAR has served 10 million Armenians and that no family in the Republic of Armenia has not been helped directly or indirectly by FAR.
"We are all proud to be Armenian. As Armenians we are family. And as a family we have a duty to help those struggling in the Homeland," Nanagoulian said. "It is a duty and a choice; a choice you make for people you love."
ARMENIAN CHURCH ENDOWMENT FUND
Gregory Zorthian, the treasurer of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF), and its vice chairman, Alex Dadourian, showed the delegates that the principle invested in the fund has grown from $35.8 million in 1998 to $57.4 million in 2004.
Last year more than $2.9 million was distributed to the Diocese, parishes, and various Armenian organizations.
"ACEF isn't for a privileged few. ACEF is to serve everyone," Dadourian said. "ACEF is something individuals in the parish should be made aware of. We're an investment bank, that's what we are. Our purpose is to bring everyone the highest return and we really try very, very hard. We really do try to take care of your money and we try to invest your money properly."
Delegates asked that ACEF provide them with more detailed statements to better educate their parishioners about the benefits of creating endowments with ACEF. They also urged the board to make sure they do not invest in any companies doing business in Azerbaijan or if they do, to use their weight as investors to try and open up that nation.
The 2005 Assembly began just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2005, with 78 registered delegates, and others expected shortly.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, offered a prayer with the delegates before welcoming Fr. Aren Jebejian, who was ordained last year and is attending his first assembly as an ordained priest.
Garo Sekdorian, a member of the host parish, the Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY, then welcomed the delegates, before the assembly accepted the minutes of the past assembly and collecting names of deceased delegates for remembrance during Sunday's Divine Liturgy.
The first order of business for this year's assembly was the election of assembly officers: chair, English-language secretary, and Armenian-language secretary. The delegates chose Thomas Ashbahian as chairman, Anna Marie Norehad as English-language secretary, and Fr. Simeon Odabashian as the Armenian-language secretary. Michael Yepchaian was named vice chairman.
The nominees for the Diocesan Board of Trustees were detailed; one of the three will be elected for a 10-year term. Two clergymen will be chosen for the Diocesan Council; as will four lay leaders. Added from the floor was the nomination of Dr. Raffi Hovanessian, a board member of St. Nersess Seminary and member of the Palos Heights parish.
The delegates will also vote for members of the proposals committee, auditing committee, and the nominating committee – with Fr. Vasken Kouzouian's nomination added from the floor -- later in the assembly.
While delegates began checking in for the 2005 Diocesan Assembly, some 30 parish council chairs met for several hours. The group decided to hold a meeting in New York this November, and set about planning an agenda for that meeting.
Discussed during Thursday's gathering were topics such as best practices (such as suggestions for rental of halls and what expertise the various parish council chairs could offer the other parishes), long-term strategic planning, building stronger communities, and resources from the Diocese they can use in their parishes.
The chairs shared ideas of events and practices that have been successful for them, and vowed to use the Internet to broaden their communication and continue sharing ideas.
"We used to meet just for an hour or just 30 minutes, so this is a great direction to go," said Nishan Paparigian, from the St. George Church of Waukegan, IL. "We've had a lot of good discussions."
During the Assembly, delegates will elect new members to three committees: the Auditin, Nominating, and Proposals committees. The candidates are as follows.
Auditing Committee
Howard Atesian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI
Rose Najarian-Kedeshian of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ
Nominating Committee
Ara Boghigian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI
Yn. Patricia Buttero of the Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT
Naomi Davitian of the St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL
Yn. Anahid Kalayjian of the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C.
Lisa Kouzoujian of the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY
Ann Marie Norehad of the St. James Church of Evanston, IL
Gregory Saraydarian of the St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ
Robert Shamgochian of the Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MW
Proposals Committee
Harry Alexanian of the Armenian Church of Hye Point, MA
Robert Babaian of the Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY
Edward Belemjian of the St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY
Fr. Nareg Berberian of the St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL
Dn. Hagop Injajigian of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Binghamton, NY
Fr. Nersess Jebejian of the St. Hagop Church of St. Petersburg, FL
Nishan Kechejian of the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA
Paul Ketchoyian of the Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA
Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian of the St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ
Sandra Leitner of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ
Michael Mamishian of the Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA
Dn. Mitchell Mouradjian of the Church of the Holy Resurrection of New Britain, CT
Fr. Shnork Souin of the St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ
One of the first items on the Assembly agenda is the election of officers for the Assembly: chairman, English-language secretary, and Armenian-language secretary.
Candidates for Assembly chairman include Thomas Ashbahian of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ; and Van Krikorian of the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY.
Ashbahian, an architect in private practice, has been chairman for the past three assemblies. A member of the Ararat Center Advisory Board, he has also served his local parish as a parish council member and Sunday school teacher.
Krikorian, president of the Global Gold Corporation and professor of law at Pace University School of Law, has served as a delegate since 1999 and was vice chairman of the 2004 Assembly. A former member of his parish council, he also served in the National Ecclesiastical Assembly in Etchmiadzin in 1999.
Candidates for English-language secretary include Anna Marie Norehad of the St. James Church of Evanston, IL; and Yn. Rosalie Papazian of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI.
Norehad, a retired school teacher, has been her parish organist since 1955 and a choir member since 1945. A former parish council member and chairperson, she has been a delegate since 1993. She served as a delegate at the National Ecclesiastical Assembly in Yerevan in 1999.
Yn. Papazian is a retired school teacher who has also taught in Sunday Schools for more than 50 years. In the past she served as parish newsletter editor and was secretary for the Women's Guild and Choir Association assemblies.
Candidates for the Armenian-language secretary include Fr. Vazken Karayan of the Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ; and Fr. Simeon Odabashian of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, who began work in Providence last year after serving as coordinator of the Diocesan Mission Parish Program for several years.
The 2005 Diocesan Assembly starts tomorrow, Thursday, April 28, 2005, at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel. The host parish is the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY.
The public is invited to the closing banquet on Saturday. Being honored that night will be Sen. Charles Schumer and Haig and Alex Dadourian. Cocktails will be at 6:30 p.m., with the banquet and dance featuring the Philly Kef Band at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person.
For more information: Call the Church of the Holy Martyrs in Bayside, NY, at (718) 255-0235.
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