 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
After lunch on Saturday, the delegates heard a report from the By-laws Revision Committee.
The committee has been meeting for four years to discuss, update, and make proposed changes to the by-laws. The first draft was presented at the 2003 Diocesan Assembly, after which delegates were asked to submit any recommendations or suggestions.
The revised proposed changes were then reviewed by the 2004 and 2005 Assemblies. The committee believed the delegates did not get the draft changes enough in advance to vote on the changes, but stood available for questions and suggestions.
The committee asked for suggested changes from the delegates by July 1. They hope to have a special assembly this fall to discuss the proposals, and if successfully approved the final vote on the changes would be taken at next year's Assembly.
ST. NERSESS SEMINARY REPORT
After the delegates accepted the report on the by-laws, they heard from the St. Nersess Seminary.
The report started with remarks about Dr. Hagop Nerssoian, who was a founding leader of the seminary and who passed away this week. "He is a model of the kinds of leaders our church needs, and which St. Nersess must produce," said Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess. "Priests and leaders who do God's work with authority and communicate with grace."
This year largest freshman class, with six new students. There are now 11 seminarians, eight full-time. In two weeks, one seminarian will graduate, and another is scheduled to graduate in December.
"Most of them are the direct fruit of St. Nersess Summer Conferences. Our youth programs are now achieving their most important purpose, leading young Armenian Americans to a sense of belonging through the doors of the Armenian Church," he said.
Referring to connections between ACYOA and St. Nersess, he said joint programs are making more young people think about a life of service to the Armenian Church.
"Take a good look at these young people. If you and I support and nurture them, you will likely see new St. Nersess Seminarians," he added.
Answering calls for increased accessibility of the St. Nersess programs, Fr. Findikyan said the Seminary is exploring the possibility of setting up distance learning programs to deliver its educational programs into the entire Diocese.
To improve the education of the seminarians, Fr. Findikyan said there will soon be an effort to provide increased education of inter-personal skills along with theological studies.
"To train our students to be good pastors, we need to hone what might be called pastoral arts," he said, noting interpersonal communications and counseling as well as preaching as such skills.
After discussing the seminary's youth programs, youth director Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian said even with all the programs offered by St. Nersess, it was the parishioners who build future clergy.
"We are all responsible for the cultivation of clergy and other leaders in our church. Never underestimate the power you possess for helping us recruit the future clergy of our Diocese," he said.
Planned expansion of St. Nersess was delayed this year by excessive costs and stringent zoning requirements. A committee formed by the board studied the situation and decided relocation of the seminary was the only solution.
"The board of St. Nersess is well aware of the seriousness of the proposal being made, and due diligence will be made as we move forward," said board member Dr. Raffy Hovanessian.
"We are in the midst of a critical review of every aspect of the seminary's actions and our goal is to decide what we need St. Nersess to become and to spell out the actions we need to make to achieve that goal," Fr. Findikyan added.
Fr. Anthony Scott, a priest who specializing in development of Orthodox organizations, is helping the seminary with its future plans. He spoke to the delegates about the ongoing study of its future.
"Armenians really care about education. You really care about it. You invest in your children's education and you want your priest to be well educated. And there exists a great reservoir of potential support as yet unrealized," he said. "There is a great opportunity there for the seminary to realize its dreams."
In regards to the idea of removing in order to expand, 57% of respondents to a survey conducted by the seminary said they trust the seminary's leadership to make the right decision.
Fr. Scott detailed recommendations he made following the survey. They included professional board development, hiring a development officer, ramping up recruitment with a full-time recruitment officer, and instituting an annual giving program.
ASSESSMENT
After the St. Nersess report, delegates heard from a committee looking at parish assessments.
The committee says the current assessment formula because it ignores some forms of income, which creates inequities among parishes. They also criticize it as difficult and confusing to use.
The proposal was for a flat assessment per member, at $85 per member for parishes with up to 249 parishes, and $95 per member for parishes with 250 or more members. This reduces Diocesan revenues in $75,600.
If the total dollar figure raised through assessments – a figure set each year by the delegates – then parishes would pay less per member the more they grew. The plan would be deferred until 2008.
Delegates said this plan would encourage parishes to increase their membership and conduct fund-raising efforts.
PROPOSALS
Proposals were then introduced.
Two proposed changes to Diocesan By-law Articles #52 and #54.
The third proposal, dealing the By-law #57, which would establish a bi-annual Assembly beginning in 2010. Some delegates feared such a change would limit the ability of different voices to be heard and stressed the oversight function of the delegates. That was not passed by the delegates.
The fourth proposal came from the Diocesan Council. It was the proposal to adjust the assessment formula for parishes. Delegates offered an amendment to establish the Assembly as the body to make any additional changes to the rates of the assessments, though some delegates wondered if the budget would be able to be created without knowing how much income would be expected from the assessments.
The amendment was defeated by one vote on a count of standing delegates, but was challenged by supporters of the amendment who asked for a more accurate count, which in place of a roll-call vote because the registrar had left involved delegates linning up on one side of the room or the other. It passed by two votes.
The amended proposal passed by a hand vote.
The delegates then heard from Haig Dadourian, chairman of the Council who was unable to attend for health reasons, before finishing up the Assembly and preparing for the upcoming banquet.
DIOCESAN BUDGET
Jim Kalustian, treasurer of the Diocesan Council, then presented the report on the 2005 budget results and the proposed 2007 Diocesan budget.
In 2005 the Diocese had a $26,138 surplus in net operating results. "This also reflects expenses above budget, but revenue was generated to cover those increased costs," Kalustian said. "So we've been able to maintain a positive trend in the last couple of years."
Diocesan revenue mostly comes from three sources: the endowment accounts for 30%, stewardship accounts for 23%, and parish assessments accounts for about 18%.
Youth, education, and outreach spending was about 44% of the expenditures of the $4.5 million budget in 2005. This includes Armenian studies, Christian education, and youth outreach efforts.
Delegates asked about increase in legal and professional stipends between 2004 and 2005. The Council said that increase was because the executive director is no longer salaried, but is instead a contract employee. A similar expense was a consultant hired to replace the former director of stewardship and communications.
In looking at the 2007 budget, Kalustian noted an increase in the proposed budget. The total budget is being proposed at $5.9 million, with revenue expected to grow from $4.5 million in 2005 to $4.8 million in 2007. "It is an investment budget. We would like to move the Diocese to be investing even more in the future of our children," he said.
The new budget reflects a desire to invest more resources into directly serving the regions of the Diocese. The Council is proposing to put five youth leaders into five regions of the Diocese, to work directly with parishes in those regions.
The budget also includes the creation of a three-person development office. One would be devoted to annual giving through the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, one to major donors, and a third person to planned giving and endowments, which would be underwritten by support from the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF). "We feel we can generate substantial growth in the Archbishop's Annual Appeal and bring in major gifts from our major donors," Kalustian said. "We could continue with small incremental growth. But, if we really want to drive the growth in investment in our youth programs, we need to take the next step."
Delegates asked about funding for the two Diocesan summer camps, Midwest Hye
Camp and St. Vartan Camp in upstate New York, asking for clarity on the spending parity for the two programs. More support for Hye Camp was requested to grow the camp and reach more young children in the Midwest.
"Hye Camp has gone through a number of changes for the better. It has developed into, I think, a great program," said Fr. Aren Jebejian, director of the camp. "Hye Camp is appreciative of the Diocesan staff support. But we anticipate again this year a deficit. There are needy campers who cannot afford to pay for camp."
Kalustian said the Diocese was glad to support such efforts, and asked requests be put into the Diocese. "When you see the applications, we'll figure out a way to fund what's needed," he said. "We're not going to turn campers away. We'll work with you and support you."
Delegates also asked for details on the proposed three-person development office, asking if it needed to be two or three. "The skill sets are different," said Executive Director Haig Yaghoobian.
Delegates suggested the Council examine lowering parish assessments, the "taxes" assessed to parishes. "The parish assessment has not increased since 1992, we've kept it flat in terms of revenue, and as a percent of our budget it is going down," Kalustian said. "We've talked about it would be nice to not have assessments. But we're not at a point we think we can do that yet."
"The benefit of the assessment dollars that are being spent will be much more tangible with the goals of the parish," Kalustian added, noting the major increase in spending in the 2007 budget would be to put staff into the regions. "The Diocesan Council is not in a position to decrease assessments at this time."
The budget was accepted by the delegates, before a discussion of an on-going sociological study of Armenians in the Diocese.
SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY
At the request of last year's Assembly, the Diocese began a sociological study of Armenians in the Eastern United States. The Council hired Dr. Sara Terian to conduct the study, and she spoke to the delegates about the initial findings of her qualitative study.
She studied a largely randomly chosen sample, which was supplemented with subjects referred to her for the study. She spoke to 89 participants, 56 in individual interviews and 33 in seven focus groups. Her interviews ranged from 30 minutes to one hour.
She focused on three general research questions: What do people think about the Church? Is there a disconnect between what people expects and the Church provides? And what could the Church do to appeal to more Armenians.
Almost everyone affirmed the importance of the Armenian Church for the Armenian cultural identity. There is a mix of feelings, many expressed sadness or anger as they expressed their concerns about the Church, she said.
"Even those who almost never attend, even for them it is reassuring that the church is there. And they felt it is important for cultural identity," Terian said.
When asked what the mission of the church was, few had a clear idea, she noted, even church leaders. "Numerous respondents said 'I guess it ought to be preaching the Gospel.' And many said it should be to keep Armenians together and maintain the culture," she said, noting the ideal mission statement provided by the respondents focused on the preservation of the Armenian culture.
"The language issue was definitely tied to the cultural definition. No one mentioned needing the Armenian language for spiritual reasons, but many thought it was valuable for cultural heritage," she said. "And I didn't initiate talk of language, but almost every one brought it up."
Attitude towards language is an indicator of a respondent's attitude towards modernization and assimilation into American culture, she said. She said language does not keep devote people from worshiping, but it can be a reason why they chose a church other than the Armenian Church.
The largest group of people she spoke to saw the Armenian Church as a primary guardian of the traditions and culture of the Armenian people. They are brought into the church for cultural reasons.
"In the end people are not going to the Armenian Church to find God, they are going there to be Armenian," one of the respondents told Terian, who noted that many young people are drawn to the church for cultural reasons and do not feel the need for the theological part of the church.
Those respondents who were most content with the Armenian Church were made up of many immigrants and clergy.
"Faith verses culture is at the core of my respondents statements and concerns," she said. "Unfortunately many of my interviewees thought the church was failing at its mission."
One surprising finding, she said, was the feeling that the Armenian Church was not viewed as a welcoming church for strangers.
"There was a strong wish for priests to be people-oriented, to be genuinely interested in their parishioners and to get to know them," Terian said. "Many priests are indeed such people, and some priests have drawn people into their parishioners by the sheer power of their personality. The warm welcome, however, should not be left to the priest only. Several respondents noted in other churches there are welcomers who make new people feel welcome."
"There is some discrepancies between what people desire and what the Church provides," she said.
"There is a danger there is too much attention on culture and identity and that takes precedence over knowing the Gospel and their faith," she said, noting the importance of education at all levels. "There is a great hunger for learning about the faith. There was also a great hunger for leaders to be more in touch and welcoming."
The final report will be provided in September. Regional focus groups will then be held to study the results. The final report with additional notes will be turned into concrete implementation recommendations by February 2007.
Delegates warned that since this is a small, qualitative study, outcomes should be taken with a grain of salt.
Saturday began with a special worship service, featuring the adorable voices of young singers from the Hovnanian Day School and St. Leon Church.
After the service, delegates voted for the position of primate. The Primate is elected to a four-year term. The current Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, was elected with a majority of the 140 ballots cast.
Following the presentation of the Diocesan Council and staff reports, Oscar Tatosian welcomed specific questions from the delegates.
Delegates asked the Council to focus on improving the Archbishop's Annual Appeal, the Diocese's annual membership drive. They suggested starting the effort earlier in the year. In 2005, 1,283 members gave $769,095 through the Archbishop's Annual Appeal.
They also asked about the standards used in establishing executive compensation in the Diocesan staff, which is handled by the Diocesan Council executive committee and compensation committee, with budgetary increases discussed by the Diocesan executive staff and Council budget committee. Delegates asked for an expansion on the Diocesan compensation policy at next year's Assembly.
Delegates also had questions on access to summaries of Diocesan Council meetings. Such summaries are sent to the delegates, clergy, and parish council members every two months in the Diocesan Leader e-newsletter. Delegates who wish to receive the e-mail should e-mail info@armenianchurch.net.
They also stated their desire to have seen a larger thank you given to Sylva der Stepanian, who left the Diocese as Armenian studies coordinator last year after more then 30 years of service. The Primate told the delegates that she did not want a large send off. "We all wanted to have an evening event to thank her, but we have to follow what she requests," the Primate said.
Delegates also asked about the Diocese's insurance coverage for the collection of Arshille Gorky paintings willed to the Diocese by the artist's family, and about the quality of facilities in Etchmiadzin which will eventually be the resting home of the works owned by the Diocese. They also asked for assurances that the Diocesan Council would not sell any works without consulting the delegates, which they received.
Delegates also asked about a study of Diocesan Center air rights. The Diocesan Council is revisiting the idea of building a high-rise on the Diocesan office building, not on the St. Vartan Cathedral.
"It's part of the fiduciary responsibility of the Council to explore ways to utilize these non-monetary assets," said Haig Yaghoobian, executive director of the Diocese, who noted that the first draft of the report should be available to the Council at its meeting next month.
Delegates also urged the Council to resume publishing the "Armenian Church Magazine," and not to rely solely on e-mail and the Internet, which is not as easily accessible to senior citizens. They also urged the Diocese to more prominently announce the continuing review of St. Nersess Seminary's future, which could include sale of the current property and a move to a new location.
Delegates also asked the Council members for further explanation of how they deal with the suggestions made during each year's Assembly. The first Council meeting after the Assembly, the members compare notes and talk about the various suggestions. They will examine next year creating a report on the follow through of the delegates' suggestions.
Delegates also asked that the Diocese follow through with a decision made at an earlier Assembly to provide further funds to the Midwest Hye Camp.
AUDITING COMMITTEE
Following the Council report, the Assembly's Auditing Committee spoke before the delegates. The committee met three times at the Diocesan Center last year to review the financials of the Diocese.
"I think these are things you should be asking why about," said Karen Derderian, member of the committee, as she spoke about increasing salaries and third-party costs.
The committee also spoke about the increased rental income from the Diocesan Center facilities.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Helen Mardigian from St. John Church in Detroit, MI, was re-elected to the Diocesan Board of Trustees.
WORKSHOP OUTPUTS
Following the reports and election results, the young moderators from the earlier workshops presented an overview of the ideas put forward during the brainstorming. Delegates were asked to find ways to increase the church and community bonds among members of all ages.
Some of the results were:
For young children, between 3 to 5:
Educating future and new parents on the importance of early exposure to the badarak
Make sure you communicate it is OK for children to cry or make noise during church
They also recommended praying out loud with children
Little faithful groups of Friday with Armenain coloring books
And regular sessions where priests walk through the church with children, identifying important aspects
For children ages 6 to 12:
Offer kids activities and groups similar to what they have at school so they have an opportunity to have Armenian friends at an early age
No sports allowed on Sunday morning, while creating church leagues that play on other days
Have ACYOA chapters accept junior members from 11-12
Send children to camp
Give children responsibilities during badarak
For adolescents age 13 to 17:
St. Nersess Summer programs, camps, regional and national ACYOA events with funding to support the youth going
Mentoring programs for and with younger youth
Community service to go out and do good
Give them responsibility and ownership in the church, allow them to express views and ideas
Trips to Armenia
Opportunity to learn about Armenian Church through answers to tough questions
For college-age students between 18 and 21:
Great use of web sources
Make available info on camps, trips to Armenia or Jerusalem with scholarships
Reach out to local college students, make them feel welcome
Volunteer programs to utilize the talents of students
Tapes of short meditations and discussions on current "hot topics," such as drugs or sex
Create care packages for college students
For young adults between the ages of 22 and 30:
Outreach from older generations, such as Women's Guild and Avaks
ACYOA seniors
Hot topics, have priests answer anonymous questions
Use the Internet
Create a sense of ownership by using their talents and skills to serve the parish
Promote dinner Bible studies, socializing the faith
For adults:
Continuing education: Bible study, deconstructing the Badarak, open forum discussion with priests
Support groups for bereaved and grieving caregivers, unmarried, widowed, immigrants, and parents
Welcoming committee with information cards for newcomers
Intergenerational and cross-cultural activities, family reunions, family night, family day at home and church. Be sure to include non-Armenian spouses
For seniors:
Emphasize relationships between young and old by visiting nursing homes and transportation to church
Keep in contact with homebound and hospitalized
Use the seniors as a resource for wisdom, mentors, volunteer workers
Create Avak programs in every parish to organize lunches, trips, and Bible studies
Establish caregiver programs for seniors in need of special attention
Have deacons and other church leaders step forward to take a more active role, helping the priest deal with his huge job
Council Vice Chairman Oscar Tatosian then told the delegates that the Diocesan Council was looking at bringing young people into the Council meetings to see the importance of leadership in the life of the church and to hear their ideas and thoughts.
After returning from lunch on Friday, the delegates voted for a position on the Diocesan Board of Trustees, which deals with real estate owned by the Diocese.
They then heard reports from the Diocesan Council and staff in a presentation headed by Oscar Tatosian, vice chairman of the Concil.
The presentations focused on the successes of the past year, as well as a look at future plans.
"We're looking to a trend toward an integrated, whole-parish approach to Christian education," said Elise Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education for the Diocese. "We also want to have a hands-on, one-by-one focus on improving our schools, with a focus on our mission parishes."
"As far as our web-based programs, we're working on a modular web-based approach to language knowledge and appreciation," said Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian studies. "We are rethinking our teaching approach so it is more student-centered, and we'd like to create a curriculum so it is more in tune with our students without compromising the language's integrity."
"We need to show our students that we are there, or we will lose them or not reach them when they go to college," said Jason Demerjian, the Diocese's college ministry facilitator. "For me, it is a time where I'm going to move on and continue with my long-time goal to prepare for priesthood and will soon be transitioning out of my work with college ministry, but it will continue strong."
After starting in her position last year, Jennifer Morris, coordinator of youth outreach, asked parishes to help her by providing contact information for youth workers and youth themselves.
"This continues to be an area I request your support in, so we can continue to reach out to our ACYOA Jrs.," she said, detailing the monthly HYE-mail e-newsletter for young Armenians. She also urged the delegates to promote the Diocesan summer camps to their young parishioners. "The ACYOA and summer camp programs continue to be the main vehicle in which the Diocese reaches out to our youth with ministry, by creating and implementing Christ-centered programming."
"I am working very hard with the Central Council of the Choir Association. We have two big programs that are a good investment in our future," said Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of music ministry at the Diocese. "The first is our junior choirs, working to have them in every parish. The second is the junior choir leadership program. The choir's average age is up, and we need young people. Today, with these programs, 500 young people can sing the badarak."
He added that young singers will perform at the Divine Liturgy Sunday at the host parish of St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ.
"We must bring our support of mission parishes to the next level. Not only providing clergymen, but building leaders for all aspect of parish life," said Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, director of the mission parish program, as he spoke about efforts to conduct a survey of mission parishes and to create an action plan to strengthen them. "I am happy to inform you that only recently two of our parishes – St. Sahag of St. Paul, MN, and St. Sarkis in Charlotte, NC – became full parishes and their delegates are sitting here at their first Assembly. And St. Garabed in Baton Rouge, LA, will be consecrated this month by the Primate."
"We would encourage you to donate any books or periodicals you have concerning Armenia," said Aram Arkun, coordinator of the Zohrab Information Center. "It's a great responsibility you have as leaders of the Armenian Church. And part of that responsibility is preserving and promoting our heritage, and we at the Zohrab Center are ready to work with you."
Following presentations by the Diocesan staff, delegates heard from 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.
ACYOA CENTRAL COUNCIL
Under a series of photos of young Armenians, ACYOA Central Council Chair Maria Derderian spoke in Armenian, then English, about the importance of a strong ACYOA. She noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of ACYOA.
"Rather than speak about our accomplishments, I'd like to talk to you about what ACYOA needs," she said, noting the strong commitment to ACYOA from the Primate and Diocesan Council. "The ACYOA is at an important crossroads we are doing well on so many levels, but an important part of the puzzle is missing. We must now focus on the parish level. The Central Council has tried to ensure every parish has the tools needed to have active ACYOA groups. Yet somehow we have not been able to make the ACYOA part of the life of every parish."
"The matter at hand is not one of general assembly delegates or ACYOA budget, for those are by-products of the ACYOA and the Armenian Church as a whole. The ACYOA needs your witness. It needs you to share you feeling of God's love to those in your life. It is God's will for us to be active members in the body of Christ, we must do everything in our power to allow that will to be done," she added, acknowledging that it is a difficult task for some.
"But it is a simple task, and it is what we need. The parishes with active ACYOA groups are not a result of funding, but are a result of personal relationships. Show your youth you need them right now, because they are as essential to the life of the church today as they ever will be. Our youth need Christ, and our youth need you to show them who Christ is."
She asked delegates to make a list of young people in their parishes, to provide updated contact information for the ACYOA mailing list, and to nominate someone for one of the ACYOA leadership awards. She also encouraged the delegates to attend the ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend, to provide examples of successful Christian Armenians and encourage the young people to take leadership roles in the future.
Along with those actions today, she asked the delegates to live as Christian role models for their youth.
"We must own our faith and teach it to our youth so they can own it themselves. People take care of what they own," she added. "This must be happening daily, from each one of us, between all of our faithful in our churches. This is the only way to make a lasting impact."
The delegates gave her a standing ovation, before asking questions such as why the newest chapters come from smaller parishes, while larger parishes lack ACYOA chapters.
"It is about just making personal connections with our youth," she said. "There's someone there who begins inspiring the youth and puts the idea in their mind that they might be able to serve the church. A lot of them might not have that idea or think they have the talents or no one has ever asked them, so they don't serve the church. But when asked, they will. That works most of the time."
Delegates also spoke about the need for an increased presence for older young adults, those 25 to 35.
"We're really focusing on who we are and what we are, and what characteristics complete us," Derderian said, encouraging resources to be created for that age group, such as the Diocese's newest publication, "Welcome to the Armenian Church."
"We have some programs, but we all accept they are not enough," added the Primate. "And I have some ideas, such as utilizing the Ararat Center for a weekend for young adults, the Fund for Armenian Relief's trip for young professionals, it is a very effective trip, so these are some ideas, but we have to develop other programs. So hopefully we will be able to design more programs on a regional level."
WOMEN'S GUILD CENTRAL COUNCIL
Through the Saintly Women's Day celebration, the Women's Guild Central Council provided $10,000 to the Diocese to buy vestments for clergy, said WGCC President Lucy Murad, who also spoke about the guild's School Bag program and its Children of Armenian Sponsorship Program, which provides financial assistance to children in Armenia.
"Being a member of the guild means being a part of a group of women that have a shared interest and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ," she said. "All the projects sponsored by the WGCC were developed with a passionate open heart."
AACCA CENTRAL COUNCIL
Arpie Kouzouian, president of the choir association, spoke about the several recent accomplishments of the AACCA, such as the junior choir badarak book and its junior choir leadership development program, which trains future choir directors.
"If our worship services are to continue in the manner we're accustomed to, such training is necessary," she said of the two-year-old program, before introducing a video detailing the program and its students. "They have made a decision to serve the Armenian Church by using their talents to strengthen worship in the Armenian Church."
"If you share in our mission and believe in the value of our mission, I encourage you to support our efforts this year," she said, detailing the upcoming trip of the young musicians to Armenia this summer.
aFollowing the Primate's remarks, and those of invited young speakers, the delegates were introduced to the Diocesan theme for the year: "Church and Home: Building One Spirit."
Diocesan Council Vice Chairman Oscar Tatosian spoke about the importance of connecting church and home to build strong morals and values. He spoke about a recent family gathering where he saw his young family members and thought about their future.
"Are they going to get the same Armenian spirit that I got growing up in my home? Do we, as adults, do our part? Was I being a good uncle? Do they know their Armenian nation? Do they know their history," he asked. "Are their hearts inspired in hearing the legends of St. Gregory or Gomidas or Gorky? And who among them will recognize the virtues of this heritage and determine that they want to wear the robes of the Armenian faith and hold that Armenian flame with pride."
He said that children have narrowed viewpoints, but as they grow older their worlds expand. If they do not have solid Armenian Christian values, he said he is afraid they will be tempted by society.
"Children see the world narrowly. They see the limits of the backyard, but as they grow their vision expands. Our boundaries expand and, as adults, we go to the world prepared by what we have learned in our homes," he said. "Home is where I was tutored in my identity and home was where my faith was instilled in me and home is where I became who I am."
Delegates were then presented by the Diocesan staff with a draft of a workbook of ideas and suggestions to build a connection between home and church. They then broke into small workshop groups, led by trained young people, to discuss the issues. They will compile the ideas and present them later in the assembly.
Karen Derderian was re-elected to the Auditing Committee on Friday morning.
After his remarks to the delegates, the Primate welcomed several young Armenians to speak before the delegates about their connections to the Armenian church.
"These are the next generation of Armenian leaders," the Primate said. "It is important to understand how they are connected to the Armenian Church."
First to speak was Antranig Garibian, 20, a member of the Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA. A sub-deacon, member of parish council, and now a delegate, he said being ordained has changed how he feels about the Armenian Church.
"It made me realize that it wasn't enough anymore just to participate in our worship, but now I was expected to lead and to teach," he said. "With every worship service, I made new friends and became closer to the Armenian Church. I hope that others see what a gift it is to worship in the Armenian Church."
The next speaker was Taleen Terjanian, 17, a choir member from the St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, and a recent graduate of the leadership development program operated by the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America (AACCA).
"I remember the sensation that came over me when I first put my love to got in prayers and song. It was a complete different connection between me and my God," she said.
She will join other young choir members later this year in a special trip to Armenia. "Thanks to programs like these, Armenian-American youth are remaining active in our culture and faith," she said. "And we will be able to pass on our experiences to keep our heritage and culture alive."
Speaking about his leadership experiences, Gregory Andonian, 26, a choir member and ACYOA leader at the St. Gregory of Narek Church in Cleveland, OH, spoke about his experience leading the planning for a recent ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend.
"I needed to motivate and delegate a wide variety of Armenian youth," he said. "Our community supported us because they saw we were accomplishing, we were working hard, coming together, and we were not succumbing to barriers we were growing stronger. As a leader you can use the strength of the church and do you part to protect our Armenian church."
He said now as an ACYOA Central Council member, he enjoys working to assure our churches have productive chapters and an opportunity for Armenian youth to be involved in their church.
"Activities of the youth are so important because they bring energy and community and strength and they strengthen us the protectors of the Armenian Church," he said.
The youngest speaker, 16-year-old Bethanie Mangigian, a member of the St. John's Church of Southfield, MI, spoke about her experiences with Diocesan staff and other church leaders.
She spoke about interactions with Jennifer Morris, the Diocese's coordinator of youth outreach, as well as various clergymen who have welcomed her into the church.
"She demonstrated her passion for giving God's word to youth. I believe this zeal is the key to bringing more youth to the church," she said. "The strength of her retreats rests in the relationships she forms with every person and she is just one example."
"These amazing adults understand the importance of developing personal relationships with young adults never patronizing us and always balancing education with fun in our discussions," she added.
By being welcomed into the life of the church, she said she has been able to be a stronger person.
"In today's atmosphere the church offers a rare place of peace for me. In church itself I communicate personally with God every week. I receive a loud communication from God through Holy Communion, where God tells us he not only forgives our sins but welcomes us," she said. "This is a powerful message. As a youth in the Armenian Church, I use this message to combat the influences of the outside world."
She would not be involved as she is, unless she was called to be active.
"The church called out to me and I decided I needed to heed this call to become active," she said.
The last speaker, Karinne Hovnanian, 19, also of Cheltenham, PA, spoke about the need to give of one's self through service.
"Sharing our love as God intended us to, with all those around us, sharing our skills – skills with a hammer, or our voice through song -- and sharing our energy to bring God's love to those who need it most, this is service," said Hovnanian, who is a choir member, active in St. Vartan Camp and the Armenian Service Program, and the Diocese's "Alternative Spring Break" Habitat for Humanity program. "It is through stewardship and sharing with others that I have become who I am today. It is now my time to take that flame of love and pass it on to someone else."
The delegates erupted in a standing ovation following the presentations.
"These young people have eloquently detailed the success of our goals," the Primate said. "It is my commitment to engage more and more young people on an ongoing basis -- in our Assemblies, at Diocesan meetings, and in other occasions."
"With such youth among us, we have nothing to fear about the future and everything to hope for," the Primate added. "They are a living testament to a bright future. It is my sincere belief that our efforts over the past five years, your efforts as leaders of the Armenian Church, are beginning to bear fruit. I want to thank you all for everything you have done."
In his remarks to the delegates on Friday, the Primate first asked for a moment of prayer to remember those killed in Tuesday's crash of an Armenian jet in the Black Sea.
The Primate then thanked the delegates for their dedication to the Armenian Church, before speaking about the theme of this year's Diocesan programs: "The Church and Home: Building One Spirit."
"This year I would like to see that we continue to build on the work of prior Diocesan Assemblies," he said, reflecting on past year's efforts. "We have made a positive impact in our Diocese, and my impression is many of you have been able to make tangible differences in your home parish life."
Last year's focus was on encouraging young people to step forward into leadership positions and to take an active interest in the life of the church.
"That effort proved to be a great success. This year I want to bring all of our successes to each and every one of you, into every family and home," he said. "That is the meaning of our theme this year."
The Primate said this year's focus flows easily from last year's efforts to encourage the youth, as it will help young Armenians see positive role models.
"We cannot be Armenian Christians on Sunday and something else on Monday," he said. "We need to exhibit constant faith before our children, before our families, before our communities, and beyond. It is also vital that we understand, as members of the Armenian Church, how to live accountably before our children and in our homes."
Highlighting the importance of continual education, the Primate called for delegates to educate the next generation in schools, at home, and one-on-one.
"We can kindle a flame in each and everyone of them to understand the virtues of the Armenian people," he said. "And with that understanding, they will come to desire the fine robes of their identity and the flame of their future."
Exploring the virtues and history of the Armenian people that should be taught to the next generation, the Primate stressed that the Armenian people were the first Christian nation. He also identified Armenians as proactive people, who took ideas and created solutions. "Ours is a tradition of vision made complete with action," he said.
He also said the Armenian people were traditionally known for being tolerant peacemakers, who provided a vital bridge between Europe and the Far East and influenced the architecture of the world. Armenian uniqueness is also shown in its art, from the work of Gomidas to traditional Armenian dance, he said.
"What I have reviewed here are but a few examples that capture the essence of being Armenian and I hope my point is clear. We Armenians are wonderfully unique, and that unique quality has made an important contribution to the world," he said. "Our mission today, in the coming year, and always is to create an awareness of who we are. We want to make the world aware, of course. But more importantly, we need to make ourselves aware of the special flame we are carrying, especially for our own youth. Who we are is a gift from God. And God wants us to share that with others, especially with our own."
"During this year of Church and home, we want to bring all of our riches into our parishes and households," he added. "In the past five years we have come far, and in many ways we have been successful in passing the flame to a new generation and providing tools to carry them forward. Obviously we have far to go, but in the past five years since we made this a priority, we have seen considerable growth."
A worship service began the day on Friday. This was followed by the reading of the message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
"Today, there exist numerous and various difficulties besetting the life of our people, both in the motherland and in the diaspora," the message read. "Everywhere the essential and primary thing is the organization of spiritual and national life, remaining true to sacred values and traditions. Faith, church-loving, and patriotism form a worthy heritage for all of us, by which we have managed to overcome misfortunes, preserve our identity, and persevere."
ACEF report
The final report of the day Thursday came from the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF). Individuals and parishes can put money into ACEF, which is then invested with the help of professional advisors, to benefit any non-profit organization affiliated with the church. Each year, ACEF distributes funds from the income earned by the investments to the beneficiaries, allowing organizations to receive a steady annual income.
ACEF recently became a separately incorporated entity.
"The function of ACEF is that of a money manager, that is here to invest money the Diocese, individual parishes, and donors have invested through it," said ACEF Chairman Sarkis Gabrellian. "The role of an endowment is to help provide long-term financial health for the beneficiaries of the funds we are managing."
"For donors the interesting aspect of an endowment is they have the ability to create a fund that will last in perpetuity and to designate a specific purpose for which the income from that fund can be used," Gabrellian added, speaking of the importance of parishes tying the raising of ACEF endowment funds into their stewardship drives.
Endowments can be designated to specific organizations, and also to specific activities, such as choir training or renovations.
ACEF maintains a diverse portfolio in order to survive the ups and downs of the market. Establishing a consistent return allows ACEF to establish a consistent return to beneficiaries.
Because of its size (more than 1,000 funds with a value of $75 million) and professional advisors, ACEF is also able to get access to money managers and investments that are closed to individual parish investments or others.
Each year beneficiaries receive 4.5% of realized gains, over a trailing 12-quarter period. "What we try to do is create a certain amount of fiscal restraint so we know every year a certain amount of funds will be distributed, even though there might be a bad year in the market," Gabrellian said. "We create a degree of certainty for the budgeting process of our beneficiaries. They will have a sense for the following fiscal year what they are likely to receive from their endowment fund. And that helps them plan their budget for the next year."
ACEF is hoping to grow investments to allow distribution in lean years, grow distributions when returns allow, and grow the endowments to keep up with inflation.
"Ideally those endowments will grow, so even with a steady distribution rate you will see increasing income," said ACEF Treasurer Greg Zorthian.
Since 1999, ACEF has outperformed the market and its peer benchmarks, ACEF has had a 7.7% return, verses S&P 500's 2.3% increase. "Clearly our good advice and choices has paid off," Zorthian said. "Had you invested $10 in the indexes since 1999, they would be $14.1. But by actively managing those investments, using our advisors to pick different funds, we've seen an increase over the indexes of almost 20%. This confirms our approach to investing which is to look for the best advisors."
This year ACEF will distribute $3.25 million to its beneficiaries. "We have provided a steady, predicable, stream of income you can count on," Zorthian said. "ACEF presents a real opportunity if you're looking to get more professional management of your funds and it provides an opportunity to relieve yourself of a headache if you're doing that type of things yourself."
Saturday will begin with voting for the Board of Trustees and other leadership offices at 7 a.m., followed by a worship service. Delegates will vote again on Saturday, this time for Primate.
ARARAT CENTER
Next up was the report of the Ararat Center, the Diocesan-owned conference center facility in upstate New York State.
The purchase of the center grew out of efforts of past Diocesan Assemblies, when delegates urged the Diocese to find a permanent home for St. Vartan Camp. Along with the camp, other programs and organizations – such as the St. Nersess Seminary and the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America -- rent the facilities.
Another significant activity is work weekends, said Ararat Center board member Tom Ashbahian. During those weekends, volunteers from many parishes gather to fix, repair, and improve the facility. So far, 15 work weekends have been held since the purchase of the property three years ago.
"It's a family atmosphere," he said. "It's been a marvelous way for individuals in our different parishes to meet each other in an informal way, to work with each other, stand shoulder-to-shoulder towards a common goal. If you have not been yet, please do attend a work weekend, it will be an experience you never forget."
The next work weekend will be June 2.
Board members highlighted the fact that each building on the property is named not after donors, but after regions in historic Armenia. The names were done geographically, overlaying a map of historic Armenia with the aerial view of the center.
"We have set in motion a plan that incorporates elements of Armenia in every corner," said Yn. Paulette Doudoukjian, a board member, noting that when the Primate blessed the grounds he used soil from Armenia.
The Ararat Center will also host a Father and Son retreat in June, details are available at www.araratcenter.org.
Karnig Durgarian, treasurer of the Ararat Center board, spoke about the revenues and income of the Center. In 2005, the Center saw income grow to $167,000. Losses have also dropped off drastically, projected to almost break even for 2006.
In the spring of 2007 the Ararat Center plans to begin construction of a pavilion to greatly expand its usability. The board also praised the recent donation of $30,000 from the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Cambridge, MA.
"These rooms are really very, very nice. They're Sheraton level and it gives us a much wider opportunity to use these facilities for different folks," Durgarian said.
FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF
Following the Ararat Center, delegates heard a report from the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the Diocesan-affiliated international aid organization. Since it was created 17 years ago, FAR has managed $265 million in humanitarian assistance and helped millions of people through 221 programs.
The programs operated by FAR are have covered a wide area of need, from agricultural programs to those supporting children and even career development.
"We will always continue to provide assistance to those who need it in Armenia. But what if we can start to think about creating programs that transcend what we are doing now, programs where we think bout life stage continuity, where we build relationships with families from neonatal programs until they become seniors," said FAR's Chairman Randy Sapah-Gulian.
"Our programs have to teach the people of Armenia how to fish," he added, using the saying that if you give a man a fish he eats for a day but if you teach him to fish he will eat for a lifetime. To achieve this goal, FAR has developed a formula to prioritize programs to achieve meaningful, coordinated benefits.
FAR is funded through several large grants from the United States government and donations, which cover almost 40% of its budget. It uses almost 90% of its income for programs, rather than administrative fees, a high percentage in the world of non-profit organizations.
Delegates were then introduced to some of the particular Armenians helped by FAR's programs. Details of those programs can be found at www.farusa.org.
"Your $30 a month means much more than life to these people, it means dignity, love, and hope," said Garnik Nanagoulian, executive director of FAR.
Michael Yapchaian was elected vice chairman of the Assembly.
Following the initial business of the Assembly, delegates began hearing various reports of the past year's activities and plans for next year.
First up was the Diocesan Legate's office.
Michael Haratunian, a member of the Legate Committee, told the delegates that it was important to note that Bishop Vicken Aykazian, legate, was elected president-elect of the National Council of Churches (NCC).
"To show the breadth and depth of the activities," he outlined the activities of the Legate's Office this year, which included a high profile Presbyterian trip to Armenia, activities with Habitat for Humanity, and efforts to build a larger ecumenical organization, "Christian Churches Together."
Along with being president-elect of the NCC, Bishop Aykazian was recently elected to the executive committee of the World Council of Churches.
"Thanks to the role the Primate has given to Bishop Vicken, we all have to be very aware and supportive of these efforts," Haratunian said.
Bishop Aykazian welcomed leaders from Habitat for Humanity, including Dr. Rev. Ken Benson, president of Habitat for Humanity in Michigan. Bishop Aykzaian and Rev. Benson recently returned from Armenia where they met with the Catholicos to discuss the new Karekin II Work Project, which will be an annual drive to build homes in Armenia for needy families. The first one will be this fall.
So far Habitat has helped build homes for 1,000 Armenians. The Habitat representatives told the Delegates that 500,000 people could use better housing.
"He sees the opportunity to help the people in Armenia who have been living in these trailer trucks," Rev. Benson said of the Catholicos. "We have come here today to ask for you help, this is going to be an annual event."
He outlined six ways the delegates could help. One way was to raise the $7,000 it costs to build a house in Armenia. "You can make a difference for a family's entire lifetime if your churches can put up $7,000," he said. He also encouraged the delegates to go to Armenia and work on a build.
"These are your brothers and sisters, and you have an opportunity to change their lives forever," Rev. Benson said. Delegates then stood to express their support of Habitat's efforts in Armenia, and in the United States.
"It's two pronged, it's not just helping the motherland but helping the people here in the U.S.," said Fr. Garabed Kochakian, pastor of the St. John Church of Southfield, MI, who noted that it is important for Armenian Church members to serve not only in Armenia but in poor areas of the United States.
Start of Assembly Business
The Diocesan Assembly began just after 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2006. This year there are a total of 123 delegates and clergy able to attend. After confirming a quorum, delegates were introduced to the candidates for the various offices of the assembly – chairman, vice chairman, and English and Armenian secretary. After receiving a welcome from the host parish, the delegates then heard from the Canadian Diocesan representative.
"The Diocesan Assembly offers the best occasion to work and to pray together in an atmosphere of prayer and love," he wrote in the message read to the delegates by a clergyman from his diocese. "Today more than ever we need to seek new ways and directions for our church, particularly in the Diocese in the United States and Canada It is our wish that in the near future more cooperation develops among the Diocese of North America and Canada."
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, then welcomed the three newest priests in the Diocese: Fr. Daniel Karadjian from the St. Sarkis Church of Charlotte, NC, which is at the Assembly for the first time as a full-fledged parish; Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, pastor of the St. Kevork Church in Houston; and Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, pastor of the Church of the Holy Resurrection Church in New Britain, CT.
The Primate also welcomed representatives of the St. Sahag and Mesrob Church of St. Paul, MN, who are at the Assembly for the first time as a full-fledged parish.
The delegates than voted for Assembly officers, before collecting names of deceased delegates to be remembered during Sunday's Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NY.
Delegates than looked at the minutes of the last Assembly, submitting changes to document to correct errors.
After approving the agenda, delegates then heard from Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of the St. Mary Church in Livingston, NJ, who spoke about the Clergy Conference, which ran May 1 to 4, 2006, and was co-chaired by Fr. Haigazoun Najarian and Fr. Untzag Nalbandian. The Primate told the clergy about four clergymen from the Republic of Armenia who will soon be coming to work in the Eastern Diocese; spoke about the successful efforts of Bishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan legate; and outlined the Diocese's theme for the year: "The Year of Church and Home: Building One Spirit." Thee lectures spoke about suicide as it relates to the theology of the church.
On Wednesday, Diocesan staff spoke about efforts to build the "Year of Church and Home." Clergy shared their input on the proposals and plans, and asked for more involvement and responsibility in the effort.
The clergy also voted to table the proposed bylaws changes until next year's Assembly. The conference closed with a Divine Liturgy celebrated by the newest priest in the Diocese, Fr. Kadehjian.
The Assembly than heard the results of the election for this year's Assembly. The Chair is Dr. Garo Garibian. Lisa Manoogian will serve as English secretary, while Fr. Hovsep Karapetian will serve as Armenian secretary.
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
