Communication

Sending Out the Word

Since 1980, the Eastern Diocese’s St. Vartan Bookstore has been a leading resource for all things Armenian.  In the past, sales at the bookstore have come through its printed catalogue, from walk-in customers to its retail store at the Diocesan Center, and through word of mouth.

But in 2003, the bookstore went online, launching its own website, www.stvartanbookstore.com.

Launched in November, the bookstore website allows customers to order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through a secure credit card system. During its two months of operation in 2003, the bookstore website sold 426 products, totaling $8,935 in sales.

The Diocese is committed to expanding and improving the bookstore website, and the electronic system allows orders to be shipped more efficiently and quickly. The website also brings in orders from new customers who had not received the printed catalogue in the past.

“More people are hearing about St. Vartan Bookstore and are buying items because of our website,” said bookstore manager Nazareth Salbashian. “The site is allowing us to reach out and offer people Armenian books, videos, CDs, and gifts that will be of use to them every day.”

Improving overall web presence

As it introduced a new bookstore website, the Eastern Diocese also spent 2003 improving and expanding its main website, www.armenianchurch.org.

Many new and exciting features were added to the website in 2003. Real-time updates from the 2003 Diocesan Assembly, Hye Camp, and St. Vartan Camp allowed parents and parishioners a first-hand look at what was going on.

Information about 12 major feast days were added to the site, with specific information for parents to use in teaching their children about their Christian faith.

Electronic post cards for Christmas and Thanksgiving allowed visitors to the website to share their greetings with loved ones. New designs will come this year from students in Sunday and Armenian schools throughout the Diocese.

In 2003, its first full year of operation, the Diocese’s newly designed website and weekly e-mail bulletin succeeded in their main goal: reaching out to the Armenian diaspora.

“I appreciate the information you send me now via e-mail,” wrote Richard Aslanian of Waco, TX, in an email to the Diocese. “It is so good to have the Armenian connection here in Waco. We have a few Armenian families here and are really removed from the great Armenian communities of the larger American cities.”