A Message from the Primate

Reaching Out, Bringing In

Throughout our “Year of Communication” in 2003, our Diocese focused on reaching out and bringing in. Our goal was to more fully communicate the message of the Armenian Church, and to invite greater numbers of people into the loving embrace of our family of faith.

This sort of communication is nothing less than a vocation of Christian living. Today, we have fantastic resources at our disposal to enhance and magnify our communications efforts, and of course the church should, and does, take advantage of these resources.

But we should never underestimate the effectiveness of even the most basic modes of communication. Our Lord Jesus communicated in a very simple way: what we might call today “low-tech.” He traveled around the countryside – never more than 100 miles from His birthplace – speaking to people in public places, in their homes, in their places of worship. He gathered disciples to help spread His message. No cars or airplanes; no faxes or cell-phones; no television or Internet. Just simple word of mouth, from a man whose every word showed his purity and sincerity.

And with such simple methods, He changed the world!

Certainly, that is the example that inspires all our work. Last year, the emphasis for our staff at the Diocesan Center in New York was to visit and reach out to our local parish communities. From working with mission parishes, to training altar-servers in regional retreats, to expanding Armenian language and cultural programs, we aimed at touching the lives of every Armenian in each of our communities. Administratively, our reorganization of the Diocese’s program departments – particularly the consolidation of our youth ministry, Christian education, and Armenian programs – will help us continue to reach out more effectively to our parish communities.

The work of our church, however, is hardly limited to its clergy and professional staff. Volunteers continue to be the heart and soul of parish life. They make our parishes run, organize special initiatives, and secure a solid financial footing for our ministries. In this report, you will get to know some of the stories and faces of supporters who made 2003 so special. Some built sanctuaries in their communities; others worked with our youth and our choirs. All have a deep and abiding love for the Armenian Church.

May our Lord always bless those who reach out – in myriad ways, to all types of people – with His message of love.

With prayers,

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
Primate

A Message from the Diocesan Council

Now that you have read through this report outlining our efforts last year to promote our unique Armenian faith, we hope you will join us in Reaching Out and Bringing In.

We, the members of the Diocesan Council, are dedicated to the Diocesan vision: That the Armenian Church is significant in the life of every Armenian living in the Eastern Diocese, and his or her family. Thus, we have designated this current year as “The Year of Stewardship: Giving of One’s Time, Talent, and Treasure.” Each of us must give what we can to strengthen and support our local parishes, the Diocese, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and the Armenian people worldwide.

With our support today, our church and communities will still be vital to the lives of our children and grandchildren. Throughout this report you have seen those volunteers honored for their devotion and service. We urge you to follow their lead and become more involved in the life of the church. To further your involvement, please feel free to contact the Diocese or any one of us.

With your help, we can achieve our Diocesan intent. Every effort, no matter how small or large, helps us build a solid foundation for future generations. With that support, and the guidance of our Lord, the Armenian Church will indeed be significant in the lives of every Armenian, including you and your family.

Through our small sacrifices – the giving of our time, talent, and treasure – our community will continue its impressive growth for generations to come.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
President

Haig Dadourian
Chairman