2004 Annual Report of the Stewardship Program

Through the donations of Annual Stewards and income from the Life Stewards reserve, the Diocesan Stewardship Program supports Diocesan activities and programs through an annual contribution to the general budget.

This year the program contributed $13,092—decrease of $1,258.  This reflects a continuing decline in the effectiveness of the program and can be attributed to: (a) a decrease in income from the Life Stewards reserve, due to lower interest rates; (b) conversion of Annual Stewards to Life Stewards; (c) a decrease in the number of Annual Stewards contributing; and (d) the diversion of actual and potential contributors to other Diocesan fundraisers (e.g. the “Archbishop’s Annual Appeal”).

In 2004, two Annual Stewards continued to meet their commitment to become Life Stewards, which should happen in 2005.  Susan Janigian of Walled Lake, MI, enrolled as a Life Steward.

At year-end, the Life Stewards reserve had received a total of $257,450.

Five Life Stewards—Acabe Boornazian, Roxie Boornazian, Raffe Mgrdechian, Dr. Nikit Ordjanian, and Eleanor Ordjanian—died in 2004.  Prayers for them will be included in the requiem service at the Divine Liturgy closing the 2005 Diocesan Assembly.  The program is committed to arranging prayers for all deceased Life Stewards in perpetuity.

Personnel: George Mekenian is the Stewardship Program coordinator, with assistance provided by the administrative finance and development departments at the Diocesan Center.