WOMEN’S GUILDS CONTINUE FOCUS ON AID TO ARMENIAN CHILDREN, FAMILIES

The Women’s Guild Assembly, held Apr. 30 & May 1, was hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church at the Rye-Hilton Hotel in Rye, N.Y. Highlighted in the two-day session were the guild’s major programs to benefit the Diocese, as well as children in Armenia.

Along with conducting its general business, delegates listened to keynote speaker Prof. Roberta Irvine of St. Nersess Seminary speak about “Stewardship”—the Diocese’s theme for 2004.

Diramayr Ann Devejian advised that receipts from Saintly Women’s Day observances throughout the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) fell short of last year’s. She reminded the delegates of the gifts given because of these funds: St. Santoukht window; Dedication of Mural in St. Vartan Cathedral Baptismal Room; $10,000 for Armenian Bibles printed by American Bible Society; China with Diocesan logo for the Tahlij; $10,000.00 to St. Gregory Cathedral fund in Yerevan.

Yn. Violet Kasparian reported that materials for the next shipment for the School Bags Project have been ordered. Students in Armenia will receive 1080 school bags filled with school supplies, thanks to donations from throughout the Diocese. She suggested each guild appoint an individual to head the School Bags project in their parish. Donations for the school bags project can be sent to: Yn. Violet Kasparian; Chairman, School Bags for Children of Armenia Project; 263 Ridge St., New Milford, N.J. 07646. Checks made out to WGCC (Women’s Guild Central Council.)

Dr. Sam Mikaelian, Executive Director of Diocese, reported on CASP – Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program. He thanked Julie & Clem Ashekian for the years they worked on CASP and its transition to Susan Avakian Stoneson’s leadership this year. He also noted that CASP will be a visible presence on the Diocese website in the near future. Ms. Stoneson next read her report about the thriving program that supports children in Armenia who are living without one or both parents. Sponsors give $200 per year to help care for more than 1,300 children currently in the program.

Delegates defeated two proposals presented this year: to change the name of the Women’s Guild, and to replace the Saintly Women’s Day program. The Women’s Guild Central Council was opposed to both proposals.

Election results for Central Council members were as follows: Lucy Moorad, Washington, D.C.; Jackie El Shabaz, Detroit; Lucy Hamalian, Boca, Florida. Alternate: Rose Hartunian, Holy Martyrs, NY. Members were also elected to the nominating, auditing and proposals committees.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presented certificates to outgoing central council members Elizabeth Sahagian, Ann Devejian and Rose Shahinian before closing the assembly.