FROM THE EDITOR

Read the Cover Story: Reaching Out and Bringing In Via the Worldwide Web

Dear Readers,

Together with the staff of The Armenian Church magazine, I would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year, Shnorhavor Nor Daree!

Here, in this first issue of the New Year, we highlight the progress the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) has made in communicating through its website. Access to the Internet is convenient--whether at home, at work or at play (and free at public libraries and some businesses). In a world which relies increasingly more on Internet communication and commerce, the Diocese has revamped and upgraded its website to offer timely information quickly and conveniently. And the ability to correspond with its audience--and tools for website visitors to communicate with each other--has proven rewarding. Our feature story, "Reaching Out and Bringing In Via the Worldwide Web" details the various ways our website, www.armenianchurch.net, draws people closer to the Armenian heritage. It's new look and organization has made the website a target for an average of 230 Internet surfers each day.

Also in this issue, we chronicle the milestones and happenings in and around our churches and Diocesan organization, including the Diocese-sponsored fall trip to Armenia to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Holy Cathedral of Etchmiadzin and the Diocese's role in launching an exhibit of work by famed Armenian American modern artist Arshile Gorky.

While the calendar page has turned to 2004, and the Diocesan focus is aimed toward its 2004 theme--Stewardship--we continue to embrace change and advance the Armenian Church under the leadership of Executive Director Sam Mikaelian, who has outlined the reorganization of the Diocesan structure in this issue.

Look for news in the next few months of some new publications by the Diocese, and while you're waiting for your next issue of The Armenian Church, get to a computer and explore our website.

Yours truly,

Arpie Nakashian McQueen

Editor