Khrimian Lyceum Students Visit St. Nersess Seminary

A group of Khrimian Lyceum students, parents and teachers visited the new facilities of the St. Nersess Seminary in Armonk, NY, on April 2, 2016.  The Lyceum is a program of the Diocesan Armenian Studies department especially developed for teens. An informative video, and descriptive talks about the programs offered at the Seminary were presented by Dn. Levon Altibarmakian, and KL alumnus, Dn. Alex Calikyan, followed by a tour of the Seminary. Named after Nersess Shnorhali, the Seminary houses the greatest collection of Armenian theorlogical books in North America. The Dean of the Seminary is Fr. Mardiros Chevian.

The group was also joined by Dn. Nareg Garabedian, Dn. Levon Asdourian, and Dn. Sebuh Oscherichian who invited us to a delectable lunch at the conclusion of the day’s program.

       

Diocesan Armenian Teachers’ Symposium

     

The Diocese’s Armenian Studies Department hosted an Armenian Teachers’ Symposium on Saturday September 12, at the Diocesan Center in New York. The daylong gathering focused on “Blended Learning”—the use of technology in traditional instruction—and drew more than 50 educators from Diocesan Armenian Schools.

Artoun Hamalian, director of the Education Department at AGBU, gave a talk titled “Identity, Culture, Education: Prospects, Priorities, Resources.” Natalie Gabrelian, director of Scholarships and Alternative Education at AGBU, and Lusine Keropyan, an associate in the AGBU Education Department, presented new digital resources for language instruction.

Gilda Buchakjian, the Diocese’s Armenian Studies director, addressed the subjects of blended learning and parental involvement. She recommended ways to strengthen parental involvement in the learning process. The symposium concluded with a presentation on the history of Armenian education, from the 19th century to today.

The symposium opened with a prayer led by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian.

Artoun Hamalian, explained the changing circumstances and parameters and the reality of Armenia that define and shape the identities of adolescents and youths in various communities of the diaspora. Emphasized the importance of collaborative and supportive involvement of the parents for creating a productive instructional environment that help Saturday schools realize their educational role and achieve results. Underscored the imperative for the Diocese and churches to actively support the Saturday schools, in keeping with their claim of being champions who uphold our national heritage, provide them resources and coordinate the instructional activities and curricula of Saturday and Sunday schools. Discussed the importance of devising a curriculum and instructional practices that are age appropriate, uncluttered of unnecessary trivia,  include a variety of culturally enriching activities that incorporate young talents and community members, focus on the teaching of language and literacy, and are supported by emerging technologies and applications that can excite and reinforce learning.

He went on to speak about the importance of Armenian Schools in the diaspora, and invited teachers to identify priorities that need to be addressed to improve learning.

Natalie Gabrelian, director of Scholarships and Alternative Education at AGBU, and Lusine Keropyan, an associate in the AGBU Education Department, presented new digital resources for language instruction. They introduced AGBU’s new app, “Gus on the Go: Eastern or Western Armenian for Kids,” which helps children learn colors, numbers, animals, and other Armenian vocabulary.

Another app, called “Im Armenia” (My Armenia), is an illustrated guide to the main attractions of Yerevan.  The app teaches basic Eastern Armenian words and fun facts about the places a young traveler might visit in Armenia’s capital.

For adults, AGBU has created an interactive e-book, titled “Exploring Yerevan: A Look Inside the City’s Past & Present.” The book includes day-trip ideas, historical information, and visuals.

Another e-book, “The Armenian Highland,” available in seven languages, offers an overview of the region with particular emphasis on Armenia’s geography and history from ancient to modern times.

Gilda Buchakjian, also spoke about the Diocese’s Armenian Studies  blog, which highlights the department’s cultural and pedagogical work. She also spoke about the recent work of the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora.

Participants received copies of the prayer for the intercession of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. They were informed that on November 1, Armenian Schools will be closed as parishes across the Eastern Diocese hold a special program to consecrate replicas of the new icon of the Holy Martyrs in their local churches.

Educators then viewed “A Great Cloud of Witnesses: The Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide,” a new documentary film produced by the Eastern Diocese’s Communications Department. Through interviews with  scholars and religious leaders, the film explores the significance of this year’s canonization of the Holy Martyrs of 1915, and the larger meaning of sainthood and martyrdom in the Christian tradition.

The symposium concluded with a presentation prepared by the Armenian Studies director on the history of Armenian education, from the 19th century to today.

Representatives from the following Armenian Schools attended the symposium:  St. Vartan Armenian School of New York; Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum; Mesrob Mashdots Institute of New York; Holy Martyrs Language School of Bayside, NY; St. Gregory the Enlightener Church School of White Plains, NY; Kirikian School of St. Thomas Chruch, Tenafly, NJ; St. Mary Church School of Livingston, NJ; St. Leon Armenian School of Fair Lawn, NJ; and Holy Ascension Church School of Trumbull, CT.

Photos by Berch Manukian

Educators Honored for Service to Armenian Schools

Diramayr Shakeh Kadehjian has served the Diocesan St. Vartan Armenian School (formerly St. Gregory Sunday School) for 41 years. She has taught concurrently at the Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum for 22 years and the Mesrob Mashdots Institute for 25 years. At the September 12th Armenian Teachers’ Symposium at the Diocese, she was presented with a certificate of recognition issued by the Primate, and a trophy and gifts from the Armenian Studies Department. Also present at the ceremony were the Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, Mrs. Kadehjian’s son, and her husband Papken.

 

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian and Armenian Studies director Gilda Kupelian awarded six educators with certificates of appreciation and sculpture busts of Khachadour Apovian for 10 years of service. Florence Avakian and Nayra Mkrtchyan were recognized for their service to the Khrimian Lyceum; Talar Sesetyan Sarafian, Maggie Sabbagh, and Jacklyn Baltaian were honored for their service to the Kirikian School of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ; and Yeva Poghosian Kochian was recognized for teaching at St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian School of White Plains, NY. Longtime Kirikian School principal Ani Capan and teacher Nazik Sesetyan accepted the honors on behalf of educators who could not be present.

Mesrob Mashdots Institute Concludes Spring Semester

Some of the students of the Mesrob Mashdots Institute pose for a photo at the Diocesan Center in New York.

The Mesrob Mashdots Institute, the Diocese’s Armenian language learning program for adults, concluded its spring semester on Wednesday, May 27. The institute met once a week for 12 consecutive sessions on Wednesday evenings. Classes were held at the “beginner” and “intermediate” levels in the Diocese’s Gulbenkian classrooms. The Diocese’s Armenian Studies director Gilda Buchakjian supervised the program and taught the intermediate class; Ani Essayan taught the beginners class. At the last session, the students, most of them young professionals, reviewed their work, took their tests, and were invited to a small reception for fellowship and to share their thoughts. “Before this class, I barely understood what was said around me. At the end of our semester, during Memorial day, at a pool party, not only was I able to understand what I heard, I could engage in conversation and respond properly” said one student. Two students were acknowledged for perfect attendance. On May 27, the students, mostly young professionals in the New York metro area, reviewed their work, took tests, and were invited to a farewell reception. Students found the program tremendously helpful and said they look forward to continuing their studies in the fall. Click here to view photos. The Mesrob Mashdots Institute will begin its fall semester in September. For enrollment information, contact Gilda Buchakjian at (212) 686-0710, ext. 148, or e-mail her at gildak@armeniandiocese.org.

2015 Graduation and Year-End Celebration at Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum

The Diocese’s Khrimian Lyceum held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 16. Eight students received diplomas from the Lyceum, which is run by the Diocese’s Department of Armenian Studies. The graduates (as pictured) are: Linda Yenicag, Kyle Torosian, Lara Ozyan, Patrick Kerestedjian, Julia Naldjian, Talar Hovsepian, Daniela Haigian, and Nicolas Arakelyan.

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian presided over the Azkatroshm service at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York. Graduates pledged to preserve their Armenian Christian identity, and received diplomas and gifts.

The service was followed by a cultural program dedicated to the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. It included the singing of sharagans and Armenian songs, poetry recitation, dance, instrumental music and theatrical performances. Student artwork was on display and a yearbook was available; a special art display by graduate Daniela Haigian drew much attention.

Parents organized a cake-cutting ceremony and reception. Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian, the Diocese’s director of Armenian Studies, thanked the students, teachers, and parents for their dedication to the Khrimian Lyceum, and congratulated the graduates on reaching this milestone. Click here to view photos.

The Khrimian Lyceum is comprised of 35 students from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Graduates of local Armenian Schools are encouraged to attend the Khrimian Lyceum. For information, e-mail gildak@armeniandiocese.org.

Holy Martyrs Language School

 

Holy Martyrs Language School was honored to be a part of the commemoration services of the 100^th anniversary of the Genocide.  On Friday, April 24^th, HMALS, Day School and Sunday School selected students to be a part of a special service.  Each student wore white and black with a purple sash adorned with the forget-me-not pin on their chest.   Among the three schools, a total of 100 children participated in a touching tribute; which included a procession into church followed by a blessing service of the monuments and Khatchkar located on the church plaza.  Despite the frigid temperatures the children understood the importance of this solemn service.  The students then led the procession into the auditorium.   As the bells tolled the lights were dimmed, the children walked in pairs of two holding a purple votive with a white light. Once they reached the stage each child read a name of an Armenian Saint (martyr) and gingerly placed the votive on the forget- me-not pedestal.  Their angelic voices served as a reminder of the innocence of all who lost their lives.

On Saturday, April 25^th, students once again wore white and black with a purple sash adorned with the forget-me-not pin on their chest.  After Divine Liturgy, Father Abraham along with deacons, choir members, parishioners and HMALS student body gathered around the memorial tree planted by HMALS on April 9, 2011.  Father Abraham reminded all present that we are all destined to live and thrive in this country.  Our 7^th grade graduating class watered the plant as a constant reminder that although our losses were great, our youth will continue to grow and spread their Armenian “roots” as a living testament for all to witness.

HMALS hosted a delicious luncheon and a well-rehearsed and choreographed program dedicated to Gomidas Vartabed and the memory of those who were lost in the Armenian Genocide.  Father Abraham opened the luncheon with a prayer followed by opening remarks by Dr. Lynn Cetin, Chair-Genocide Commemoration Committee.  HMALS sang anthems in Armenian and English along with songs by Gomidas under the direction of our Music Teachers, Mrs. Hasmik Rakoubian and Tigran Dumanyan.  Our Principal, Mrs.  Elizabeth Khodabash welcomed everyone and offered her heartfelt thoughts and appreciation for the tireless efforts of all those who par

ticipated in making this a memorable event for generations to come.

The life of Gomidas was presented in both English and Armenian by HMALS’ teachers Miss Nairee Djirdjirian, 3^rd Grade Teacher and Mrs. Annie Shnorhokian, 7^th Grade Teacher respectfully. Our 7^th and 5^th graders read poems which depicted the horrific events and memories of the genocide.  The poems were as follows:  “My Grandmother and Me”, Armen Haratunian, “Yertoum”, Andrew Halajian, “Yegour Kez Daneem”, Alex Sarafyan, “Mayrenee Lezu “Anahit Hakobyan and Taline Deukmedjian and “Armenian” by Kayla Sakayan.  Two of our students Lara Muratyan and Gregory Tufenkdjian who are also members of HYE BAR Dance Group danced gracefully to “Ov Hayots Ashkhar”.  All who attended enjoyed a delicious luncheon, entertainment and fellowship honoring those who fought to preserve our faith, language and heritage.  May we continue to educate our youth with living tributes for future generations.

We would like to thank our Principal, Mrs. Khodabash for donating a forget-me-not pin to each of our HMALS students.  Our students are busy preparing for f
inal exams and year end hantes.  We look forward to being part of your child’s future to enhance their understanding of the Armenian Language and Culture.

Eleanor S. Paternostro

 

 

Armenian Jeopardy Tournament

 

More than 120 people attended the much anticipated Armenian Jeopardy tournament developed and organized by the Diocesan Armenian Studies Department. The event held on Sunday, May 4^th was hosted by the St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian School.

Among the attendees were 40 students representing 5 Armenian schools from the following parishes: White Plains, NY; Bayside, NY; Dallas, TX; Cheltenham, PA; Tenafly, NJ. Rev. Fr. Kare kin Kasparian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church opened the event in prayer and set the tone by emphasizing “know thyself” as an impetus to learning about one’s heritage. A competitive tour nament in which all the participating teams excelled resulted with the St. Sarkis Armenian School, Dallas, TX winning, and the St. Thomas Kirikian Armenian School as runner-up.

The question were based on 150 entries about the basics of our faith and cultural timeline, that all the participants were required to learn under the tutelage of their teachers in preparation for the tournament. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Diocesan Youth coordinator Lorie Odabashian, and former Khrimian Lyceum teacher Talin Manukian served as judges. Arpi Nakashian and Kathyrn Ashbahian from St. Nersess Seminary were the moderators. Berch Manukian provided technical support and photos. All the participants received medals and the winning teams received trophies.

 

“In addition to providing a learning experience, the Armenian schools Jeopardy tournament allowed students to interact with their peers, compete and have a memorable time all at once,” said Gilda Kupelian, director of the Diocesan Armenian Studies Department. 

The Armenian Studies Department is in contact with other Diocesan regional parishes to schedule similar Armenian Jeopardy events. 

For more photos kindly see below: