Life cast George Avakian in many roles: record producer, critic, educator, talent scout, manager, impresario. When he passed away last week at the age of 98, the entire music world—especially jazz artists and the recording industry—mourned the loss of true visionary, who blazed a pioneering trail through American music, but never lost touch with the gentlemanly virtues of his Old-World heritage.
The latest regional reception for the 2017 Annual Appeal took place on Friday, November 17. Supporters of the Diocese from Westchester (NY) and Connecticut gathered at the home of Bryan and Maria Stepanian to learn about the work being done to enrich spiritual life in every local parish.
An earlier gathering for New England’s Greater Boston and Metro-West areas was hosted by Aram and Becky Hintlian. Future Annual Appeal receptions are scheduled for Michigan (December 7), New Jersey (December 15), and Wisconsin.
“Through these initial receptions, and our mail and online contributors, we’ve already met two thirds of this year’s goal,” said the Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, who is coordinating this year’s Annual Appeal outreach along with fellow Diocesan Council members Oscar Tatosian and Mona Karoghlanian.
“But we need the help of all the friends and faithful of the Diocese to push the Appeal over the top,” he added.
Attendees at the most recent reception viewed a short video, and listened as Diocesan leaders elaborated on the latest undertakings. Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and members of the Diocesan Council have been on hand at every reception to talk about the activities of the Diocese and new resources under development.
The Annual Appeal is the once-a-year fundraiser that ensures the continuation of the Eastern Diocese’s many ministries. If you are interested in learning more about a reception in your region, contact Fr. Sabounjian at frkrikor@holytranslators.org.
Even if you are unable to attend, your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches—advancing Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps, youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new technologies. Follow this link to donate now to the 2017 Annual Appeal.
Diplomats from the United Nations gathered alongside Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians for the annual Joint Orthodox Prayer Service for the UN Community, at New York’s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Wednesday, November 8.
On Saturday, November 11, Diocesan Christian Education director Elise Antreassian met with the Sunday School staff of the St. John Church in Southfield, MI, for a 4-hour workshop titled “Sharing a Vision, Building a Team.”
