To: Parish Priests, Parish Council Chairpersons, Choir Chairpersons, Choir Leaders, Organists
From: Mary Selvinazian, Chair, Central Council
Date: December 18, 1997
Subject: Announcements
With memories of the 51st Annual Assembly lingering, we embark upon another year of service to our churches through our choirs. Those who attended the Assembly in Washington, DC, were witness to the excellent job done by the host choir of St. Mary's Armenian Church. We also benefitted from the three important workshops offered by the Central Council, with a minimum of business sessions. The minutes of the Assembly including details of decisions rendered will be forwarded to our choirs shortly.
The draft of a new publication prepared by Dr. Socrates Boyajian on the Morning Services (Matins) was used in one of the workshops and before Sunday morning's Badarak. Those of you who were present and have a copy of the publication, Dr. Boyajian is asking for your comments and suggestions before the work is finalized. Please write to him directly, at 406 Thayer Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
The Assembly Banquet, held aboard the Spirit of Washington cruising on the Potomac River, became a gala celebration of accomplishments. The Gomidas Vartabed Award was given to the choir of St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church of Providence, RI, with Honorable Mention to St. Mary Church of Cheltenham, PA, for the excellence of its altar server program. The Central Council's Certificate of Achievement for 1997 was presented to Shoushan Saraydarian of the Holy Martyrs Church Choir for her dedication to the work of the AACCA. Congratulations to all!
Mark your calendars for next year's Choir Assembly. The date is November 5-8, 1998; the host choir is Holy Trinity of Cambridge, MA, and they are already at work!
The new officers of the Central Council have been ratified by the Primate and Diocesan Council. Please feel free to communicate with us for your choir's needs. Additionally, each Council member has been assigned as a choir-parish liaison and will be in touch with you from time to time to assist in any way we can.
On the occasion of this joyous season, we wish you and your families the blessings of Christmas, much happiness in the coming year and success in all your endeavors.