To: Parish Priests, Parish Council Chairpersons, Choir Chairpersons, Choir Leaders, Organists, Delegates
From: Mary Selvinazian, Chair, Central Council
Date: October 3, 1998
Subject: 52nd ANNUAL ASSEMBLY AGENDA AND CREDENTIAL FORMS
Information concerning the 52nd Annual Choir Assembly is enclosed herewith. The dates are November 5-9, 1998, in Cambridge Massachusetts, hosted by the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Choir. The Agenda for the Assembly outlines the weekend's program, about which I shall elaborate below. The Delegate's Credential Certificate is a form which will be needed by each representative who wishes to be registered as an official delegate. Please remember that a separate form, duly completed and signed, is required for each delegate.
As a reminder to our choirs, may I refer to Article VII of the Bylaws which states, in effect, that ex-officio delegates to the Annual Assembly are the Parish Priest, the Choir Chairman, the Choir Director, an Organist, a representative of the Altar Servers. Up to three additional delegates may represent a local choir based upon the number of its members (6 to 25 choir members = 1 delegate, 26 to 50 choir members = 2 delegates, 51 or more choir members = 3 delegates). It is hoped that the number of delegates to attend this Assembly will be encouraging for the Holy Trinity Choir.
All events will take place at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 145 Battle Street, Cambridge; the Activities Registration Form sent to all choirs by the host committee should be returned to them as soon as possible. Delegates and guests will be accommodated at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, Harvard Square, just a few minutes from the church. Hopefully, you have reserved your rooms by now, in order to qualify for the special group rate the committee was able to obtain.
As in the past, the Assembly will begin Thursday evening, November 5th. It is essential that delegates arrive in Cambridge and register on time so as to be ready for the first session which will convene at 8:30am on Friday morning, November 6th, to attend to business matters inherent to the work of the Choir Association. The Central Council report will be available to delegates upon registration and should be reviewed prior to the Friday afternoon session; this will keep the business portions of the Assembly flowing.
Our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, will preside over the Assembly and will present his message on Saturday morning, November 7th. Traditionally, the main event will be the Assembly Banquet on Saturday evening, at which time the Central Council will present the Gomidas and Yegmalian Awards.
This year the Assembly will offer several educational and musical workshops for the edification and benefit of all attendees. The topics are in keeping with the Diocese's 1998 theme of the Holy Gospels. They cover scriptural applications to our divine services and will be instructed by Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian, Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Deacon Rubik Mailian and Dr Socrates Boyajian. Please refer to the enclosed agenda for details. We shall also have our Matins and Vespers, using materials nearing their publications stages.
Additionally, our rehearsal for Holy Badarak will take place on Saturday afternoon, conducted by Maestro Khoren Meikhanedjian. It is important that all participants be present for this rehearsal if they plan to sing in the choir on Sunday morning. Delegates should bring with them their copy of the revised edition of the Sacred Music of the Armenian Church. Those who do not yet have copies may call Dr Socrates Boyajian at 301-588-4607 to have them shipped immediately. Please remember also to bring your choir robes and veils.
As mentioned in a previous bulletin, the Assembly will receive bids from choirs that are interested in hosting a future Assembly, 1999 and beyond. Therefore, please come prepared with a letter of invitation from you Parish Priest and Choir Chairperson if interested.
Last minute reminders . . . send in your choir's annual report plus up-to-date mailing list as well as your choir's plate collection. The Central Council relies on the contents of the annual reports for the information needed to assess the condition of our Association.
We look forward to seeing you at the Assembly in Cambridge!
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