Jerusalem 2000 Pilgrimage Choir to Begin Rehearsals

NEW YORK, NY - According to the directive of His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, the choir which will take part in several religious services in the Holy Land during the Pilgrimage of the year 2000 will begin its rehearsals this summer.

Three rehearsal/workshops will be held at the diocesan headquarters, 630 Second Avenue, New York City, under the jurisdiction of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America and the Jerusalem Pilgrimage Committee. The dates are Saturdays, June 12, July 17, and August 28, under the direction of Maestro Khoren Meikhanedjian, Director of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. A diocesan representative is expected to be present to elaborate on the events to take place in Jerusalem. Additional workshops are being planned by the AACCA Central Council for the New York metropolitan region in October, and at the Choir Assembly in Richmond, VA, in November.

Since the 2000th anniversary of the Birth of Christ will be the theme of all celebrations, the musical focus will be on the Nativity at each workshop. The choir will sing at several Divine Liturgies in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and will present the hymns of the Baptism of Christ near the Jordan River. Additionally, concert performances are being planned within the Armenian community of the Holy Land.

Registration brochures have been mailed by the Eastern, Western and Canadian Dioceses of the Armenian Church, as well as the Prelacy, inviting all faithful to participate in the Pilgrimage. All choir singers are invited and welcome to become part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Ms. Mary Selvinazian has been appointed by Archbishop Barsamian to coordinate the effort; therefore, all who wish to participate in any of the workshops and be part of the Jerusalem 2000 Choir, should register for the Pilgrimage and also notify Ms. Selvinazaina of their intention, by writing to her at 56-36 196 Place, Flushing, NY, 11365-2310.