Current News

03 August 2010

Three college students are completing an eight-week summer internship program at the Eastern Diocese this week, where they developed their professional skills, built on their knowledge of Armenian history and heritage, and enriched their Christian faith. A farewell reception will be hosted for the interns on Friday, August 6.

The three interns—Nicholas Burdman of St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ; Megan Karanfil of St. Mary Church in Washington, D.C.; and George Macarian of St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL—spent the summer working in the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, the Department of Youth and Education, and the Department of Finance respectively.

They contributed to a number of projects, ranging from cataloguing and digitizing books at the Zohrab Center, to compiling images for various publications, developing Bible study resources and Advent reflections, recording accounts payable, and verifying contracts for the Diocese's facilities rentals.

At the same time, the interns took part in a spiritual and cultural program designed to improve their knowledge of the teachings of the Armenian Church and to engage them in discussions about the Armenian heritage. They attended matins service at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral and regularly participated in Bible study sessions led by Department of Youth and Education staff and clergy of the Eastern Diocese.

"It was a pleasure to have Nick, Megan, and George here at the Diocesan Center this summer," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate. "Their youthful energy and enthusiasm, their excellent example of leadership, is both a validation of the work we do here, and an inspiration to expand our efforts."

Each week interns were invited to lunch meetings with clergy—including the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, Rev. Fr. Diran Bohajian, Rev. Mardiros Chevian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, and Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian—where they had the opportunity to ask questions about the Armenian Church—its rich history and present-day development.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the interns took Armenian language classes with Gilda Kupelian, coordinator of Armenian studies for the Eastern Diocese's Department of Youth and Education. They learned about Armenian history at the Zohrab Center from Dr. Rachel Goshgarian, and travelled to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they explored the institution's Byzantine collection and viewed the 12th-century Armenian khatchkar on loan to the museum by the National History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan.

In July, they accompanied Archbishop Barsamian on visits to St. Nersess Seminary and St. Vartan Camp. Interns also met with Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Legate of the Eastern Diocese, who spoke to them about the Armenian Church's ecumenical involvement and answered questions about his work with the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

"As a newly elected ACYOA Central Council member, I enjoyed meeting all the clergy and church leaders from around the world that pass through the Diocese on a daily basis," said George Macarian, who serves as the ACYOA Central Council treasurer and studies accounting and finance at the University of Central Florida. "Interning here this summer has not only supplemented my accounting studies, but has helped me grow as a leader in the Armenian community."

The three interns lived in student housing at New York University, along with 28 other summer interns participating in the Armenian General Benevolent Union's New York Internship Program. The Diocese covered the interns' housing expenses for the duration of the program.

"This program has given me a chance to live in an amazing city with Armenians from all over the world while learning more about my Armenian heritage and Christian values," said Megan Karanfil.

A biochemistry major who plans to become a physician's assistant, Karanfil spent her summer compiling images and information for a book commemorating the ACYOA's upcoming 65th anniversary, and assisting with the development of Christian education resources for teenagers and adults.

"I have grown so much in the short time I have interned at the Eastern Diocese," she added. "I feel that I am now better equipped in my service to God and to the Armenian Church."

As part of the AGBU program, participants took sightseeing trips across New York City, enjoyed Broadway shows, and met with Armenian professionals who spoke to them about entrepreneurship, discussed opportunities for young professionals, and offered general career advice.

"The Diocesan internship program is a win-win situation," said the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral. "The interns gain experience in their areas of professional interest and learn how the Diocese functions in all its ministries and programs. The Diocesan headquarters experiences the youthful enthusiasm and dedication of young Armenians who love their Church and have a deep sense of what it means to serve."

"Our partnership with the AGBU Internship Program has been a wonderful opportunity for us to benefit from their years of expertise in this kind of programming and has proven to be a positive arrangement," he added.  

On July 20, Archbishop Barsamian hosted a dinner for the AGBU group at the Diocesan Center. Young people received a tour of St. Vartan Cathedral, heard an overview of the Armenian Church of America, and had a chance to reflect on the role their Armenian heritage plays in shaping individual and collective identity in the diaspora.  

"This program really expands your horizons," said Nicholas Burdman, who is studying international government and the philosophy of law at St. John's University in Queens. "The experiences I gained here were meaningful, and the knowledge I gained is relevant. All in all, this program is a worthwhile venture for anyone seeking experience in nearly any field."

The Diocesan internship program was organized by the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral; Nancy Basmajian, executive secretary of the ACYOA Central Council, and Dr. Rachel Goshgarian.

"These three young people worked hard at their respective assignments, and gained the respect and affection of everyone on staff," said Nancy Basmajian. "I'm especially proud of their performance during these past eight weeks because they're all ACYOA members and leaders in their home parishes. I continue to be inspired by our youth and their commitment to the church." 

Nicholas, Megan, and George blogged about their experiences at the Diocese throughout the summer. To read their reflections, visit www.armenianchurch-ed.net/wpblog.