PRELACY’S MISSION

The Prelacy’s mission is as old as the Armenian Church itself and as new as the needs of tomorrow’s generation. Of course, the primary and fundamental mission of the Prelacy is religious, to teach the Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ, to our people. Throughout the centuries, since Armenia became the first nation to accept Christianity, the Church as been the mainstay of national life regardless of the vicissitudes of history.

In fact, it was those chronic difficulties experienced by the Armenians that compelled the Church to extend its area of concern and service. As the only Armenian institution with any coherent existence and continuity during long periods of occupation, persecution and oppression, many duties devolved upon the Church, including cultural, educational, social, and even political. At times only the Church as available to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the culture, customs, and community.

Today, with the establishment of a free and independent Armenian Republic the Church faces new challenges but its basic mission remains unchanged. It still embraces the religious, the educational, the cultural, and the social in its continuing dedication to the betterment of its people.

In carrying out its duties, the Prelacy has two ancillary organizations, each with its own special area of responsibility: the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC). Both are youth-oriented, and an important part of their objectives is to prepare youth for leadership roles.

ARMENIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION COUNCIL

AREC, consisting of an appointed membership and an Executive Director of Christian Education, is responsible for developing and implementing Christian Education programs, preserving and perpetuating the tenets of the Armenian Church and bringing to the Faithful the word and teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

AREC, develops curriculum guidelines for our Sunday Schools and suggests the use of the best materials available for its implementation. The Executive Director maintains communication with Directors of the Sunday Schools and assists in resolving local concerns.

AREC, plans seminars, retreats, teacher training workshops and helps implement local bible study groups.

The St.Gregory of Datev Institute organized in 1987 provides Armenian studies for candidates serving as acolytes and deacons. The Institute also organizes lectures and seminars during the year for the public.

ARMENIAN NATIONAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE

ANEC is a joint project with the Armenian Relief Society, and is administered by an Executive Director under the guidance of the committee members and the presidency of the Prelate. ANEC provides guidance, coordination, and assistance to the Saturday Armenian schools and day schools within the jurisdiction of the Prelacy. An important part of ANEC’s mission is providing resource materials that can be used by the language schools. For instance, the Historical Atlas of Armenia and the two-volume Course in Modern Western Armenian have become valuable teaching tools. In addition, ANEC organizes lectures, language courses for adults, summer studies for teens, and seminars for teachers.

Among the 45 schools in the ANEC jurisdiction, the Siamanto Academy for high school age students stands out as a unique educational institution in America. Founded in 1981 in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, Siamanto Academy offers three year cycle of advanced instruction in Armenian studies. Upon completion students receive nine college credits in Armenian history, language, religion and literature.

CULTURAL CENTER

In addition to the Prelacy’s fundamental religious and spiritual responsibilities, its activities encompass other areas, such as cultural, literary, artistic, and social. The broader outreach of the Armenian Church to its people is an integral part of its traditional historical legacy, for the Armenian Church is not only a religious institution, but also a national institution. Its leading role in the educational and cultural development of the Armenian people was the natural outcome of the vicissitudes of history which often left the nation without secular state institutions to fulfill those duties.

In its relatively short life in America, the Prelacy has produced an outstanding record of cultural activities, including art exhibitions, concerts, lectures, conferences, publications, special commemorative events, etc. These activities have featured both Armenian and international personalities whose contributions to their respective fields are world renowned. Among the individuals participating in programs sponsored by the Prelacy have been Charles Aznavour, Alan Hovhannes, Vartan Gregorian, Henri Verneuil, Michael Arlen, Abel Aganbegian, Robert Papazian, Marjorie Housepian, Michael Kermoyan, etc. The events themselves have attracted Armenians from around the country as well as many non-Armenians interested in the artistic, literary, and musical endeavors of the Armenian people. The Prelacy’s cultural activities agenda brings to the public the achievements of its talented people, and at the same time, perpetuates and promotes Armenian cultural development.

PUBLICATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

As a means of communicating with its members, the Prelacy publishes a monthly bilingual newsletter, Outreach. Although it appears in the form of a newsletter, Outreach not only publishes news about the Prelacy and its individual parishes, but also provides editorials and articles on important issues, both religious and secular.

The Prelacy also sponsors and produces other publications, including books, booklets, pamphlets, reprints, etc. One of the finest examples of a Prelacy book is Armenian Art, which was co-published with Harry N. Abrams, Inc., of New York City. In addition to publishing books, the Prelacy Bookstore makes many different titles available, both English and Armenian. These books are available not only to its own community, but also to others who need a source of books dealing with Armenian history, culture, language, and literature. The variety of books in the Bookstore makes it a valuable resource.

The St.Nerses Shnorhali Library, located on the third floor of the Prelacy building, has in its collection many books and periodicals which are not available elsewhere.

SOCIAL SERVICES

The social services provided by the Prelacy are used most often by new émigrés who are unfamiliar with the American way of life, who may need immigration or naturalization assistance, or help in adjusting to their new environment. On December 7, 1988, however, the social services of the Prelacy were broadened and even overburdened by the massive earthquake in Armenia. Marshalling it resources, the Prelacy instituted a coordinated program to help the stricken people in Armenia.

An intensive fund-raising and public relations program was initiated to secure much-needed moneys and to publicize both the efforts and needs of the earthquake relief program. Because the reconstruction and rehabilitation work will be continuing for many years, the Prelacy’s relief program will be an on-going effort. Indeed, since the establishment of the independent Armenian Republic and the crisis in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh), the Prelacy has intensified its humanitarian efforts. In its social work, the Prelacy has been cooperating with many Armenian and non-Armenian organizations, companies, and charitable groups.

ENDOWMENT FUND

The Armenian Prelacy Endowment Fund, separate, apart and independent of all other funds and assets of the Prelacy, was established in 1991. The earnings of the Fund are designated for the promotion of religious, educational and charitable objectives within the scope of the Prelacy. The Fund operates according to its own bylaws and is currently administered by the twelve members of the Fund’s Board of Trustees and by the Prelate who is an ex-officio member.

THE PRELACY IS YOU

The Prelacy is not just a building. It has a heart and soul: the many people who give generously of their time, talent and money for the glorification of God and His church. The various committees are all made up of dedicated people without whom the Prelacy could not function efficiently. The response from the community in supporting the Prelacy is responsible for its many successful endeavors. In a word: The Prelacy is You.