NEW YORK, NY—It all started more than twenty years ago thanks to a visionary Archbishop and a nucleus of dedicated priests. It evolved through the years and adapted to the needs of the Armenian American community, and this year the St. Gregory of Datev Institute commemorated a milestone with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of what now is a popular youth-oriented summer program.

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, a banquet to mark the two decades of Datev took place on July 8 at the Holiday Inn in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, nearby the retreat center where the Institute holds its summer sessions each year. The Datev Institute is sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC).

SECURING THE FUTURE
Mr. Hagop Kouyoumdjian served as the honorary chairman of the 20th anniversary commemoration and chairman of the fundraising committee. Mr. Kouyoumdjian and his wife Ica, dedicated supporters of the Armenian Church, are especially devoted to youth programs. Mr. Kouyoumdjian’s efforts on behalf of Datev made possible the establishment of an endowment fund specifically for Datev. It is the hope of the Prelacy that this fund will continue to grow ensuring the future continuity of the Datev program. (See accompanying story about this year’s Datev program).

The gala celebration was attended by the seventy Datev students who attended this year’s program, along with many alumni, clergy, and friends throughout the eastern region of the United States and Canada. The master of ceremonies for the evening was the director of the Institute and Vicar of the Prelacy, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who had just returned from Lebanon where he received his Episcopal consecration by His Holiness Aram I.

Jeanette Nazarian, chair of the program committee, welcomed the guests. As the first female student to attend the Institute, she provided background and insight into what makes this program so special for the Armenian American community. “The Institute has provided Armenian American youth with not only a stellar education in Christian faith, but also a friendly environment in which to grow and nurture relationships that last a lifetime,” she said.

In his remarks, Bishop Anoushavan provided a brief history of the Institute and thanked all those who contributed to its success. He noted: “The Institute was established in 1987 by His Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of blessed memory, as a training program for altar servers. In 1990, the Institute opened its doors to female participants, particularly those involved in the various ministries of the church. Within a few years, in an effort to meet the spiritual needs of various segments of our communities, the Institute accepted all youth interested in learning more about the Armenian Christian faith. By the mid-1990s, the Datev Institute modified its goals and objectives, and evolved into a full-fledged youth-oriented program. With the election of a new Prelate in 1998 this impetus continued and we are proud to say that under the leadership of our Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, the Datev program is one of the most successful programs of the Eastern Prelacy.”

SPREADING THE NEWS OF DATEV
The history of Datev was told in words and images through a 20th anniversary booklet written and designed by Melissa Selverian, and an audiovisual presentation prepared by Datev alumnus Mikhail Mekaelian. Interspersed in the 32-page booklet amongst the text and photos were “Spotlights on a Datevatzi,” bringing to life the thoughts of graduates of the program. Looking through the booklet one gets a good sense not only of Datev’s past, but its bright future as well. The booklet was distributed to everyone attending the celebration, and sent to all donors and friends of Datev.

The audiovisual presentation provided everyone a delightful retrospective on the past twenty years of the program. The audience—especially all of the Datevatzis—looked on as the fond memories of the great friendships forged and positive experiences with students and instructors were recalled. Two of those instructors—Haroutiun Misserlian and Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian—spoke about the memories they cherished. Two Datev alumni, Dn. Jack Karakelian (class of 1991) and Ms. Mary Gulmezian (class of 2004), reflected on their experiences and what the Institute has meant for them.

The musical portion of the evening included hymns by a choir of Datev students under the direction of Dn. Nishan Baljian, and a violin interlude by a current Datevatzi, the talented Arpi Shetilian.

Following the various presentations, Archbishop Choloyan spoke to the youth. Directing his words to them, His Eminence spoke about the importance of communicating their newly acquired knowledge to their respective communities. He encouraged all to return to their communities with new motivation to participate in the life of the church.

“Amongst all of the programs of the Eastern Prelacy,” His Eminence said, “the Datev Institute has a unique position and role. The Institute is where our young generation receives its vital instruction in language, religion, liturgy, and history—all of which augments the attentive participation of our younger generation in the life of our church and nation. The Datev Institute deserves everyone’s wholehearted support. We are confident that in the future the roots of Datev’s mission will be further strengthened in its fertile soil.”

Before concluding, His Eminence expressed his thanks to Bishop Anoushavan, the director of Datev, to the guest lecturers and faculty, especially Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), and the many volunteers. “We pray that the protective arm of Almighty God will stretch over and protect the Institute, the administration, the teachers and students so that through their service to our Lord they will enjoy the grace and happiness of the spiritual growth of our people,” said the Prelate.

Evening entertainment was provided by the wonderful sound of the Aravod Band, which includes several Datev alumni. The popular musicians donated their services as a token of their esteem for the Datev program.

Current and former students celebrated the 20th anniversary of Datev with renewed resolve to give the Datev program the support that it richly deserves.