Diocesan summer interns advance their education, strengthen ties to Church

Published: Tuesday August 25, 2009

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presents interns Gevorg Azizi and Taleen Terjanian with copies of the book, The Lamentations of St. Gregory of Narek.

New York - This summer two dedicated and hard-working Armenian-American college students became part of the daily life of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in New York City. The pair – participants in AGBU's New York Summer Internship Program – were the latest interns in the Diocese's annual summer program.

Gevorg Azizi and Taleen Terjanian interned at the Diocesan Center for eight weeks in July and August. Mr. Azizi, of Chicago, who attends the St. James Armenian Church in Evanston, worked in the accounting department alongside Alex Cedeno and John Woo.

For a good portion of his internship, Mr. Azizi did inventory at the St. Vartan Bookstore. His other duties in the accounting department included bank reconciliation of payroll and operating and journal entries.

"Being here gave me an opportunity to network with people in my field and understand what it is I am going into," said Mr. Azizi, a junior at DePaul University majoring in finance and economics.

Taleen Terjanian, of Holmdel, N.J., and a member of the St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Elberon, worked in the Department of Youth and Education alongside Julie Hoplamazian (coordinator of College Ministry), Nancy Basmajian (ACYOA executive secretary), and Gilda Buchakjian-Kupelian (coordinator of Armenian Studies). She had a variety of tasks, including working on logistics for the Ecumenical Workweek, re-organizing ACYOA archives, and creating various flyers and brochures for the Khrimian Lyceum. She also wrote summaries on 200 books for Jennifer Morris (coordinator of Youth Ministry) and catalogued books in the Zohrab Center.

"There's a lot more work involved than I thought," said Ms. Terjanian, a senior at Rutgers University majoring in animal science with a minor in business. "All of the departments are involved in making sure the church and Diocese run smoothly."

Alongside their regular, 9-to-5 work at the Diocesan Center, they took part in activities such as Bible Study sessions and visits to St. Nersess seminary and the Ararat Center.

They also had lunch with visiting clergy throughout the eight weeks of their internship program.

"My impression was that as soon as we got here, everyone was open, friendly and helpful," said Mr. Azizi.

"It has definitely been rewarding to work at the Diocese, alongside familiar people, and also to have the opportunity to get to know a lot of the new faces," said Ms. Terjanian.

Diocesan staff gathered for a farewell reception in honor of Mr. Azizi and Ms. Terjanian on Friday, August 7. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese, gave the two interns copies of the book, The Lamentations of St. Gregory of Narek. The Primate expressed his gratitude to the interns and their contributions to the Armenian Church on both a Diocesan and parish level, and encouraged them to stay involved.

The interns presented the Diocesan staff with a musical card thanking them for their guidance over the summer weeks.

"It was a true pleasure to have Taleen and Gevorg working with us this summer. Not only did they grow professionally, but they also grew culturally and spiritually during their time here," said Ms. Hoplamazian, who supervised this year's interns. "I was continually impressed with the professionalism, maturity, and efficiency they displayed in their work, as well as their love for the Armenian Church."

"Our summer intern program is a great opportunity for young people to come to the Diocesan Center and cathedral complex, become a part of its daily life, and get to know New York City," said Archbishop Barsamian. "But it's equally an opportunity for the Diocese to welcome our young sons and daughters, to get to know them, encourage them on their life's path, and send them back to their home parishes with a stronger attachment to our church."

"It's a great benefit to everyone involved, and a very welcome period of each year," the Primate said.