Avaks to Conclude Year's Program With Picnic

The Avaks seniors group of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral will conclude another successful year with an all-day trip to Montauk, N.Y., on June 21, followed by a picnic on the cathedral plaza in Manhattan on June 28.

The trip to Montauk will include wine-tasting, a luncheon at the famous Gurney's overlooking the ocean, and a visit to the Montauk Lighthouse. On June 28, there will be a chicken and luleh kebab picnic, music, dancing, and prizes.

Every Thursday during the year, the Avaks enjoyed a full program, including Bible study at 11:30 a.m., followed by a homemade lunch and a cultural program, which included films and lectures.

Presentations were made by the Diocesan Vicar,  the Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian; Diramayr Shakeh Kadehjian; Mr. Krikor Markarian; and Dr. Vartan Matosian. St. Vartan Cathedral choir director Khoren Mekanejian, soloist Maro Partamian, fitness expert Arpine Dod, and journalist Florence Avakian also gave talks.

Trips included a three-day retreat in September to the Ararat Center in Greenville, N.Y., where the Avaks took part in daily worship and Bible study, apple-picking, films, and other activities.    

In December, the Avaks hosted a Christmas party replete with a grab bag, singing of carols, and lunch.

In the spring, the Avaks traveled to Lancaster, Pa., where they attended the famed Millennium Theatre's "Sight and Sound" presentation of the biblical story of "Jonah." In Lancaster, they also went shopping in the Tanger Outlets, and enjoyed films, prizes, and singing on the return bus journey.  

In May, a group of Avaks attended Silence, the award-winning play about the Armenian Genocide written and directed by Dr. Herand Markarian.

The Avaks program is under the direction of St. Vartan Cathedral Dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian. Fr. Chevian is assisted by Dn. Sebuh Oscherician. For more information about the Avaks program, call the Diocesan Center at (212) 686-0710.

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Photo attached: As part of this year's program, the Avaks visited the Ararat Center in upstate New York.