National Association of Ladies' Guilds & Conference of Yeretsgins during N.R.A.

Photos courtesy of Armenian Prelacy

      The Conference of the National Association of Ladies Guilds takes place each year concurrent with the National Assembly. Two guest speakers were featured during the two-day conference. Ms. Rhona Kitabjian spoke about her book about faith, love and service in the church and community. Mr. Manoog Kaprielian spoke about the strength of the Armenian Woman and her role in history and today. Mr. Kaprielian was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Armenian International Women’s Association. He has been in interviews and documentaries on NPR and BBC and has received many international honors for his humanitarian work.
     The conference participants had the opportunity of meeting with Archbishop Oshagan and share ideas and concerns with him. Elections took place for the new NALG executive with the following results: Marion Boudakian, chairlady; Yn. Nectar Manoogian, vice-chairlady; Madonna Kizirian, treasurer; Maggie Kouyoumdjian, corresponding secretary; Rosemary Khachadoorian, recording secretary; Joyce Bagdasarian, advisor.
     Mrs. Araxie Kitabjian & Ms. Gail Baderian represented Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church at the conference.

A scene from the conference of the National Association of Ladies Guilds

     The Conference of Yeretzgeens (wives of parish priests) was conceived several years ago, and has since convened in other years.  This year the theme of the conference was “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” All delegates received a “Peace on Earth” bag—a small gift from the Yeretzgeens. Inside the bag was a note asking everyone to join in prayer for peace on earth on May 20, Pentecost Sunday.

      During the two-day conference the following speakers were heard:

​Nayiri Baljian Bell, of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, introduced the theme by preparing the heart for prayer. She described how she turned to God when her child—barely a month old—was faced with a life-threatening disease. She and her husband were told to “prepare for the worst.” But instead of preparing for the worst, they prayed for the best. Her daughter Dalita celebrated her 2 nd birthday in April. Nayiri shared how faith, hope, love, and personal devotion time with God turned her darkest hour into the noon day.

Dr. Arpi Boynerian, wife of Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian of the Armenian Memorial Church in Belmont, Massachusets, spoke on the sanctity of the marriage vows and how to maintain peace, harmony, and strength through prayer for the family. She reminded the audience of the promise made during marriage vows and how God-centered couples can raise children with godly wisdom, to be strong in their convictions and to courageously act upon those convictions.

Yn. LuAnn Sabounjian, wife of Rev. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian of the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, Massachusetts, spoke on intercessory prayer and changing the world around us from a healthcare perspective. She inspired the audience to reach out to people from all walks of life with a visit, volunteer work, a random act of kindness to a total stranger, thus fulfilling the great commission of Jesus when He said prior to His Ascension: “Peace to you. Go into the world and preach the Good News to every creature.”

Yeretzgeen Alice Baljian, wife of Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, spoke about “The Healing Oils of the Bible.” She showed with Biblical references how God provided essential oils derived from plants for healing and maintaining good health. Her presentation was both educational and fascinating.

Archbishop Oshagan with Yeretzgins, speakers, and guests at the Conference.