AMAA 97th ANNUAL MEETING BANQUET: FAITHFUL TO OUR LEGACY

After a few days of 97th Annual Meeting related activities, hosted by the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church in Havertown, PA, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) held its 97th Annual Meeting Banquet on Saturday, October 22nd, honoring three distinguished individuals:  Albert Momjian, Esq., former President of the AMAA (posthumously), Honorable Set Momjian, former US Representative to the United Nations and Rev. Dr. John Markarian, founding President of Haigazian University.

Master of Ceremonies, Mark A. Momjian, Esq.

Leading the program, Master of Ceremonies, Mark A. Momjian, Esq. brought a unique sense of humor and warmth to the event, welcoming the nearly 200 guests and acknowledging the legacy each honoree and the AMAA has left over the past 97 years throughout the world.   Special video presentations were made, providing a glimpse of the very full lives of each honoree.  Another video, produced by Tina Stein Segel, highlighted one of the AMAA’s newer ministries, the ‘Shogh Day Center’ program the AMAA runs in Armenia which illustrated its work in action.

Matthew Momjian, Mrs. Joan Momjian and Honoree Hon. Set Momjian, Christine and Bruce Momjian

The Honorable ROA Ambassador Grigor Hovhannissian made a special presentation, encouraging the efforts of the AMAA to continue and he warmly recognized another pillar of the community, Ms. Wilma Cholakian, Administrative Dean at Haigazian University from 1985-1995.

Melineh Momjian, Banquet Co-chair Thomas Momjian, Esq., Mrs. Esther Momjian, wife of the posthumously honored late Albert Momjian, Esq. – former AMAA President and
Carol Momjian Hanamirian, Esq.

Throughout the evening, musical entertainment was provided by the very lovely and gifted soprano Anush Avetisyan who performed Armenian and classical opera pieces.

In conjunction with celebrating the 170th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Evangelical Church, this year’s theme “Faithful to Our Legacy” kicked-off the Centennial Capital Campaign on the East Coast garnering lead gifts which pushed the amount raised past the $4 million mark.

Mark Momjian, Esther Momjian, Carol Momjian Hanamirian, Set Momjian, Zaven Khanjian, Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, Inge Markarian, Rev. Dr. John Markarian, Thomas Momjian

AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian and Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO thank Rev. Nishan Bakalian, Committee Co-chairs Thomas Momjian, Esq. and Eileen Chopourian Stephey, Ed.D, Committee Members and all delegates of the Armenian Evangelical Churches, Unions, Armenian Evangelical World Council, AMAA Committees and affiliated organizations for their hard work and support in making this another successful and memorable affair!