Armenian Missionary Association of America 
Rebuilding a Vision: Camp ARMEN
Consecration Ceremony November 4, 2023
“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NIV. With this Bible verse His Beatitude Archbishop Sahag II Mashalian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, addressed the attendees with his congratulatory remarks and prayers during a consecration ceremony of the rebuilding of Camp ARMEN located in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday, November 4, 2023. Many guests participated in the ceremony including Rev. Krikor Ağabaloğlu, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedikpaşa, Archbishop Levon Zekiyan, the Apostolic Administrator of Armenian Archeparchy of Istanbul, and the students of Hrant Dink School.
Տեսիլքի մը Վերականգնումը – Քէմբ ԱՐՄԷՆ
Հիմնարկէքի Արարողութիւն Նոյեմբեր 4, 2023
«Եթէ Տէրը չշինէ տունը, զուր տեղ կ’աշխատին անոր շինողները» – Սաղմոս 127. 1։ Այս Սուրբ Գրային համարով Կ. Պոլսոյ Հայոց Պատրիարք Սահակ Բ. Արք. Մաշալեան սկսաւ իր պատգամը ուղուած ներկաներուն՝ Շաբաթ, Նոյեմբեր 4, 2023-ին, Իսթանպուլի Թուզլա թաղամասին մէջ գտնուող Քէմբ ԱՐՄԷՆ-ի վերակառուցման հիմնարկէքի արարողութեան ընթացքին։ Հիմնարկէքի այս միջոցառումին կը մասնակցէին Կէտիկ Փաշայի Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի Հովիւ՝ Վեր. Գրիգոր Աղապալօղլու, Կ. Պոլսոյ Հայ Կաթողիկէ Արքեպիսկոպոսական Աւագ Աթոռի Առաքելական Կառավարիչ՝ Պօղոս Լեւոն Արք. Զեքիյեան, Հրանդ Տինք դպրոցի սաներ եւ բազմաթիւ հիւրեր։
By Gilda Buchakjian Kupelian
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia visited the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) headquarters in Paramus, New Jersey, on November 15, 2023. He was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Prelacy Vicar and pastor of Sts. Vartanants Church, New Jersey, and an entourage of clergy and representatives of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon,
The Pontifical delegation was warmly welcomed by prominent members and guests from the Armenian Evangelical community and members of the AMAA Board of Directors led by Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO, and Rev. Calvin Sagherian, Moderator of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA).
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A Special Evening in Support of Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School
By Ani Nigoghosian
The AMAA Boston Child Care Committee successfully presented “Hyeminds” as over 130 guests and supporters gathered at the Wellesley Country Club in Wellesley, MA to benefit and support the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School in Yerevan, Armenia.
Special guests included Pamela Avedisian, keynote presenters Garen and Emiliya Bagdasarian of APRIS Wines, and a representation of area clergy. Per its website, the “Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School (AHS) is an educational institution that provides outstanding K-12 holistic, tuition-free education in a modern, environmentally friendly building, using state-of-the-art facilities in the low-income southwest Yerevan district of Malatia-Sebastia. AHS was established in 1998 by the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) thanks to the vision and generosity of its benefactors, Edward and Pamela Avedisian.”
Event Co-Chairs Talin Abidian and Cara Haleblian created a beautiful evening of entertainment with a purpose. The event began with a lively cocktail hour, where guests were treated to musical entertainment provided by John Baboian while having the opportunity to view and bid on an extensive variety of silent auction items, including sports memorabilia, a wine-pull including Armenian wines, and a variety of Armenia related items.
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UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION
MAKE THIS SEASON YOUR REASON TO GIVE & BE MERRY
Please join for a private tour of this groundbreaking exhibition led by
Contemporary Art Advisor Aileen Agopian and The Brant Foundation’s Curator, Mario Fasani
Your generous donation will help the AMAA NY/NJ Orphan & Child Care Committee to raise critical funds for the displaced families of Artsakh!
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Exclusive After-Hours Tour
TRANSPORTATION x CURATED TOUR x DINNER INCLUDED
ABOUT THE ARTISTS: According to the Brant Foundation, “Basquiat x Warhol, an exhibition of works from the artists’ influential collaboration in the early eighties. Curated by Dr. Dieter Buchhart and Peter M. Brant in collaboration with Dr. Anna Karina Hofbauer, this is the first time this iconic collaboration has been the subject of a major New York exhibition in over twenty-five years.
Basquiat and Warhol occupied two distinct spaces in New York’s 1980s art scene. After their formal introduction in 1982 at Warhol’s Factory, the two would meet regularly, working on multiple monumental canvases at once, resulting in over 160 collaborative works created in the short period of from late 1983 to 1985. This enthusiastic exchange of energy is exemplified in their paintings, which illustrate a back and forth that is both tense and complimentary. The paintings are rife with both artists’ unique iconographies: Warhol’s screen-printed advertisements and cultural symbols are effaced by Basquiat’s iconic figures and signs; newspaper headlines included by Warhol are obscured and rewritten by Basquiat; scenes painted in Basquiat’s conceptual Neo-Expressionist style are joined by Warhol’s precise appropriations of brand logos. The artists also influenced each other: Warhol at times returned to his painterly beginnings, and Basquiat increased his use of the silkscreen-printing technique.
“In their collaboration, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol came together and opened new ideas and spaces of thought that mirror both our present time as well as the past and future. The results are brilliant artworks that continue to have an impact in our own time as they appear to address pressing and highly relevant contemporary topics such as racism and consumerism. Their collaboration was a unique project and probably one of the greatest and most enduring in all of art history,” says Dr. Buchhart.”
CURATED TOUR: The private tour of this groundbreaking exhibition will be led by Contemporary Art Advisor, Aileen Agopian, and The Brant Foundation’s Curator, Mario Fasani.
About Aileen Agopian: Named by ARTnews as one of the top art advisors in America, Aileen Agopian formed AGOPIAN inc. as a full-service bespoke art advisory firm that helps seasoned and new collectors build art collections of Contemporary Art. Prior to this, Agopian worked at Sotheby’s as the Senior International Director of Post-War & Contemporary Art as well as the Co-Head of Contemporary Art Auctions in Doha, Qatar. She was also the Director of Contemporary Art at Phillips and began her career as the sales director at White Cube Gallery London. As an accomplished auctioneer at both Sotheby’s and Phillips, Agopian continues to conduct charity auctions worldwide. Agopian has a Master’s degree in Post-War & Contemporary Art with Honors from Sotheby’s Institute London, and her B.A. in Art History & French Literature, cum laude from Tufts University.
COMMITTEE: Organized by Vicki Shoghag Hovanessian, Chair, Cultural Advisor to the Armenian Embassy in Washington, Seta Nalbandian, Co-Chair, Lucienne Aynilian, Anita Buchakjian, Christine Kutlu, Magda Poulos, Celeste Telfeyan Helvacian, Jennifer Telfeyan-LaRoe, Kathy Voskian
THE BRANT FOUNDATION: If you will be meeting us at the Brant Foundation, please meet at 5:30 PM, located at 421 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009.
TRANSPORTATION: If you will need transportation, please meet us at 4:30 PM (EST) at the Armenian Presbyterian Church (APC), located at 140 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652. **The Bus will depart APC at 4:45 PM (EST) SHARP!
SHOES: We encourage you to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour runs approximately one hour.
DINNER: Dinner is scheduled immediately following the tour at Yara Restaurant located at 319 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022. There will be no assigned seating.
RETURN: The bus will pick-up returning guests from Yara Restaurant after dinner. To best avoid traffic, the bus plans to depart by 9:15 PM. We plan to be back at the Armenian Presbyterian Church by 10:30 PM.
CONTACT: If you have any questions or need assistance, please save the AMAA Marketing & Events Manager, Christine Kutlu’s mobile number (201) 983-1396.
CHANGES/CANCELLATIONS: If there are any changes to your confirmed transportation or attendance, please let us know right away.
The Christmas season will soon be upon us and the AMAA has already begun preparations to bring ‘Christmas Joy’ to children in Armenia and Artsakh!
AMAA’s treasured Christmas Joy Program is on track to once again bring smiles and fun celebrations to thousands of needy children in Armenia and Artsakh. But this can only be fully accomplished with the loving donations of our generous donors!
Your donation of a Christmas Joy package is delivered directly into the hands of children who are delighted with their special gift. Each gift bag is filled with toys, school supplies, personal care items, candy and a Christmas story activity booklet and crayons. For some children, this special package given by the AMAA may be the only Christmas gift they receive, as their families cannot afford to spend what little income they have on presents.
For as little as $15 per package, help spread the joy of Christmas and share God’s love to our precious children in the Homeland!
By Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
We are passing through difficult times.
Very difficult times.
The shocking loss of Artsakh is an immeasurable agony. It is the most piercing national tragedy faced by the nation since the genocide. Artsakh has been the homeland ever occupied by Armenians for several millennia. Countless churches, monasteries, and schools have punctuated the land for many centuries. Prayers fill its skies, and worship embraces the soil. We are speechless and heartbroken, and we can cry a river. But we do not suffer from contemptuous morality. Nor do we pray like the hypocrites on street corners. We realize, that if yesterday, we faced threats, assault, blockade, starvation, incitement, hatred, and occupation, today we are facing an existential threat of invasion of the motherland. With the toothless condemnation of friends near and far, we are the sole guarantor of our destiny.
Our consolation is in our faith in God, who is in control and trust that all is within his plans. In our weakness and defeat we find strength in Him.
We will not sit idle as we have work to do. A God entrusted mission to attend to. Besides our commitments to sustain countless educational, spiritual, humanitarian and youth-oriented institutions globally, we have one hundred thousand forcibly displaced families to care for. We cannot do it alone and we cannot do it all, but we will do the best of our ability.
My outlook is positive. We have endured much pain in history, borne the distress and resurrected. Our resilience and persistence have prevailed.
Despite all evil, AMAA steadfastly continues to spread the Word and reflect His love, goodness, and hope around.
Our weapon is our faith, love, service, and the pen. We are good at building, educating, enlightening, and spreading the Word.
God has called on the AMAA to bear the yoke of our people and assume a humble role of service.
This is our commitment, this is our promise, this is our culture, this is our mission, this is our faith, and this is our prayer.
‘ՍԻՐՏՍ ՍԱՓՈՐՆ Է ԴԱՏԱՐԿ’
‘ՈՒ ԵՍ ԿԵՐԹԱՄ ԴԷՊԻ ԱՂԲԻՒՐԸ ԼՈՅՍԻՆ’
‘AND I GO TOWARDS THE SOURCE OF THE LIGHT’
THANK YOU.
(Excerpt from speech delivered at the AMAA 104th Annual Meeting Banquet on October 21, 2023, in San Francisco, CA)
Դժուար ժամանակներ
Զաւէն Խանճեան, ԱՀԱԸ-ի Գործադիր Տնօրէն
Դժուար ժամանակներ կը դիմակալենք:
Շատ դժուար:
Արցախի ցնցող կորուստը անչափելի կոտտանք կը պատճառէ: Ցեղասպանութիւնէն ի վեր ամենէն խոցող ազգային ողբերգութիւնն է, որ կը դիմագրաւէ մեր ազգը: Արցախը եղած է հայերու կողմէ բնակեցուած հայրենիք, մի քանի հազարամեակներու ընթացքին։ Բազմաթիւ եկեղեցիներ, վանքեր եւ դպրոցներ դարեր շարունակ յատկանշած են երկիրը։ Աղօթքները կը լեցնեն անոնց երկինքը, իսկ պաշտամունքը կը գրկէ հողը: Անխօս ու սրտցաւ ենք, եւ կրնանք յորդառատ լալ։ Բայց մենք անարգական բարոյականութեամբ չենք տառապիր։ Չենք աղօթեր փողոցներու անկիւններուն գտնուող կեղծաւորներու պէս: Մենք կը գիտակցինք,որ եթէ երէկ դիմակալած ենք սպառնալիքներ, յարձակումներ, շրջափակում, սով, հրահրում, ատելութիւն եւ գրաւում, ապա այսօր որեւէ ներխուժման պարագային, մենք կը կանգնինք հայրենիքի գոյութեան սպառնալիքի դիմաց։ Մերձաւոր ու հեռու ընկերներու անզօր դատապարտումով , մենք կը մնանք մեր ճակատագրի միակ երաշխաւորը:
Մեր մխիթարութիւնը կը գտնենք, առ Աստուած մեր հաւատքին մէջ: Ան է որ կը վերահսկէ եւ կը վստահի, թէ ամէն ինչ իր ծրագիրներուն մէջ է: Մեր տկարութեան եւ պարտութեան պարագային, մեր ուժը կը գտնենք Անոր մէջ:
Անգործ չենք կրնար նստիլ, քանի որ շատ ընելիք ունինք. Աստուծոյ կողմէ մեզի վստահուած առաքելութիւն, որուն պէտք է ձգտինք: Բացի մեր պարտաւորութիւններէն՝ կանգուն պահել անթիւ կրթական, հոգեւոր, մարդասիրական եւ երիտասարդական ուղղուածութիւն ունեցող հաստատութիւններ ամբողջ աշխարհի մէջ, մենք ունինք հարիւր հազար բռնի տեղահանուած ընտանիքներ, որոնց պէտք է հոգ տանինք: Չենք կրնար այդ ընել առանձին, չենք կրնար ամէն ինչ ընել, բայց պիտի ընենք մեր կարելիութիւններուն առաւելագոյնը:
Իմ հայեցակէտս դրական է: Մենք պատմութեան մէջ շատ ցաւ ապրած, նեղութիւն կրած, սակայն յարութիւն առած ենք: Մեր յարմարելու ձգտումը եւ հետեւողականութիւնը միշտ ալ գերակայած է ամէն դժուարութիւն։
Չնայած բոլոր չարիքներուն, ԱՀԱԸ-ն հաստատուն կերպով կը շարունակէ տարածել Խօսքը եւ արտացոլել Անոր սէրը, բարութիւնը եւ յոյսը մեր շրջապատին մէջ:
Մեր զէնքը մեր հաւատքն է, սէրը, ծառայութիւնը եւ գրիչը: Մենք լաւ ենք կառուցելու, կրթելու, լուսաւորելու եւ Խօսքը տարածելու մէջ:
Աստուած կը կանչէ ԱՀԱԸ-ին կրելու մեր ժողովուրդին լուծը եւ ստանձնելու ծառայութեան խոնարհ դերը:Այս է մեր յանձնառութիւնը, այս է մեր խոստումը, այս է մեր մշակոյթը, այս է մեր առաքելութիւնը, այս է մեր հաւատքը եւ այս է մեր աղօթքը:
‘ՍԻՐՏՍ ՍԱՓՈՐՆ Է ԴԱՏԱՐԿ’
‘ՈՒ ԵՍ Կ’ԵՐԹԱՄ ԴԷՊԻ ԱՂԲԻՒՐԸ ԼՈՅՍԻՆ’
Շնորհակալութիւն:
(Խօսքը յապաւումներով՝ ԱՀԱԸ-ի 104-րդ տարեժողովի խրախճանքին, 21 Հոկտեմբեր 2023, Սան Ֆրանսիսքո, Քալիֆորնիա)
The cry for help is repeated Loud and Clear!
Our people from Artsakh have suffered the unimaginable. After living for more than 9 months under a blockade, in the face of a clear demonstration of ethnic cleansing, their lives were frighteningly turned upside down by a new axis of terror. Innocent lives have been unethically torn asunder. Families were separated.
Since the September 19th forced exodus from Artsakh, AMAA Centers remain active and diligent in helping to provide temporary housing, distribute parcels of food and hygiene, infant formula, and medical care. Our Pastors and psychologists meet with individuals to help them process their fear, anger, and confusion. AMAA’s commitment to helping those forcibly displaced from Artsakh remains firm. It is the goal of the AMAA to actively secure their future by helping them find permanent housing, employment opportunities, education, psychological and spiritual support.
We appeal to you for your continued support and prayers. Hand-in-hand we will help our brothers and sisters get through this difficult time.
May God bless you.
Zaven Khanjian,
AMAA Executive Director/CEO
Please consider making a donation today to help us provide humanitarian, and any other material or medical assistance.
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As a result of the tragic circumstances arising from the September 19 exodus from Artsakh, 40 new students have been enrolled at the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisian School for the 2023 to 2024 academic year. These students were forcibly displaced from Stepanakert, Martuni cities, as well as from the villages of Chartar, Haterk and Khnushinak of Artsakh. In addition, four children from Artsakh were enrolled in the school’s Kindergarten class.
A welcoming environment has been created for these students, who are enrolled in grades first through 12th. The School psychologist remains involved in helping them integrate and settle into their new school routine and curriculum. The School also assisted these new students with the purchase of school supplies and books.
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Join the AMAA Boston Child Care Committee for an evening of dinner and music to benefit the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School.
Established in 1998, the Avedisian School provides underprivileged children in Yerevan with a high-quality education, from pre-k through secondary school, at no cost.
Together, we can make education more than just a dream for those in the low-income district of Malatia-Sebastia, Yerevan.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
6:30-9:00 pm
Wellesley Country Club
Wellesley Hills, MA
AMAA Holds 104th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, CA
Elects New Board Members for Class of 2026
By Louisa Janbazian
This year, the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) 104th Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, hosted by the Calvary Armenian Congregational Church of San Francisco, CA.
AMAA President Nazareth Darakjian, M.D. welcomed the delegates and invited Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, to offer a devotional and the opening prayer. Rev. Shanazarian’s devotional was based on Matthew 9:36 and Colossians 3:12. Focusing on the current situation in the Motherland and the Middle East, and the AMAA’s outreach programs he said: “In a broken world filled with hate and anger, we are called to prayerfully show compassion following Jesus’ example.”
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Armenian Evangelical Education celebrated at AMAA 104th Annual Meeting and Banquet
Legacy of Edward Avedisian honored as benefactor of Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisian School of Yerevan, Armenia
by Joy Shiragian
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), the missionary arm of the Armenian Evangelical Church, held its 104th annual meeting at the Cavalry Armenian Congregational Church (CACC) in San Francisco, CA from October 20-22. A key highlight of the meeting was the banquet held on Saturday, October 21 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott in nearby Burlingame.
After meetings on Friday and Saturday for the AMAA-affiliated Armenian Evangelical World Council, the AMAA Board of Directors, and the AMAA membership, Saturday evening’s banquet provided an opportunity to commune together and celebrate Armenian Evangelical Education. The motto chosen for the Banquet theme was “And I go to the source of the light…” from Daniel Varoujan’s poem “The Light” (Ու ես կ՛երթամ դէպի աղբիւրը լոյսի).
The evening began with a cocktail hour where guests had a chance to mingle. Once seated in the main ballroom, attendees were warmly welcomed by event co-chairs Vana Khanjian Vartanian and Roushig Kalebjian and greeted by Master of Ceremonies and local television news anchor, Gasia Mikaelian. This was followed by the invocation, given by CACC pastor Rev. Calvin Sagherian, and an address by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Prelate of the Western Diocese.
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Օգնութեան աղաղակը կը կրկնուի բարձր եւ պարզ: Հազարաւոր մեր Արցախցի հայրենակիցներու հոսքը սահմանին կը յորդի եւ մարդկային ճգնաժամը արագօրէն կը սրի:
Մեր ժողովուրդը յոգնած է, աւելի քան 9 ամիս շրջափակումի մէջ ապրելէն ետք, ի դէմս էթնիկ զտումի ակնյայտ ցուցադրութեան, անոնց կեանքը սարսափազդու ձեւով շրջուած է ահաբեկչական նոր ընթացքով: Անմեղ կեանքեր անբարոյ կերպով մասնատուած են եւ ընտանիքներ բաժան բաժան եղած:
Թէեւ ԱՀԱԸ-ը անսասան եւ 24/7-ի տեւողութեամբ պատրաստ է Հայաստան ժամանող տեղահանուած մեր հայրենակիցներուն ցուցաբերել ֆիզիքական եւ հոգեւոր աջակցութիւն, մենք նաեւ ձեր աջակցութեան կարիքը ունինք:
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It has been 3 years since the 44 Day War in Artsakh began on September 27, 2020.
Now 3 years later, we are facing another war. This war is a war to survive, to rebuild, to thrive.
On September 19th, under the pretenses of targeting “anti-terrorist activities”, intense military measures launched by Azerbaijan disguised a calculated next step toward ethnic cleansing and genocide on our brothers and sisters in Artsakh. News of targeted attacks on people and a mass exodus, deepens the dire humanitarian crisis which is evolving every day.
The AMAA is utilizing any facility we have in Armenia to aid all evacuees who were forced to leave our beloved Artsakh.
This effort is being coordinated with the Evangelical Church of Armenia for the use of their facilities.
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Dear Friends of the AMAA,
Today, we turned another page in the tragic history of our nation.
We lost Artsakh, the last bastion of historic Armenia.
What’s wrong with our nation?
What’s wrong with our people?
What’s wrong with Armenia?
I will stop the questions as I do not have any answers and am not seeking one right now.
We need to keep silent for a while and contemplate instead.
The heinous crime of starving people for 10 months and assault the hungry and powerless at the end is over. Some of the twenty-first century witnesses were on the ground. Most others poured sugar and rice from a distance.
Artsakh is depopulated. Artsakh is being evacuated.
Is being? No, Artsakh is evacuating itself with the help of the masters of cynicism, the Azeris.
Earlier, I spoke with Viktor Karapetyan, the AMAA Representative in Artsakh who called to say goodbye to his birthplace, his home, his office, his church and his mission.
I have always asked him to prioritize his and his family’s safety and security.
I had one request from him. I said, “Bring the keys with you”.
I will one day contemplate on that but today we want to collectively turn to God seeking mercy, compassion, wisdom, guidance and peace.
Along with anger, tears, shame, pain, indignation, fury, guilt and frustration, what we need is peace. God’s peace and redemption.
Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
September 25, 2023
Glendale, CA
Pictured Above: Mass exodus today from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as our Armenian compatriots, 120,000 in number, are unwillingly leaving their homeland, cleansed from their native land, and fleeing to Armenia to escape Azerbaijan’s brutality.
The AMAA thanks all participants who joined AMAA’s Pray + Act For Artsakh virtually or in spirit. To watch the prayer event, please click the video below.
We ask you to please consider donating to help our Armenian Brothers and Sisters from Artsakh.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 @ 11:00 AM (EST):
On September 27, 2020, Artsakh faced a terrible 6-week war. Now, 3 years later, they are facing another humanitarian crisis through the ongoing 285+ day blockade and current shellings/mass deportation.
The diasporans and our friends in surrounding countries lay sleepless begging for action from friends and representatives, only to get let down.
Our hope is in Christ alone.
As AMAA’s Executive Director/CEO, Mr. Zaven Khanjian stated in a prior statement, “…we approach Him for hope, comfort, guidance and wisdom. We fall down before Him with tears, prayer, humility.
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A STATEMENT ON ARTSAKH BY AMAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO, ZAVEN KHANJIAN
We feel like the Apostle, hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down…
No human language can capture our anguish and pain.
We are speechless, heartbroken, tearful, helpless, frustrated, angry, indignant, sleepless…
Our hearts are bleeding and eyes are tearing.
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Տօնելու շատ բան կայ: ԱՀԱԸ-ի առաքելութեան շատ գնահատելի ձեռքբերումներու ժամանակաշրջան մըն է: Կեանքը նշելու ժամանակաշրջան մըն է:
ԱՀԱԸ-ի 2023-ի փորձնակները (Interns) մեծ խանդավառութիւն ապրեցան հայրենիքի մէջ եւ իրենց առաքելութեան ընթացքին:
2023 ԱՀԱԸ-ի բժշկական առաքելութիւնը կրկին ցոյց տուաւ Աստուծոյ անսահման սէրը կարիքի մէջ գտնուողներու հանդէպ:
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There is so much to celebrate. It’s a season of so many rewarding accomplishments all around AMAA mission. It’s a season to celebrate life.
The 2023 AMAA interns experienced a passion for the motherland and the mission.
The 2023 AMAA Medical Mission again showed God’s immense love to those in need.
Artsakh kindergartens held annual graduation ceremonies with children radiating joy and happiness, shielded from the agony of the blockade.
Shogh centers shelter children from broken families year-round, embracing them with love, care, attention and tutorship in every field of study.
Schools in Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and the United States held graduation ceremonies and celebrated outstanding successes.
Haigazian University bid farewell to over 130 graduates sending them into to the world, armed with knowledge and carrying torches of Truth, Freedom, and Service.
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AMAA 104th Annual Meeting Banquet to Celebrate Armenian Evangelical Education and Honor the Legacy of AMAA Benefactor Edward Avedisian
By Phyllis Dohanian*
As children we were often asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. The answers usually spread across a wide range of fantasies – the president, a princess, or even an astronaut.
Fortunately for the Armenian community, one young man in Pawtucket, Rhode Island dreamed a very different dream. Observing his parents’ words and many selfless deeds reaching out to care for the needy, Edward Avedisian embarked upon a lifetime of helping others. Through many years of helping his own community, Ed developed a vision of how best to impact the well-being of Armenians into an action plan which would play a pivotal role for the future of Armenia. By providing the poorest and most deprived of children in Yerevan with the highest quality education from pre-kindergarten through secondary school at no cost, Ed wished to empower them to lift themselves to a level where they could not only obtain a good job, but also raise their own families within Armenia, assist other neighbors in need, and uplift their community and country.
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AMAA’s Artsakh Team Holds Day Camp for Children Under Blockade
With God’s guidance and protection, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) Artsakh team held its annual Summer Day Camp for Children in Stepanakert which is under the blockade. From July 10-21, the Camp was held in two shifts with over 175 children participating in Camp activities.
The Camp was unique this year in every way because it was organized and held in times of distress and need, where even finding bread was difficult. A lack of food, fuel and other necessities confronted the team. With all of these challenges, the team understood and realized that it was necessary to hold the Camp, because the children had great expectations and had no other joy this summer.
Armenian Evangelical College Celebrates 100th Anniversary with a Memorable Weekend of Events in Los Angeles
The Armenian Evangelical College located in Beirut, Lebanon is proud to commemorate its 100th Anniversary in Los Angeles, CA during the period of September 29 – October 1, 2023, under the auspices of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). Alumni members and friends will gather at the Sheraton Universal, Studio City, to mark this momentous occasion.
Founded in 1923, the Armenian Evangelical College is dedicated to providing high quality education rooted in Christian values. Over the past century, the College has nurtured countless young minds, who in turn have become successful in many different career paths. To this day, the college plays a vital role in shaping a new generation of Armenian students.
The weekend festivities will kick off on Friday, September 29, with a casual meet and greet event, providing attendees to reconnect with old friends and reminisce on their time spent at the Armenian Evangelical College.
Divided into two parts, Saturday morning will include panel discussions by distinguished speakers, focusing on the Armenian education in the diaspora, allowing attendees to ponder upon the topic and actively participate in the discussions.
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Follow your dream…
AMAA’s Avedisian School’s 2022-23 Graduation Ceremony Held in Yerevan
“Just as a mother bird soars her nourished, winged chicks, I wish you the same to you. Follow your dream, soar boldly. Don’t slack off, don’t hesitate, don’t be lazy. Study, work, be brave. Love and be loved. Appreciate study, work, wisdom…
“AMAA’s Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School Principal Melania Geghamyan’s farewell message to the seventh graduation of the School was touching. And in general, the 2022-23 academic year’s graduation ceremony, held on June 12, was full of love, exciting moments, special and unique, where representatives of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), philanthropists, leaders of Yerevan universities and schools, parents, and former graduates participated as honored guests.
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Salutes His Great Legacy
By Elise Kalfayan
The Armenian Missionary Association of American (AMAA) mourns the passing of Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian, preeminent Armenian History scholar, author of the definitive history of the First Republic of Armenia, past long-time chair of the UCLA Modern Armenian Studies Program, and one of the founders of the Society for Armenian Studies.
Dr. Hovannisian personally inspired many leaders of the AMAA. He generously shared his knowledge and time, and supported projects and programs to equip the next generation of Armenian scholars, as well as community leaders, church leaders, and thousands of students who learned to appreciate and support their nation’s ongoing struggles for independence and self-determination.
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AMAA Artsakh Celebrates KG Graduations
AMAA’s kindergartens in Artsakh are where thousands of children begin their education and receive a solid foundation for their lives. The kindergartens equip Artsakh children with an Armenian education, right value system, linguistic thinking, and the ability to appreciate the environment. Despite the continuing humanitarian crisis, epidemic, war, and blockade, the AMAA’s kindergartens in Martakert, Stepanakert, and Askeran in Artsakh managed to stay fully operational, defying all odds. The blockade, periodic power and gas outages, lack of fuel and food have made the day-to-day performance of the kindergartens difficult, but not impossible.
Despite these challenges, the school year ended in its normal course and 125 students from the three kindergartens, armed with necessary knowledge and skills, said goodbye to their beloved schools. This was manifested by the solemn farewell year-end programs held in the three kindergartens, where the children sang, danced, and recited. And, according to our tradition, and despite the blockade, the AMAA was able to provide the graduating children with gift bags full of school supplies.
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Blockade Can’t Stop Youth Camp in Artsakh
By Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Representative in Artsakh
Artsakh… Blockade…
It seems that today all we think about are the many problems we have in the Motherland. However, the mission for the youth in Artsakh is to revive the Motherland.
Since 2022, the Armenian Missionary Association of America has implemented the Soar (Trichk) Development Program for the youth in five villages of Artsakh: Kolatak, Tbighu, Herher, Kherkhan, and Tsovathegh. During this past year, these young people have been self-educating and acquiring several skills. While living in Artsakh under blockade, it is important to convey to each of these young people their share of the mission: We are the builders of tomorrow’s Homeland…
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A Message by Pastor Aram Babajanyan, Minister of the Evangelical Church of Armenia in Gyumri
This year, Armenian Evangelical family worldwide is celebrating the 177th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church. Through this celebration, we praise Lord for the past 177 years, for establishing and using this church and this community as an instrument for His ministry. We remember all the works and miracles that Lord revealed through this church. We remember the contribution that the Armenian Evangelical Church left throughout its history.
We should remember with pride our church fathers, who were devotees, martyrs, who were faithful to the gospel of Christ. We remember our contribution and service to the Armenian people. We remember the spiritual, intellectual, educational and cultural enlightenment and rise we brought to Western Armenia. We also should remember the service and dedication we brought to the Armenian people in Eastern Armenia during many critical periods of our country. We are proud to talk about the history and reasons for the formation of the Armenian Evangelical Church. Our name already summarizes this history and most importantly, our identity and mission.
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In a quickly changing world, rare is the occasion where a child is left to unwind and unplug. Summer Camp is a place of refuge for children to be outdoors, play, and disconnect from their usual surroundings. AMAA Summer Camps expand opportunities for campers to learn, grow and thrive through interactive activities and participation in sports, art and music activities, and spiritual reflection. Led by counselors who become role models and mentors, campers are encouraged to explore, learn, make new friends, and be active in a safe environment.
Through the generosity of AMAA donors, the AMAA operates the overnight Camp Sheen-Shoghig in Hankavan and 25 regional day camps in Armenia & Artsakh. Thousands of underprivileged children and teens are provided the opportunity to enjoy meaningful experiences which will last them a lifetime.
Summer Camp makes a difference!
A GIFT OF $70 WILL HELP ONE CHILD ATTEND AN OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR ONE WEEK.
A GIFT OF $40 WILL HELP A CHILD ATTEND A DAY CAMP FOR ONE WEEK.
Please help AMAA continue giving children some deserved and much-needed summer fun. Support the AMAA Camp Program.
Hand in hand, hope and tribulation, to various degrees, continue to occupy an organic day in the countries that AMAA’s present calendar serves. Some are natural turbulences that are an integral part of life anywhere. Others are of alarming proportion, man-made, with the highest degree of premeditated wickedness intended to cause pain and suffering, a prelude to commit ethnic cleansing.
This issue covers stories that identify realities that belong to each category. Here’s a walkthrough in the field which is not necessarily a green pasture.
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August 26, 2023
10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
10950 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92037
Guest Speaker
Summer Stephan, San Diego District Attorney
Proceeds to Benefit
AMAA (Armenian Missionary Association of America) Orphan Fund, ECF (Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund), Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition Stop Human Trafficking and AGBU Children’s Fund.
Organized by Trek2Share Inc. and Sparkles Foundation Inc.
All donations are tax deductible 501(c) 3
R.S.V.P. by August 15, 2023
Communiqué From AMAA
In the light of the latest developments surrounding Artsakh, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) reiterates its total and unwavering conviction and support of the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination. Any attempt to subjugate Artsakh to Azeri rule runs the risk of ethnic cleansing of its indigenous population who have called Artsakh home for many centuries.
The people of Artsakh, their dreams and aspirations are top priority for us. We eternally stand in solidarity.
Հաղորդագրութիւն Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութենէն
Արցախի շուրջ վերջին զարգացումներու լոյսին ներքեւ, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւնը կը վերահաստատէ իր ամբողջական եւ անսասան համոզմունքն ու աջակցութիւնը Արցախի ժողովուրդի ինքնորոշման անքակտելի իրաւունքին։ Արցախը Ատրպէյճանական տիրապետութեան ենթարկելու ցանկացած փորձ կը սպառնայ անոր բնիկ բնակչութեան էթնիկ մաքրագործումին, որոնք դարեր շարունակ Արցախը կոչած են իրենց տունը։
Արցախցիները, անոնց երազանքներն ու ձգտումները, մեզի համար առաջնահերթ են։ Մենք յաւերժ զօրակից ենք։
AMAA 104th Annual Meeting Banquet
Celebrating Armenian Evangelical Education
Set for October 21, 2023 in San Francisco, CA
With MC Gasia Mikaelian, KTVU Fox News Anchor
By Elise Kalfayan
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) 104th Annual Meeting Banquet, Celebrating Armenian Evangelical Education, will be held at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, San Francisco, CA , October 21, 2023, with Gasia Mikaelian, KTVU Fox TV News Anchor, as MC.
From its founding in 1918, the AMAA has prioritized education that fosters Armenian Christian identity as part of its mission. Hundreds of Armenian Evangelical elementary, secondary, higher education, boarding, and theology schools were founded and thrived in the decades before the Armenian Genocide, offering a high-quality education to all Armenians, and to girls and women for the first time. Armenian Evangelical leaders in the United States and abroad committed themselves through the work of the AMAA to rebuilding schools for their nation in the years after the Genocide.
Rebuilding After a Devastating Fire
Members of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Anjar, Lebanon are hoping to rebuild their house of worship after a devastating fire caused substantial damage to the interior and furniture, including damage to the heating and plumbing systems and electrical wiring. Church members and community locals heroically worked together to contain it, until the fire department was able to arrive. “It was indeed a miracle that there were no human injuries. However, the fire, the thick smoke and the heat caused significant damage to the Church, including damage to the walls, floors, and ceilings.” stated Rev. Hagop Akbasharian, Anjar Church Pastor and Principal of the School. The fire began in the Church’s office heater, damaging equipment, incinerating church records and caused severe smoke damage throughout the structure.
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On the occasion of the third Convention of the Armenian Evangelical Fellowship of Europe (AEFE) on April 28, 2023, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) organized a reception in Brussels, Belgium for local dignitaries and Convention participants.
On behalf of AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, Harout Nercessian, AMAA Representative in Canada, welcomed the guests and brought greetings from Mr. Khanjian, who, due to unexpected circumstances, was unable to attend. Mr. Nercessian recognized the local dignitaries, including Armenia’s Ambassador to Belgium Anna Aghadjanian.
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Armenia Tree Project, Armenian Missionary Association of America, and Tufenkian Foundation Provide Seed Potatoes to Artsakh Residents
In a move to bolster Artsakh’s food security, 90 tons of seed potatoes were delivered to the residents of Artsakh’s Martuni Region through a collaboration between the Armenia Tree Project (ATP), Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), and the Tufenkian Foundation. The humanitarian aid initiative comes at a critical time as Artsakh has suffered critical shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials due to Azerbaijan’s 120+ day blockade.
2022-23 Graduates of Hrant Dink School in Istanbul Bid Farewell to School and Return to Homeland to Continue Their Education
The 2022-23 school year’s Graduation Ceremony of Hrant Dink School was held on February 22, 2023, at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedikpaşa, in Istanbul, Turkey. In attendance were representatives of the Istanbul Armenian community, members of the Dink family, School Trustees Mr. and Mrs. Arto and Talar Horozoğlu, Spiritual Teacher Sister Gayane, Music Teacher Hrand Jizmejian, faculty members, and parents of the students.
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AMAA Opens New Center in Berd, Tavush Region of Armenia
On Friday, April 14, 2023, the inauguration, and opening ceremony of the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) new Center was held in Berd, a city located in the Tavush region of Armenia. Among attendees at the ceremony were high-ranking officials including the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, leaders of Mission Possible and Diakonia organizations that co-financed the project, representatives from municipal and regional administrations, heads of other organizations operating in Berd, and directors of local schools.
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Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Romans 12:19
By Rev. Dr. Vartkes M. Kassouni
There is a monument in the middle of Masis/Ararat Cemetery in Fresno, CA. It is a memorial to Soghomon Tehlirian. He is the hero who assassinated Talaat Pasha, on March 15, 1921, in Berlin, who was the war-criminal, the main orchestrator and mastermind of the Armenian Genocide. A few feet away from this monument are the graves of my parents, Manuel and Martha Kassouni. They also were survivors of the genocide, from Aintab (today called Gazantep), and Marash (today called Kahramanmarash), ironically the epicenters of the recent devastating earthquakes in Turkey.
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Easter 2023
Dear Friends of the AMAA,
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Hope is at the center of the Easter story. During this season of renewal, we are reminded that hope should never be lost. For as dark as the road may seem, ahead lies a light leading the way out of the darkness, celebrating the empty tomb on Easter morning.
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AMAA’s Christian Life Committee welcomes you to join us virtually on Saturday, April 1, 2023, as we PRAY + ACT FOR LEBANON, which will be led by AMAA’s Christian Life Committee Chair, Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian.
Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian, the Coordinator of Church Relations of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, and Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University and Acting President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, and Chairman of the Central Committee of the Union, will report on the situation in Lebanon.
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By Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Has suffering become our routine? Do we need to be in a war or earthquake zone to suffer? When our kin or other members of God’s creation suffer, we all suffer.
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By now you are familiar with the devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Turkey, the repercussions of which continue to cause pain, suffering and trauma to the affected masses.
The pictures of destruction, homelessness, hunger, unemployment and other physical and spiritual suffering are widespread. AMAA, continues to remain in direct contact with Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian, the President of the Armenian Evangelical Community in Syria, has been able to bring the situation into your homes through our social media channels, and has appealed to all for assistance.
There is a huge need for commensurate contribution to reach out to a decades long calamity struck community in Syria. All donations received will help Rev. Selimian provide and coordinate community-wide relief efforts both now and in the weeks and months ahead. I encourage you to consider making a donation today to help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and rebuilding efforts.
Thank you for sharing God’s love with those struck hard in Syria.
Barely recovered from the acts of war and completely overwhelmed by the unprecedented economic crisis, Syria is facing a new disaster – a deadly earthquake. On February 6, 2023, at 4:17 am local time, residents within the greater Aleppo provinces were rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Later, it was followed by two more earthquakes, one with a 7.5 tremor, and continuing aftershocks.
Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian, the President of the Armenian Evangelical Community of Syria reports: “According to the latest data, the current number of reported victims of the earthquake in Syria has reached 538, the number of injured is 1353, and 120 buildings have been destroyed. In addition to human losses, churches, buildings, and institutions suffered extensive structural damage, some even flattened. Soon after becoming aware of the extent of damage in the city of Aleppo, the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church in Aleppo immediately acted to help the community. People gripped by fear and left homeless, rushed to the streets, and more than 350 families found shelter in the halls and courtyard of Bethel Church. The Armenian Evangelical Community of Syria, with the financial support of AMAA, and the encouragement of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, was one of the first respondents to the disaster with direct material support and taking care of the immediate and basic needs, along with moral support and prayers.”
We pray that the resilient spirit of the community in Syria will once again prevail rising up from the depth of this latest calamity.
AMAA has been assessing the damages to our communities. We have been in touch with the leadership in Lebanon and Syria. AMAA has offered initial assistance necessary to cope with the situation and will continue to stay alert and vigilant as we receive more information.
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JULY 8 – 22, 2023
The AMAA Summer Internship is an annual program which gathers young men and women to embark on a journey that will impact them for years to come.
The AMAA Summer Internship is an annual program which gathers young men and women to embark on a journey that will impact them for years to come.
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The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic year for full-time undergraduate students of Armenian descent studying in North America.
Students interested in applying for scholarships should personally request the link for the application form by calling 201-265-2607 ext. 127 or by email, sponsorship@amaa.org. Previous recipients must reapply each year. It is the responsibility of the student to request an application form.
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The James G. Jameson Essay Contest, sponsored by the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), runs every academic year and is financed from the income of a special fund established by Mr. and Mrs. James G. Jameson of Brookline, MA.
All Armenian and part-Armenian students attending schools in North America are eligible. Only unpublished essays are accepted which are written in English and have a length of 1,000 to 2,000 words.
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ARTSAKH IS NOT A PIECE OF LAND. IT IS THE HOMELAND.
-Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Representative in Artsakh
Despite the blockade and the difficult situation in Artsakh, AMAA continues to operate its offices, Kindergartens, and “Shogh” Day Centers in Artsakh. Although there may not be an open road to bring in supplies, your donations will help keep the centers open for those in need of our services and programs. We thank you for joining us during Saturday’s PRAY + ACT event. To ADVOCATE and SUPPORT those in need, please visit the link below.
God hears our prayers.
Thank you again for joining AMAA’S PRAY + ACT FOR ARMENIA + ARTSAKH.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2023 @ 11:00 AM (EST):
REGISTER for our virtual service to hear an update on the current Artsakh blockade, learn how to take action, and pray together.
This Saturday, hear reports on the current Artsakh Blockade by Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, AMAA Artsakh Representative, Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Armenia Representative, Aren Deyirmenjian, and AMAA Armenia External Relations Coordinator, Lusine Ohanyan.
Learn how to take action and pray together during a facilitated prayer time, led by AMAA’s Christian Life Committee Chair, Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian.
TIME:
8:00 AM (PST) (Saturday in US and Canada)
11:00 AM (EST) (Saturday in US and Canada)
5:00 PM (Saturday in France, Belgium, Germany)
6:00 PM (Saturday in Lebanon)
8:00 PM (Saturday in Armenia)
AMAA Christmas Joy Programs Spread the Good News of Christmas Throughout Armenia and Artsakh
Christmas is a time of self-purification and transformation. A time when Christians reflect on the life they have lived, evaluate it in the light of Christ’s birth, and decide to live in accordance with that light.
Each year, as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in collaboration with the Evangelical Churches of Armenia (ECA), spreads the Good News of Christmas to thousands of children throughout Armenia and Artsakh.
This year, during the first weeks of January, AMAA and ECA, together organized 95 Christmas Joy Programs in 24 towns and villages throughout Armenia and Artsakh, with over 12,000 children participating. The programs included theatrical performances, cartoon characters, songs, dances, recitations, and games which concluded with a visit from Santa and Snow White distributing Christmas gifts to each child.
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AMAA Artsakh Representative Viktor Karapetyan’s message at Pray + Act for Armenia + Artsakh Zoom event held on Saturday, January 7, 2023
Kind and warm greetings from Artsakh, which is under continuous siege. As you know, since December 12, the path to life is closed. The child is separated from the mother and thrown to the disdains of the world. Artsakh is facing many problems. In some cases, they are hard to solve problems. But, Artsakh exists, it lives, and this undeniable fact should not be overlooked.
In Artsakh, 120,000 people live, get educated, work, eat, receive medical treatment and… dream. They dream to live peacefully in Artsakh, in their Homeland. 30,000 of them are children who grew up too soon in these 27 days and unfortunately they understand the meaning of the word “there isn’t” without further explanation.
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The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). –Matthew 1:23
January 6: Christmas. The Armenian nation celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus. God incarnated and became man with the birth of Jesus and came to the world to live with people and among people. Through Lord Jesus, human beings came to know the nature and the image of God. The Essence of God is Love, and His character is that of giving and sacrifice.
With the birth of Jesus, God gave us His supreme Gift, His Only Begotten Son, without any expectations.
In reality, the true joy is in giving and not in receiving. The believer is called to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God, to rejoice by giving and not the other way around.
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We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. -2nd Corinthians 4:8-9
The AMAA would like to thank all who joined us in prayer during AMAA’s Pray + Act For Armenia + Artsakh held on Saturday, January 7, 2023. We would like to especially thank AMAA’s Christian Life Committee Chair, Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian, State Minister to Artsakh, Mr. Ruben Vardanyan, Advisor to the State Minister of Artsakh, Mr. Artak Beglaryan, AMAA’s Artsakh Representative, Mr. Viktor Karapetyan with Mr. Harout Nercessian translating, AMAA’s ED/CEO, Mr. Zaven Khanjian, and all who prayed for the current humanitarian crisis and blockade in Artsakh.
“Together, with Armenia, and together, with the Diaspora, together we will find the path through liberation…for the bright future of our people.”
Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Artsakh Representative
Chronic power outages have long been a way of life in Lebanon and the crisis does not appear to have a solution arising anytime soon. People, businesses, and institutions have had to rely on expensive private generators as the electricity crisis has worsened exponentially in the past year. Can you imagine yourself having to rely on only one hour of electricity within 24 hours of each day?
The benefits of this solar project extend beyond turning on the lights. It is addressing a crucial need. The ramifications connected to the daily disruption of electricity are far-reaching.
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A Message by Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
After an absence of five years, the AMAA Annual Meeting and Banquet returned to New Jersey bringing back its gracious mission partners from all around the world.
Tonight, a graceful Banquet Committee, diligently chaired by Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian, delightfully entertained us. We honored our global partners and were touched by their amazing stories shared in live and moving pictures.
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The AMAA is saddened to announce the passing of Edward Avedisian, AMAA Board and Committee Member, longtime supporter, founder, and principal benefactor of AMAA’s Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
“Mr. Ed Avedisian was a humble man with a very generous heart and an immense love for Armenia and Armenian heritage. His legacy will remain alive for all of us and especially the generations of students at the Avedisian School in Yerevan. Truly, this is a big loss for the Armenian nation, but we hope that his life will be an example for others to follow.” reflects AMAA Board of Directors President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian.
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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 (NIV)
Dear Friends:
Christmas is that special time of year where we are reminded of the joy of giving to others and faithfully share the gifts which have been given to us from Above.
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Ամերիկայի Հայ Ավետարանչական Ընկերակցության 103-րդ Տարեկան Ճաշկերույթը՝ Մեծ Տոնախմբություն
Ֆլորենս Աւագեան
Աճի եւ հսկայական նվաճումներով դար ապրելը բեկումնային իրադարձություն է, իսկ հարյուրամյա նշաձողը գերազանցելը՝ արդեն ուշագրավ հաղթանակ:
Հոկտեմբերի 22-ի երեկոյան Ամերիկայի Հայ Ավետարանչական ընկերակցությունը կազմակերպեց իր 103-րդ տարեժողովի ճաշկերույթը, որին ներկա էին ավելի քան 225 հյուրեր աշխարհի բոլոր կողմերից:
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Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան 103-րդ Տարեժողովի Ճաշկերոյթը՝ Մեծ Տօնախմբութիւն
Ֆլորենս Աւագեան
Աճի եւ հսկայ նուաճումներու դար մը ապրիլը բացառիկ իրադարձութիւն է՝ բայց հարիւր աստիճանի նշագիծը գերազանցելը արդէն ուշագրաւ յաղթանակ է։ Շաբաթ օր՝ Հոկտեմբեր 22-ի երեկոյեան, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւնը կազմակերպեց իր 103-րդ Տարեժողովի Ճաշկերոյթը, որուն ներկայ էին աւելի քան 225 հիւրեր աշխարհի տարբեր կողմերէն։
«Հզօրացնել Աւետարանչականի Համաշխարհային Առաքելութիւնը» բնաբանը կրող բարեյաջող միջոցարումին, այս Ընկերակցութիւնը որ կը ծառայէ որպէս միջազգային Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիներու միսիոնարական թեւը եւ կը գործէ 24 երկիրներու մէջ, պատուեց երեք երկիրներու իր գործակից ընկերակցութիւնները՝ Գանատա, Աւստրալիա եւ Ֆրանսա։
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By Florence Avakian
Reaching a century of growth and great achievement is considered a climactic milestone, but exceeding the 100 degree mark is a remarkable triumph. On Saturday evening, October 22, the Armenian Missionary Association of America held its 103rd Annual Meeting Banquet with close to 225 in attendance from all over the world.
At this auspicious event, entitled “Empowering AMAA’s Global Mission,” this organization which serves as the missionary arm of the Armenian Evangelical Church internationally, and is thriving in 24 countries, honored its partners in three countries – Canada, Australia, and France.
Representing the association’s fellowship which promotes education, churches, humanitarian and youth programs, and camps for Armenians worldwide, the banquet tables were symbolically decorated with globes sitting atop an ornamental dish of fall fowers.
A warm welcome was shared by longtime AMAA officials and activists Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian in English, Armenian and French. “We stand on the shoulders of our courageous people and heroic history,” they said to loud applause.
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AMAA Holds 103rd Annual Meeting in Paramus, NJ
Elects New Board Members for Class of 2025
By Louisa Janbazian
After an absence of five years, the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) Annual Meeting and Banquet returned to Paramus, New Jersey where its main headquarters are located on 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ. The AMAA’s 103rd Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Sanctuary of the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, NJ.
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San Diego SparkleS Foundation Gift to AMAA Orphan & Child Care Fund
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) announced receipt of $25,000 provided by San Diego SparkleS Foundation. The donation will be directed to orphan children living on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“Children in war-torn areas still have dreams for their futures,” said Madna Poulos, AMAA Director of Operations and Donor Relations. “With the arrival of winter in the Caucuses, we will steward these funds to provide for warm shelter, clothing, blankets and most of all, hope.”
AMAA provides food and clothing distribution, medical and dental services, education centers and social workers to address childhood trauma. All donations go to direct services to children.
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AMAA Boston Orphan & Child Care 2022 Gala Raises Funds to Support Children Throughout Armenia and Artsakh
With the success of last year’s AMAA Boston Orphan and Child Care 2021 Gala, young professionals stepped forward wanting to be part of the efforts to support impoverished children throughout Armenia and Artsakh. They worked tirelessly with Committee members planning an event and bringing a new dimension to the Gala event.
The setting sun on a crisp September 28th evening provided a glowing backdrop to the Wellesley Country Club in Wellesley, MA as supporters poured through the doors. John Baboian, jazz guitarist, composer, and Professor at the Berklee School of Music, abandoned his jazz tradition to enhance the atmosphere with classical Armenian melodies to welcome everyone to an evening filled with love for our people. Rev. Dr. Ron Tovmassian, the newly appointed Field Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, blessed the evening’s attendees and activities with an inspiring invocation remembering all our people struggling in Armenia, Artsakh, Lebanon, and Syria.
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AMAA CHILD AND ORPHAN CARE COMMITTEE
LUNCHEON AND FASHION SHOW
Honors One of Our Founding Members & Community Activists Savey Tufenkian
SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022
Beverly Hills Hotel
By Eileen Keusseyan, LA Child and Orphan Care Committee member
The AMAA Child and Orphan Care Luncheon and Fashion Show was BACK and IN FULL SWING after going through the shutdowns, the lockdowns, the anxiety and apprehension of Covid-19! On May 21, 2022, the ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel was lit up from within not only by the gorgeous chandeliers hanging from the rose-adorned ceiling but by Mrs. Savey Tufenkian’s angelic soul as we honored her memory and celebrated her global impact, from here in Los Angeles, to our homeland in Armenia. Mrs. Tufenkian was one of our founding members, a community activist and a pillar of strength, dedication, and ardor amongst us. Her life, her persona, her benevolence and her unwavering dedication to children and orphans impacted not just the AMAA care recipients since its founding following a devastating earthquake in Armenia, but the community at large, including every single guest on May 21st. The glimmer in her eyes and her smile as she entered a room, any room, captivated us all. And on May 21st, her soul was smiling down on us, with a sparkle in her eyes as the children walked down the runway, giggling, and skipping, as a crown of nearly 400 guests cheered them on.
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The Armenian Missionary Association of America and the
2022 Banquet Co-Chairs, Mr. & Mrs. Vahram & Lucienne Aynilian,
invite you to join us in October for the 103rd AMAA Annual Meeting Banquet.
Click here for additional information.
AMAA welcomed a delegation from Artsakh, headed by Artsakh Foreign Minister David Babayan at a dinner reception held on September 27, 6pm at Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks, CA.
Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/ CEO welcomed the guests to the social hall of the school where, after introductions and welcoming words Mr. Babayan presented a gift of remembrance to AMAA which was received by AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian.
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By Elise Kalfayan
Long serving and dedicated leaders within the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), Mr. & Mrs. Vahram and Lucienne Aynilian are co-chairs of its 103rd Annual Meeting Banquet and well-suited to the event’s theme, “Empowering AMAA’s Global Mission.” The banquet will honor The Armenian Missionary Association of Canada, the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, and Hope for Armenia (Espoir pour l’Arménie) of France – and will take place Saturday, October 22, 2022, at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.
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A Message by Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Representative in Artsakh
Was it just yesterday or a long time ago? It was only two years… already two years.
Two long and fast-paced years have passed since the unrestrained Artsakh war of 2020. And since those fierce days, time has been ticking away only with the hands of the clock. The pain and anger have stopped in the eyes and in the heart of the Armenian.
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The long awaited commemoration of the Armenian Evangelical Church (AEC) is over.
The Opera spectacle, the collective brainstorming, the worship and dedication services are all over. The gala, feasts and fellowships are history, and we have all returned home.
As I ponder our many activities in July, my outlook turns toward the 200th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church which will occur in 2046.
I will probably not be there. But I know the 175th Anniversary could be the springboard that will take us to our next milestone anniversary.
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Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի հիմնադրութեան յիշատակումը պատեհ առիթ մըն է վերյիշելու անցեալի իրագործումները եւ արժեւորելու ներկան :
Արժէքները գնահատելն ու քննադատելը կը կազմէ ընկերութեան մը յառաջընթաց կորիզը, որ կը պահանջէ նորարար ըմբռնում եւ գիտակցութիւն:
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With only a brief quarter-century left until the 200th Anniversary of the Evangelical Church of Armenia, now is the time to frankly assess where our Church has been, where it is today, and especially to think carefully and strategically about where it is headed. Are we willing to do this in a way that will help the Armenian Evangelical Church emerge from its current identity crises and existential difficulties, and present a heritage to those born today, the 25-year-olds of 2047, and offer them a clear trajectory for the calling Christ has given our Church?
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The celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church is both an occasion for thanksgiving, and for finding the proper mirror to look into.
It is clear why we would be grateful to God for the formation and development of our Church. In unlikely places, times, and ways, a church-based revival amongst our Armenian people evolved into a spirituality of renewal, an unassuming ecclesiastical structure, a wide-ranging institutional scope, a fresh ethical and even pietistic zeal, an educational and service-oriented plan and silent curriculum, and a valued approach to the life of the person, the family, the nation, and all of society. All these had their far-reaching impact in powerful ways, here pietistic, there rational, here local, and there ecumenical. Some of the above continue up to this day despite fatigue in some Armenian Evangelical systems and approaches, but also through new signs of renewal and invigoration.
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“What is the difference between our church and the Armenian Orthodox Church?” This is a sincere question I have been asked by many who found out that I am an Armenian Evangelical Pastor. In fact, to my surprise, sometimes even Evangelical church members ask me this same question. I am sure you all have friends or colleagues who have made similar inquiries upon discovering that you attend an Armenian Evangelical Church. On the occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Evangelical Church, I want to remind everyone of some basic tenets of our beliefs and teachings.
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But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
The glorious days of Armenian Evangelical vitality, powerful testimony, and influence are now behind us. We can see them in the rearview mirrors offered by church historians. Causes may be found in the allure of physical comfort along with the daily pressures of life that have derailed our minds from the immeasurable value of the Gospel-treasure, which our pioneers passed down to us. The remedy needs to be sought in the epiphany experienced by the pioneers.
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A Tribute to District Mission Partners Empowering AMAA’s Global Mission
By Elise Kalfayan
“Empowering AMAA’s Global Mission,” the theme of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) 103rd Annual Meeting Banquet, is inspired by and dedicated to faithful, hard-working, and effective partners of the AMAA in Canada, Australia, and France. The Armenian Missionary Association of Canada, the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, and Hope for Armenia (Espoir pour l’Arménie) of France, will be represented, and each organization will be featured in a video presentation at the banquet, to be held Saturday, October 22, 2022, in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.
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AMAA 103rd Annual Meeting and Related Activities
October 20-23, 2022
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The Armenian Missionary Association of America awarded $232,500 in direct scholarship grants for the 2022 to 2023 academic year to 84 worthy students attending colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, announced John Cherkezian, Chair of the AMAA’s Scholarship Committee.
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An event that took place 175 years ago in Constantinople involving 40 people (37 men and 3 women), started a movement that changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Armenians, and made a significant impact on the history of the Armenian Church and the Armenian nation.
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He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.
Psalm 113:7-8
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
1 Thes 2:19-20
By Harout Nercessian, AMAA Armenia Representative
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) is a Christian missionary organization. In accordance with biblical principles, we invest in people to see them blossom into their full potential and become God-loving, productive men and women who make the world a better place.
The wasting of human potential, pain of wounded spirits, devastation of crushed dreams and the loss of human dignity and self-respect are a few of the prevalent tragedies of human existence.
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TO OUR CHILDREN IN ARMENIA & ARTSAKH
Even though the Christmas season is still months away, the AMAA has already begun preparations to bring ‘Christmas Joy’ to children in Armenia and Artsakh!
AMAA’s Christmas Joy Program brings smiles and fun celebrations to thousands of needy children throughout Armenia and Artsakh. From music and dancing, to Christmas plays and narrations, the true message of Christmas is proclaimed. Your donation of a Christmas Joy package is delivered directly into the hands of the children who are delighted with their gift. The packages are filled with a variety of toys, school supplies, personal care items, candy and a Christmas story activity booklet and crayons. For some children, this special package given by the AMAA may be the only Christmas gift they receive, as their families cannot afford to spend what little income they have on presents.
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175th Anniversary of the Evangelical Church of Armenia Celebrations in the Homeland
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Evangelical Church of Armenia’s HAYASA theatrical group presents the play “Hayrig” (Daddy) Depicting the Life of Rev. Aharon Shirajian, a savior of Armenian Orphans
The final event of the Armenian Evangelical Church’s 175th Anniversary celebration in Armenia was held on Thursday, July 7, 2022, as the Evangelical Church of Armenia’s “Hayasa” theatrical group presented the play “Hayrig” at the Theater of the Young Spectator. The actors, ranging in age from very young to adult, presented scenes from Rev. Aharon Shirajian’s life in Aleppo during the years of the Armenian Genocide. At that time, Rev. Shirajian was known to many as “Hayrig” (Daddy), a savior of Armenian orphans, head of the “Aleppo House of Blessing,” and the epitome of the mercy of Jesus Christ.
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Following the Armenian Evangelical Church’s 175th Anniversary commemorative events in Armenia, Armenian Missionary Association of America Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, along with his wife Sona, traveled to Istanbul on Friday, July 16, 2022, for a short mission field visit where they were welcomed by Rev. Kirkor Ağabaloğlu, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Gedikpaşa.
On Sunday, July 17, Mr. Khanjian participated in the Worship Service of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Gedikpaşa, and shared a message in Armenian while Rev. Ağabaloğlu, translated to Turkish. The message was based on Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world.”
On Monday, July 18, Mr. Khanjian with his wife Sona, and accompanied by Rev. Ağabaloğlu, visited the Patriarchate of Istanbul where they were received by His Eminence Archbishop Sahag II Mashalian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople.
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AMAA Boston Orphan & Child Care Committee Presents an evening of Wine Tasting, Food, Child Sponsorship Opportunities, and Silent Auction featuring Storica Fine Wines of Armenia, to raise funds for the Orphan & Child Care Programs.
09 | 28 | 2022
6:30 – 9:00 PM
WELLESLEY COUNTRY CLUB
300 Wellesley Avenue
Wellesley, MA 02481
The committee, chaired by Susan Adamian Covo and Phyllis Dohanian, welcomes all to join in and appreciate all that we have by helping needy Armenian children and families who have been exceptionally challenged during the past year.
Grace Bottomley and Arie Orchanian will be the emcees for the evening and inspiring Berklee professor, guitarist, and composer, John Baboian will perform. In addition to a silent auction showcasing exciting gifts and events tickets, the evening will feature a wine tasting of a variety of Armenian wines presented by Ara Sarkissian of Storica Wines.
- Must be 21+ to participate in the wine tasting event
- Come prepared to sponsor a child and bid on wonderful and unique items
- Cocktail/Business Attire
For more information, please call AMAA at 201.265.2607/ext.124 or Phyllis Dohanian at 617.510.0395 or e-mail: ckutlu@amaa.org
By Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian*
Early on Sunday morning, July 3, 2022, overseas visitors and local church members made their way to the north of Armenia, to the city of Stepanavan, to offer praises to God for his many blessings, particularly for a trio of observances: the dedication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) new Ministry Center, the dedication of the renovated Evangelical Church of Armenia (ECA) building, and most especially the service of praise and thanksgiving to God for the over 175 years of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
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AMAA-ի Գործադիր Տնօրէն Զաւէն Խանճեանի ելոյթը Ստեփանաւանի նորակառույց Կեդրոնի բացման եւ վերանորոգուած Հայ Աւետարանական եկեղեցաշէնքի վերընծայման հանդիսաւոր պաշտամունքին։
Read MoreՈւստի Աստուծոյ ընտրեալ սուրբերու եւ սիրելիներու պէս ձեր վրայ հագէք գութը, ողորմութիւնը, քաղձրութիւնը, խոնարհութիւնը, հեզութիւնը, երկայնամտութիւնը, իրարու համբերելով եւ իրարու ներելով՝ եթէ մէկը մեկուն դէմ տրտունջ մը ունենայ. Ինչպէս Քրիստոս ձեզի ներեց, նոյնպէս ալ դուք: Եւ այս ամէն բաներուն վրայ սէրը հագէք որ կատարելութեան կապն է:
Կողոսացիս 3. 12-14
Հայ Ավետարանական Եկեղեցիի 175ամյակի առթիւ
Լուսինե Օհանյան*
2022 թվականի Հուլիս 2-ին Բաղրամյան 18 հասցեում տեղի ունեցավ համամիութենական համաժողով ։
Համաժողովին ներկա էին Հայ Ավետարանական եկեղեցիների Ավագները, համայնքի տարբեր անդամներ և երիտասարդներ։
Հանդիպումը մեկնարկեց աղոթքով, փառաբանությամբ և Վերապատվելի Վահան Թութիկյանի կողմից Հայ Ավետարանական եկեղեցու պատմության տեսանյութի ցուցադրությամբ։
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On the occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church
By Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian*
Conferring together for the future of the Armenian Evangelical Church, clergy and lay from across the globe gathered for the second day of this anniversary weekend. Assembling in the Yerevan sanctuary of the Evangelical Church of Armenia on Saturday morning, July 2, 2022, the conferees were welcomed by the Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Church of Armenia (ECA) Union, Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian, who offered the day’s consultations to God in prayer. Rev. Joël Mikaélian, President of the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC), presented the day’s theme, based on the verse, “Let us run with perseverance the race set before us” (Heb. 12.1).
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175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church’s Celebrations and Events in Armenia
By Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian*
It was a festive evening to mark the 175th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church, held on Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Aram Khachaturyan Concert Hall in Yerevan. Gathering both young and old, Armenian Evangelicals from across the globe filled the venue to capacity to be part of this event that had been delayed a full year due to the pandemic. The animated encounters in front of the concert hall showed clearly that this audience was not a random gathering of event-goers, but a close-knit community with a direct connection to one another, as well as to the history being celebrated.
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By Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
July 1, 2022 marks the 176th anniversary of, as the founders consciously called, the ‘Evangelical Church of Armenia’, Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցի:
‘Church’ is the body of Christ where believers come together as different parts of the body to worship an omnipotent Creator in holiness, worthy of the image of God.
‘Evangelical’ lays God’s Word, the Holy Bible as the foundation of faith from where all wisdom flows, through which spiritual growth and nourishment is served. The Bible is the source, where the good news of salvation received through the grace of God and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ is revealed.
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Ամէն բանէ առաջ՝ ջերմեռա՛նդ սէր ունեցէք իրարու հանդէպ. Որովհետեւ սէրը կը ծածկէ մեղքերու բազմութիւնը։ Հիւրասէ՛ր եղէք իրարու հանդէպ՝ առանց տրտնջելու։
Ա. Պետրոս 4. 8-9
Զաւէն Խանճեան, Աւետարանչականի Գործադիր Տնօրէն
Նախորդ քանի մը դարերու յաջորդական արդիւնաբերական յեղափոխութիւնները ազդած են այս մոլորակի կեանքին վրայ այնպիսի տարողութեամբ, որոնք անհամեմատելի են յաւերժական ժամանակին հետ, կեանքի ծննդոցէն իվեր: Մեր ապրելու, վարքագծի, յարաբերութիւններու եւ աշխատաձեւի այս զարմանահրաշ փոխակերպումը անգամ մը եւս յեղաղրջեցաւ տեխնիքական կամ վերջին քանի մը տասնամեակներու չորրորդ արդիւնաբերական յեղափոխութեամբ։ Այնքան, որ դժուար է պատկերացնել, թէ ինչ պիտի բերէ ոչ այնքան հեռաւոր ապագան։
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Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to each other without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:8-9
By Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
The successive industrial revolutions of the past few centuries have affected life on this planet in ways incomparable to time immortal since life was introduced on earth. This amazing transformation in the way we live, behave, relate and work was once again revolutionized with the tech revolution, or the fourth industrial revolution of the last few decades. So much so that it is hard to imagine what the not-so-distant future will bring.
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Summer is a special time of year for people of all ages, especially children! AMAA Summer Camps provide an opportunity for children and teens to make new memories, build lifelong skills and have a fun-filled experience. Campers are encouraged to explore, learn, make new friends and be active in a safe environment. Each summer camp session is designed to bolster confidence and self-esteem within each child through interactive activities, participation in sports, art and music activities and spiritual reflection.
Through the generosity of AMAA donors, the AMAA operates the overnight Camp Sheen-Shoghig in
Hankavan and 25 regional day camps in Armenia, which serve thousands of children and teens.
The Armenian Evangelical Church 175th Anniversary Steering Committee welcomes our worldwide partners and friends residing in Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, or Australia (who are not part of the AMAA or HOPE for Armenia Tours) to join us as we commemorate the 175th Anniversary of the Founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church (AEC) July 1-3, & 7, 2022! This is an occasion to celebrate and appreciate the accomplishments of the past and anticipation of the future. If you are planning on being in Armenia during these dates, please join us!
Zaven Khanjian
AMAA Executive Director/CEO and
Armenian Evangelical Church 175th Anniversary Steering Committee Chairman
Dear Friends of the AMAA,
We love him because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
The ultimate sacrifice on the cross and the Resurrection of Christ demonstrates God’s inextinguishable love for us.
During these uncertain times, where a pandemic, war and unrest surround us every day, Easter is a time to connect with God as a source of our love for others. God so loved us that He gave us His Son to live, die and rise again to redeem us. He has also blessed us with all the tools needed to love our neighbors giving us hope that we can carry forth His love for us.
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AMAA Donates Sharoyan’s “Literary Scroll with the Alphabet” Book to Armenian Language Teachers in our Armenian Schools in North America
With Armenian Missionary Association of America’s (AMAA) encouragement and sponsorship, a guidebook of Western Armenian orthography and punctuation, entitled “A Literary Inspired Stroll with the Letters of the Alphabet” was recently published in Aleppo, Syria. The author of the book is the renowned Aleppo-Armenian writer, press contributor and pedagogic tiller, Levon Sharoyan.
The volume, though by its nature can be considered primarily a grammatical work, has been written in an accessible language and can be read like a perusal volume, for any Armenian-born who desires to improve the mastery of his mother tongue and get acquainted with the rules of her orthography. However, it will be useful specifically to the Armenian teachers of the diaspora, students of the upper grades and scholars of Armenological institutes.
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The Armenian Missionary Association of America’s “Shogh” Center in Vanadzor was recently named in honor of benefactors Sarkis and Haygouhie Marandjian.
AMAA Armenia held a plaque unveiling ceremony in honor of benefactors Sarkis and Haygouhie Marandjian, residents of Toronto, Canada. The Marandjian’s are members and benefactors of the Armenian Missionary Association of Canada, where Sarkis is also a Board member.
The new plaque was unveiled on March 30 at the AMAA Vanadzor Shogh Day Center.
AMAA Armenia representative Harout Nercessian greeted the staff, guests, parents, and children who were in attendance, and expressed his gratitude to the Marandjians, thanks to whose generosity many children will receive life-impacting educational, social, and psychological services.
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EASTER CHOCOLATE MAKING
BENEFITING AMAA’S MISSION AND SERVICE
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2022 @ 2:00 PM (EST)
Join us on ZOOM, Saturday, April 16, 2022, as Linda Khachadurian, a Beirut-born Armenian American medical editor, international educational nonprofit founder, sugar and chocolate artist, and host of The Charitable Confectioner on Channel 9/Cambridge Community Television, teaches us the origins of chocolate and the chocolate making process, which involves conching and tempering, plus noting the differences among the various types of chocolate!
Participants are free to purchase Easter bunny molds or use household items, such as cookie cutters, plastic salad bar containers, wax paper, or an item that’s nonporous to create decorative pieces. You can also hand-sculpt shapes and flowers out of modeling chocolate!
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AMAA Reaches out to Ukrainian Armenian Refugees
Another Armenian Diaspora community is in peril. This time it is the long-standing Armenian community of Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has resulted in a humanitarian disaster and urgent aid is needed to help Armenian victims of this war. Many individuals and families from Ukraine have sought refuge in safe havens established on the borders of neighboring countries, such as Poland, Bulgaria and Romania.
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), after actively assessing the situation through its wide network within the Armenian Evangelical Fellowship of Europe and mission partners in Bulgaria, is reaching out to the Armenian refugees who have fled Ukraine and have sought safe havens in Bulgaria. The Armenian Evangelical Churches of Bulgaria, headed by Rev. Bedros Altunian and Pastor Nerses Ketikian, the pastors of the Varna Church, are working actively on a daily basis to provide the much needed critical assistance and humanitarian support to the displaced people as quickly as possible. Most of the refugees in Bulgaria are settled in a boarding house in Varna where they are provided with food, medical assistance and other needs. Special arrangements and assistance is offered to those moving to Armenia and settling in the Homeland. Pastor Nerses Ketikian is also in touch with the Armenian Embassies and Consulates in the region, spiritual leaders of the Mother Church in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, as well as with the Holy See of Etchmiadzin to coordinate the relief efforts and help those refugees who desire to move to Armenia.
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As a result of the of the War in Ukraine, urgent humanitarian assistance is necessary to help Armenian victims of the war who have fled the country and sought refuge and safe haven in the neighboring countries. After assessing the situation, the AMAA Board appropriated emergency funds to reach out to the refugees in Bulgaria through the local Armenian Evangelical Churches. Needs in other areas are being assessed.
Badveli Nerses Ketikian, the Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Varna reports (March 7, 2022).
“On Sunday, after church we went to the Ukrainian Immigration Aid Center where the refugees were registered as immigrants. We met with 54 of them. They are all provided with boarding houses on the seafront. The issue of their food will be taken care of by the end of the day. Hot meals will be prepared for them in the boarding house. We will take care of their accommodation and food in coordination with the Ukrainian Refugee Aid Center. We gathered together with the refugees in the hallways, praying and praising the Lord for his Fatherly love and mercy.
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Celebrating the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church
June 28 – July 12, 2022
We look forward to a memorable trip reflecting on and celebrating the impact and outreach of the Armenian Evangelical Church, as well as visiting historical sites and enjoying cultural events together.
We have a full agenda planned. Please take a few minutes to review the itinerary and registration form attached.
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Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
How do you define borders? Are borders the beginning or the end of a designated space?
The latest issue of AMAA News is dedicated to the border villages of Armenia and Artsakh.
Villages are organic habitats. People live there.
When we speak of a border village, we are talking about communities, people, human beings, men, women and children, creatures born in the image of their creator. Thus, the emphasis is on life, comparatively primitive, but yet pure, honest, innocent and down to earth life.
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Գացէ՛ք ամբողջ աշխարհը, ու քարոզեցէ՛ք աւետարանը բոլոր արարածներուն: Մարկոս 16. 15
Ինչպէ՞ս կը բնորոշէք սահմանները: Արդեօ՞ք սահմանները նախանշուած տարածքի սկիզբն են, թէ՞ վերջը: AMAA News-ի վերջին թողարկումը նուիրուած է Հայաստանի եւ Արցախի սահմանամերձ գիւղերուն: Գիւղերը բնական միջավայրեր են։ Այնտեղ մարդիկ կ՛ապրին։ Երբ մենք կը խօսինք սահմանամերձ գիւղի մասին, մենք կը խօսինք համայնքներու, անձերու, մարդ արարածներու մասին՝ տղամարդիկ, կանայք եւ երեխաներ, էակներ, որոնք ծնած են իրենց Ստեղծողի պատկերով: Ուստի, խօսքը կեանքի մասին է՝ համեմատաբար պարզունակ, բայց միեւնոյն ժամանակ մաքուր, ազնիւ եւ անմեղ:
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The Story of the Isuounts Family
The Isuounts family is among the hundreds of families who were affected by the 2020 44-Day Artsakh War. They lived in Alashkert village, Kovsakan/Zangilan region, in Artsakh.
They moved to their new house before the war. But due to the war, they had to leave their house, gardens and animals. The family decided to settle in Vorotan, in Syunik region, Armenia. It is a border village and it takes much effort to reach the village as the main road is under the Azeri control.
Vanoush Isuounts and his wife Tamara have seven children, four boys and three girls. They are:
Senik is in the 9th grade. He loves physics and dreams of becoming a driver.
Arame is in the 8th grade. He loves chemistry and wishes to be an engineer.
Eyner is in the 6th grade, likes to paint and dreams of being a famous painter.
Liana is in the 1st grade. She likes to play outside.
Amanda attends kindergarten and wants to become a policewoman.
Razmik attends kindergarten.
Victoria is the youngest at just 3 years old.
The children miss their friends and school. They especially miss the new house in Artsakh where they lived for only a few days. They left their village during the last days of the war.
The AMAA’s Empower an Artsakh Family Program gave the Isuounts family an opportunity to stand up and start all over again. During the first quarter they purchased a sewing machine and special materials which are used for agricultural purposes to cultivate the harvest especially during mulberry harvest. Now they can sew materials of varied sizes and sell them. During the second quarter, they purchased a barn near their house and hens. Currently they are making some renovations on the barn and want to expand it. They also plan to buy pigs and other farm animals.
Empower an Artsakh Family has been a huge support for this family and many other families from Artsakh.
Donate today and Empower Border Village Families in Armenia and Artsakh.
Another Armenian Diaspora community is in peril. This time it is the long-standing Armenian community of Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has resulted in a humanitarian disaster and urgent aid is needed to help Armenian victims of this war. Many individuals and families from Ukraine have sought refuge in safe havens established on the borders of neighboring countries, such as Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania.
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) is actively assessing the situation and is ready to engage through its wide network within the Armenian Evangelical Fellowship of Europe. Mission partners in France and Bulgaria are on a fact-finding mission to assess the needs of the displaced people and provide critical assistance. Reports indicate that most of the refugees desire to move to Armenia. Emergency humanitarian support is needed as quickly as possible. The effort will be coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and our mission partners in Europe.
War is not the solution to disputes.
Please pray for an end to the war.
Please pray for the victims of the war.
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you”. 2 Corinthians 13:11
AMAA + @CookingWithCarm HOST: AMAA’S CLASSES FOR A CAUSE
LEARN HOW TO MAKE EECH & VOSPOV KOFTE!
Join us from the comfort of your own home as we learn how to make delicious Armenian Lenten meals with “Cooking with Carm” – Carmen Antonian!
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2022
Time: 11:00 AM (PST) / 2:00 PM (EST)
Suggested Donation: $15
This virtual class is free, but any donation will be benefiting the current Ukraine crisis.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
ALL ARMENIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE, dedicated to the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church to be held this summer in Armenia June 30-July 10, 2022.
Many youth from North and South America, the Middle East, Europe, Eurasia, and Australia will join with youth of Armenia and Artsakh in Armenia and have an opportunity to hear about God’s mission entrusted to us and how to apply it in their churches.
You can be part of it.
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January is the month to proclaim the Good News of Christmas at the AMAA Centers and Armenian Evangelical Churches in Armenia and Artsakh.
All the leaders of our churches and the children in about 25 towns and villages once again sang “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” In every town and village, the Good News was proclaimed in a different way. They spoke about giving, loving, forgiving each other, and the reason for all this was the Savior, the Son of God, who first loved us and became human to show His love.
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ԱՐԵՒՄՏԱՀԱՅԵՐԷՆԻ ՈՒՂՂԱԳՐՈՒԹԵԱՆ ԵՒ ԿԷՏԱԴՐՈՒԹԵԱՆ ՆՈՒԻՐՈՒԱԾ ՆՈՐ ՀԱՏՈՐ ՄԸ
Բըրէմըս, Նիւ Ճըրզի – Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւնը (AMAA) ուրախ է յայտարարելու, թէ իր խրախուսանքով ու հովանաւորութեամբ Հալէպի մէջ լոյս ընծայուեցաւ արեւմտահայերէնի ուղղագրութեան եւ կէտադրութեան նուիրուած հանրամատչելի նոր ուղեցոյց մը։
Նորատիպ հատորը, որ 156 էջ է, կը կրէ «Գրականաշունչ պտոյտ՝ այբուբենի տառերուն հետ» խորագիրը։ Գիրքին հեղինակն է հալէպահայ ծանօթ գրող, մամլոյ աշխատակից ու կրթական մշակ պր. Լեւոն Շառոյեան։
Հատորը իր բնոյթով թէեւ գերազանցապէս քերականական գործ մը մը նկատուի, սակայն գրի առնուած է դիւրամատչելի լեզուով ու կրնայ ընթերցանութեան գիրքի մը պէս հեզասահ կարդացուիլ՝ իր մայրենի լեզուն բարելաւելու եւ անոր ուղղագրական կանոններուն ծանօթանալու ցանկութիւն ունեցող ամէն տարիքի հայորդիի կողմէ։ Սակայն անիկա մասնաւորաբար օգտակար պիտի ըլլայ սփիւռքահայ վարժարաններու հայերէնաւանդ ուսուցիչներուն, բարձրագոյն կարգերու աշակերտներուն եւ հայագիտական հիմնարկներու ուսանողներուն։
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The Child & Orphan Care Committee is excited to gather in-person for a Luncheon, Children’s Fashion Show and Silent Auction held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on May 21, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California!
This year, we are honoring one of AMAA’s Founding Child & Orphan Care Committee members and longtime activist, Savey Tufenkian. Her life and impact will be celebrated as the event will continue to benefit the children of Armenia & Artsakh.
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The James G. Jameson Essay Contest, sponsored by the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), runs every academic year and is financed from the income of a special fund established by Mr. and Mrs. James G. Jameson of Brookline, MA.
All Armenian and part-Armenian students attending schools in North America are eligible. Only unpublished essays are accepted which are written in English and have a length of 1,000 to 2,000 words.
The topics of the Contest are required to touch upon some aspect of Armenian heritage and experience, such as religion, history, culture, literature, language, art, architecture, geography and economics.
Essays are judged based on merit in such criteria as content, style, logic and reasoning, coherence and usage.
Awards for the Contest are made in two categories: College/University contestants, and High School contestants.
The deadline for entries is May 1, 2022.
Entries and/or inquiries should be directed to: James G. Jameson Essay Contest, c/o of The Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or e-mailed to lucyr@amaa.org.
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2022-2023 academic year for full-time undergraduate students of Armenian descent studying in North America.
Students interested in applying for scholarships should personally request the link for the application form by calling 201-265-2607 ext. 127 or by email, lucyr@amaa.org. Previous recipients must reapply each year. It is the responsibility of the student to request an application form.
Incomplete items and/or missing documents will automatically disqualify an applicant.
All application forms must be completed online and submitted no later than May 1, 2022.
Awards are made by the Scholarship Committee, which takes into consideration the applicant’s grades, financial need, the tuition cost of the college he/she will attend/attends, accomplishments, future leadership potential and good character references. Please note, AMAA Scholarship checks are issued directly to academic institutions and not to individuals.
Camp Armen to be rebuilt
The AMAA welcomes the news of the rebuilding of Camp Armen in Tuzla, and is committed to support the reconstruction of the Camp.
Under the leadership of Hrant Guzelian, Camp Armen was a blessing to a multitude of Armenian youngsters from the plains of Anatolia, including Hrant Dink and his wife Rakel. We hope and pray that the new Camp will continue to be a blessing to a new wave of Armenian Youth from all corners, including Anatolia.
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“Hello” and “Thank You” from Armenia to America!
The AMAA carves smiles on about 12,000 children’s faces with Christmas gifts, festivities and the message of God’s love every year, throughout Armenia and Artsakh.
The Good News of Christmas also reached the Noravan, Shaghat and many other border villages in Armenia.
High spirits, music, gifts:
After staging the Christmas story, the children are scurrying around in the hallway, waiting their turn to get their presents.
One of the kids, who knows us, asks: “Did Santa send these gifts from America?”
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“Support Our Heroes” NGO and AMAA – for the Reconstruction of Artsakh
“Support Our Heroes” Charitable NGO and the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, according to which AMAA generously sponsors the construction of 6 out of the 16 homes of Project Nakhijevanik, in Askeran.
Participation in this program is part of the AMAA’s mission to rebuild and resettle Artsakh. Immediately after the war, the AMAA resumed its Artsakh support campaign, not only to provide emergency aid, but also to help rebuild what was destroyed. To date, AMAA has renovated 17 houses in Artsakh, in the cities of Stepanakert and Martuni.
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On November 26, a delegation from the Armenian Missionary Association of America, headed by Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, visited Yerablur, the Military Pantheon in Yerevan, to pay tribute to the memory of the Armenians who died for the independence of the Homeland.
While laying a wreath at the Memorial of the Freedom Fighters, Mr. Khanjian said, “Visiting Yerablur is not just a duty, but it has a great meaning – a responsibility to the Homeland, to live, to act as our heroes lived and sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Homeland. This is the guarantee of the survival of our nation and country.”
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The 44-day Artsakh war was a difficult period that left a severe horror in the souls of all Armenians. Armenian Missionary Association of America Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian recently visited the family of Vahe Karamyan, a hero martyred in the 44-day war.
Vahe, 32, was heroically killed in the war on October 19 during the heavy fighting in Fizuli. Vahe was a contract soldier in Sisian for many years serving as a sergeant in a peacekeeping regiment a year before the war. On September 27, upon hearing the news of the war, he left for Artsakh to defend his Homeland. He did not tell his pregnant wife Shushan about his stay in Artsakh so that she would not worry.
In 2018, 23-year-old Hayk, Vahe’s cousin, was also killed in battle. Vahe and Shushan decided that they should have three children. Their third child, named Hayk in honor of the cousin, was born early due to Shushan’s wartime feelings and anxiety. Vahe died on October 19 and never saw the baby. After hearing the news of her husband’s death, Shushan left for Sisian but tragically was killed in a car accident. Their three children, baby Hayk, a 2-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, are now under the care of their grandparents.
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Christmas 2021
Dear Friends:
In the coming weeks, people across the world will be celebrating the joyous days of Christmas and the New Year. But this year, once again the world has been engulfed by turmoil, unrest, confusion and pain due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and from outbreaks of the devastating war. Uncertainty and suffering continue to hit hard especially in Lebanon, Syria, Armenia and Artsakh.
This year has been unprecedented in so many ways. Unfortunately, we have felt firsthand the heartbreaking loss of vast territories in Artsakh, communities suffering from inflation caused by sanctions in Syria, the quick conversion of the middle class in Lebanon to poverty and despair, and the global virus greatly affecting everyday lives. Our brothers and sisters in our Armenian Homeland continued to experience many trials and tribulations in 2021 and they are afraid and in despair.
It is only in the birth of our Lord and Savior and in following His teachings and emulating His life on earth that we find joy amidst all the chaos around us. Through the AMAA Mission, the Lord helps us to carry His Good News to the ends of the world and to reflect His love all around.
We need your continued help to bring boundless joy to our people every day. Your generous support of our annual Christmas Appeal will help us fulfill our Mission which includes education, camps, medical clinics, sponsorship programs, infant formula distribution and day centers in 24 countries around the world.
May God’s love bring joy to you and your family during this Christmas Season and every day. Our very best wishes and prayers for a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022.
Քրիստոս ծնաւ եւ յայտնեցաւ. ձեզի, մեզի Մեծ Աւետիս!
Krisdos dzenav yev haydnetzav, tsezee, mezee Medz Avedis!
(Christ is born and is revealed, good tidings to you and to us).
Sincerely,
Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO
Nov. 27, 2021 (www.president.am/en) – The President of Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian received AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.
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State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh
Artak Beglaryan’s speech at
AMAA 102nd Annual Meeting Banquet
October 23, 2021
Dear Friends, Dear Compatriots, Beloved Soulmates,
It’s my pleasure and honor to be here to talk to you and to have the invitation of the AMAA as special guest. It’s my honor also to be in Fresno for the first time and to talk about this topic and to be hosted by the Bedrosian Family. It’s symbolic to be in Fresno because Fresno is the symbol of Armenian survival and revival in the United States after the Armenian Genocide. Fresno is the symbol of Armenian development in the US after the Armenian Genocide. Since we are talking about Artsakh now, I am sure that the experience and the path of Fresno Armenians will be quite useful, quite helpful, and encouraging for us. It’s my pleasure to be hosted by the AMAA because, as you know already, AMAA has done a lot in my life, especially in my childhood. But not only mine, but also many Armenian families, many Armenian children since 1995.
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By Dianne Chilingerian
When planning began for the AMAA Boston Orphan and Child Care Committee’s 2021 gala, none could have predicted what a delightful and well-attended evening November 10 would be. Committee chairs Susan Adamian Covo and Phyllis Dohanian were hopeful as they worked tirelessly with Committee members to plan an event to help children. On that crisp fall evening, the Wellesley Country Club provided a glowing backdrop, as did the warm renderings of soulful, classic Armenian melodies by educator, composer and guitarist John Baboian. The evening was lit with the energy and enthusiasm of stunning emcee host Miss Grand Armenia 2021, Kristina Ayanian, who was an exemplary advocate for bringing love and faith to children and the future of Armenia. Young attendees were also represented beautifully by Norayr Orchanian, who offered an inspiring invocation before dinner as well as a moment of silence in remembrance of martyrs who gave their lives in the recent Artsakh War.
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PARAMUS, NJ – The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), headquartered in Paramus, New Jersey, announced two major gifts at its Annual Meeting Banquet in Fresno, California on Saturday, October 23, 2021. The Banquet was held in the Fellowship Hall of the First Armenian Presbyterian Church In conjunction with the Association’s 102nd Annual Meeting, which was dedicated this year to The Artsakh Republic.
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The Christmas Season is nearing! No matter where they live or what traditions they celebrate, children around the world wait expectantly for this most special time of the year. AMAA’s Christmas Joy Program is ready to bring smiles and fun to thousands of children in Armenia and Artsakh. The story and miracle of Christmas is conveyed through live music, dance and song performances at AMAA Centers and Churches in villages and cities throughout Armenia and Artsakh. At the end of each celebration Santa arrives with a special delivery, to be handed to each child in attendance. For many of these children, this box (which is filled with small toys, novelties and a Christmas activity book) may be the only Christmas present they receive, as their families cannot afford to spend what little income they have on presents.
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Artsakh is at Heart of AMAA Annual Meeting and Banquet
By Phil Tavlian
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) emerged from the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020 to hold an outstanding global convocation in the Great Central Valley of California in 2021.
The AMAA held its 102nd Annual Meetings on October 21-24 on the Campus of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church in Fresno. The missionary arm of the Armenian Evangelical Church worldwide, the AMAA gathering included meetings of the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) with delegates from the Armenian Evangelical Unions of North America, France, New East Republic of Armenia, and Eurasia as well as the Stephen Philibosian Foundation in attendance.
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AMAA Holds 102nd Annual Meeting in Fresno with Honorary Guest Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan, Elects New Board Members for Class of 2024
By Louisa Janbazian
The 102nd Annual Meeting of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) was held at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church in Fresno, CA on Saturday, October 23, 2021.
AMAA President Nazareth Darakjian, M.D. presided over the meeting. Rev. Razmig Minassian, Executive Director of CAMP AREV, offered a prayer and a short devotion. His devotional was based on 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3. Rev. Minassian focused on Paul’s encouraging words to the Thessalonians about their work produced by faith, their labor promoted by love and their endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. He reminded all who gathered at the meeting that in faith we look back at what God has done in our life, that love is the mechanism in which we live by today, and that we are a people of hope. Without hope, we are doomed. But through Christ, we have hope for a better day.
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On behalf of the AMAA President and Executive Director, we welcome you to join the AMAA 102nd Annual Meeting Worship and Installation Service of the new board members on Sunday, October 24th at 10:30 AM PT/1:30 PM ET, hosted by the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, Fresno, CA.
As it has been the tradition in the past years, Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian will officiate the Installation Service and Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian will offer the Memorial prayer.
The Armenian sermon will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian and the English sermon by Rev. Dr. Ron Tovmassian.
The Worship Service will be broadcast live on YouTube.
Time:
10:30 AM (PT) 1:30 PM (ET) (US and Canada)
7:30 PM (France, Belgium, Germany)
8:30 PM (Lebanon, Syria)
9:30 PM (Armenia)
4:30 AM (Sydney, Australia)
**If you are unable to join live, you will be able to watch the service only from 10:30 AM (PT) on Sunday, October 24, 2021 onward. Please visit the link below to join!
By Dianne Chilingerian
The AMAA Boston Orphan & Child Care Committee is back with an awesome Evening of Food and Fun at the stunning Wellesley Country Club, Wednesday November 10, 2021. Miss Grand Armenia and former Miss Boston, the lovely Kristina Ayanian, will emcee the event, and inspiring Berklee Professor, guitarist, and composer, John Baboian will perform. The event will feature both live and silent auctions, showcasing exciting gifts, sports packages, in-demand tickets, and more. Best of all, the evening is an opportunity to turn out, connect, and impact the lives of Armenian children and families in Armenia and Artsakh.
The Committee chaired by Susan Adamian Covo and Phyllis Dohanian welcomes all to join in and appreciate all that we have this November by helping needy Armenian children and families who have been exceptionally challenged during the past year by the pandemic and the Artsakh war. Note that the AMAA will adhere to CDC and local guidelines regarding Covid-19 precautions during all activities.
To receive an invitation or for more information, kindly contact Phyllis Dohanian at 617.510.0395 or AMAA at 201.265.2607, ext. 124. To make an online reservation or donation please visit https://amaa.org/amaabostonocc2021 100% of a child sponsor’s contribution reaches the child’s family directly, and all contributions in excess of the value of goods and services received are tax deductible.
A Message by Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian
Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council
The second Sunday of October is “Armenian Evangelical Ministers’ Appreciation Sunday.” This year our meditation will focus on the relations of pastor and his/her congregation. When we think of good pastor, we recall the description of the good shepherd by Jesus in John 10:1-18. Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. There can be no fullness of life apart from the Shepherd. He is both the safety and source of supply to meet the daily needs of his sheep. He provides for, protects, and even lays down his life for his sheep. His purpose in doing this is that his sheep might experience life in all its fullness.
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Featuring Emcee, Miss Grand Armenia and Former Miss Boston, Kristina Ayanian
Performance by John Baboian,
Berklee Professor,
guitarist, and composer
11/10/21, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Wellesley Country Club
300 Wellesley Ave.
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
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Division and Defiance Leave Armenia Facing Threatening Questions, But Positive Signs Slowly Emerge
By Aren Deyirmenjian, AMAA Armenia Deputy Representative
A year after the war in Artsakh, discontent within Armenians has intensified rather than diminished. Possibly for the first time in a long while, we feel weak and beaten. A year ago today, we woke up to the devastating news of the attack. But after the initial shock, there was confidence and belief. “We Shall Win” slogans put everywhere and repeated continuously. People truly believed it up until the last moment. Defeat was just too unimaginable.
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Looking Back on a Year of Assault & Recovery
September 27, 2021
Armenian history is full of tragic dates in which significant human and material losses have been inflicted on the Armenian nation. September 27, 2020 has come to take its place in that infamous row of dates, one more date that we will commemorate with awe and respect to the thousands who gave their lives for the homeland. This is not the biggest disaster that has hit the Armenian nation but it is the most recent and the first one in the 21st century.
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On September 21, 2021 the Republic of Armenia celebrates the 30th anniversary of its independence. The most somber one in the history of the young republic.. The shadow of the 2020 Artsakh war and its horrific consequences lay heavy on Armenians, both in the Homeland and the Diaspora. Division runs deep and the public discourse is ugly. Some are sunk deep into depression and stuck there in a state of paralysis.
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It is with great sorrow that we share the unfortunate news of the passing of Peter Kougasian, Esq. on Monday, September 6, 2021. Peter was an elected member of the AMAA Board since 1996, serving as both Vice President and as Chairman of the Armenia Committee. He also served as Moderator of the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York for many years.
Peter was Assistant District Attorney in New York. Joining the office on August 13, 1979, he continued working with the District Attorney’s office and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor as Bureau Chief in the Trial Division for his entire career. On September 27, 2019, the office paid tribute to Peter, by naming the Office of Legal Training, in his honor, recognizing his four decades of service as a Prosecutor and his commitment to Criminal Justice.
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But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish.
Psalm 9:18
Imitating the game show ‘Jeopardy,’ I am in search of a question that would best conform to the above answer. They might not be scarce.
The above ‘answer’ constantly roamed in my mind as I swept through the countries I visited in May and June. Syria and Lebanon; which have constituted the historic lion’s share of AMAA’s global mission and ministry field and Armenia and Artsakh; which prize the current lion’s share.
The ‘answer’ always employed my mental vision even long before I have come to think about the question.
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By Elise Kalfayan
The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) will hold its 102nd Annual Meeting Banquet Saturday, October 23, 2021, at First Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno, CA, featuring a keynote by State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan.
AMAA Board Member LindaKay Abdulian, President of National Raisin Company, is organizing this year’s Banquet and will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies. She and her husband Dr. John Abdulian are sponsoring the Banquet with the aim of introducing the work of the AMAA to the Fresno Armenian community, especially its young people.
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Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան 102րդ Տարեժողովի Ճաշկերոթը տեղի պիտի ունենայ Շաբաթ, 23 Հոկտեմբեր 2021-ին, Ֆրէզնոյի Առաջին Հայ Երիցական Եկեղեցիի դահլիճին մէջ, որու ընթացքին ելոյթ պիտի ունենայ Արցախի Հանրապետութեան Պետական Նախարար՝ Արտակ Բեգլարյանը։
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The Armenian Missionary Association of America awarded $212,450.00 in direct scholarship grants to 84 worthy students for the academic year 2021- 2022 attending colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, announced John Cherkezian, Chair of the AMAA’s Scholarship Committee. In addition, $32,000 more was assigned for qualified university students in Armenia.
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Dear Friends,
It does not have to be August 4 for Lebanon to suffer.
Approaching a year and a half, Lebanon continues to face a sorrowful situation and deepening economic and financial crisis. According to the World Bank, this situation is dire and could rank among the world’s three worst crises since the mid-1800s: “the economic crisis has had by far the largest (and most persistent) negative impact. Lebanon is enduring a severe, prolonged economic depression: real GDP growth contracted by 20.3% in 2020 and inflation reaching triple digits, while the exchange rate keeps losing value. Poverty is rising sharply.” (source: worldbank.org)
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Did you wonder what AMAA Executive Director/CEO, Mr. Zaven Khanjian did during his recent trip to Armenia, Artsakh, Lebanon, and Syria, despite worrying about COVID-19 safety measures or if the recent war was truly over?
Below are excerpts from Mr. Khanjian’s report on his visitations between May 19, 2021-June 9, 2021and a video of “BEIRUT EXPLOSION THEN & NOW.” Please click the buttons to read more and watch the video.
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All of us who are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance in the career that is open to us. Hebrews 12:1
At the time of writing, new parliamentary elections have just taken place in Armenia. Nikol Pashinyan’s party has won the majority of seats in the National Assembly. We congratulate him and pray that God will grant him the wisdom to govern the country. In recent months, our people have gone through a lot of difficulties. They were forced to an unjust peace, to the abandonment of part of their lands in Artsakh, despite the heroic resistance of our army. Many lost their lives, others were injured for life. We must honor these heroes and pray for them and their families. We must pray also for a just solution so that our people can live in peace on their land. The history of mankind is made up of a succession of glorious pages, and others more painful. But we believe that our people will know other glorious pages.
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“The Armenian Evangelical Community has deep historical roots in the Middle East. One of those is called Haigazian University and I had the privilege of serving as its Founding President.”
Rev. Dr. John Markarian (October 2020)
It is with deep sorrow that we share the sad news of the passing of Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian, the Founding President of Haigazian University.
“Although Dr. Markarian has physically imparted from this earth, he remains a shining star in the field of higher education and the history of the Armenian Missionary Association of America. As thousands of Haigazian University students mourn his loss, we praise God for generations of Haigazian graduates who have illuminated the skies of humanity and brilliantly served their respective communities around the globe. ” Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO
The Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian, of West Pittston, died June 29, 2021. He celebrated his 104th birthday on June 7.
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This year marks the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church (AEC)
We praise God for the 175 years’ service and ministry of the AEC within the Armenian people
Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council, Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian edited and launched the commemorative publication of a memoir entitled, “Houshamadyan (Յուշամատեան) on the Occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church.”
Read book review by AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian
Այս տարի կը լրանայ Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի (ՀԱԵ) հիմնադրութեան 175-ամեակը։
Փառք կու տանք Աստուծոյ մեր ազգին մէջ ՀԱԵ 175 տարուայ ծառայութեան համար։
Յիշարժան Յոբելեանի առիթով՝ Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդի Գործադիր Տնօրէն Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեանը խմբագրեց եւ կեանքի կոչեց ՀԱԵ 175-ամեակի Յոբելինական Յանձնախումբի ծրագիրներէն մէկը՝ «Յուշամատեան Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցւոյ՝ 175-ամեայ Տարեդարձին Առիթով» խորագրով Յուշամատեանը։
Այս ե-նամակով ձեզի կը ներկայացնենք Յուշամտեանի էլէկտորնային տարբերակը, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան Գործադիր Տնօրէն՝ Զաւէն Խանճեանի գրախօսականին հետ մէկտեղ։
by Hratch Tchilingirian*
One of the most impressive characteristics of the Armenian Evangelical Church is the fact that, despite being small in numbers among Armenians worldwide, this 175-year-old church is one of the most active, visible and organized institutions in the Armenian world. Today, the mission, value and legitimacy of the Armenian Evangelical Church is indisputable, even as there had been periodic conflicts with the Armenian Apostolic Church in the past and after Armenia’s independence.
Throughout their history and ministry, the Armenian Evangelicals have shown fidelity to the original mission of the church: the spiritual renewal of Armenians, the “Christian renaissance”of the Armenian nation. It is not a coincidence that the Armenian Protestant Church was established in the 19th century during the Armenian “intellectual renaissance”in the Ottoman Empire. Historians agree that a separate Armenian Protestant denomination was “imported”and “implanted”by European and United States missionaries but are divided over the causes and effects of events which led to the establishment of a separate church movement.
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Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s Congratulatory Remarks
On the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church
The Holy Gospel is Our Father and the Holy Church is Our Mother. (Vartanank)
These words, which echoed from the New City of Vagharshapat (Holy Etchmiadzin), are the two Pillars that define the spiritual and moral character of each Armenian Christian.
Indeed, throughout centuries, these sacred truths have been the basis of our ability to overcome the trials and tribulations of each historical time period and have been the source of our existence today.
Furthermore, the reliance on these everlasting truths comfort us and instill in us hope in these present times of great uncertainty.
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There have always been staff devotionals at the AMAA headquarters. The pandemic structured and regularized the devotionals for us and Zoom added an opportunity to host gifted ministers and other guests from around the globe. Each of them shared a message anchored on the Word of God with the staff.
Recently, Rev. Jeremy Tovmassian of Chicago, Illinois shared a message with the AMAA global staff, introducing the above scripture, which in my mind connected all three subjects I pondered to cover today.
The repercussions of the calamitous 2020 Artsakh War devastated the Homeland and the Diaspora. The physical and psychic pain was so deep and entrenched that the social fabric of the nation was unprecedentedly fragmented. The ugly sceneries depicting hatred and anger toward perceived domestic enemies coupled with unbecoming language used in social media came to mirror a nation foreign to its culture, faith and morality.
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On Friday, April 30, 2021, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs in Armenia, Zareh Sinanyan, visited the AMAA’s headquarters in Paramus, NJ. AMAA Executive Director/CEO, Zaven Khanjian, gave Mr. Sinanyan a tour of the building and introduced AMAA’s Vice President and Treasurer, Dr. Nurhan Helvacian and Board Members, John Cherkezian, Berjouhy Gulesserian and Dr. Michael Voskian. The meeting started with a prayer, followed by discussions about post-war status in Armenia and Artsakh, new and ongoing projects at the office of High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, and about collaborative opportunities.
