Armenian Missionary Association of America 
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.
The Armenian Missionary Association of America welcomes President Biden’s statement recognizing the Armenian Genocide.
God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed. Ecclesiastes 3:17
Marking the 106th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks, US President Joe Biden, following his campaign promise, officially issued a statement on April 24, 2021, recognizing the atrocities and calling the massacres of one and a half million Armenians as Genocide. Indeed, President Biden’s statement complements the recognition by the US House of Representatives and Senate of the Armenian Genocide in the fall of 2019.
The crime of genocide does not adhere to any statute of limitations. With this acknowledgment, we have now entered a new phase of struggle towards our quest for justice, be it for the crime committed a century or a year ago. We thank President Biden for his courageous moral stance on the Armenian Genocide and trust that God will deliver justice for the crime of the ‘murder of a nation’.
We invite all other nations who have not yet recognized the Armenian Genocide to step up on the moral ladder, follow the example of President Biden and courageously call the annihilation of one and half million Armenians during World war I; the first Genocide of the twentieth century.
Thank you President Biden for your courage and superb moral standard.
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The Wake Up Call
It was not to happen this way.
The national mood of the 106th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide was to be a continued spirit of jubilation of expanded global recognition and a slow but solid path towards our aspirations for recognition, restoration and reparation.
Instead, a year of unprecedented affliction struck us, the memory of which brings chills to the soul of every Armenian around the globe. COVID-19, crisis in Syria and Lebanon, and a horrendous explosion in Beirut are painful memories, which will haunt us for a long time.
The calamitous end of the 44-day war in Artsakh, however, was a game changer. A nation is mourning the martyrdom of thousands of its youngest and brightest defending a Homeland. A nation is mourning thousands of heartbroken mothers, widows and children, whose family trees bear branches axed a century ago, ironically by the same perpetrator. A nation is mourning the loss of vast territories of historic land, punctuated by innumerable monuments of its opulent Christian heritage.
The national mood is more acquiescent of that of 1921 rather than 2021.
Somber, moot, mournful!
We are all guilty!
We are guilty of having enjoyed the elation of victories and failed to nurture and preserve the blessings on hand.
The challenges ahead are monstrous as the Armenian political and institutional leadership struggles to carve a course forward, amidst a mountainous pile of uncertainties.
Answers are sought for the failure of 30 years of defense and diplomatic institutional build up. Amidst an atmosphere of dread and worry, popular sentiment in Armenia and the Diaspora struggles to reckon with the new reality on the ground, gauge future expectations and devise a new path forward.
God has the answer for all trouble. When the disciples panicked in the sinking ship and woke Jesus up to save them, He said “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” and there was a great calm.
Historic Armenian land is home to an unalienable presence of Christian and national heritage. Most of the land is forcibly devoid of its indigenous population. The land might identify its history but only people identify the land. If Christian Armenia and Artsakh are to be saved and preserved they should by extensively and lovingly populated.
In the coming years, while the concerned and engaged political leadership strive to rebuild the nation state, we should all, with unmatched faith, determination and goodwill, fervently support and sustain the population, embrace the land, develop and flourish it, pursuing the happiness of its people.
While we continue to pursue justice, we should, without any impediment or unaffordable procrastination
Develop a strong, democratic and innovative Homeland.
Secure self-determination for Artsakh
Secure the safety and welfare of our endangered communities in the Near East.
Existential threats are hovering over our head and unless we heed the call of unity, alertness and added sacrifice, we run the serious risk of welcoming 1922 next year instead of 2022.
The wake up call is ringing.
Let us collectively heed the call.
Zaven Khanjian
April 24, 2021
Եղեռնի 106-ամեակ
Արթնութեան Ահազանգը
Այդպէս նախատեսուած չէր:
Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան 106րդ ոգեկոչման համազգային տրամադրութիւնը պէտք էը շարունակուէր ընդլայնուած համաշխարհային ճանաչումի բերկրանքով եւ դանդաղ՝ բայց ամրակուռ ուղիով մը՝ դէպի ճանաչում, վերականգնում եւ հատուցում։
Փոխարէնը, աննախադէպ տառապանքի տարի մը դիմագրաւեցինք, որու մտաբերումը կը փշաքաղէ ամէն հայու հոգին երկրագունդի վրայ: Թագաժահրը, տագնապներու անդադրում օղակը Սուրիոյ եւ Լիբանանի մէջ, Օգոստոսեան ահաւոր պայթումը Պէյրութի մէջ, խայթող յուշեր են որոնց մղձաւանջը երկար պիտի հետապնդէ մեզ:
Արցախեան պատերազմի աղէտալի արդիւնքը սակայն յեղաշրջեց բոլորը: Ազգ մը ամբողջ կ’ողբայ հայրենիքի համար զոհուած իր հազարաւոր զաւակները, որու անկախութեան համար սերունդներ իրենց կեանքը զոհած էին անցեալին: Ազգ մը ամբողջ կ’ողբայ հազարաւոր սրտաբեկ մայրեր, հազիւ գարուն տեսնող որբեւայրի հարսեր որոնց տոհմածառերու սահմանաբակ աճը ապացոյցն են կացինահար ճիւղերու պատմութեան՝ զոհը նոյն ոճրագործին: Ազգ մը ամբողջ կ’ողբայ կորուստը հազարամեայ պապենական հողերու, որու վրայ ցանուած յուշարձաններու հոյլը՝ վկայութիւնն է անոր հարուստ քրիստոնէական ժառանգութեան:
Ազգային տրամադրութիւնը կարծես աւելի ներդաշնակ է 1921-ի, քան 2021-ի հետ:
Մռայլ, յուզիչ, ողբալի:
Բոլորս մեղաւոր ենք:
Մեղաւոր ենք, որովհետեւ մենք յղփացած յաղթանակներու տարփանքով ու չկրցանք խնամել եւ պահպանել մեր շահած օրհնութիւնները։
Մեզ դիմագրաւող մարտահրաւերները լերնակուտակ են, մինչ քաղաքական եւ պետական ղեկավարութիւն մը կը պայքարի ապագայի հուն մը ճեղքել անհամար անորոշութիւններու ընդմէջ:
Արդարօրէն պատասխաններ կը փնտռուին երեսուն տարուայ անվտանգութեան, պաշտպանութեան եւ դիւանագիտական անփառունակ ձախողութիւններու համար: Խոր ցաւի, վիշտի եւ լուրջ մտահոգութեան մթնոլորտի մը մէջ, ժողովրդային եւ հասարակական միտքը Սփիւռքի եւ Հայաստանի մէջ կը ջանայ գիտակցիլ նոր իրավիճակի մը գոյութեան հետ, վերաչափել ապագայի ակնկալութիւնները եւ հունաւորել նոր ճանապարհ մը:
Աստուած ունի բոլոր դժուարութիւններու պատասխանը: Երբ աշակերտները տատանուող նաւուն վրայ սարսափած արթնցուցին Յիսուս զիրենք փրկելու համար, Ան ըսաւ «Թերահաւատներ, ինչո՞ւ այդպէս երկչոտ էք» Մատթէոս 8:26 «…ու մեծ հանդարտութիւն մը տիրեց:»
Պատմական Հայաստանի տարածքը հարազատ տուն է Քրիստոնէական եւ ազգային կոթողային հսկայ ժառանգութեան: Բայց հողը զուրկ է բռնութեամբ տեղահանուած եւ ոչնչացուած իր բնիկ ժողովուրդէն: Հողը անտարակոյս կը յուշէ տարածքին պատմութիւնը բայց ժողովուրդն է որ կը բնորոշէ անոր ինքնութիւնը: Եթէ Քրիստոնեայ Հայաստանն ու Արցախը պիտի փրկուին հարկ է խտացնել անոր վրայ բնակող ժողովուրդի շարքերը:
Յառաջիկայ տարիներուն մինչ պետութիւն եւ իշխանութիւն կը տքնին վերականգնել հայոց աշխարհն ու պետութիւնը, մենք հաւաքաբար պէտք է հաւատքով, վճռակամութեամբ եւ բարի կամեցողութեամբ սատարենք եւ օժանդակենք ժողովուրդի բարօրութեան, փարելով հողին, զարգացնելու եւ ծաղկեցնելու զայն՝ հետապնդելով ժողովուրդի երջանիկ ապրելու արդար իրաւունքը:
Մինչ կը շարունակենք հետապնդել ցեղասպանութեան արդարութիւնը, հարկ է առանց խոչընդոտի կամ հետաձգման
- զարգացնել ուժեղ, ժողովրդավարական և նորարարական Հայրենիք մը:
- ապահովել Արցախի ժողովուրդի ինքնորոշման իրաւունքը:
- ապահովել Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի հայ համայնքներու անվտանգութիւնն ու բարեկեցութիւնը
Լինել թէ չլինելու սպառնալիքները կը դիմագրաւեն մեզ, եւ եթէ չանսանք միասնութեան, զգոնութեան եւ անանձնական զոհաբերութեան կոչին, լուրջ կերպով վտանգուած պիտի ըլլանք գալ տարի 1922-ը դիմաւորելու փոխանակ 2022-ի:
Արթնութեան ահազանգը կը հնչէ։
Եկէք միասնաբար անսանք այդ կոչին։
Զաւէն Խանճեան
Ապրիլ 24, 2021
Armenians all over the world commemorate April 24, the Armenian Martyr’s Day in order to express their deepest afflictions and affections, their profound disappointments and frustrations, their loftiest ideals and dreams and their uttermost dedications and consecrations.
First, we commemorate April 24 in order to remember our martyrs and pay tribute totheir sacrificial lives. We remember the tragedy that befell our people beginning April 24, 1915, the events that drove them out of our homeland and resulted in the senseless slaughter of one and a half million. They were uprooted from their ancestral homeland and driven to the deserts of Syria on journeys of no return. In addition, all their belongings and properties were confiscated. The material and cultural losses sustained by the Armenians during the Armenian Genocide are incalculable and immeasurable. On April 24, the Armenian nation pauses to reflect upon this painful past.
Second, we commemorate April 24 in order to express our gratitude to God for the survival of our nation. Although we are baffled as to why such a colossal catastrophe happened to the Armenian people, and although there is no theoretical explanation to answer why evil seeks the suffering of the innocent, we have learned to face these questions with God and transform the thorns of tragedy into crowns of victory.
As a nation we have learned that although our Christian faith does not offer us immunity and exemption from evil and suffering, it offers us purpose, power and perspective to utilize our creative forces in all circumstances of life. We thank God for enabling us to have the fortitude to survive one of the worst genocides in the world and enabled us to exist as a vibrant nation both in the Republic of Armenia and in the Diaspora.
Third, we commemorate April 24 in order to thank those nations, and missionary, humanitarian and philanthropic organizations that extended a helping hand to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide. How could we forget the friendly Arab nations that allowed Armenian refugees to settle in their countries? How can we forget the generous and magnanimous Americans, who, through their Near East Relief, raised millions of dollars to help the “starving Armenians?” How can we forget those European missionary and humanitarian organizations, from Denmark, France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland that organized fund raising drives to help the Armenians? We thank all of these benefactors.
Fourth, we commemorate April 24 in order to remind the world that the Armenian Genocide, as well as any other genocide, perpetrated by any nation, is a crime against allhumanity. The genocide committed by the Ottoman Turks was not only a crime against Armenians, but also against all humanity and should be condemned. We condemn perpetrators of all genocides, past and present, and resolve to support all victims of man’s inhumanity to man.
Fifth, we commemorate April 24 in order to support the Armenian Cause. One hundred six years have elapsed since the beginning of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, and the cry of the Armenian people for justice has not been heard. We believe that the unalienable rights of the Armenian people still remain on the agenda of unfinished business. Our rights must be kept alive and we are committed to pursue them patiently and persistently with the rest of the Armenian people.
Sixth, we commemorate April 24 in order to resolve to be true to our Armenian Christian identity. Armenian history tells us that throughout centuries, our Christian and national values have given us inner strength, fortitude and stamina. Because of the inner spiritual strength of our forefathers, we have endured and survived many national catastrophes, including the Armenian Genocide of 1915. In line with this truth, we are committed to the task of educating our new generations with Christian and Armenian principles and values. We are determined to inculcate in them the love of Christ and His Church, the love of our culture and the love of our homeland Armenia. We believe that these values are conducive to building strong Armenian communities and a strong Armenian nation.
Thus, we commemorate April 24 praying that it will be an occasion of rededication. We must consecrate ourselves to the sublime principles for which our martyred forefathers made their supreme sacrifice.
Ինչո՞ւ Կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը
Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան
Ապրիլ 24-ը Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան սկիզբը խորհրդանշող թուականն է: Հայ ժողովուրդը ամէն տարի այս թուականը կ’ոգեկոչէ հետեւեալ պատճառներով.-
Առաջին, կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը, որպէս զի երկիւղածութեամբ եւ երախտագիտութեամբ խոնարհինք մեր նահատակներուն յիշատակին առջեւ: Այս առիթով, խոր յուզումով կը յիշենք մեր պատմութեան ամենէն եղեռական այս ողբերգութիւնը, Հայոց Ցեղասպանութիւնը՝ մտայղացուած եւ գործադրուած Օսմանեան Թուրքիոյ կողմէ: Յուզումով ու վրդովումով կը յիշենք մեր ժողովուրդի բռնագաղթը իր երեքհազարամեայ հայրենիքէն, մեր մէկ ու կէս միլիոն զոհերն ու նահատակները, այն նիւթական եւ մշակութային ահաւոր կորուստը, որուն տարողութիւնը ազգովին կը զգանք 106 տարի ետքն իսկ, կորուստ մը որ անհաշուելի եւ անչափելի է:
Երկրորդ, կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը, որպէս զի մեր սրտագին երախտագիտութիւնը կը յայտնենք առ Աստուած՝ Ցեղասպանութենէն վերապրողներուն համար:Թէեւ մարդկօրէն հնարաւոր չէ բացատրել թէ ինչու՞ համար պատահեցաւ այս աղէտը, թէ ինչու՞ համար մեր անմեղ ժողովուրդին բաժին եղաւ այդչափ աներեւակայելի չարիք: Սակայն իրազեկ ենք այն իրողութեան որ ասիկա աստուածային պատիժ մը չէր, այլ անմարդկային ոճիր մը ի գործ դրուած անգութ եւ վայրագ մարդոց կողմէ: Ի հեճուկս այս ամէնուն, հայ ժողովուրդը, ինչպէս անցեալ դարերուն, Մեծ Եղեռնի տարիներուն ալ, կառչած մնաց իր հաւատքին, եւ աստուածատուր զօրութեամբ ոտքի կանգնեցաւ ու շարունակեց ապրիլ եւ ստեղծագործել: Հայ ժողովուրդինն է եղեր նաեւ Եզեկիէլ մարգարէի չորցած ոսկորներու յարութեան տեսիլքը: Ինչպէս Գողգոթայէն անդին տեղի ունեցաւ Քրիստոսի հրաշափառ Յարութիւնը, մենք ալ ազգովին վկայեցինք թէ Տէր-զօրներէն եւ Միջագետքի անապատներէն անդին ալ տեղի ունեցաւ մեր ժողովուրդին յաղթական յարութիւնը:
Երրորդ, կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը, որպէս զի մեր երախտագիտութիւնը յայտնենք բոլոր անոնց որոնք օգնութեան ձեռք կարկառեցին Հայոց Ցեղասպանութենէն վերապրողներուն: Ինչպէ՞ս կրնանք մոռնալ արաբ հիւրասէր եւ հայասէր ժողովուրդները, որոնք լայնօրէն բացին իրենց դռները գաղթական հայ ժողովուրդին առջեւ եւ ջերմ ու գուրգուրոտ վերաբերում ցոյց տուին անոնց: Ինչպէ՞ս կրնանք մոռնալ ամերիկացի բարերար ժողովուրդը, որ իր «Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Նպաստամատոյց»ով միլիոնաւոր տոլարներով օգնեց հայ ժողովուրդին: Ինչպէ՞ս կրնանք մոռնալ Եւրոպական բարեսիրական, մարդասիրական եւ միսիոնարական կազմակերպութիւնները, որոնք մեր վիրաւոր ու արիւնաքամ «Մնացորդաց»ին համար եղան ճշմարիտ «Բարի Սամարացի»ներ: Ցեղասպանութեան տարեդարձի այս պատեհ հանգրուանին մեզի համար քաղցր պարտք ու պարտականութիւն կը համարենք մեր երախտագիտութիւնը յայտնել մեր անցեալի բոլոր բարերարներուն:
Չորրորդ, կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը, որպէս զի յիշեցնենք համայն աշխարհի, որ որեւէ ցեղասպա- նութիւն՝քրէական ոճիր մըն է մարդկութեան դէմ գործուած: Օսման Երիտասարդ Թուրքերու կողմէ ի գործ դրուած ցեղասպանութիւնը ոչ միայն հայ ազգին դէմ, այլ ամբողջ մադկութեան դէմ աններելի ոճիր մըն էր: Ցեղասպանութեան այս տարեդարձը դիպուք յիշեցում մըն է մեզի, դատապարտելու բոլոր այն ազգերը, որոնք ցեղասպանութեան ոճիրը կը գործեն այլ ազգերու դէմ: Եւ մենք կ’ուզենք կարեկից ըլլալ բոլոր անո՛նց, որոնք անմեղ զոհեր են նմանօրինակ անմարդկային արարքներու:
Հինգերորդ, կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը, որպէս զի ուխտենք որոշել թէ, տէր ու պաշտպան պիտի մնանք Հայ Դատին: Կը հաւատանք որ Հայ Դատին պահանջատիրութեան հիմնաքարը անժամանցելի արդարութիւնն է: Այդ պատճառով շարունակելու ենք մեր պայքարը յանուն Հայ ժողովուրդի իրաւունքներուն: Անտարակոյս, մեր Դատի յաջողութիւնը երկար ժամանակի կը կարօտի, սակայն պէտք չէ յուսալքուինք: Յաճախ ազգերու իրաւունքները մէկ սերունդի ջանքերով ձեռք չեն ձգուիր: Ամէն սերունդ ունի իր դերն ու պարտքը: Մեր դատի պաշտպանութեան ծանր հրետանին հայութեան միացեալ կամքն ու հետեւողական աշխատանքն է:
Վեցերորդ, կ’ոգեկոչենք Ապրիլ 24-ը, որպէս զի ուխտենք հաւատարիմ մնալ մեր հայ քրիստոնեայ ինքնութեան: Խորապէս կը հաւատանք որ զօրաւոր ազգ մը ըլլալու համար անհրաժեշտ է մեր քրիստոնէական եւ հայեցի արժէքները պահել եւ զօրացնել: Դարերու ընթացքին, մեր քրիստոնէական հաւատքին ու մեր մշակութային արժէքներուն շնորհիւ է, որ կրցած ենք դիմակալել ահաւոր աղէտներ, կոտորածներ եւ ցեղասպանութիւններ եւ կրցած ենք անոնցմէ դուրս գալ եւ գոյատեւել: Կը հաւատանք նաեւ որ Ցեղասպանութեան տարեդարձի առթիւ մեր տարած աշխատանքներէն անբաժան, ունինք ուրիշ կարեւոր պարտականութիւններ՝ նոր սերունդները քրիստոնէական եւ հայեցի դաստիարակութեամբ թրծելու: Այդ առաջադրութեամբ անհրաժեշտ կը համարենք զանոնք մեծցնել քրիստոնէական սկզբունքներով, հայրենիքի եւ հայ մշակոյթի սիրով:
Ապահովաբար, այս ազնիւ առաքելութիւններու կոչումով ապրող նոր սերունդներ՝ համադրուած ու համակարգուած աշխատանքով՝ պիտի յաջողին Հայ Դատի խիզախ երթը իր յաջող աւարտին հասցնելու:
Արդ, Հայոց Ցեղասպանութեան տարեդարձը դառնալու է մեզի ոչ միայն ոգեկոչումի, այլ նաեւ, եւ մանաւանդ, վերանորոգումի հանգրուան մը՝ ապրելու այն արժէքներով եւ սկզբունքներով որոնց համար մեր նախահայրերը նահատակուեցան:
Director of the Armenian Studies Program at California State University
For the Armenian Nation, April 24 is a solemn day of remembrance, contemplation, and determination to achieve justice that has eluded us for over a century. It is a day when faith is reinforced and hope seems to progress towards actualization. It stands at a crossroad providing us with options as to what methods of action to adopt. It is a time to take stock of past struggles, failures, and successes dotted on the road to Ararat. In this journey of ups and downs, optimism should guide us, because the alternative portends a dark abyss from which one cannot elevate oneself to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Here, famous Armenian-Russian sea painter Ivan Ayvazovski’s canvasses should serve as an example. Many of them portray men and vessels struggling against threatening high waves in tempests raging under gloomy clouds. But they invariably radiate hope for a safer and a brighter future in an emergency arrangement evincing God’s omnipotence and omnipresence.
Giving up is not an option; it empties us of our soul, meaning, and purpose. It x-rays us to show only a skeleton deprived of existential rights. But emotions and mental exercise should walk hand-in-hand with concrete plans for sustainability as constituent members of a nation that is currently seeking solutions to its myriad problems. A key factor for success is to educate young generations with objective and realistic history lessons which instill pride, but not empty rhetoric. Another essential is to prepare healthy citizens cognizant of their rights and responsibilities within a just and democratic system. The list goes on.
For ethnic identity preservation, the Family comes first. Our homes are living, breathing museums that link the past to the present to the future. Heirlooms, oftentimes taken for granted, are actually story tellers that convey messages to all generations within the household. Any object from a dowry may kindle interest in one’s self-discovery and trigger further exploration, thereby retrofitting the Armenian pivot for posterity. When combined, these and other suggestions/solutions will tell us why April 24 is still relevant, why the struggle for justice is worthwhile to carry on, and why reclaiming Ararat, Ani, Van, and the rest of the rich land once owned and inhabited by our ancestors is a real possibility.
Vahram L. Shemmassian, Ph.D.
Director of the Armenian Studies Program at California State University
AMAA’s Christian Life Committee welcomes you to join us virtually on Saturday, May 15, 2021, as we “PRAY + ACT FOR SYRIA,” which will be led by AMAA Executive Director/CEO, Zaven Khanjian.
Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Evangelical Community in Syria and the Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church in Aleppo, will give a report on what life has been like in Syria while Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian, the Coordinator of Church Relations of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, will facilitate a time of prayer.
Pastor Shant Agishian 
Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO 
Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian 
Rev. Megrditch Karagoezian 
Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian
Pastor Shant Agishian, the Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Kessab, Syria, will also give a presentation on the community in Kessab followed by a Q&A and a prayer by Rev. Megrditch Karagoezian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East. Please register below to receive your personal Zoom link to join.
Time:
8:00 AM (PT) (Saturday in US and Canada)
11:00 AM (ET) (Saturday in US and Canada)
5:00 PM (Saturday in France, Belgium, Germany)
6:00 PM (Saturday in Lebanon)
7:00 PM (Saturday in Armenia)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021: FAPC 🇦🇲 SUPPORTING POST-WAR ARMENIA
JOIN IN PERSON:
If you are in the Fresno, CA area on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, please join this panel discussion in person at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno. Address: 430 S 1st St., Fresno, CA 93702
JOIN VIRTUALLY:
Please visit FAPC’s YouTube page on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 6:30 PM to join livestream event.
Follow:
@FAPCFresno • @AMAAinc • @ANCAgrassroots 
@FAPCFresno • @AMAAInc • @ANCA_DC
@FAPCFresno • @AMAAInc • @Armenian_National_Committee
July 1, 2021 marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
On January 18, 2021, it was communicated to you that in celebration of this ostensible milestone, the Armenian Evangelical World Council had formed a special Celebratory Committee to plan and implement appropriate celebratory events on and around July 1, 2021 in Armenia.
For the past 14 months, the Celebratory Committee has been diligently planning a host of activities in the Homeland in June and July 2021. Most of the activities required travel and physical presence in Armenia.
In consideration of the continuing uncertainties and concerns over the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee in its meeting of April 5, 2021 decided to postpone all celebratory activities in Armenia until the year 2022. This includes the All Armenian Evangelical Youth Conference at the AMAA Sheen Shoghik Camp in Hankavan, Armenia.
We are saddened by this decision and are confident you are too. However, the safety and security of all potential participants is tantamount in the Committee’s mind, a concern that has dictated this postponement.
While all travel and attendance related activities have been moved to 2022, the 175th Anniversary Commemorative Book, edited and compiled by the Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian is complete and at the printer. Upon publication, you will be able to obtain copies through your respective Armenian Evangelical Unions or through the AMAA offices in Paramus, New Jersey or Yerevan, Armenia.
It is worthwhile to remind you all that the committee chose Hebrews 10:23 as the theme of the global 175th celebration –
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful
Անխախտ Պահենք Մեր Հաւատքը
The Armenian Evangelical Unions around the globe, in a manner of their choice, will celebrate this anniversary on July 1, 2021. Please hold your appetite for the collective celebration to better days in 2022.
As we come out of our Lord’s glorious resurrection celebration, please keep the church, our nation and humanity in your prayers seeking mercy and grace from God.
Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO – Chair, AEWC 175th Celebratory Committee
Paramus, NJ: Who are the heroes in Armenian history? Which real-life heroes do we teach our children about? The illustrated children’s book, The Angel of Aleppo, is one such attempt.
Published by the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), the story is about Reverend Hovhannes Eskijian, who risked his life to save children during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Ironically, his grand-daughter, Rev. Nancy Eskijian, followed in his footstep and is a minister in Los Angeles, California.
The story opens with Rev. Eskijian’s childhood, in which he and his brother escape death by hiding in a ditch. Unfortunately, his parents were not so fortunate, and the boys become orphans. When Hovhannes grew up, he became a minister and moved to Aleppo, Syria with his wife. There, they witness the Armenian deportees arriving by train from the interior provinces of Turkey. Aleppo served as a stopping point before the deportees continued their journey to the desert of Der Zor, which meant certain death.
Rev. Eskijian decided to smuggle children from the train and hide them within the city. His bravery saved countless children before he succumbed to the disease of typhus.
The book is written by M. Kay Nanian, a judge in Phoenix, Arizona and is illustrated by an art student in Armenia, Mariam Dashtoyan. The book is available for $10.00 plus S&H at our bookstore or call (201) 265-2607. Nancy Rivera will be glad to process your order, so we can educate a new generation of children about the heroic efforts of one of our own.
CALLING ALL YOUNG PROFESSIONALS & FAMILIES WHO WANT TO HELP DISPLACED ARMENIANS FROM ARTSAKH WITH HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
Join the Christian Life Committee this Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 1-2 PM (ET) as we discuss AMAA’s Post-War Humanitarian Projects for Artsakh, followed by prayers for hope and strength.
Hear from AMAA Armenia and Artsakh Representatives, a Social Worker in Armenia, a Pastor in Armenia, and more special appearances!
Participants will be able to ask questions at the end.
Please RSVP to receive your personal link to join!
10:00 AM (Pacific Time) (US and Canada)
1:00 PM (Eastern Time) (US and Canada)
7:00 PM (France, Belgium, Germany)
8:00 PM (Lebanon)
9:00 PM (Armenia)Time
✝️ Easter: A Celebration of Victory and Hope
“He is not here; He has risen just as He said”
-Matthew 28:6
Executive Director, Armenian Evangelical World Council
Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is the foundation of Christian faith. It confirms the Christian belief that God was in Christ, because on Easter we see the power of God restoring life to Jesus. It affirms the Christian faith that Jesus, who died on the Cross, was raised from the dead and is living forever.
Easter, however, is not only a remembrance of what happened twenty centuries ago, but a celebration that in every present instant there is triumphant victory available. Since death cannot stamp out and erase spiritual values, since God has the last word, there is hope for all who are on God’s side. And because God can be trusted both in life and in death, there is hope for those who are fighting hard battles and are carrying heavy burdens.
The past year has been a difficult period of time for the world population because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, it has been a very difficult time for the Armenian people in general, and for the people of Armenia and Artsakh in particular. The tragic events during the past few months have disrupted their lives. The loss of thousands of Armenians during the 44-day war that Azerbaijan, Turkey and its hired terrorists waged against Artsakh and Armenia has been a great disaster. The loss of a large part of Artsakh to Azerbaijan was another calamity. The lingering political crisis and turmoil in Armenia, in addition to the ravaging effects of Corona pandemic, have created a gloomy mood among many Armenian.
In view of all these, people may ask, How do we find a rhyme and reason in all of these?” “How do we celebrate Easter? Yes, we should and we must celebrate Easter, because God Omnipotent is still on His Throne. He is our loving Heavenly Father. Christ our victorious Savior, Who tells us that He is with us in all circumstances of life. He is with us when our plans are disrupted and dreams are shattered. He is with us when we sustain loss, and even when we lose loved ones and start wondering where do we go from here?
We walk so many roads of life, some filled with joy and some filled with grief and disappointments. Easter tells us that we can travel the roads of life in companionship with the loving Christ, Who told His followers “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).
Easter faith tells us that we can keep walking confidently when the going is tough, we can keep hoping in the midst of despair, we can keep on living triumphantly in the midst of challenges, and we can keep declaring, “Christ is Risen! Blessed is the Resurrection of the Lord. Kristos Haryav Ee Merelots; Orhnyal eh Haroutunen Kristosi!”
Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian
Executive Director, Armenian Evangelical World Council
Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդի Զատկուայ պատգամը
Զատիկ՝ Տօն Յաղթութեան եւ Յոյսի
«Հոս չէ Ան, որովհետեւ յարութիւն առաւ, ինչպէս ըսած էր» (Մատթ. 28.6)
Ս. Զատիկը Քրիստոսի հրաշափառ յարութեան տօնն է: Քրիստոնեայ եկեղեցին 20 դարերէ ի վեր կը տօնէ այս տօնը իբրեւ յաղթանակի եւ յոյսի տօն հետեւեալ առումով.-
Առաջին, Ս. Զատիկը յաղթութեան տօն է: Յիսուսի յարութիւնը կը հաստատէ, թէ մահը, որ այս աշխարհի ամենէն ստոյգ, անհերքելի եւ սակմռկեցուցիչ իրողութիւնն է՝ պարտուած է: Քրիստոսի յարութիւնը կու գայ վկայելու, թէ մարդուն մարմինը կրնայ մեռնիլ, բայց անոր հոգին անմահ է: Այս մարմնաւոր գոյութենէն վերջ՝ կայ անդրշիրիմեան կեանք մը:
Ս. Զատիկը կու գայ վկայելու, թէ Քրիստոս իր յաղթական Յարութեամբ փշեց գերեզմանի շղթաները եւ նուաճեց մարդ էակի անագորոյն թշնամին՝ մահը: Այսպէսով ան բացաւ լուսաւոր եւ յաւիտենական կեանքի մը արշալոյսը մեղաւոր եւ յուսահատ մարդկութեան առջեւ, որպէս զի ան որ իրեն հաւատայ չկորսուի, այլ յաւիտենական կեանք ունենայ:
Քրիստոսի յարութիւնը ոչ միայն հանդերձեալ կեանքի յոյսը կ’ընծայէ, այլ նաեւ ամէնօրեայ յաղթական կեանք ապրելու ներշնչումը կը շնորհէ: Մարդկային կեանքը պայքար մըն է ֆիզիքական, իմացական, բարոյական եւ հոգեւոր առումով: Այս պայքարին մէջ երբեմն չարին զօրութիւնը վհատութեան կը մատնէ մեզ, բայց եթէ մեր ճակատագիրը կապած ենք Յարուցեալ Քրիստոսի՝ Ան մեզ կը զօրացնէ դիմագրաւելու ամէն տեսակի դժուարութիւններ, փորձութիւններ ու նեղութիւններ եւ ի վերջոյ զանոնք յաղթահարելու կարողութիւնը կը շնորհէ մեզի:
Երկրորդ, Ս. Զատիկը նաեւ տօն է յոյսի: Յոյսը աստուածատուր շնորհք մըն է, առանց որուն մարդ արարածը կը կորսնցնէ իր ապրելու, գոյատեւելու եւ ստեղծագործելու ներքին մղիչ ուժը: Քրիստոնեայ մարդուն յոյսը խարսխուած է այն ներքին համոզումին վրայ, թէ Աստուած իր ապաւէնն ու զօրութիւնն է, թէ Քրիստոս իր Տէրն ու պաշտպանն է: Ան է որ խրախուսեց իր հետեւորդները ըսելով, «Մի’ զարհուրիք եւ մի’ վհատիք, որովհէտեւ միշտ ձեզի հետ եմ» (Մատթ. 28.30):
Անցնող տարին տագնապալի տարի մը եղաւ համայն աշխարհի համար՝ Պսակաձեւ ժահրին պատճառով: Շատ աւելի տագնապալի ժամանակաշրջան մը եղաւ նաեւ հայ ժողովուրդին համար ընդհանրապէս, եւ Արցախի եւ մեր հայրեբնակ ժողովուրդին համար մասնաւորապէս: Արցախի եւ Հայաստանի դէմ մղուած 44-օրեայ պատերազմը Ատրպէյճանի, Թուրքիոյ եւ իր վարձկան ահաբեկիչներուն կողմէ՝ հազարաւոր հայ մարդոց կեանքը խլեց, Արցախի հողամասին մէկ կարեւոր մասը թշնամիին կողմէ գրաւուեցաւ, հազարաւոր տուներ քանդուեցան, բազմաթիւ ընտանիքներու անդամները այրիացան եւ մանուկները որբացան: Ամիսներէ ի վեր Հայոց Աշխարհը քաղաքական տագնապի մէջ է: Ապագան չափազանց անստոյգ եւ անկայուն է:
Ի տէս այս ամենուն, արդեօք կարելի՞ է Զատիկ տօնել: Արդեօք Ս. Յարութեան տօնը մեզի պատգամ մը ունի՞ հաղորդելիք: Այո’, որոշապէս: Ս. Զատկուան մշտանորոգ պատգամը միեւնոյնն է միշտ, երէկ, այսօր եւ յաւիտեան, թէ Աստուած տակաւին Իր Գահին վրայ կ’իշխէ, Քրիստոս յաւէտ յաղթական Տէր է, փոյթ չէ թէ չարը աշխատի խափանել բարին, փոյթ չէ թէ ճշմարտութիւնը, արդարութիւնը եւ սէրը խաչուին ու թաղուին, անոնք անպայման յարութիւն պիտի առնեն: Վերջին խօսքը Յարուցեալ եւ Յաղթական Տէր Յիսուս Քրիստոսինն է:
Արդ, հաւատքով, յոյսով եւ յաղթական ոգիով ամրացած՝ տօնենք Զատիկը եւ լիաթոք յայտարարենք ամենուն, «Քրիստոս Յարեաւ ի Մեռելոց, օրհնեալ է Յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի»:
Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան, Գործադիր
Տնօրէն Հայ Աւետ. Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդի
To learn more about AMAA’s Orphan & Child Care Programs, please click here.
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NY/NJ ORPHAN & CHILD CARE PROGRAM CREDITS
GRAPHIC DESIGN CREATED & DONATED BY:
Committee Member, Jennifer Telfeyan-LaRoe
PROGRAM VIDEOS CREATED BY:
AMAA Armenia
FULL EVENT VIDEO CREATED BY:
Emily Hagopian
Q&A LEADERS:
Committee Member, Celeste Telfeyan Helvacian
AMAA Armenia Representative, Harout Nercessian
EMCEES:
Raffi Aynilian & Jennifer Voskian-Gambino
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Co-Chairs, Seta Nalbandian and Vicki Hovanessian and Committee Members, Lucienne Aynilian, Celeste Helvacian, Christine Kutlu, Jennifer Telfeyan-LaRoe, Magda Poulos, and Kathy Voskian
The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs has launched the “iGorts” 2021 program, which provides an opportunity for highly qualified professionals from the Diaspora to serve in the public sector of Armenia.
For additional inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us through email at diasporafellowships@gov.am or by phone at +374 10 515 514.
The Office will also host a series of online info sessions for the Armenian communities around the world. Follow our Facebook page for more updates. The info sessions are scheduled on the following dates:
Europe – March 18, 8PM (CET)
Russia and CIS countries – March 23, 8PM (GMT+3)
Middle East, Africa and Gulf Countries – March 25, 8PM (GMT+2)
South America – March 27, 2PM (GMT+3)
North America – March 28, 10AM PST/1PM EST
Australia, New Zealand and Asia – April 1, 8PM (GMT+11)
ՀՀ սփյուռքի գործերի գլխավոր հանձնակատարի գրասենյակը մեկնարկում է «իԳործ» 2021 ծրագիրը, որը հրավիրում է սփյուռքահայ մասնագետներին ծառայելու Հայաստանի հանրային կառավարման ոլորտում:
Հավելյալ տեղեկատվության համար, կարող եք մեզ հետ կապ հաստատել էլ.փոստով diasporafellowships@gov.am կամ զանգահարել +374 10 515 514 համարով:
Սփյուռքի գործերի գլխավոր հանձնակատարի գրասենյակը նաև մեկնարկում է առցանց տեղեկատվական հանդիպումների շարք, աշխարհասփյուռ հայ համայնքների համար: Հետևեք մեր ֆեյսբուքյան էջին վերջին նորություններին ծանոթանալու համար:
Տեղեկատվական հանդիպումների շարքը տեղի կունենա հետևյալ ժամանակագրությամբ.
Եվրոպա – մարտ 18, ժամը 20:00 (CET)
Ռուսաստան և ԱՊՀ երկրներ – մարտ 23, ժամը 20:00 (GMT + 3)
Մերձավոր Արևելք, Աֆրիկա և Պարսից ծոցի երկրներ – մարտ 25, ժամը 20:00 (GMT + 2)
Հարավային Ամերիկա – մարտ 27, ժամը 14:00 (GMT + 3)
Հյուսիսային Ամերիկա – մարտ 28, ժամը 10:00 PST / 13:00 EST
Ավստրալիա, Նոր Զելանդիա և Ասիա – ապրիլ 1, ժամը 20:00 (GMT + 11)
With extreme anxiety and deep concern we follow the current existential crisis in the Homeland and the alienation of cohesive dialogue , mutual respect and concession over a common cause. We are cognizant that answers are sought not only on the recent Artsakh war, but also of blatant failures in security, defense, and diplomacy over the past quarter century.
We are convinced that the Homeland needs a national leadership that inspires confidence to all its citizens and finds its way through the realm of the law in the perimeters of the country’s constitution.
In view of the current mounting threat to Armenia’s peace, progress, prosperity and national unity, we call on all parties to lay aside their differences in the name of the Homeland and the sublime interests of the Armenian nation and gather around a table to formulate a mutually agreed plan for snap elections.
We wholeheartedly pray that all national, political and institutional leadership use their political wisdom to secure lasting peace and tranquility in Armenia.
Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, Executive Director, Armenian Evangelical World Council
Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO, Armenian Missionary Association of America
March 2, 2021
Խոր անձկութեամբ եւ յուզումով կը հետեւինք Հայաստան Աշխարհի ներկայ ճգնաժամային անցուդարձերուն եւ իրարամերժ ոգիով արտայայտուած քաղաքական միտքերուն եւ ուղղութիւններուն: Իրազեկ ենք այն իրողութեան, որ արդարօրէն պատասխաններ կը փնտռուին ոչ միայն Արցախեան վերջին պատերազմի մասին, այլ նաեւ անցնող քառորդ դարու անվտանգութեան, պաշտպանութեան եւ դիւանագիտական ծալքերու մէջէն ի յայտ եկած ձախողութիւններուն համար:
Համոզուած ենք, որ Հայրենիքը պէտք ունի վստահութիւն ներշնչող իշխանութեան մը, որ իր ուղին գտնէ երկրի սահմանադրութեան պարագիծի մէջ ակօսուած օրէնքի ճանապարհով:
Ի տես Հայաստանի խաղաղութեան սպառնացող ներկայ վտանգին եւ համազգային բնոյթ ունեցող քաղաքական այս տագնապին, այսու, կոչ կ’ընենք բոլոր կողմերուն յանուն հայրենիքի եւ հայ ազգի գերագոյն շահերուն մէկդի դնել տարբերութիւնները եւ հաւաքուիլ սեղանի մը շուրջ տնօրինելու արտակարգ ընտրութիւններու շուրջ համաձայնուած ծրագիր մը:
Ի բոլոր սրտէ կ’աղօթենք, որ հայրենի քաղաքական եւ կուսակցական ղեկավարները իրենց քաղաքական իմաստութիւնը գործածեն ի սէր Հայաստանի անդորրութեան եւ խաղաղութեան:
Վեր. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան, Գործադիր Տնօրէն, Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդ
Զաւէն Խանճեան, Գործադիր Տնօրէն, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւն
Մարտ 2, 2021
AMAA’s Christian Life Committee welcomes you to join us virtually on Saturday, March 13, 2021, as we “Learn + Pray for Lebanon,” which will be led by AMAA’s Board Member and Christian Life Committee Chair, Dr. Heather Ohaneson.
Pastor Datev Basmajian, the Youth Worker of Christian Endeavor Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Syria and Lebanon, will give a brief report on what life has been like for Armenian Evangelical Churches, schools and youth programs this past year. Topics will include the political situation, the economy, the Beirut explosions, and the Pandemic in Lebanon.
Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian the Coordinator of Church Relations of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East will facilitate a time of prayer.
We encourage you to invite your family and friends. Register below to receive your personal Zoom link!
Time:
9:00 AM (PT) (Saturday in US and Canada)
12:00 PM (ET) (Saturday in US and Canada)
6:00 PM (Saturday in France, Belgium, Germany)
7:00 PM (Saturday in Lebanon)
9:00 PM (Saturday in Armenia)
4:00 AM (Sunday in Australia)
44 Days of Artsakh War
Our Commitment
It was not planned this way. But we know, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” Isaiah 55:8
The year 2020 was the 25th Anniversary of AMAA’s entry to Artsakh. A thoughtful celebration was planned in Shushi and Stepanakert for September 2020. A few good people made early reservations to join the AMAA’s family in special worship services, an official inauguration at Camp Bedrosian, cultural events, a theatrical presentation and a formal banquet in none other than Shushi.
God had other plans for my people.
A year of unprecedented affliction is behind us, the memory of which brings chills to the soul of every Armenian around the globe. COVID-19, crisis in Syria and Lebanon, the horrendous destructive August 4 explosions in Beirut, are painful memories which will haunt us for a long time.
The calamitous end of the 44-day war in Artsakh, however, was a game changer. A nation is mourning the martyrdom of thousands of its youngest and brightest defending a Homeland, for which generations of forebears had sacrificed their lives. A nation is mourning thousands of heartbroken mothers, widows and children, whose family trees bear the pain of axed branches by the chronic heinous assault of a century past, ironically by the same perpetrator. A nation is mourning the loss of vast territories of historic land, punctuated by innumerable monuments of its opulent Christian heritage.
The challenges ahead are monstrous and huge as the political and institutional leadership in Armenia struggles to carve a course to the future, amidst a mountainous pile of uncertainties.
Answers are sought for the failure of 30 years of defense and diplomatic institutional build up. Amidst an atmosphere of dread and worry, popular sentiment in Armenia and the Diaspora struggles to reckon with the new reality on the ground, measure future expectations and devise a new path forward.
God has the answer for all trouble. When the disciples panicked in the sinking ship and woke Jesus up to save them, He said “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Matthew 8:26, and there was a great calm.
By November 10, the date of ending all hostilities, the AMAA had a mandate. Encourage and assist the return of the resettled population of Artsakh to their homes, and immediately resume all AMAA operations in Artsakh proper. AMAA representatives in Armenia and Artsakh were on top of a task efficiently accomplished. Within days, the offices of AMAA and Evangelical Church of Armenia in Stepanakert were open. The staff was back on duty and by December 1, 2020, AMAA institutions in Askeran, Martakert and Stepanakert were in full motion.
Historic Armenian land is home to an unalienable presence of Christian and national heritage. Most of the land is forcibly devoid of its indigenous population. The land might identify its history while people identify the land. If Christian and Armenian Artsakh is to be saved and preserved it should by fully repopulated.
In the coming years, while the concerned and engaged political leadership strives to win Artsakh’s right of self-determination, the AMAA, with unmatched faith, determination and goodwill, will fervently support and sustain the population, embrace the land, develop and flourish it and pursue the happiness of its people.
AMAA’s spiritual, educational and humanitarian programs and services have for 25 years touched lives in Artsakh, one child at a time. The post-war needs have multiplied our efforts launching multiple new services and programs to alleviate the pain, relieve the trauma and help raise a new, creative and innovative generation. It is a testimony of God’s love reflected on the people of the Christian Armenian enclave. It is also a tribute to those, who having heard the loss of decades long remarkable legacy of service in Shushi to the stomping feet of invaders, lovingly asked, ‘can we rebuild in Stepanakert?’
Yes! We can rebuild and we shall.
Thank you for your support of our efforts to uphold our brothers and sisters in Artsakh.
February 5, 2021
Արցախեան 44օրեայ Պատերազմը
Մեր Յանձնառութիւնը
Այդպէս նախատեսուած չէր: Բայց մենք ծանօթ ենք «Քանզի իմ խորհուրդներս ձեր խորհուրդները չեն, ու ձեր ճամբաները իմ ճամբաներս չեն»: Եսայի 55. 8
Երկու Հազար Քսանը Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան Արցախեան ծառայութեան քսանհինգ ամեակն էր: Բովանդակալից հանդիսութիւններ ծրագրուած էր Շուշիի եւ Ստեփանակերտի մէջ: Ստուար խնդակիցներ ապահոված էին իրենց երթեւեկը միանալու Աւետարանչականի ընտանիքին մասնակցելու յատուկ պաշտամունքի մը, Պետրոսեան Ճամբարի մասնաշէնքի նաւակատիքին, մշակութային ձեռնարկներու, թատրոնի մը ներկայացման եւ նշանակալից ու յիշատակալից պաշտօնական ընթրիքի մը ծրագրուած Արցախի մշակութային կեդրոն՝ Շուշիի մէջ:
Աստուած տարբեր ծրագիր ուներ մեր ժողովուրդին համար:
Աննախադէպ տարի մը ձգած ենք մեր ետին որու մտաբերումը կը փշաքաղէ ամէն հայու հոգին երկրագունդի վրայ: Թագաժահրը, տագնապներու անդադրում օղակը Սուրիոյ եւ Լիբանանի մէջ, Օգոստոսեան ահաւոր պայթումը Պէյրութի մէջ, խայթող յուշեր են որոնց մղձաւանջը երկար պիտի հետապնդէ մեզ:
Արցախեան պատերազմի աղէտալի արդիւնքը սակայն յեղաշրջեց բոլորը: Ազգ մը ամբողջ կ՚ողբայ հայրենիքի համար զոհուած իր հազարաւոր զաւակները, որու անկախութեան համար սերունդներ իրենց կեանքը զոհած էին անցեալին: Ազգ մը ամբողջ կ՚ողբայ հազարաւոր սրտաբեկ մայրեր, հազիւ գարուն տեսնող որբեւայրի հարսեր որոնց տոհմածառերու սահմանաբակ աճը ապացոյցն են կացինահար ճիւղերու պատմութեան՝ զոհը նոյն ոճրագործին: Ազգ մը ամբողջ կ՚ողբայ կորուստը հազարամեայ պապենական հողերու, որու վրայ ցանուած յուշարձաններու հոյլը վկայութիւնն է անոր հարուստ քրիստոնէական ժառանգութեան:
Մեզ դիմագրաւող մարտահրաւերները լերնակուտակ են մինչ քաղաքական եւ պետական ղեկավարութիւն մը կը պայքարի ապագայի հուն մը ճեղքել անհամար անորոշութիւններու ընդմէջ:
Արդարօրէն պատասխաններ կը փնտռուին երեսուն տարուայ անվտանգութեան, պաշտպանութեան եւ դիւանագիտական անփառունակ ձախողութիւններու համար: Խոր ցաւի, վիշտի եւ լուրջ մտահոգութեան մթնոլորտի մը մէջ, ժողովրդային եւ հասարակական միտքը Սփիւռքի եւ Հայաստանի մէջ կը ջանայ գիտակցիլ նոր իրավիճակի մը գոյութեան, վերաչափել ապագայի ակնկալութիւնները եւ հունաւորել նոր ճանապարհ մը:
Աստուած ունի բոլոր դժուարութիւններու պատասխանը: Երբ աշակերտները տատանուող նաւուն վրայ սարսափած արթնցուցին Յիսուս զիրենք փրկելու համար, Ան ըսաւ «Թերահաւատներ, ինչո՞ւ այդպէս երկչոտ էք» Մատթէոս 8. 26 «…ու մեծ հանդարտութիւն մը տիրեց»:
Նոյեմբեր 10ի յայտարարութեամբ, երբ բոլոր ռազմական գործողութիւնները դադրեցան, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւնը արդէն գիտակից էր իր յանձնառութեան: Խրախուսել եւ օժանդակել Արցախի ժողովուրդի վերաբնակեցումը իր հարազատ հողին վրայ եւ վերականգնել Աւետարանչականի ամբողջական գործողութիւնները Արցախի մէջ: Ընկերակցութեան ներկայացուցիչները պատասխանատուութեան ամբողջական գիտակցութեամբ պատնէշի վրայ էին: Մի քանի օրուայ ընթացքին Ստեփանակերտի Աւետարանչականի եւ Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցւոյ գրասենեակները բաց էին: Աշխատակազմը վերադարձած էր եւ Դեկտեմբեր 1ին Ասկերանի, Մարտակերտի եւ Ստեփանակերտի մէջ լրիւ կը գործէին Աւետարանչականի բոլոր ծրագիրները:
Պատմական Հայաստանի տարածքը հարազատ տուն է Քրիստոնէական եւ ազգային կոթողային հսկայ ժառանգութեան մը: Բայց հողը զուրկ է բռնութեամբ տեղահանուած եւ ոչնչացուած իր բնիկ ժողովուրդէն: Հողը անտարակոյս կը յուշէ տարածքին պատմութիւնը բայց ժողովուրդն է որ կը բնորոշէ անոր ինքնութիւնը: Քրիստոնեական եւ հայկական ինքնութիւն ունեցող Արցախեան հողը եթէ պիտի փրկուի հարկ է խտացնել անոր վրայ բնակող ժողովուրդի շարքերը: Յառաջիկայ տարիներուն մինչ պետութիւն եւ իշխանութիւն կը տքնին շահելու Արցախեան տարածքի եւ բնակչութեան ինքնորոշման իրաւունքը, Աւետարանչականը հաւատքով, վճռակամութեամբ եւ բարի կամեցողութեամբ պիտի սատարէ եւ օժանդակէ ժողովուրդի բարօրութեան, փարի հողին, զարգացնէ եւ ծաղկեցնէ զայն հետապնդելով ժողովուրդի երջանկութիւնը:
Աւետարանչականի 25ամեայ հոգեւոր, կրթական եւ մարդասիրական ծրագիրներն ու ծառայութիւնները օրհնութիւն եղած են բազմաթիւ Արցախցի մանուկներու կեանքին: Յետ պատերազմեան կարիքները բազմապատկած են մեր ջանքերը ամոքելու ցաւը, մեղմելու հոգեկան ցնցումը եւ դաստիարակելու ստեղծագործ եւ նորարար սերունդ մը:
Աւետարանչականի նուիրումը Արցախի ժողովուրդին անժամանակ է իսկ նուիրումը Աստուծոյ սիրոյն արտացոլացումը: Այդ նաեւ յարգանքի տուրք է անոնց՝ որոնք ծանօթ ըլլալով Շուշիի մէջ տասնամեակներու յիշատակելի ծառայութեան ժառանգութեան կորուստին՝ գաւթիչներու ոտնահարող ոտքերուն ներքեւ, գորովագին հարց տուին.- «Կրնա՞նք վերականգնել զայն Ստեփանակերտի մէջ»։
Այո, կրնա՛նք եւ պիտի վերականգնենք։
Շնորհակալութիւն Արցախի մեր եղբայրներուն եւ քոյրերուն օգնութեան մեր ջանքերուն՝ ձեր աջակցութեան համար։
Փետրուար 5, 2021
The Armenian people were thus forced to take their fate into their hands.
Highlights of Armenian Christendom by Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian
These familiar words resonate with Armenians all around the world. Within the extensive pages of our history we find many reminders of our painful losses of land and souls. Yet we should not be quick to turn the page just because we cannot endure the pain of these tragic events. Between the lines, buried in the soil of these adversities you will find the seeds of faith and victory. This is certainly true when we read the story of the Battle of Avarayr. In the broad context of world history, it may be considered a small conflict of swords and human powers which ended in a decisive victory for the oppressive Persian Empire. For the Armenian people however, it was a battle grounded in our Christian faith and a struggle to preserve our identity and honor for the generations to follow.
While it takes courage to face a powerful enemy, it takes faith to lead people into a battle you could not hope to win without aid from the invisible hand of Almighty God. Vartan Mamigonian had that kind of a faith. As he issued a call to his fellow warriors, he inspired them with the following words before marching into battle: If we were able to perform such brave deeds in obedience to a mortal commander, how much more should we be able to do for our immortal King?
The Battle of Avarayr began on May 26, 451 and lasted only one day. Vartan and many of his fellow soldiers were martyred. They did not die, rather they sacrificed their lives in obedience to a calling that would find its rebirth in generations to follow. Vartan Mamigonian fell in battle but his nephew, Vahan Mamigonian, would live and continue this God given mission. In the spring of 484 TheTreaty of Nvarsagwas established between the Armenians and Persians.After 33 years of struggle and conflict, this was a victory for A Christian Armenia, a new freedom birthed from the obedience of a faithful man named Vartan, who did not live to see it.
The word obedience makes me think of a coin that has two sides. One side reads blessing, the other sacrifice. When these two sides are molded together in love, they produce value. If you want and pursue blessings only, your heart with stray away from the path. In the same way, sacrifice alone will cause your heart to grow weary. Don’t look for one or the other but seek obedience in both. Vartan’s obedience, resulted in sacrifice but that was only one side of the coin. The other side was the blessing of a Nation freed from oppression, celebrating their faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The most familiar verse in the bible is John 3:16, but I would like to bring to your attention 1 John 3:16, which reads: This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
Jesus died for us because He understood that there is blessing in sacrifice. Through His Word, He teaches us to do the same for each other. If we could only see the blessings behind each sacrifice we make for other people, we would witness an explosion of love in our midst. God would be glorified, and lives changed in powerful ways. Vartan gave up his life knowing full well that obedience in love is a two-sided coin that includes both sacrifice and blessings. Today, his legacy has been handed down to us and it is our turn to live in such a way that our love will be demonstrated in sacrifice that results in blessings for us and generations yet to come. This is our heritage as Armenians. This is our mission as Christians. May His will be done.
In Christ,
Pastor Harutyun Khachatryan
Pastor of Christian Education at the United Armenian Congregational Church of Los Angeles, CA
The Battle of Avarayr of 451 A.D. From the 19th Century Broadcast, Lamp Unto My Feet
“Death, when not comprehended is death indeed, but death if comprehended, is immortality.” -Armenian historian Elishe 410-475 A.D.
“No one can move us, neither angels nor men, neither sword nor fire. All our goods and possessions are in your hands. Our bodies are before you. Dispose of them as you will. The sword is yours, the neck, ours. Do not therefore interrogate us further concerning all this because our bound of faith is not with men to be deceived like children, but with God to whom we are indissolubly bound and from who nothing can detach or separate us. Neither now, or later, nor forever, nor forever and ever.” -Vartan Mamigonian responded to the King Yazdegerd II’s imposition of Zoroastrianism on Armenia. Narrated by the Armenian historian Elishe 410-475 A.D.
The AMAA would like to thank Dr. Martha Missirlian, Mrs. Joyce Abdulian and Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Joyce Stein for sharing this historical video. Lamp Unto My Feet was an American religious program produced by CBS Television and broadcasted on Sunday mornings from 1948-1979. In this episode, the program focuses on the Battle of Avarayr of 451 A.D.
Support AMAA’s Post-War Humanitarian Efforts in Artsakh
Following the worst fighting in decades, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) is committed to meeting the humanitarian needs of our Artsakh brothers and sisters.
In an effort to extend economic aid, connect Diaspora families with their Artsakh kin, and embrace the needy and displaced both in and outside of Artsakh, AMAA has launched several initiatives to help families restore their lives, which were devastated by the recent war. With your help, AMAA will do the utmost to provide Artsakh with the platform to rebuild stronger for the future!
We invite you to join our mission to serve the physical and spiritual needs of our brothers and sisters in Armenia and Artsakh. Please consider supporting the listed priorities. (All amounts reflected in USD.)
This new program reaches out to Artsakh families who choose to remain in their homeland, as well as refugees in Armenia. When you choose to support a family you are directly impacting their lives and providing hope. Imagine the joy they will feel knowing that someone across the globe cares. Your sponsorship will empower each family with much-needed income to help alleviate long-term pressures of poverty and access to AMAA services available in their region. Help a family to rise up out of poverty and move toward a sustainable future!
Amount to sponsor one family for one year:
$2,400
(Each family enrolled in the program will receive a quarterly remittance of $600. Sponsors and families are encouraged to build a relationship through letter writing.)
A decent home is the core for any family to grow and feel secure. In partnership with the Dutch NGO, Mission Possible, and Dutch Evangelical TV Station, EO-Matterdaad, damaged houses in Artsakh are being renovated. Your investment will improve a family’s living conditions and provide housing stability.
Sponsorship levels for home renovations:
$5,000 $2,000 $1,000 $500
Beyond the classroom, children need to remain engaged and active in the learning process. In partnership with Teach for Armenia, AMAA is distributing Lenovo tablets to children who have limited financial resources. Tablets are equipped with a special chip for free access to internet and apps & games to help with educational and psychological recovery of each child. Your gift will help inspire a child to discover a new world of learning!
Amount to sponsor one tablet:
$200
Imagine being a parent and seeing your child hungry. For many families, food insecurity is a grim reality, especially in the aftermath of the war. AMAA’s food assistance program will provide families (with children ages 0-12) with monetary funds to buy food and other essential items. Together, we can help end hunger for these families.
Amount to sponsor one family of 5-6 for one month:
$200
AMAA commissioned local factories to make sets of clothing and shoes for children. The vision is to provide new, quality clothing to school-age children, free of charge so that they may attend school and go out in warmth and confidence.
Amount to sponsor one set of clothing:
$60
(Each set contains: Shoes, socks, pants, underwear, sweaters and winter jackets. Initial Quantity: 1,000 children; 500 male, 500 female)
The AMAA is adding new children from Artsakh into our Sponsorship program. Children are sponsored as needed.
Amount to sponsor one child:
$300 Annually, $150 Biannually, $75 Quarterly, $25 Monthly
“Christ is born” is not just the Good News with which Christians greet each other once a year, but it’s a fact that Christ was born to save us from sin and eternal death and reconcile us with God the Father. Jesus was born so that our hope will never fade.
During the first weeks of 2021, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in cooperation with the Evangelical Church of Armenia (ECA) delivered this message of hope to over 15,600 children, adolescents and their parents during more than 100 Christmas Programs held in 45 towns and villages throughout Armenia and Artsakh. Along with the Good News, over 12,000 children received Christmas Joy packages filled with stationery, educational games, hygiene items and warm hats that were prepared in advance by volunteers from the AMAA and ECA.
This year, the AMAA’s and ECA’s “Hayasa” Theatrical group, led by Artistic Director Nune Abrahamyan, conveyed the Good News of Christmas to the children with a puppet show based on Oscar Wilde’s “Selfish Giant” story. The icy heart of the “selfish giant” melts, and his garden turns green again when he hears the Gospel of Salvation. The troupe started its tour and performances from the AMAA’s Shoghig Camp in Hankavan, where over 200 women, children and elderly from Artsakh were sheltered since the first days of the war, and later with families who lost their homes in Shushi and Hadrut regions. The children who attended school in the Pyunik village of Hankavan, where the Artsakh children who were staying at camp attend, were also invited to the event.
Following the Christmas Program in Camp Shoghig, the “Hayasa” Theatrical group presented their program in Yerevan, Stepanavan and the neighboring villages. Children and teenagers from Artsakh families who had taken refuge in these regions were also invited to attend. During these 10 performances the message of the best way to become better echoed: The birth of Jesus Christ in our hearts.
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After the war, words such as dream, rejoice and laugh might sound strange, especially to the children of Artsakh, where joy seemed to be hidden in their eyes. Many of these children dream to return home, but for the time being it is an unattainable dream. “Return to Home” was the theme of another Christmas theatrical performance presented to the children in Gyumri and later in Artsakh led by Artistic Director Vazken Torosyan.
In Artsakh, from January 8-11, the Gyumri theatrical group presented a Christmas Program in Stepanakert, Askeran, Martakert and other regions of the area. During seven sessions and from various stages, about 3,000 children watched a musical performance which told the story of a little girl who always complained about her family. She lied and wanted to get away from home. Because of her lies no one trusted her anymore and she lost everything. Finally she found herself in the realm of dreams, whose king is the King of Kings. It is the prayer to Him that changed the girl’s heart and helped her understand that the most precious thing in life is her family, and only the King can fulfill her dreams, which are good by His will and will come true at the right time. The message from this performance was a ray of hope especially for the children and their parents who lost their homes in Shushi and Hadrut.
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Besides the major cities and towns in Armenia, this year the AMAA’s and ECA’s Vardenis team conveyed the Good News of Christmas not only in Vardenis, a border village of Armenia.
(compiled and translated from Eastern Armenian by Louisa Janbazian)