AMAA Sponsored Children's Summer Camp in … Sponsored Children's Summer Camp in Bulgaria ... series...

Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of AmericaJULY/AUGUST 2005 - Vol. XXXIX No. 4 (ISSN 1097-0924)

AMAA Sponsored Children's Summer Camp in Bulgaria (See story on page 11)

AMAA NEWS, JULY/AUG 20052

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COVER PICTURESummer Camp - Bulgaria

Andrew Torigian

In June, AMAA Board members, families, and supporters got together for a tourof Armenia to observe our AMAA projects in the motherland.

For those who came, it was an extremely rewarding trip. Not only did theysee what has been accomplished by the AMAA in spreading the Gospel in Arme-nia, and in supporting humanitarian programs, but also they came to the realiza-tion that the work done has been monumental over the span of 17 years in ex-pressing the love of Christ through words and deeds.

Immediately after the 1988 earthquake, the AMAA did its utmost to ease thepain of our Armenia brothers and sisters. By providing food, medication, andclothing, it extended as much help as possible to provide for the needs of thepeople.

The group, in its tour, visited the AMAA Camp "Sheen" Shoghig which, alongwith the AMAA Camp Bedrosian in Shushi, Karabagh, and the 69 day camps,provide more than 10,000 children with enjoyment, fresh air and Christian edu-cation.

The AMAA has always put education in the forefront of its ministries andsupports the Evangelical Theological Academy of Armenia and the Khoren andShoushanig Avedisian Primary School. Perhaps one of the most moving eventsof our visit was the graduation of the fourth grade of the AMAA Khoren andShoushanig Avedisian Armenian Evangelical School. The students are extremelybright and motivated, gave recitations of what they had learned and performed aseries of Armenian dances that were truly authentic. It brought smiles and warmemotions to all of us as we watched them proudly graduate. With tears of joy inhis eyes, Edward Avedisian, the benefactor of the school, praised the studentsand the principal and the staf f for the marvelous work they had accomplished.

We were also privileged to attend and participate in the commencement ex-ercises of 150 seminary students who graduated from the Evangelical Theologi-cal Academy of Armenia.

Several of us had the good fortune to meet the child we are sponsoring underthe AMAA orphan and needy child program. Needless to say, meeting a child youare supporting is very emotional, and all those who did meet one of these childrentook pictures and spent time together as a family. The AMAA currently supports2,826 orphans and needy children and their families. It’s also gratifying to knowthat these children receive free medical check-ups in one of the AMAA Clinics inYerevan, Spitak or Vanadzor. They also receive free dental treatment.

Christian Education is an inseparable part of child rearing. The AMAA Chris-tian Education Program reaches out to thousands of children throughout Arme-nia and Karabagh. They educate the children based on the teachings of theBible to enable them to personally know Jesus Christ as their Savior. The chil-dren are encouraged to live a life worthy of Him and, as they grow, perhaps oneday become leaders of our churches and country.

For those who wish to donate for any of the AMAA’s projects, please sendyour tax-deductible contribution in the attached envelope. G

Visit to our Homeland

"You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God isfull of water; you provide the people with grain, for so you have preparedit." (Psalm 65:9)

AMAA NEWS, JULY/AUG 2005 3

In the history of the Christian church manyrenowned theologians and theological

movements have had Paul’s Letter to theRomans as their source of inspiration andguidance. This letter was written from thecity of Corinth most likely in 57 or 59 A.D..Paul’s itinerary had already covered theimportant towns and cities in the East. Hehad a great desire to travel to Spain and tomake a stopover in Rome, the capital cityof the Roman Empire, to visit the churchthere, which was not founded by him. Pauldid not have the chance to fulfill his desireto travel on his own, but he was taken thereas a prisoner. It is most likely that he wrotethis letter in order that the church in Romewill have some knowledge of him and hisprofession of the New Faith. However,Paul’s Letter to the Romans turned into a sys-tematic manifesto on the essentials of theChristian faith and practice. St. Augustine ofHippo (354 – 430), Martin Luther (1483 –1546), John Calvin (1509 – 1564) and KarlBarth (1886 – 1968) are only a few of thosegreat and epoch-making theologians and re-formers whose lives and teachings weredeeply impacted by the content of this letter.

A. The Gospel That The Apostle PaulProfessed And Taught

The word euaggelion means ‘gospel’ or‘good news’, which is, according to Will-iam Barclay, “so specifically and charac-teristically a Christian word that it has nothad a long history outside the New Testa-ment”. It reveals and proclaims the savingpower of the life, death, and resurrection ofJesus Christ to all those who believe in him.For the Apostle Paul “the gospel is thepower of God for the salvation of everyonewho believes.” This salvation is the libera-tion of man from the fetters of sin and death.God’s saving power is imparted to man asgrace through the love of Jesus Christ, a lovethat he revealed by shedding his blood onthe cross. In other words, the sinner re-ceives the righteousness of God as grace bybelieving and trusting in His Son, JesusChrist. In almost all his letters Paul empha-sizes the power of this gospel and discred-

159th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church – July 1, 1846

Imperative For Evangelism“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of

everyone who believes...” Romans 1: 16

its the efficacy of the law and good worksfor man’s salvation.

It is this gospel which the Apostle Paulproclaims emphatically, and it is this gospelthat he refers to in his letter to the church inRome, saying “I am not ashamed of the gos-pel, because it is the power of God for salva-tion...”. Furthermore, it is this gospel thatPaul stands by in his letter to the church inCorinth where he says, “Yet when I preachthe gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelledto preach. Woe to me if I do not preach thegospel!” (1 Cor. 9:16). The Apostle was veryconfident of his belief that the preaching ofthis gospel was most imperative.

B. Evangelism is Imperative For the Ar-menian Evangelical Church

Our time does not allow us to even brieflynarrate the story of the Armenian Evangeli-cal Church. During the last 50 years, thanksto our Armenian Evangelical historians andpublishers, many books have been pub-lished on this subject both in Armenian andin English. One phenomenon that has a di-rect bearing on our sermon is that the Ar-menian Evangelical Movement of the 19th

century and evangelism have advanced con-currently and have had a parallel history.Actually, the Armenian Evangelical Churchis a product of evangelism; furthermore,evangelism is the raison-d’etre, and the solejustification for the existence of the Arme-nian Evangelical Church. As regards to herconcept of the gospel, both the revealedLiving and the written Words of God havebecome her sources of inspiration and con-viction. Similar to the great reformers of the16th century, the pioneers of the Armenianreligious reform movement made great useof Paul’s letter to the Romans that affectedthe development of their theological thoughtand life-style.

The seeds of the Armenian EvangelicalMovement were first sown in the 1830s, inan Armenian theological seminary locatedon the grounds of the Armenian Patriarch-ate in Istanbul, Turkey. The Principal of thisseminary, Krikor Peshtimaljian, who was arenowned biblical scholar, conducted a

Bible-studyclass for theilluminationof the mindsof his stu-dents. No-body in thosedays sus-pected thatthese out ofclass timestudies would fire the minds of some stu-dents with a spirit of evangelism. Enlight-ened and empowered by the truth of thegospel, those students got organized un-der the name of Society For Piety, orHaygazounian Society, their sole purposebeing evangelizing their people. We can-not go into the reasons, or the circum-stances that forced the members of thissociety to be converted into a separatechurch on July 1, 1846. However, it is veryimportant for us to know that both themembers of the Society For Piety, and later,the Armenian Evangelical Church felt thatthe only justification for their existence asa separate church was their obedience tothe last commission of our Lord to his dis-ciples, “Therefore go and make disciplesof all nations, baptizing them in the nameof the Father and of the Son and of theHoly Spirit, and teaching them to obey ev-erything I have commanded you” (Matthew28: 19,20). The Bible Societies, Russian,British, and American, were instrumentaland a great help in providing them withBibles in Armeno-Turkish, Classical Arme-nian (krapar), and in vernacular(ashkharhapar) languages. In addition, theAmerican missionaries provided them withreligious tracts and books as tools for pro-moting their evangelistic enterprise. Evan-gelism was the watch-word of the day, andthe pioneers of the Armenian EvangelicalMovement picked up this challenge in allearnest and carried the gospel, the goodnews of salvation, to the end of the thenOttoman Empire, reaching out to their Ar-menian compatriots. Wherever the gospelwas preached, new churches and Christian

Rev. Barkev N. Darakjian

M E S S A G E


schools were founded through its power,and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

C. Evangelism: An Imperative For Our TimesDespite the new ways and methods by

which evangelism is carried on nowadays,we must resist more than ever the tempta-tion of considering it as an outmoded oranachronistic practice. The gospel of sal-vation is still as much an imperative for usArmenian Evangelicals, as it was during theformative years of this movement, becausewe believe that the gospel is the power ofGod, and is able to renew our lives andempower us to become witnesses to JesusChrist, and to his saving grace. This shouldbe an imperative challenge for our churches,if we are serious about our Christian faithand our evangelicalism. It is also impera-tive for us to acknowledge the fact that theHoly Spirit is the source of our power andwisdom to promote evangelism, so that inall of our endeavors we should seek firstthe glory of God, and his Kingdom. We areall called to evangelize, however, we shouldfirst seek the will of God for us. We shouldalso submit ourselves to the control, and thewisdom of the Holy Spirit so that in all ourendeavors God’s name will be glorified andmany souls will be drawn to accept JesusChrist as their Lord and Savior. The follow-ing brief guidelines can be of some help:

a. Study the Holy Bible regularly and ina prayerful spirit. Remember that Godspeaks to us through His Word, while wespeak to God through our prayers. Make ahabit of using good and authoritative com-mentaries.

b. While evangelizing someone, take heedthat the voice of God is heard louder thanyours. Follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

c. We will not be “ashamed of the gos-pel” if we have had a personal encounterwith Jesus Christ, have experienced his sal-vation, and have been practicing his pres-ence in prayer and meditation.

d. Remember that evangelism is not givento you as a right, or a monopoly. The HolySpirit uses other people to preach, or toevangelize. The spirit of Christian love andrespect will make you “accept them, as youare accepted in Christ...” It is recommendedthat you carry on your evangelism under thesupervision of your church.

e. Make every effort to be polite and con-siderate towards the people you evangelize,

so that those who are weak in the faith willhave no reason to stumble and to reject youand the gospel you bring to them.

f. Give glory and honor only to God, whenthe groups of people you evangelize growin number, and the “number of saved in-creases”.

g. Always keep in mind the following tes-timony of the Apostle Paul: “Yet when Ipreach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I amcompelled to preach. Woe to me If I do notpreach the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9: 16)

* * * Today, more than at any time, the world isbadly in need of the gospel of salvation inJesus Christ. The worst and most destruc-tive current of secularization is carrying theso-called Christian nations of the West -Eu-rope, United States, and Canada – away. Poli-ticians, sociologists, educational institutions,and judicial authorities are making every ef-fort to dismantle everything that has somereligious connotation, including religioussymbols, in order to build a “completely free”society. Many historians and theologianshave already labeled this era as “post-Chris-tian”. There is no more a Christendom, Chris-tian nation, and Christian culture. We, Arme-nians, including Evangelicals, are not freefrom the impact of secularization. What canwe do? We will either follow the order of theday, or fight back with the sword of the gos-pel. On the one hand this new phenomenonwill be very revealing, that is, it will separate

the true believers from those who were justnominal Christians. Christianity will no longerbe used by the national establishments andgovernments according to their whims, forpolitical, social, and financial gain. All this isgood. As true believers, we must rejoice overthis secularization phenomenon. On the otherhand, it puts us under great stress and obli-gation to get more serious in our faith, andour task of evangelizing. We can, and shouldpray to God that He may fill our hearts andminds with the spirit of the Pentecost, thatwe may again be filled by the power of theHoly Spirit, and go out to preach the gospelall over the world, beginning with our homes,churches, the Armenian nation, and the Ar-menian Homeland. Today, we are witnessingmany shameful things around us, however,we are expected, and required that we neverconsider the gospel of Jesus Christ some-thing to be ashamed of, in order not to fallunder condemnation. Let us pray that the Ar-menian Evangelical Church be prepared tocelebrate her 160th anniversary by takingbold and fruitful steps in evangelism for theglory of God and for the well-being ofChrist’s churches and the believers at large.AMEN. G

For further reading: You may use thearticle on Evangelism in Rev. Barkev N.Darakjian’s book, Indispensable Heritage,(Anpokharinely Jarankootyune - An'o.a-rin;li Va5angoujiune) p. 109. This bookhas been recently published by the AMAA.

M E S S A G E

IIIII n s p i r a t i o n a l C o r n e rn s p i r a t i o n a l C o r n e rn s p i r a t i o n a l C o r n e rn s p i r a t i o n a l C o r n e rn s p i r a t i o n a l C o r n e rLET ME GIVE

I do not know how long I’ll liveBut while I live, Lord, let me give

Some comfort to someone in needBy smile or nod, kind word or deed.

And let me do what ever I canTo ease things for my fellow man.I want naught but to do my partTo “lift” a tired or weary heart.

To change folks’ frowns to smiles again.Then I will not have lived in vainAnd I’ll not care how long I’ll live

If I can give ... and give ... and give.-BJ.Morbitzer


The moment our family of nine landedin Yerevan, we marked not only a

homecoming, but a new adventure. Wewere joined by AMAA’s President Dr.Steven Aharonian and wife Julie, AMAAExecutive Director, Andy Torigian andmembers of other families involved withinthe mission of AMAA.

AMAA’s capable Armenia Director Rev.Rene Leonian planned a packed nine daytour of the organization’s churches, schools,camps, vacation bible schools, Nork Or-phanage and Christian Centers.

Our mission to see first hand AMAA’sunprecedented efforts in greater Armenia.Each day filled with exciting and often poi-gnant visits: the impressive AvedisianSchool boasts having received Armenia’shighest award for academic excellence andthis day was celebrating a joyous gradua-tion. Other schools were impressive onmerits of their own: in Vanadzor, Spitak,Talin and Gumri’s Dikran AndreassianSchool. Our group was regaled in eachschool with music, dancing and emotionalrecitations recounting Armenia’s rich Chris-tian heritage.

We were encouraged to see so many ofthe AMAA sponsored children cared for inthe academic, spiritual and physical realm.Orphan and Child Care Committee mem-bers, Susie and Arsine Phillips, GraceKurkjian and Joyce Stein were deeply im-pressed and eager to share their experiencewith the national Orphan and Child CareCommittee members. It is noteworthy, thisgroup raises close to $200,000 each yearfor the underserved in Armenia.

Other visitations included churches andAMAA sites in Vanadzor, Yerevan,Stepanavan, Ashtarak, Spitak (where thepastor after 7 years moved his family offour from a container to a home!) Espe-cially touching was the experience at theSheen Shoghik Camp in Hankavan. Eachweek hundreds of children enjoy fresh air,good food, many activities, bible study,evening assemblies and loving counselors.Some of us met with very responsive spon-sored children who surrounded us withhugs, hand holding and countless questions!An experience never to be forgotten!

For those first Armenia first timers, thesites of Karni, Keghart Monastery, Dilijan’sHaghardzin Monastery, Ashtarak and oldchurch sites, Lake Sevan Etchmiadzin andKhor Virap were captivating. All were happyto have an outing at Yerevan’s legendaryvernisage (open air market). And none of uswill ever forget the touching theologicalacademy graduation for over 150 seminary

Odyssey to Armenia

Joyce Stein

students who plan to go into the field.Yerevan’s rich heritage was evidenced in itsoutstanding museums and the world famousMaderataran Library and Archives.

The 35 AMAA mission partners countedit a privilege to have witnessed the Chris-tian outreach and impressive impact ofAMAA’s true mission in the homeland.May God continue to bless the work. G

President Robert Kocharian received the visit of the delegation of theArmenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), on June 20th, headedby the Executive Director of the Association, Andy Torigian.

President Kocharian, with much gratitude, mentioned that his meetings withthe Armenian Evangelicals is frequent and he highly appreciated theeducational and philanthropic projects of the Armenian Evangelical Church,and the AMAA.

Pictured above - Left to Right: Rev. Rene Leonian, AMAA Representative inArmenia; Albert Momjian, Esq., AMAA Solicitor; Dr. Hrair Aharonian, AMAAPresident; President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian; Andy Torigian, ExecutiveDirector of AMAA; Joyce Stein, AMAA Board Member and Stephen PhilibosianFoundation; George Phillips, Esq., AMAA past Vice President.

A R M E N I A


Syrian and Lebanese Sojourn

Joyce Stein

The Stein, Landes and Danelian familyjoined by the Aharonians, Andy

Torigian and Harry Balukjian flew fromYerevan to Aleppo, Syria, where we re-ceived a royal welcome by Rev. HaroutSelimian. The reverend, a friend ofAleppo’s special security agent facilitateda smooth entry into that marvelous ancientcity. We were hosted by the establishedevangelical churches and one evening, afestive reception was held in our honor.Indeed we were welcomed by Aleppo’smost respected community members of so-ciety. One fascinating morning was spentwith Aleppo’s grand mufti (the supremereligious leader of that city). Rev.Selimian’s hand was evident on every oc-casion, including the Aleppo/Damascusjourney of a three car convoy to Lebanon.

Nostalgia was keen as we paid a brief visitto Anjar and its young pastor Rev.Messerlian. We were given a glimpse ofthe parsonage built by Stephen Philibosianwhose image adorns that home in beautifulBas Relief. His name is also etched on thewall of the science laboratory in partner-ship with the Gulbenkian Foundation.

Beirut is a bustling metropolis, andHaigazian University (HU) the center ofattraction for those celebrating theuniversity’s remarkable 50 years. Amongthe outstanding events: baccalaureate ser-vices lead by Princeton Seminary’s Presi-dent Ian Torrance. A lovely alumni dinnerin the Mugar Garden was unforgettable foralumni, HU trustees, women’s auxiliary andmany friends. A band composed of HUalumni and students regaled the guests withmusical talents. An evening at the legend-ary Phoenicia Hotel celebrated HU’s 50years chronicling its history, beginning with30 students, a budget of $30,000 a year andan incredibly resourceful President Dr. JohnMarkarian. Many remarks and messagesabound that evening, in gratitude for thevision of the founders, AMAA, Mehagianand Philibosian. Following Emeritus Presi-dent John Khanjian’s moving invocation,President Emeritus Mihran Agbabian of theAmerican University of Armenia, delivered

an insightful keynote message harking backto the importance education has played inArmenian life since time immemorial. Rec-ognition was awarded to those who servedHaigazian University. In efforts of signifi-cance, among recipients of the beautifullycrafted plaques, was the Stephen PhilibosianFoundation.

Thousands attended the impressive 50th

anniversary commencement which tookplace in the Pavilion Royal at Biel Exhibi-tion Center at the beautiful Beirut Port. Thekeynote speaker, foreign minister of Arme-nia, Vartan Osganyan spoke of the vital is-sues facing Armenians today and alludedto his role of diplomacy. Others who in-spired were founding President JohnMarkarian and valedictorians CynthiaHanna and Kevork Kevorkian. The BeirutString Orchestra and the ARMISS Choirprovided inspiring musical interludes. Ar-menian television broadcast the entire com-mencement and was viewed globally. Anevening supper was held in honor of Min-ister Osganyan as all celebrated HU’s un-forgettable jubilee.

While in Lebanon we were cordially in-vited and welcomed by Catholicos Aram Iof Cilicia at the Holy See in Antelias. Later,a dramatic ride into the mountains of Leba-non afforded an unprecedented visit to the

summer residence of the Archbishop of theArmenian Catholic Church. We experiencedspecial warmth as the Archbishop and hisstaff graciously hosted our group of 20.

Of keen interest to the Philibosian Foun-dation Family were the various schools thefounder established 45 years ago in part-nership with the AMAA and Children In-corporated. Some family members were notaware of Philibosian’s vital involvement inthese schools we visited: Armenian Evan-gelical Central High School is in Ashrafieh,where 400 students enjoy an excellent edu-cation in 7 departments of English, lan-guages, science and math. Principal SonaSisslian is assisted by Maral Manoukian andArpi Hamparian who teaches computerskills to the young 5 year old scholars.Sixty-six youngsters are recipients of Chil-dren Incorporated (CI) and PhilibosianFoundation (SPF) grants. We were im-pressed by a well stocked and refurbishedlibrary. The new multipurpose room hasbeen underwritten by the Conte Foundation.The adjacent church is ably shepherded byPastor Soghomon Kilaghbian and his re-sourceful, active wife Yester.

In Bourdj Hammoud we visited threeschools: Armenian Evangelical Shamlian-Tatigian Secondary School with an enroll-ment of 280 students 90 of whom are spon-

L E B A N O N

Haigazian University 50th Anniversary Commencement.


sored by CI/SPF scholarships. PrincipalHrair Cholakian is ably assisted by TakouhiSarkissian (CI Facilitator) and long-timelibrarian Seta Elmagian. We noted the ex-cessive heat in that library and were in-formed the extremes in temperature are evi-dent due to lack of heat and air condition-ing. It is hoped this problem will be allevi-ated. Daily Vacation Bible School is heldhere during the summer months. There arechapel services daily.

The Armenian Evangelical Christian SocialCenter School in Trad is lead by Vera Sevajian(wife of the First Armenian EvangelicalChurch’s pastor, Hovhannes). In spite ofPrincipal Sevajian having lost her father re-cently, she greeted us graciously and thankedus for supporting 35 students of the 100 en-rolled. Classes range from kindergarten to 6th

grade. We learned there are 18 teachers and21 staff – all of whom have meager salaries(this holds true for all the schools). We weretold one teacher of 26 years receives a salaryof $500.00 per month!

Trad’s Armenian Evangelical Social Ser-vice Center is managed admirably by MissRita Lao. Rita described her mission toassist all Armenians who run the gamut ofspiritual, physical and emotional needs. Webless Rita for her exemplary role in provid-ing desperately needed help.

In the Nor Amanos section of BourdjHammoud called Dora, we paid a visit toPrincipal Mrs. Seta Karagoezian of the Ar-menian Evangelical P. & E. TorossianMiddle School. With an enrollment of 235,92 are CI/SPF sponsored. Classes rangefrom kindergarten to ninth grade. Oncemore, we learned of the financial crisis fac-ing all the schools.

Nor Hadjin is the site of Mr. Philibosian’sbeloved school. As a hadjintsy, he had aspecial affection for this institution estab-lished by his friends of the Guertmenianfamily. His picture and that of his family isfeatured in the lobby and assembly room.Mr. Sahag Dedeyan has been principal forover 30 years of the 170 students, 63 areCI/SPF recipients.

Visiting these few schools gave our fam-ily insight into the critical efforts supportedand encouraged by the Philibosian Foun-dation. We are grateful to be able to assistin any way possible. And may the Lordbless these marvelous leaders and teacherswho staff the schools. G

L E B A N O NL E B A N O NL E B A N O NL E B A N O NL E B A N O N

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia welcomes AMAA guests at the Holy See in Antelias.

Visit to the summer residence of His Beatitutde Bedros XIX Tarmouni, Patriarch of the ArmenianCatholic Church.

Visiting Aleppo’s Grand Mufti Dr. Ahmad Hassoun (the supreme religious leader of that city).


The Reagan room of the exclusiveJonathan Club, in Los Angeles on June

13, 2005, was abuzz with excitement asguests mingled. Kallen Esperian was, after13 years, once again sharing her talents withthe Los Angeles Opera as Alice Ford inFalstaff, and being featured at theHaigazian University Womens’ Auxiliaryluncheon; this time to celebrate Haigazian’s50th anniversary.

Esperian held the audience spellboundwith her life-experiences and she “ThanksGod and her parents for the life she hasled…amazing and hard to believe.” Herfather Arthur Esperian died when she wasjust one-year old. Accepting his fragilehealth, he made her non-Armenian motherpromise that she would keep her surname,“So she will always know who she is.”Esperian lives in Tennessee with herhusband and twelve year old son, who loveselectric guitar!

With encouragement from her highschool choir director, she received a fullscholarship for voice at the Julliard Schoolof Music in New York. She won thePavarotti soprano competition at age 24.She has partnered with all “Three Tenors”.Esperian is a member of the “ThreeSopranos” with Kathleen Casello andCynthia Lawrence. She is a highlyrespected Metropolitan Diva appearingworldwide with major opera companies.Esperian would love to sing in Armeniawhen her schedule permits.

Auxiliary Charter Member and pastpresident, Mrs. Elizabeth Agbabian gave anoverview of the Auxiliary’s forty-five yearsof fund-raising. She presented Ms Esperianwith a handmade necklace from Armeniaand an ivory-inlaid pencil holder as amemento from Haigazian University.

Past-President Grace Kurkjian andMistress of Ceremonies spoke about thefounding of the University and gave a briefhistory of its first 50 years.

Womens’ Auxiliary President, JoycePhilibosian Stein focused on theaccomplishments of the Auxiliary,including the more than one million dollars

raised for scholarships for Armenianstudents over its 45-year life. Stein thenintroduced notable guests Ann Kerr, LucyIshkanian, and Alice Navasargian, authorof “Armenian Women of the Stage”(whichalso features Diva Esperian); AlumniVatsche Barsumian, Gary Bedian and AniNajarian, Former Secretary of HaigazianUniversity and Founder of the AlumniAssociation; Board of Trustee membersRita Meneshian, Dr. Ani Darakjian, andMrs. Hrair Mouradian (wife of theTrustees’ chairman).

Flautist, Salpy Kerkonian, past USCFriends of Armenian Music Scholarshipwinner, thrilled the audience with herinspired performance dedicated to Ms.Esperian. The “Friends” were wellrepresented at the luncheon.

Ann Kerr, wife of former President ofthe American University of Beirut, Dr.Malcom Kerr , scholar, author, andcoordinator of the Fullbright VisitingScholars’ Enrichment Program at UCLA,

Diva Kallen Esperian Thrills Audience at Haigazian University50th Anniversary Celebration in Los Angeles

shared her thoughts about the outstandingeducational presence of Haigazian inBeirut and expressed her appreciation forthe admirable efforts of the Women’sAuxiliary over the years.

Lucy Ishkanian, here from New York tojudge the Rachmaninoff Piano Competitionat the new Walt Disney Hall, spoke aboutPushman, the great Armenian 20th centuryartist. She is the curator of the PushmanEstate, and is the author of two books onthe life of Pushman. She knew his two latesons, Armand and Arsen. Ishkanian ismaking available a reproduction (14 degreesof separation and signed) of Pushman’spainting “Dream Pastures” for theDecember 7th, 2005 final Half-CenturyCelebration event of the HaigazianUniversity Women’s Auxiliary featuringEdward Djerejian, former Ambassador toIsrael and Syria. The distinguishedHonorary Committee includes; VartanGrigorian, Carolyn Mugar, Ann Kerr, andHerant Khatchadourian. G

Diva Kallen Esperian, sitting in the middle with the members of Los Angeles area HaigazianUniversity Women's Auxiliary.

U S A - L E B A N O N


It has been a beautiful tradition for the City of Alexandria, VA to sponsor a day long Armenian Festival each year, to support their sister

city, Gumri in Armenia.This year the Festival was held on Saturday, June 4, 2005 with a record

number of visitors. The AMAA once again participated with a displayof Armenian books and material promoting its relief work in Armenia.AMAA Field Director, Dikran Youmshakian participated in the festivaland had an opportunity to address the audience.

The Alexandria n Gumri Sister Organizing Committee sponsors fivechildren in Armenia through the AMAA.

On the following Sunday, the Field Director participated in the wor-ship service of the Armenian Evangelical Fellowship of WashingtonDC, which was held at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary of the St. Mary's Arme-nian Apostolic Church. Mr. Youmshakian, in preaching the word, alsothanked the St. Mary Church Council for opening their doors to thefellowship. The worship service was followed by a dinner and an au-dio-visual presentation on AMAA activities around the world. G

The Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto,Canada had their annual Fathers Day Picnic on

Sunday, June 19, 2005 at Petecoat Creek in Ontario.AMAA Field Director, Dikran Youmshakian was theguest preacher at the open air worship service. Mr.Souren Hasserjian was honored as the father of theyear. After worship service, the congregation had awonderful time of fellowship, at the same time en-joying the great food prepared by the many talentedcooks of the church. G

On Friday July 1, 2005, the Armenian Mission-ary Association of Canada (AMAC) had their

annual retreat in Kingston, Canada. Congregationsof all four Armenian Evangelical Churches of Canadaparticipated in the day long activities. The morningworship service speaker was Rev. Joe Matossian, theMinister to the Union (AEUNA). After lunch, duringthe missions hour, the AMAA Field Director DikranYoumshakian had a special presentation about thework of the AMAA, which was followed by a ques-tion-answer period. To his appeal for support andmainly concerning the needs in the Middle East, sev-eral people responded, sponsoring needy students.

During the break after lunch, the AMAC Board hadtheir meeting, during which the activities of the As-sociation were reviewed. G

N E W S & N O T E S

AMAA Participates in Alexandria, VA - Gumri Sister City Festival

AMAC Annual Retreat in Kingston, Canada

Armenian Evangelical Churchof Toronto


On April 12, the Arme-nian-American Veterans ofMilford held an event hon-oring and awarding Arme-nian and non-Armenian or-ganizations that have con-tributed to the Armeniancommunity at the town’sSenior Center.

Jeanmarie Papelian andSeta and Michael Kalajianwere among the honoreesfor their outstanding, 15-year contribution to the Ar-menian Children’s MilkFund. Seta Kalajian, whenaccepting the award, spokeabout the Milk Fund, the children it has saved and the ongoing need. The groupbegan the project by collecting and sending milk oversees to Armenia, and todate have successfully saved the lives of 3,000 children. The milk, which travelsfrom Paramus, NJ to Yerevan, supplies a child from infancy to 12 months. “It is themost wonderful thing I have ever done,” said Jeanmarie Papelian.

At the conclusion of the event, attendees went to the Armenian monument atthe Vernon Grove Cemetery in Milford to pay their respect to the martyrs of theGenocide. G

Armenian Children's Milk Fund Honored byArmenian-American Veterans of Milford

“We are here to applaud our achieve- ments in Armenia”, Elaine

Kasparian announced in her welcomingwords, “but UNESCO reports reveal thatan alarming 37% of the child population inArmenia is still malnourished.”

Elaine Kasparian was the driving forcebehind organizing the Armenian Children’sMilk Fund (ACMF), an all-volunteer orga-nization formed by a diverse group of car-ing individuals in the aftermath of the tragicearthquake in Armenia in 1988.

A meeting of the Armenian Children’sMilk Fund was held at the Kasparian resi-dence in Lexington, MA on August 1, 2005.New members, as well as all previous com-mittee members were invited. In her reporton recent fundraising activities, Mrs.JeanMarie Papelian, the current Chairper-son of ACMF informed those gathered thatthanks to the unique trust people place inthe Milk Fund, and thanks to the generousoutpouring of love, 600 infants (ages 0 to12 months) are placed on the annual feed-ing program. She added that these infantsall have particular digestive problems andmost are lactose intolerant. “To be placedon the program children should have adoctor’s prescription”, she added.

AMAA Field Director, Dikran Youm-shakian, reported on the successful distri-bution process which is closely supervised.He also thanked ACMF volunteers for mak-ing this lifesaving program possible. ACMFspends $75,000 annually to purchase for-mula. In recent years, and after eye wit-nessing the excellent distribution process,AmeriCares Foundation donated large quan-tities of formula at no charge. Just recentlya 40-foot container of Isomil was shipped to

I would like to support and enable ACMF to make a difference in the lives of Armenia'smost vulnerable citizens. Enclosed is my donation of $ ________.

Name --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Address ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(please make your tax-deductible checks payable to AMAAand mail to 31 W. Century Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652)

Armenian Children's Milk Fund

Armenia. This significant donation will helpACMF increase the number of children onthe program to 1,000 and will also extendthe feeding period to 18 months.

During the last 16 years ACMF has regu-larly provided Isomil formula through theAMAA, which supervises the distributionthrough clinics and centers in Yerevan,Gumri, Vanatzor, Goris and Stepanagert.Thanks to the efforts of the ACMF, the in-

fant mortality rate in Armenia has tremen-dously declined. But, as reported, manychildren still need assistance.

The volunteers of ACMF organizefundraisers, large and small, includingmass mailings, concerts, banquets and“have a heart” dinners at homes. Thereare many ways that individuals can help.A direct donation earmarked for ACMF;remembering departed loved ones througha memorial gift to ACMF; the celebrationof special occasions, such as the birth of achild, birthday, wedding, wedding anniver-sary, etc. with donations in lieu of gifts des-ignated for the ACMF; and finally organiz-ing fundraisers at homes with friends.

The blessing of giving to ACMF and sav-ing the life of a child will leave an everlast-ing impression in our lifetime.

A minimal gift of $20.00 per month will savethe life of one more child. Please use the formto send in your tax deductible donation. G

M I L K F U N DM I L K F U N DM I L K F U N DM I L K F U N DM I L K F U N D

Seta and Michael Kalajian (left) receiving the award onbehalf of the Armenian Children's Milk Fund.


The Annual Children's Summer Camp ofthe Armenian Evangelical Churches of

Bulgaria took place from August 1 - 12 atManastira Summer Retreat Center inLiaskovetz, Bulgaria. 67 children and youth,ages 6 - 18 participated.

The Chief Director of the Camp wasbrother Sarkis Hovhanessian assisted byyouth leaders from Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna.The honorary guests of the camp were Rev.Sarkis Paravazian, the Chairman of the Ar-menian Evangelical Churches of Bulgariaand his wife Verjin.

The children were divided into three agegroups. The daily camp program includedworship service, Bible Study, arts & crafts,singing, social events, sports and outdoorphysical activities.

There was also a special activity on the oc-casion of the 1600th anniversary of the Ar-

menian Alphabet. The children learned aboutMesrob Mashdotz, the creator of the Arme-nian Alphabet and learned special songs andpoems dedicated to this event.

On Sunday afternoon, the older childrenparticipated in the worship service of a localBulgarian church, where Brother SarkisHovhanessian gave a message and the campchildren presented some of the songs that theyhad learned in the camp.

During the last day of the camp, the chil-dren presented a special program of songs,recitations and skits, and had an exhibitionof their art work. Each child received a crossnecklace as a symbol of God's love and asmall lamp as a symbol of Christ's light. Spe-cial symbolic achievement awards were alsopresented to those who were most active andbest behaved during the camp.

The camp was a blessing to all participat-

Tenth Annual Children's Summer Camp in Bulgaria

S U M M E R C A M P S

Camp Arevelk hosted its 6th annualweek-long summer camp ministry un-

der the leadership of Camp Director SylviaJizmejian and Camp Registrar DavidShahbazian during the week of August 7-13,2005. Attendance grew to record number of58 campers and 19 advisory staff (in 2000, itwas 17 campers and 6 staff.) In addition tothe normal 10-15 year old group, there weresessions for those 16-17 years old.

There were many new things this year atCamp Arevelk. In addition to the increasedage range, Camp Arevelk moved to a betterfacility in Greenville, New York. This year,the Arevelk program was held at the AraratYouth and Conference Center owned by theDiocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

During the week, the campers participatedin numerous outdoor activities (hiking,swimming, tennis, basketball, volleyball,field games and various other team games)against the backdrop of the beautiful CatskillMountains They ate in a modern cafeteriastyled dining hall and enjoyed the cleanli-ness and ease of an on site pool with twolifeguards. The games and activities were anintegral part of the Camp but the heart of thecamp is not found in the games. It was inthe Bible studies and sessions.

The speaker for both groups was Rev. AraJizmejian. The topic for both groups was“Sin and Temptation” (or the S & T Index.)Our main verse for the week was 1Corinthians 10:13 which states “No temp-tation has seized you except what is com-mon to man. And God is faithful; he willnot let you be tempted beyond what you canbear. But when you are tempted, he will alsoprovide a way out so that you can stand upunder it.” Rev. Jizmejian was also the Bibleteacher for the older group which met 2-3times daily doing focused studies onColossians and Philemon, as well as dis-cussing topics that concern our youngpeople. The Bible teacher for the younger

Sixth Year of Camp Arevelk ends in resounding success

group was Andrew Joyce, the Youth Direc-tor of the Armenian Martyrs Church ofHavertown, PA.

On Saturday, the family kebab picnic wasanother huge success serving approximately200 campers, staff, and family members.Many thanks to the staff of the Diocese &Ararat Center for helping us transition tosuch a nice facility, feeding us well, andmaking our stay comfortable. Also, manythanks to the all those who came and helpedat the picnic.

We are most gracious for the financial sup-port from the AMAA, and AEUNA, whoboth increased their funding this year to ac-commodate the move to the Ararat Center.G

ing children, many of whom are of immigrantfamilies from Armenia. As in the past, thisyear's children's camp in Bulgaria was madepossible by AMAA's financial and moralsupport. G


ÉÍÑ-rd Tar;dar] Fa\astan;a\z Au;taranakan :k;[;zii - É |oulisi4 ÉÐÌÎ

AU:TARAN:LOU FRAMA|AKANE9Wasnxi ;s am7j c;m s;p;r au;tarane4 orowf;t;u Astou6o\ x7roujiunn h an3 bolor fauataz;aln;rouN

'rkouj;an famar1110 F5owm1 É1 ÉÎ

W;r1 Parg;u N1 Taragy;an

:k;[;zakan patmouj;an m;6 dhmq;rn ou ,ar-

voumn;re ir;nz astoua6abanakan ;u fog;uor

n;r,ncoume ;u a5a=nordoujiune a5au;labar sta-

za6 ;n P7[os A5aq;ali F5owmi :k;[;ziin gra6a\s namakhn xor an gra6 h Kornjoshn4 Q1:1 ÍÏ kam ÍÑ

j1in! K3arvh fos \i,;l mia\n Sourb &gostinos

Fa\rap;te (ËÍÌ-ÌËÈ)4 Marjin Lout;re (ÉÌÐË-ÉÍÌÎ)4 VanKalwine (ÉÍÈÑ-ÉÍÎÌ)4 ou ÊÈrd darou titann;rhn Qarl

Parjf e (ÉÐÐÎ-ÉÑÎÐ) 4 o ron q ir ;nz k;an qin

\;[a,r=oumin4 ou \;[a,r=akan astoua6abanouj;anm;knakht oun;za6 ;n A5aq;alin a\s namake!

A1 Au;tarane xor P7[os A5aq;al Dauan;zau ;u

Ousouzan;z

9Au;taran0e ke \a\tnab;rh4 ou ke \a\tararh

Qristosi k;anqin4 mafouan4 ou \arouj;an 'rkararx7roujiune anonz famar4 oronq ke fauatan anor!

A#\s h wka\oujiune ;u arv;uoroume ir dauana6

au;taranin! Qristosi b;ra6 'rkoujiune mardounaxatagroujiunn h m;[qi ou mafouan kapanqn;rhn!

Ouri, .7sqow4 m;[auore ke stana \ Astou6o\

ardaroujiune ibr;u ,norfq3 ;rb an fauata\ ;uwstafi anor Orduo\n3 |isous Qristosi! A5aq;ale

ke ,;,th a\s au;taranin 'rkarar x7roujiune3

fakaxd;lou famar 7rhnqn;row4 ;u kam bari gor6;row

m;[auorin 'rkou;lou ;u ardaranalou frhakanwar dap;touj;an! Afa jh inco2u A5aq;a le

,;,taki7rhn k3aknarkh a\s au;taranin3 F5owmi

norafastat ;k;[;ziin ou[[a6 ir namakin mh=3 ;rbk3esh3 9Wasnxi ;s am7j c;m s;p;r au;tarane4 qanxi

Astou6o\ x7roujiunn h an bolor fauataz;aln;rou

'rkouj;an famar (F5owm1 É1 ÉÎ)! Isk Kornjosi;k;[;ziin gra6 ir a5a=in namakin mh= k3esh3

9Wasnxi ;jh ;s au;tarane ke qarox;m3 in6i

par6anq c;m famar;r4 fapa im partakanoujiuns!

Manauand4 wa@\ h in6i ;jh au;tarane cqarox;m0(A1 Kornj1 Ñ1 ÉÎ)!

B1 Fa\z1 Au;taranakan :k;[;zin Au;taran;lou

Frama\akanin Dimaz

M;r niujin f;t a5ncakiz ;[o[ paragan a\n h4or Fa\ Au;taranakanoujiune ;u au;tarancoujiune

;[a6 ;n famenjaz ou xougaf;5! C;nq s.alir ;jh

es;nq4 or au;tarancoujiune 6nound toua6 h Fa\Au;taranakan :k;[;ziin4 ou anow mia\n

k3ardarazoui a\s :k;[;ziin go\oujiune! Isk

au;tarani ir emb5noumin ou famoxoumin akn ou

a[biure ;[a6 h Astou6o\ >7sqe4 or marmin a5au ou

\a\tnou;zau Thr |isous Qristosow ;u Astoua6a,ounc

mat;anow! Fa\ au;taranakan 5afwiran;roun famar

m;6 n;r,ncoum ;u ou[;zo\z ;[au P7[os A5a q;aliF5owma\;zin;rou gra6 a\s namake4 ou asika3 jh#

astoua6 abanouj;an4 jh al f og;uor

k;nza[warouj;an famar!Fa \ Au;taranakan <arvoumin s;r m;re

zanou;zan ÉÐËÈ-akan jouakann;roun4 K1 Polisi

(Isjanpoul) Fa\oz Patriarqarani ,r=a'akhn n;rsfastatoua6 ousoumnarani me mh=! A\s fasta-

touj;an tn7rhne3 Grigor "h,timaly;an4 or Astoua-

6a,ounci f;[inakauor ousoumnakan men hr3 kaxm;z

Sourb Girqi s;rto[ouj;an .mbak me ir a,a-k;rtn;roun mitqn ou fogin lousauor;lou famar!

A\n 7r;roun o#c oq krnar na.at;s;l or a\s dasi

paf;rh dours katarouo[ s;rto[oujiunn;re pitifrafrhin a,ak;rtn;re au;tarancouj;an fogiow!

Au;tarani y,martouj;amb lousauoroua6 ;u x7-

raza6 a\s a,ak;rtn;rhn omanq \;taga\in kaxma-k;rpou;zan ibr;u Bar;pa,takan kam Fa\ka-

xoun;an Enk;roujiun4 oroun mia#k npatakn hr

au;tarani 'rkouj;an patgame tara6;l fa\

vo[owourdin mh=! M;r niujhn dours ke mna\ jou;la\n patya5n;r4 oronq m[;zin Bar;pa,takann;re

kaxmou;lou ibr;u Fa\astan;a\z Au;taranakan

:k;[;zi3 É |oulis4 ÉÐÌÎ-in! Saka\n4 m;xi famarkar;uore a\n h jh Bar;pa,takann;r4 ou \;taga\in3

Au;taranakan :k;[;zin3 xgazin4 jh ir;nz ibr;u

an=at ;k;[;zi ellale krnar ardarazouil mia#\nau;tarani qaroxoujiunow4 a\sinqn3 au;taran-

coujiunow! Astoua6a,ounci Enk;ro ujiunn;r3

%ousakan4 Britanakan4 ;u Am;rik;an4 m;6aphs

7gtakar ;[an3 fa\ja\j;low anonz Sourb Girq;r3na. fa\ata5 jourq;rhnow4 ou apa fa\;rhn grabar

ou a,.arfabar l;xoun;row! Mius ko[mhn3 am;rik;an

mi sionarn;r fa \ja\j; zin anonz f og;uorbowandakouj;amb j;rjikn;r ;u girq;r oron q

m;6aphs satar;zin au;tarancouj;an 6aualoumin!

Au;tarancouji#un hr 7rouan karga.7se4 ou Fa\Au;taranakan <arvo umi 5afwiran;re .or

lr=ouj;amb endoun;zin a\s martafrauhre4 ou

tara6;zin 'rkouj;an au;tarane minc;u &sman;an

Ka\srouj;an f;5auor safmann;re3 fasn;lou ir;nzaxgakizn;roun! Fon our au;tarane qaroxou;zau4

kaxmou;zan nor ;k;[;zin;r ;u qriston;a\ dprozn;r3

F A | : R H N B A V I N


au;tarani x7ro uj;amb ;u S ourb Fo giin

a5a=nordouj;amb!

G1 Au;tarancoujiun3 &rouan Frama\akane

M;r a\s 7r;roun4 au;tarancoujiune krna\ joulaza6

ellal4 ;u kam3 k;rp;re 'o.oua6! A\soufand;r]4 phtqch 'or]ouinq mta6;lou3 jh au;tarancoujiune

vamanakawrhp ou ant;[i ];5narkoujiun men h!

"rkouj;an au;tarane takaui#n frama\akan

pafan=q h m;xi3 fa\ au;taranakann;rous famar4

incphs or hr a\s <arvo umin k axmauormantarin;roun! Orowf;t;u4 m;nq ke fauata#nq3 jh

au;tarane Astou6o\ x7roujiunn h or ke m[h m;x

|isous Qristosi4 ou anor 'rkarar ,norfqin wka-

n;re ellalou m;r vo[owourdin mh=! Asika frama-

\akan martafrauhr me ellalou h m;r ;k;[;zin;rounfamar ;jh m;nq lour= ;nq m;r qristonhakan

fauat qin ou m;r au;taranakanouj;an masin!

Frama\akan h na;u m;xi famar yancnal ;u endounil3

jh Sourb Fogi#n h m;r x7rouj;an ;u imastouj;an

akn ou a[biure orow k rnan q endla\n;l m;rau;tarancoujiune4 ou m;r a\s =anqin mh= na.a-

patiu t;[ tal Astou6o\ ;u anor Jagauorouj;an!

Kaska6 cka\ or m;nq bolors al kancoua6 ;n q

au;taran;lou4 saka\n4 na. m;#nq ;njarkou;lou ;nq

Sourb Fogiin imastoun fakak,i5in4 orphsxi m;rbolor a,.atanqn;roun mh= Astou6o\ anoune

'a5auoroui4 ou ,at;r a5a=nordouin |isous

Qristose endoun;lou ibr;u ir;nz Thrn ou "rkice!

Afa a\s mtafogouj;amb4 na;u .onarf7rhn ke

katar;nq f;t;u;al \an]nararoujiunn;re1-a1 Kanonauor ;u a[7jqi fogiow s;rt;n q

Astoua6a,ounce4 gitakz;low or Astoua6 ke .7si

m;xi ir >7sqin mi=ozau4 minc m;nq ke .7sin q

Astou6o\3 m;r a[7jqn;row! Kar;uor h gor6a6;l

entir ou f;[inakauor m;knabanakan girq;r!b1 Au;taran;lou vamanak jo\l tanq or

Astou6o\ >7sqe au;li bar]r lsoui qan m;r ]a\ne!

F;t;uinq Sourb Fogiin a5a=nordouj;an!

g1 Au;tarane am7j piti cfamar;n q ;jh

.onarfouj;amb f;t;uinq |isousi qa\l;roun4 ;ua5aq;alin .orfourdn;roun! An'o.arin;li ;n

an]nakan 'rkouj;an 'or]a5oujiune ;u fog;uor

dastiarakoujiune!

d1 Au;tarancoujiune cnkat;nq m;r an]nakan

irauounqe kam m;na,norfe! Sourb Fogin ke fayim;#x ;us go r6a6;l o uri,n;ro u kargin3

au;tarancoujiun en;lou! Jo[ Qristosi siro\ ;u

\argan qi fogin m[h m;x endo un;lou ouri,n;re4

a\nphs3 incphs m;nq endounoua6 ;nq Qristosi

ko[mh! M;6ap hs \an]narar;li h o r m;n qau;tarancoujiun katar;n q m;r ;k ;[;ziin

fsko[ouj;an kam fowanauorouj;an n;r q;u!

Xgou,anan q \atkaphs m;r tirap ;touj;an

;njark;lh a\n an];rn ou .mbakn;re xoron q

k3au;taran;nq!

;1 Ou,adir ellanq or m;r au;tarancoujiunega\jak[ouj;an a5ij cta\! Ellanq qa[aqawar ;u

'a'kankat4 ou \arg;nq m;r au;tarana6 an];roun

ga[a'arn;re4 vamanake4 ;u tramadroujiunn;re!x1 "a5qn ou patiue mia#\n Astou6o\ tanq ;rb

m;r au;tarancoujiunow 9'rkoua6n;rou jiue

k3au;lna\ 7rh-7r0!h1 Mi#,t \i,;nq P7[os A5aq;ali f;t;u;al

wka\oujiune1 9Wasnxi ;jh ;s au;tarane qarox;m4

in6 i par6an q c;m famar;r4 f apa3

partakanoujiun! Manauand3 wa@\ h in6i ;jhau;tarane cqarox;m0 (A1 Kornj1 9. 16)!

W;r=aban

A\s7r4 or;uh at;nh au;li4 a,.arf tarapa\man phtqo uni Qr isto si 'rk ouj;an au;taranin!

Apakr7nouj;an (secularization) ouv;[ fosanq me ka\

a\s7r a,.arfi amhn ko[m;re! Qa[aqakan mardik4enk;rabann;r4 krjakan fastatoujiunn;r ;u

datakan i,.anoujiunn;r amhn =an q k3en;n

fraparakhn w;rzn;lou amhn inc or kr7nakan bno\j

ouni4 no\nisk kr7nakan .orfrdan,ann;re4 orphsxi9ambo[=owin axat0 enk;roujiun fastat;n! M;nq3

fa\;rs4 au;taranakann;rn al mh=e ellalow3 x;r6

c;nq apakr7nouj;an a\s fosanqin axd;zouj;nhn!I2nc krnanq en;l! M;nq k a#m piti f;t;uin q

apakr7nouj;an m;xi n;rka\azouza6 7rakargin4 ;u

kam3 piti martncinq au;taranin sourowe!Ardar;u4 ibr;u fauataz;a l qrist on;an;r3

apakr7nouj;an a\s fosanqe nkat;lou ;nq mar-

tafrauhr me3 nor ja' talou m;r au;tarancakan

a5a q;louj;an! J;r ;us fryou;lou ;n q i t;sapakr7nouj;an a\s ;r;uo\jin4 orphsxi au;li

gnafat;nq au;tarani 'rkouj;an patgame4 ou

au;li ouvgin ja'ow l6ouinq au;tarancouj;an!A\s7r4 a,.arfi wra\ ira#u am7jali ,at ban;r t;[i

k3oun;nan4 saka\n4 m;xmh3 fauataz;a ln;rhs3

k3aknkaloui4 ;u ke pafan=oui or Qristosiau;tarane 9am7jali cfamar;nq04 orphsxi data-

partouj;an tak cmnan q! A[7j;n q or Fa \z1

Au;taranakan :k;[;zin ir 6nnd;an ÉÎÈ-am;ake

dimauorh au;tarancakan nor t;silqn;row ;ugor6ounhoujiunn;row3 Astou6o\ 'a5qin4 |isous

Qristosi :k;[;ziin4 ou fa\ vo[owourdin fog;uor

bar7rouj;an famar! Amhn! G_________________________________^an7j1 A\s niujin ,our= \au;l;al pa,ar kar;li h gtn;l

W;r1 Parg;u N1 Taragy;ani 9An' o.arin;li

Va5angoujiune0 fatorin mh= or w;r=;rs frata-

rakou;zau! T;s3 9Au;tarancoujiun ;u Fa\astan;a\z

Au;taranakan :k;[;zi04 h=3 ÉÈÑ-ÉÊÍ!

F A | : R H N B A V I N


Elise YakoubianBorn on May 30,

1913, in Kharpoot,Turkey, Elise wasthe daughter ofJohn and ArousiagSouroghlian.

They had createda beautiful homeand a loving family.But alas!…this envi-able situation did not last long. With the on-set of 1915, the Turkish government’s terrify-ing and frightful orders spread throughout thecountry and commanded the deportation andmassacre of the Armenian race. The first orderwas to the heads of households - profession-als and intellectuals - who were marched tothe outskirts of the town, only to be slaugh-tered. Elise's father was in this group.

Soon after, Elise with her mother and babybrother had to abandon their niche with tear-ful eyes and join the group for the dreadfuldisplacement march. Her baby brother gotsick from lack of nourishment, and perished.

After unbearable tortures, and walking forweeks, they arrived Aleppo, and got admittedto the orphanage of the Rev. Aharon Shirajian.

Emma Minassian AivazianEmma Melik Minassian Aivazian, 93, of

Memphis, TN died on Wednesday, June 01,2005. She was born in Tehran, Iran on Au-gust 28, 1912. After successfully completingthe American Girl’s School in Tehran, shemoved to Beirut, Lebanon to attend the Ameri-can University of Beirut School of Nursing.Always a strong-willed and independentwoman, she carved out a new life for herselfin Beirut, far from family and home.

While completing her degree in nursing,Emma met Garabed Hagop Aivazian, a psy-chiatrist and also a graduate of the American

Araxie Flora BedrosianAraxie Flora

Bedrosian wasborn on August 24,1921 in Albany,NY, the daughter ofAram and FloraBedrosian. She was agraduate of RussellSage College inTroy, NY, havingearned a Baccalaureate degree in business andforeign languages. Her various employmentsincluded working for departments of the Stateof New York, for insurance companies, andas secretary to churches, including the FirstPresbyterian Church of Albany and St. PaulArmenian Church of Fresno, CA. She was anactive member of the Pilgrim Armenian Con-gregational Church of Fresno, volunteeringfor various assignments, and being a memberof Dorcas Guild. She died from complicationsof chemotherapy on Sept. 19, 2002 and isburied in Ararat Cemetery in Fresno, along-side her parents. Among her survivors are herbrother and sister-in-law, Dr. & Mrs. LevonBedrosian; two nephews, and three grandsons,all of Delmar, NY; a few remaining cousins,and several friends. G

Elise’s mother, Arousiag, a widow and welleducated, was deemed a suitable life partnerto the reverend. She accepted his proposal, andthey got married, and from this second union,God granted them a son and a daughter.

Elise attended the American High Schoolfor Girls in Aleppo, and upon graduationtaught at the Emmanuel Elementary School.Meanwhile, she became very active in the lifeof Emmanuel Church as a choir member, Sun-day School teacher, and a leader in the Chris-tian Endeavor youth group.

In 1937, Elise immigrated to the States tojoin her two aunts residing in Rhode Island.She joined the Armenian Euphrates Evangeli-cal Church and became an active member.Soon after she married Leon Yakoubian, adruggist from Connecticut.

Elise was very active in the community andvolunteered in hospitals. After living inStratford for 40 years, they moved to Lake-land, FL, where she became an ambassadorto non-Armenians by introducing them toArmenian history and culture.

Elise was a woman of great faith. On March15, 2005, she entered her rest peacefully inher own home in Lakeland. A memorial ser-vice was held in Lakeside Baptist Church, andthe funeral service took place in Stratford (CT)Baptist Church.

Her husband predeceased her in 1992. Eliseis survived by her daughter, Mary ElizabethYakoubian Cox, and son-in-law Daniel Cox,of Hoboken, NJ; two sons, David Yakoubianof Stratford, and Daniel Yakoubian, Esq., ofSan Diego, CA; two grandchildren, Damonand Nora Yakoubian; a brother, Ara Shiragianof Warwick, RI; a sister, Aranoosh V. Yeretsianof Cranston, RI; and numerous nieces, neph-ews and cousins.

May Elise’s memory be a blessing and in-spiration to all who knew her, and now to allwho know about her. G

Barkev IshkanianBarkev Ishkhan-

ian was born on De-cember 23, 1939 inAleppo, Syria. Hewas the only son ofAbraham & AraxieIshkanian. He re-ceived his primaryeducation at the Ar-menian EvangelicalBethel School. However, he couldn't finishhigh school as his father died at an earlyage and he had to start working to supporthis mother and sisters.

By trade he was an auto mechanic. Heworked in Aleppo and then in Kuwait. OnSeptember 1, 1965 he emigrated to Australia.Soon after his mother and sisters joined him.On July 29, 1972 he married MagieMardirosian and the family was blessed withthree children - Araxie, Abraham and Raffi.

He was a loving and exemplary father. Hewas a hard worker and because of that he wasable to provide a well off and comfortable lifeto his family.

He loved his church and his Armenian na-tion. He was always ready to do his best forhis nation, his mother-land and his church. Heworked for and gave generously to his church.He was always hospitable, friendly, and smil-ing. He loved happy atmospheres and he lovedto create such atmospheres to make others happyas well.He had several interests and his ownopinion and belief about different matters.

For many years Barkev was a member ofthe Armenian Evangelical Church Councilof Sydney and a member of the district com-mittee of the Armenian Missionary Associa-tion. He wholeheartedly worked for theAssocaition and encouraged all its projects.

This healthy, youthful and lively man be-came the victim of a brutal car accident onFriday-Saturday May 21, 2005, onWakehurst Parkway, while driving homeafter a visit to a friend's home.

He leaves behind his lovely wife, Maggie,his mother, Araxie, his three children andhis sisters, Flore, Hasmig and Seta and hismany many friends within the church andthe Armenian community.

Funeral services were held on Thursday,May 26, 2005 at the Armenian EvangelicalChurch of Sydney Australia. Over 400 fam-ily members and friends came to pay theirtribute to this exceptional man.

The Sydney Armenian Community lost agreat man. May God bless his memory tohis family and to all. G

O B I T U A R I E S


Berge AvadanianBerge Avadanian

was a World War IIhero who threw outthe opening ball forthe Red Sox fifth-game victory over theYankees in last year’sAmerican LeagueChampionship Se-ries. He was 86.

Mr. Avadanian,who was born on Flag Day 1918, the year ofthe Red Sox World Series victory, died in hisWatertown home on June 6, 2005, the 61st

anniversary of the day he parachuted intoFrance during the D-day invasion of France.

A native of Lynn, who grew up on a farmin Bellingham, Mr. Avadanian joined theArmy shortly after the Japanese attack onPearl Harbor. He participated in seven majorcampaigns, including the invasion of Italy, theBattle of the Bulge, and the D-day invasionof France.

University of Beirut. In 1939, she andGarabed married. Emma and Garabed hadtwo daughters, Suzanne Aivazian Cohanand Lillian Aivazian Eades. Dr. Aivazianpassed away in November of 2004.

During her years in Beirut, she volunteeredfor local organizations. Her most cherishedexperiences as a volunteer were at the Bird’sNest orphanage which had originally beencreated by a Danish missionary to save or-phans of the Armenian Genocide.

In 1954, Mrs. Aivazian accompanied herhusband to Memphis, Tennessee where he ac-cepted a position at the University of Tennes-see College of Medicine. Dr. and Mrs. Aivazianspent the rest of their years living in Memphis.

With an adventuresome spirit, she traveledthroughout her life. She was also an avidreader and a brilliant backgammon player.

Mrs. Aivazian was a member of the Sec-ond Presbyterian Church. She will be dearlymissed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Aivazian leaves her sister, MirouhiMelik Minassian Aftandilian; two daughters,Suzanne Cohan and Lillian Eades; four grand-children, Sara Kristine Cohan, AbigailKathryn Sanders, Matthew Eades, and EmilyEades Johnson; and one great-granddaughter,Eliza Grace Sanders. private funeral was heldon Saturday, June 4, 2005. The family requeststhat memorial donations be sent to theAMAA-Dr. and Mrs. Aivazian EndowmentFund, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NewJersey 07652. G

Aynejian, JohnPark Ridge, NJBerberian, JohnFresno, CA

* Bogosian, ArmineWoodland Hills, CA

* Cherkezian, ArchieScottsdale, AZ

* Davitian, CharlesKew Gardens, NY

* Harrison, Edward* Kizirian, Virginia

Fresno, CAKouyoumjian, JohnJamaica Plain, MAKurkjian, GraceSherman Oaks, CAMaljanian, EdwardLos Angeles, CA

* Manougian-Shenorhokian, LousaperAustralia

* Marganian, SirvartMission Hills, CA

* Minassian, ElizabethSaddle Brook, NJ

* Panoian, Rosa* Saxenian, Margarit* Terkhanian, Peter

Philadelphia, PA* Tilkian, Victoria

Thousand Oaks, CA* Topjian, Nellie

Canton, MATorunian, Levon

* Zadurian, AlbertineRoumania

* Memorials designated for AMAA

The AMAA Board of Directors and staffwish to extend their heartfelt condolencesto the families of the following deceasedfriends whose names were submited to usfor publication in the AMAA News

Angele Shnorhokian SadakianAngele Shnor-

hokian Sadakianwas born in Aintab,Giligia on March 8,1921 to Rev. Hagop& Hripsime Shnor-hokian. She was themiddle daughterand had two sisters,Allis and Nvere.When she was six months old, her familymoved to Kessab, Syria, where her father wasinvited to work as pastor and teacher in theArmenian Evangelical Church. After twoyears, they moved to Beirut and then toZahleh, Lebanon.

From 1932 to 1935, Angele's family wentback to live in Kessab where her father servedone of the local churches. Angele attended theBritish High School in Eeskenderoon, theHigh School for girls in Aleppo, and later wenton to the Armenian Evangelical College inBeirut. After graduation, she joined her fam-ily in 1940 in Zahleh, and taught at the Arme-nian Evangelical School. On Nov. 26, 1941,she married Rev. Assadour Sadakian, the pas-tor and principal of the Armenian Evangeli-cal Church and School of Nor Marash. Theywere married for sixty one wonderful years.They were blessed with five children, Avedis,Rosalie, Grace, Jacqueline, and Hagop, andten lovely grandchildren.

Angele and her husband served in Kessabchurch from 1947-1955, and the ArmenianEvangelical Martyrs Church of Aleppo from1955-1973. During their ministry, Assadourwould call his wife Angelehs, meaning "myAngele," in order to display his love for her.Pretty soon, everyone started calling herAngelehs. Indeed, Angele was not only knownas the pastor's wife, but also as a leading rolemodel and peacemaker in the community.Although Angele treasured her role as a de-voted wife and mother, she was also a firmbeliever in community service and the impor-tance of helping others.

All together, Angele and Assadour servedin churches in Antioch, Kessab, Aleppo, andNor Marash. In 1975 they came to the U.S.A.to fulfill their children's dreams and bring thejoy of the Lord to a new place. Angele con-

tinued her service and ministry here, read-ing stories to Sunday School children. Sheknitted blankets for church fund-raisers andnever stopped evangelizing her neighborsthrough her daily visits. Her work bothwithin and outside the church won her thetitle of "Mother of the Year" at Calvary Ar-menian Cong'l Church on May 14, 2000.

Angele passed away on July 19, 2005 atthe Peninsula Hospital with all five childrenat her side. Always loved by everyone, shewill forever be remembered.

Donations in lieu of flowers were sent tothe AMAA. G

O B I T U A R I E S

Mr. Avadanian is survived by his wife,Rose Marie (Bazarian); a son, Paul B. ofWaltham; a daughter, Sandra A. Starck ofWatertown; a sister, Mary Kachichian ofStoneham; and two grandchildren. G

Armenian Missionary Association of America31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDParamus, NJPermit No. 55

thOFFICIAL CALL TO THE 86 ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE ARMENIAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

thOFFICIAL CALL TO THE 86 ANNUAL MEETING

OF THE ARMENIAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

The Eighty Sixth Annual Meeting of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Inc. (AMAA), will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2005, at 9:30 a.m. at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church of Fresno, CA. All members of the AMAA are invited to attend the meeting to:

I. Consider and approve the reports of the Officers, Committees, Chapters, and Affiliated boards ofthe Association for fiscal 2004-2005;

II. Review the financial reports for fiscal 2004-2005;III. Announce the results of the elected eight Board members to replace those whose terms have expired;IV. Elect four members to the Nominating Committee;V. Elect an Auditor;VI. Consider and act upon any other business that may legitimately come before the membership.

thPROGRAM OF THE 86 ANNUAL MEETING ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, October 12 at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA7:00 p.m. ........AEUNA Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, October 13 at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA9:30 a.m. ........AEUNA Board of Directors Meeting2:00 p.m. ........AEUNA Board of Directors Meeting (if needed)7:30 p.m. ........Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) Meeting

Friday, October 14 at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, Fresno, CA9:00 a.m. ........Aewc Meeting

Th2:00 p.m. ........SEMINAR - 1600 Anniversary of the Armenian Alphabet - Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbachian7:00 p.m. ........AMAA Board of Directors Meeting

Saturday, October 15 at Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church, Fresno, CATh9:00 a.m. ........86 ANNUAL MEETING

2:00 p.m. ........AMAA Board of Directors Meeting (Short Session)

Saturday, October 15 at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA6:30 p.m. ........BANQUET

Sunday, October 16Th11:00 a.m. ......86 Annual Meeting Worship Service at Pilgrim Armenian Cong'l Church - Installation of AMAA Officers

11:00 a.m. ......Worship Service at First Armenian Presbyterian Church

As members of the AMAA world-wide family, we look forward to this annual gathering to renew our ties of fellowship as Armenian Evangelical churches and communities, and to strengthen our common mission around the world. With joy we eagerly anticipate your presence and participation.

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