Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of AmericaMAY/JUNE 2001 - Vol. XXXV No. 3 (ISSN 1097-0924)

Students at CAHL (Bourdj Hammoud, Lebanon) celebrating the "AMAA Month" intheir particular way (See Story on page 11)

The Rev. Jirair SogomianEditor

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20012

AMAA NEWS - A publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Inc., 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.Tel. (201) 265-2607; Fax (201) 265-6015; E-Mail: amaainc@aol.com; Website: http://www.amaainc.org

E D I T O R I A L M E S S A G E

In this transitional time, as we rethink of AMAA’s mis-sion and try to refocus its vision and redefine its priorities,we soon realize that the mission of the AMAA is the mis-sion of the church. After all, the AMAA is the ArmenianEvangelical Church’s extended loving and healing arm tothe world which God loved to the cross, and as such, itsmission is set forth in no uncertain terms by our Lord him-self, the Head of the Church. Jesus did so at the beginningof his own ministry by borrowing the words of the prophetIsaiah. Offering those words with fresh imagination withina new context he defined his mission – and therefore themission of the church, with these words: The Spirit of theLord is upon me to bring good news to the poor in spirit,to proclaim release to those who are captive to sin andblind to the truth, to free those who are oppressed by hu-man injustice and sin, and to let the world know that God’sfavor is at hand.

In doing so, we find Jesus – in spite of his immediaterejection in Nazareth and his ultimate rejection at the cross– injecting hope for the future. We know now as Jesusknew then, that as we offer to starving human spirits theBread of Heaven which alone satisfies, and as we offer tothirsty souls the Living Water which alone can quench hu-man thirst, we become instruments of liberation to all thosewho are captive to sin and blind to the truth. As we pro-claim the good news, those who oppress others throughtheir injustice and sin repent of their ways and cease fromoppression, and the world becomes aware that God’s reignof justice and love is at hand.

From the supreme example of our Master and Lord, wemust always be conscious of the priorities in our missionof love and mercy. Though we reach out to all in responseto their human need, as our Master did, we do so alwaysremembering as he did, that we do not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.And whenever and wherever people choose to benefit only

Refocusing our Vision

Jirair M. Sogomian

from material and physical ministrations at the expenseof their spiritual needs, we must remember our Lord'swords in Luke 4:43, I must proclaim the good news of thekingdom of God to others also; for I was sent for thispurpose.

The word of God which was central in the life of Jesus;the word which was there in the creation of all that wasgood; the word which came through patriarchs and proph-ets; the Word which ultimately was made flesh in JesusChrist and dwelt in our midst; the word which was pro-claimed by St. Gregory illuminating the land of Armeniawith the truth of God, is ultimately responsible for who weare as Christians and followers of the Christ. It is that wordwhich has engendered faith in us and which has ultimatelyclaimed us as children of God and followers of the Christ,and it is empowered by that word that we reach out to theworld in compassionate service.

The future of our mission field – whether it is Armenia,the Middle East or any other part of the world – is uncer-tain and will always be uncertain. Yet, history shows thatsome of the greatest mission dreams were conceived inburning hearts and realized in the most desperate and un-certain moments wherever people lived in despair. It is insuch times that we learn to trust God’s word of hope, andplacing our hand into the hand of God dare to step into thedarkness of tomorrow, knowing that God who owns thefuture will be there with us!

So what is our mission all about? Called and empow-ered by the Holy Spirit, our mission is to bring the goodnews of God’s love to the impoverished in spirit. It is toproclaim release to those who are captive to sin and blindto the truth. It is to free those who are oppressed by humaninjustice and sin, and to let the world know that God’s graceis here to sustain us. Let us do so together with all the loveand faith we can muster, and let us do so hopefully andcourageously.G

Passages of time and life transitions may at times be painful and traumatic experiences, but they also challengeus to renew and redefine our vision, to refocus on the essential in our task and to take a fresh look at our

priorities. I believe every worthwhile organization needs to do this from time to time to remain viable, relevantand effective.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 3

H A I G A Z I A N U N I V E R S I T Y

The Board of Trustees of Haigazian Uni-versity, composed of members from the

US, and members from Beirut, Lebanon,held its spring meeting on the campus of theuniversity on Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, 2001. This historical meeting was heldon the 45th anniversary of the founding ofHaigazian College by the Armenian Mis-sionary Association of America. It markeda meaningful milestone in the sometimes tur-bulent yet most influential life of this uniqueArmenian institution of learning on the lifeand destiny of literally hundreds of Arme-nian youth who now hold prestigious andkey positions in a variety of fields and pro-fessions all over the world! The history andoutstanding achievements of the universityin the last 45 years has amply confirmed thevalidity of the noble vision of its foundingfathers. This Armenian university hasblessed the Armenian communities aroundthe world with quality leadership and up-lifted the Armenian name in the entire Arabworld of the Middle East and beyond!

Members of the Board of Trustees com-posed of Robert Hekemian, Dr. H. PhilipHovnanian, Robert H. Philibosian, Esq., Dr.Joseph P. Zeronian, Dr. H. Steven Aharonian,Rev. Dr. Carnegie Calian, George Phillips, Esq.,Samuel Hekemian, Dr. J. B. M. Kassarjian,Albert Momjian, Esq., Andrew Torigian, Rev.Jirair Sogomian and Joyce Stein, from theUnited States and Dr. Susan Kassab, Rev.Robert Sarkissian, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian,Hrayr Jebejian, Professor Sossi Balian, NabilEkmeji, Rev. Dr. John Khanjian, and Rev.Megerdich Karagoezian, from Beirut, Leba-non, chaired by Mr. Herair Mouradian, weretreated to two important programs held onthe campus of the university.

They enjoyed an exposition of historic Ar-menian coins displayed in the BarsumianLibrary, and an outstanding evening programcelebrating the 45th anniversary of theHaigazian University Armenological Pro-gram. The occasion also marked the publi-cation of the 20th issue of the ArmenologicalReview - a prestigious annual publicationthat delights the Armenian public with itssubstantial articles on literary, philosophi-

Haigazian University Board of Trustees Meet in Beirut

cal and religious topics of utmost impor-tance. In its two-day session, the Board dealtwith timely, academic, social and financialissues that affect the mission of the univer-sity in the shaping of the future of youth inthe Middle East and a number of other coun-

tries represented in the student body. TheArmenian public owes a debt of thankful-ness to the President of the University, Dr.John Khanjian and his supporting staff forthe valuable educational service they ren-der to the Armenian public.G

Haigazian University Board of Trustees (above); President Andrew Torigian cuttingthe 45th anniversary cake of Haigazian University.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20014

I n April and May, along with our newExecutive Director, Rev. Jirair Sogomian,

we visited our mission partners in the NearEast. The purpose was to listen to and buildon the partnership existing between theAMAA and the Near East Union. Our timewas totally consumed in meetings workingwith the leadership and the pastors. Theyappreciated our listening to their feelings andour genuine attempt to understand their is-sues and concerns. Discussions were openand frank and covered all aspects of theAMAA/UAECNE relationship. We re-turned with recommendations for theAMAA board as it continues the AMAAcommitment to strengthen the Union.

During visits to Aleppo and Beirut, wewere encouraged and pleased with the dedi-cation of our pastors, their wives and thecommunity working together. It was par-ticularly encouraging that all of the pulpitswere filled with young and energetic pas-tors. The average age of the Near East pas-tors is 39.4 years. There are yet more Chris-tian workers and potential pastors being edu-cated through AMAA supported schools,Haigazian University and the Near EastSchool of Theology (NEST).

Sixteen churches in Lebanon and Syria arepart of the Near East Union and vary sub-stantially in size, opportunities and issues.Focus on youth is evident, but the needs ofthe elderly are also a priority. At the NorAmanos (Dora) church, twelve new mem-bers, primarily youth, joined the church dur-ing our Sunday worship. Youth meetings inindividual churches are held weekly and thenumbers of participants continues to grow.Some churches have Daily Vacation BibleSchools attracting neighborhood youth tolearn about God and participate in the churchand in the schools. AMAA support is pro-vided to the churches and the Near East pas-tors as they serve the evangelical commu-nity.

Christian Endeavor programs have alwaysbeen strong in Near East churches. It was a

2001 Near East Mission Partner Visit

by Louis Kurkjian and Herair Mouradian*

A twenty-two year old student at Arevig center playing the Armenian national anthemon a keyboard (above). Discussion on Syrian Schools with (clockwise) Rev. PaulHaidostian, Rev. Harout Selimian, Mr. Samuel Tashjian, Mr. Aram Cholakian, Rev.Youssef O. Jabbour and Louis Kurkjian.

N E A R E A S T

*Louis Kurkjian and Herair Mouradian are

co-chairs of the AMAA Near East Committee

joy to see young people lead singing, teach-ing Sunday school and just being helpful.Their joy is obvious especially when sing-ing from the Nor Yerk hymnal, which fea-tures praise music. Summer camps have

been the foundation of joint youth activitiesamong the churches. AMAA support ofsummer camp programs this year will fa-cilitate attendance of 60 additional youth atthree summer camps in Lebanon. Welearned that 85 young people in Syria andLebanon have been working for two yearsto save enough money to go to Armenia thissummer to participate in the 1700th anniver-sary youth camping program. The AMAAwill partner with these young people in pro-viding partial support for their trip. TheChristian Endeavor movement in both coun-tries is very much alive. It was reassuringto see the commitment of these young peoplein serving their churches and communities.

Armenian Evangelicals in the Near Eastcontinue to go through difficult times as thepast civil war in Lebanon, current high un-employment and a rising cost of living inboth countries are having a major impact.Relief activity in both Lebanon and Syriahas taken on a new urgency and increasedsupport from the AMAA and its donors and

other organizations is critical. Our pastorsare faced with daily requests for assistance.This includes costs for hospitalization andmedical care, assistance for those who havelost a breadwinner and for general benevo-lence. There is much need everywhere andit must be faced each day. The AMAA,ACO, the Jinishian Fund and theKaragoezian Foundation are key relief part-ners. We are confident that, with time, con-ditions within the Armenian Evangelicalcommunity will improve but recovery willbe a long process. The community will re-quire extensive support from the AMAA andother organizations for a long period of time.Even with these difficulties, the spirit of thepeople, congregations, youth and pastors isheartwarming and encouraging.

The three Armenian churches, Evangeli-cal, Catholic and Orthodox, support the old-age homes in Beirut and Aleppo where thespirit of cooperation works well. At bothfacilities there are wings that house specialeducation classrooms where handicapped

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 5

Reception of new members on April 29, 2001 at the Armenian Evangelical EmmanuelChurch of Nor Amanos (Dora), with Rev. Nerses Balabanian, the pastor of the churchat the pulpit (above). Sunday School at Dora Church.

N E A R E A S T

children are taught. Armenian Evangelicalshave been leaders in initiating programs tohelp the community. A new program inAleppo is the Arevig Handicapped Day Cen-ter, which provides special care and learn-ing to the physically handicapped. Visitingthe Arevig Center, the Kurkjians weremoved by a twenty-two year old severelyhandicapped young man who played theArmenian national anthem on a keyboard.His concentration, as he was playing withknurled fingers, was an unforgettable expe-rience. AMAA support is provided to theold age homes and support for the ArevigCenter will be proposed in the 2001-2002budget.

Our visit gave us a better appreciation ofthe impact of the Evangelical school sys-tem in the Near East to the Armenian com-munity worldwide. The AMAA supportsprimary and secondary schools, HaigazianUniversity and NEST. These educationalinstitutions have been and will be the sourceof many Armenian Evangelical Christianleaders.

In Syria, the school system is centrallymanaged. Innovative educational tech-niques are being implemented. Teachingwith computers in kindergarten is an ex-ample of advanced educational methods thatare being introduced into schools in ourUnion. Financial pressure has increased dueto a required 25 percent increase in teachersalaries without an allowable increase in tu-ition. Biblelands, a United Kingdom orga-nization, has been a significant mission part-ner in the Syrian school system, providingfunds for both facility and educational im-provements. The AMAA is evaluating anumber of opportunities to further assist theSyrian school system.

The longest and most intense discussionwas held with the Union’s EducationalCouncil in a strategic review of the schoolsin Lebanon. The economy has had a directaffect on the educational system. Parentswho cannot afford tuition payments havebeen moving their children to governmentschools. Past debts of the school system dat-ing back to the civil conflict are severe prob-lems. The Educational Council has beenstruggling with the issue of how manyschools are needed to serve our community.After much discussion and prayerful reviewthey have firmly concluded that the currentstructure is in the best interest of the Evan-

gelical community at this time. With thisconviction, the AMAA discussions focusedon four areas:· Approaches to clearing the past debts ofthe schools· Viable financial plans for future schooloperation· Increasing enrollment at all schools· Continued implementation of improve-ments in the schools

Recommendations for AMAA supportand for Union operations were discussed.Stabilizing and strengthening the schoolswill be a step by step endeavor requiringmutual discussion and cooperation betweenthe Union, the AMAA and other Union mis-sion partners. The Union will be embark-ing on a campaign, cooperatively handledby the pastors and the schools, to increaseschool enrollment. Mission partners havefunded many improvements in the schools.

These improvements have included new andrenovated computer and chemistry labora-tories and playgrounds. AMAA funds wereused to complete much needed face liftingof our school buildings. Further improve-ments will be required to re-establish ourEvangelical schools as the premier churchbased schools in the region. Biblelands is aprimary mission partner of the Evangelicalschool system; assistance is also receivedfrom the Gulbenkian Foundation and otherorganizations. The AMAA provides sup-port, which includes significant participationfrom the Stephen Philibosian Foundation.

We feel that our trip was meaningful, ap-preciated and informative. We are commit-ted to the mission work of the AMAA withour personal emphasis being the Near East.Your continued prayers and support of theAMAA’s work in this region is importantand vital.G

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20016

A R M E N I A

AMAA Leadership Visits ArmeniaAMAA Continues its Focus on Armenia

A MAA President, Mr. AndrewTorigian, and the newly appointed

Executive Director, The Rev. JirairSogomian, paid a pivotal visit to Arme-nia from April 30 to May 8, to meetwith local leadership and the extensivemission staff in Armenia and to con-firm AMAA’s continuing support oftheir imaginative and sacrificial minis-try.

While in Yerevan, Mr. Torigian and theRev. Sogomian, along with the AMAA'sRepresentative in Armenia, Rev. RenéLéonian, visited with the President ofArmenia, Robert Kocharian, Prime Min-ister Antranik Markarian, President ofParliament, Armen Khatchaturian, Presi-dent of Council of State Religious Affairs,Razmiz Markossian, and His HolinessKarken II, to pay their respects, to up-date them on AMAA’s extensive spiritual,educational and benevolent caring min-istries, to thank them for their encourage-ment and support, and to receive theirinsights and guidance for future outreachto areas of Armenia which have hithertonot been touched by the gospel of Christor the living and compassionate outreachof the church.

During their eight-day stay, they alsovisited fledgling churches and fellow-ships in Talin, Spitak, Gumri, Stepanavan,Vanatzor and Yerevan, preaching theWord of God, worshipping with the localsaints, listening to their needs and con-cerns, and encouraging them in their chal-lenging tasks in these most trying timesin the history of our decade-long inde-pendence. They also met, along with Mr.Harout Nercessian, AMAA’s Director ofChristian Education and youth work, withlocal leaders and volunteers in thesefields, inspiring them with encouragingmessages of hope, and praying for themfor wisdom and courage for the living ofthese days.

In their busy schedule, they also found

time to meet with pastors from Armenia,Georgia and Russia, to listen to their mostpressing concerns and to reassure them

AMAA Executive Director Rev. Jirair Sogomian and President Andy Torigian with theArmenian Evangelical Church members of Stepanavan, Armenia (above). The AMAAstaff and volunteers with the AMAA President Andy Torigian and Executive DirectorRev. Jirair Sogomian.

of AMAA’s continuing commitment tosupport their vital and nation-buildingministries. They also visited the newly-

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 7

A R M E N I A

Executive Director of the AMAA Rev. JirairSogomian preaching at the ArmenianEvangelical church of Yerevan.

At the Armenian Evangelical Seminary of Armenia are the President of the SeminaryRev. René Léonian, the Dean of the Seminary Rev. Guevork Guevorkian, President ofthe AMAA Andy Torigian, Executive Director of the AMAA Rev. Jirair Sogomian andRev.Hamlet Gureghian (above); AMAA's Representative in Armenia Rev. René Léonian,AMAA's Executive Director Rev. Jirair Sogomian, President of Armenia RobertKocharian and AMAA President Andy Torigian at their meeting in the PresidentialOffice.

established 1997 Armenian EvangelicalSeminary, where Rev. Sogomian spoketo the seminarians in a chapel service andencouraged them not only to pursue theirformal theological education in prepara-tion for the ministry of the word, but alsoto value the importance of their continu-ing education and spiritual growth andnurturing during the entire span of theirlife-ministry!

On Sunday morning, Rev. Sogomian,preached to the Armenia EvangelicalCongregation in Yerevan, which meetsevery Sunday in the Architect’s Hall forjoyful worship. Taking his text from thewell-known passage on love from Paul’sFirst Letter to the Corinthians, he im-pressed upon them Paul’s crucial mes-sage that no matter what our particularGod-given talents or spiritual gifts, thatif we use them without reflecting God’slove so wonderfully revealed to us in theChrist, our work and efforts amount tonothing. As Christians, both in the liv-ing of our lives, in the practice of ourfaith, and in all our human relationships,our priority is to be God’s loving, car-ing, and compassionate presence to aworld which God loved even to thecross!

When asked about his impresssionsfrom his short yet intense visit, amongother comments, Rev. Sogomian said that

within the short span of his visits to Leba-non and Armenia, his prayer list morethan quadrupled!G

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20018

Despite the economic problems thatplague Brazil and many of the other

countries of Latin America, the ArmenianEvangelical Central Church of Sao Paulo hasan active and supportive congregation, andeven has a mission program in the outlyingtown of Ferraz de Vasconcelos.

The church’s latest report to the Arme-nian Missionary Association of America(AMAA) outlines its activities and discussessome of the problems facing the church. Thefollowing are some of the highlights of thereport:

"Church services take place Sunday morn-ings at 10:45 a.m., led by Pastor DmitriConstandinis, who is assisted by Dr. RoyAbrahamian. Bible study programs for bothchildren and adults are offered Sundaymornings before church services and alsoduring the week.

"The Sunday School Department performsevangelism and social assistance programsfor the poor children who live near thechurch. About 60 such children participatein such programs. Every Sunday they learnChristian songs and Biblical passages andreceive a meal. Sometimes they receiveschool materials, such as color pencils.Occasionally, our church offers breakfast forall the congregation, including these chil-dren. We also distribute food, from time totime, to the poor families who live near ourchurch.

“The weekly activities of the Women’sDepartment includes biblical study and so-cial programs. These programs include vis-its to the sick and elderly and also to an Ar-menian asylum. The women organize din-ners, barbecues and meals for our churchcommunity. They also plan fund-raising din-ners and bazaars and participate in the pro-grams of other churches.

“Our Music Department organizes musi-cal programs, to which all Armenianchurches and organizations are invited.Sometimes professional musicians also par-ticipate in these programs.

"The church’s mission outreach programin the nearby town of Ferraz de Vasconcelosoffers Sunday worship services and prayer

Armenian Evangelicals in Brazil

meetings to a congregation of local Brazil-ians. About 90-120 people attend these ac-tivities. This mission church, established byour Sao Paulo Church, also serves the ma-terial needs of these people in the form offood, clothing and blankets. Last year theSao Paulo Church built two classrooms andtwo bathrooms for the Sunday School of itsoutreach church, which serves about 70 chil-dren.

“Our church has also helped Armenianand Brazilian evangelical and humanitar-ian organizations. Last year, we contrib-uted special donations to APEC, an organi-zation that evangelizes among children; for

refugees in Kosovo; and for the homeless inColumbia. We also contributed $2,000 tothe AMAA for the Evangelical Church inGumri, Armenia."

The Sao Paulo Church was established in1927 by Armenian immigrants. In view ofits remoteness from the Armenian Evangeli-cal communities in the U.S., Europe, MiddleEast and Armenia, it has done and contin-ues to do a remarkable job in maintainingits Armenian Evangelical identity and act-ing on its Armenian Evangelical values. And,through its cooperation with and ties to theAMAA, the church keeps in touch with theworld-wide Armenian Evangelical family.G

Sunday morning worship service (above); Bible School for the children in the neigh-borhood.

B R A Z I L

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 9

301 - 2001 A.D.n Seventeen Hundredth An-niversary of Armenia’s adoption of Chris-tianity as state religion! 1700 years is a no-table period in the life of the ArmenianChurch, especially if we consider the factthat the centuries-long history of ArmenianChristendom has been a bitterly fought one— a history of tears, sweat, and blood.

The 1700th Anniversary is an appropri-ate time to pay tribute to the memory of thepioneers of the Armenian Church who,adopted Christianity as state religion; to sa-lute those who followed in the footsteps ofthe fourth century fathers of faith, and keptthe torch of faith burning; and to renew ourdedication to our Christian faith.

Obviously, the seventeen century legacyof Armenian Christendom is a rich one. Itsheritage is a proud one, and its benefits tothe Armenian nation have been manifold.

While the l700th anniversary marks a sig-nificant milestone in the history of Christian-ity, Christian Armenians everywhere shouldbe reminded that anniversaries are not onlyappropriate times to honor the past, but alsoopportune times to claim the future — to lookforward to the future, and with renewed re-dedication, be challenged to greater efforts.The past is only ours to keep when we arewilling to move into a future we will accept.

The Armenian Evangelical World Coun-cil has instructed and challenged all Arme-nian Evangelical churches and organizationsto make the year 2001 a year of spiritual re-vival and renewal, a year of evangelism andChristian outreach. After all, theChristianization of Armenia was a productof evangelism and outreach.

Thus, the Armenian Evangelical churchesworldwide have embarked upon a numberof activities to mark this important lesson.Each of the five Church Unions — the Ar-menian Evangelical Union of France, Ar-menian Evangelical Union of NorthAmerica, Union of Armenian EvangelicalChurches in the Near East, Union of Evan-gelical Churches in Armenia and Armenian

Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian*

How Armenian EvangelicalsWill Celebrate the 1700th Anniversary

Evangelical Union of Eurasia — have orga-nized various religious, cultural and artisticprograms. They have organized spiritualrevival meetings to impart the Christianfaith, our religious heritage, and the virtuesof the “faith of our fathers.”

Armenian Evangelical churches will alsoplace a special emphasis on Christian edu-cation through lectures, seminars, confer-ences, production and dissemination ofChristian literature — like Bibles, textbooks,hymnals, brochures, books, etc. The Arme-nian Evangelical World Council has just re-leased a bilingual book by the Rev. VahanH. Tootikian entitled The Benefits and Con-tributions of the Armenian EvangelicalChurch to the Armenian Nation, which isbeing translated into French and EasternArmenian. During this anniversary yearthere will be other publications on the Ar-menian Christian heritage.

The Armenian Evangelical churches willconduct programs for youth to participate inyouth conferences, camps and trips to Arme-nia. They will also organize cultural events,

such as lectures, concerts, plays, athleticevents, artistic programs, art exhibits, etc.

Our churches will also participate in ecu-menical and inter-church anniversary pro-grams, such as religious and cultural andmusical events in collaborations with Arme-nian Apostolic and Catholic Churches.

During the current year, the Union ofEvangelical Churches in Armenia will playhost to an all Armenian Evangelical anni-versary celebration in Yerevan, Armenia inmid-August. In conjunction with an all Ar-menian Evangelical Youth Rally, a 1700thAnniversary pilgrimage to Armenia has beenplanned from August 9 - 21, 2001, detailsof which will soon be communicatedthrough the media.

Finally, the 1700th anniversary ofArmenia’s adoption of Christianity as statereligion will be a meaningful milestone tolook at retrospectively as well as prospec-tively: honoring the past and claiming thefuture. Honoring the past is noble. But onegeneration cannot operate on the faith of itsancestors, because a vital faith, which accom-plishes and sustains, has always to be a per-sonal and contemporary one. In all our cel-ebrations the question is not how to preservean abstract past, but how to transmit to thepresent and the future the virtues of Arme-nian heritage and the “faith of our fathers.”G

* Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is the Presidentof the Armenian Evangelical World Counciland the Moderator of the Armenian Evangeli-cal Union of North America.

A R M E N I A N E V A N G E L I C A L W O R L D C O U N C I L

The year 2001 is the l700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity as the statereligion in Armenia. By happy coincidence it is also the 155th anniversary of thefoundation of the Armenian Evangelical Church. Since the Armenian EvangelicalChurch is part and parcel of Armenian Christendom, this milestone accords an oppor-tunity to present the benefits and contributions of Armenian Evangelicalism to theArmenian nation. The Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian's latest bilingual book, entitledThe Benefits & Contributions of the Armenian Evangelical Church to the Arme-nian Nation - aims to do that. The author cites fourteen specific items, which areconsidered to be benefits and contributions of Armenian Evangelicalism to the Arme-nian nation. He contends that the Armenian Evangelical Church has worked her wayinto many corners of the life of the Armenian people. In his words, “Measured by hereffects, the Armenian Evangelical Church has proved herself a potent force amongthe Armenian people. Her record speaks for itself.”

Dr. Tootikian maintains that the Armenian Evangelical Church served the Arme-nian people in many ways for many decades, administering to their needs, beatingtheir wounds, and lightening their sorrows. Armenian Evangelicalism put no limit toservice, nor did it discriminate against other creeds, but served equally all those whobore the name Armenian. It also gave the Armenian nation a potent medium for dis-closing its latent intellectual and spiritual force.

We recommend this book to the reading public. The price of the book is $20.00,plus $4.00 for mailing and handling. Copies may be received from the AMAA — 31W. Century Road, Paramus, N. J. 07652.

Rev. Tootikian's Latest Anniversary Book onArmenian Evangelicalism

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 200110

On Sunday, April 8, 2001, the ordination of Sarkis Pachaianwas held during a special service at the Armenian Evangeli-

cal Church of Brussels, Belgium. About 150 people were present,among which were the Ambassador of Armenia and his family.

The service of ordination, held under the auspices of the Arme-nian Evangelical Union of France (AEUF) was presided by Rev.Gilbert Léonian, president of AEUF. Also participating in theservice were Rev. Jean Agopian, pastor of the Armenian Evan-gelical Church of Saint Loup (Marseille) France; Rev. Jean AvedisZarifian of Montreal, Canada, representing the Armenian Mis-sionary Association of America (AMAA); and Rev. Jean-LouisSimonet, the president of the Fédération EvangéliqueFrancophone of Belgium.

Rev. Sarkis Pachaian was born in Yozgat, Turkey. After com-pleting his elementary education, he settled in Istanbul. He servedin the church of Istanbul until 1983, after which he came to Bel-gium. Encouraged by the AMAA, and with its assistance, Rev.Pachaian studied at the Bible College of Brussels and graduated in1991. Since his graduation he is serving the Armenian EvangelicalChurch of Brussels as its pastor.

Rev. Pachaian is married to Nicole DerKevorkian and they havetwo children.G

Ordination of Rev. Sarkis Pachaian, standing (l to r) Rev.Pachaian's wife, Nicole, Rev. Jean Agopian, Rev. Jean Zarifian,Rev. Jean-Louis-Simonet and Rev. Gilbert Leonian.

Ordination of Rev. Sarkis Pachaian

N E W S A N D N O T E S

Ordination of Rev. Jirair Bizdikian

Rev. Jirair Bizdikian giving the benediction after his ordination,standing (l to r) Rev. Karl Avakian, Rev. Jirair Sogomian, Rev.Barkev Darakjian, and Rev. Vigen Galustian.

The ordination of Rev. Jirair Bizdikian took place on Sunday,March 18, 2001 in the Armenian Evangelical Church of Chi-

cago. Officiating at the ceremony was Rev. Karl V. Avakian, Min-ister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America

(AEUNA) and participating in the ordination service were Rev.Barkev Darakjian, Pastor Emeritus of the Armenian EvangelicalChurch of Chicago, Rev. Vigen Galustian, Rev. Aaron Kayayan,Rev. Kevin Kasper and Rev. Jirair Sogomian, Chairman of AEUNAMinistry Committee. Present at this solemn occasion were Rev.Father Zareh Sahakian of the All Saints Armenian Apostolic Churchof Glenview, Ill and Deacon Aren Jebejian of the Armenian St.Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago.

Congratulatory letters were received from many churches andpastors, as well as from Mr. Andy Torigian, president of the AMAAand Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian, Moderator of the AEUNA.

Rev. Bizdikian was born in Athens, Greece and has received histheological education at the Near East School of Theology of Beirut,Lebanon and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Followinghis studies he has worked as pastoral assistant in churches in Beirut,Lebanon and Montreal, Canada, while carrying a full load andworking full time as English language teacher in Canadian educa-tional institutions. He retired from his teaching position in 1995,and since then he has devoted his time to pastoral ministry in theArmenian communities of Canada, United States and Armenia,where he has also been an instructor in New Testament studies atthe Armenian Evangelical theological Seminary of Armenia. Dur-ing the past two and a half years, Rev. Bizdikian has been the visit-ing pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Chicago.

Rev. Bizdikian is married to Alice Mardirossian and they havefour children, Hovig, Sam, Ruth (Cortina) and Dikran.G

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 11

Rev. Robert O. Swansonthe Pastor of the Ararat

Armenian CongregationalChurch of Salem, NH, andhis wife Lee, bid farewellto the congregation duringa special dinner held in theirhonor at Harris' Pelham Innon April 8, 2001.

Rev. Swanson, whoserved the Ararat Churchfor the past 15 years, willretire after forty-four yearsof active ministry.

Rev. Swanson is a gradu-ate of the University of NewHampshire (1954) and Crozer Theological Seminary of Philadel-phia (1957). He was ordained the same year at Mount Union Con-gregational Christian Church in Everett, PA.

After pastoring churches in Pennsylvania and New Hampshirefor twelve years, Rev. Swanson served in the New Hampshire Na-tional Guard and United States Army Reserves as a Chaplain fortwenty-six years, retiring in 1982 as lieutenant colonel.

From 1969-1996 Rev. Swanson taught U.S. history and econom-ics at Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, NH. He has alsoserved churches in southern NH as United Church of Christ interimminister.

Rev. Swanson and his wife were very active at the GreaterArmenian Community of Merrimack Valley. They enjoyed work-ing among Armenians, and particularly ministering to the needs ofthe parish family of Ararat Armenian Congregational Church.G

A s the month of March is considered "AMAA Month", the stu-dents at the Centers for Armenian Handicapped in Lebanon

(CAHL) celebrated this event by a particular way. Being slowlearner students, most of the cases have reading and writing diffi-culties. For this reason, the school organized in all the classessessions of reading and writing of the name of the Associationexplaining the four words: "Armenian Missionary Association ofAmerica" (AMAA). In the meantime, the teachers explained tothe students of their classes, the Christian way of doing charity,like AMAA is doing.

Besides "slow learner" students, the center also offers struc-tured classes for children and young people who are blind anddeaf. Associated with the school is the Center's workshop whereyoung people learn carpentry and wicker work. The present di-rector of the center is Mr. Kevork Karaboyadjian.

Each year the AMAA provides significant grants to help theschool continue this unique humanitarian work. The students andtheir parents are grateful for AMAA's aid to this vital mission.G

East Jewett, NY (Catskill Mountains) was the setting this pastsummer, August 13 - August 19, 2000 for the first Armenian

Evangelical, east coast, Summer Camp Program. Seventeen jun-iors, ages 10-13, from NY, NJ, MA and Canada, joined together fora week of learning God’s Word, and recreational activities in thebeautiful Catskill Mountains of New York State. Under the leader-ship of Rev. Ara and Mrs. Sylvia Jizmejian, the campers partici-pated in daily devotionals and Bible studies, as well as daily out-door activities, such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, sports, archery,etc. The campers were housed in 2-person Army style tents andalso enjoyed evening campfires and sing-alongs led by Rev. KevinKasper. Also assisting the camp leaders were six trained counse-lors from the AEYF (Armenian Evangelical Youth Fellowship).

The week long program was hosted at Camp Tri-Mount, a 535acre Boy Scout Reservation Camp. Tri-Mount personnel providedall of the meals, trained staff for all recreational activities, and on-site medical staff. By renting the Boy Scout facility, this AEUNAsponsored event was able to put forward an effective, week longprogram, while incurring minimal expense. A family barbecue washeld for all parents and campers on Saturday, August 19, when theparents returned to pickup their children.

The success of the first year’s program is evident by the enthusi-asm of many parents of the campers, who have pledged their sup-port for holding the camp program again this summer. Now, withthe formal name of Camp Arevelk, the second annual east coastArmenian Evangelical Program is scheduled for Sunday, August12 - Saturday, August 18, 2001. This year’s program promises tobe even more exciting than last year’s program, and again will hostthe parents & families of campers for a lamb kebab picnic, on Sat-urday, August 18. Information and applications (July 21 deadlineto apply) for this year’s program can be obtained by contacting anyof the east coast Armenian Evangelical Churches, or by contactingRev. and Mrs. Jizmejian, at the Armenian Church of the Martyr’sin Worcester, MA, at 508-753-7650. You may also contact the CampRegistrar, Dave Shahbazian, at 845-339-3676. As is common tomost new programs, funding is limited. Those willing to pledgetheir financial support can make a tax deductible donation to CampArevelk, and are encouraged to contact the Camp Registrar for moreinformation. Your support and prayers for another exciting sum-mer camp program would be greatly appreciated.G

Camp Arevelk to Host Second Annual SummerCamp Program

Rev. Robert Swanson bids farewell toArarat Church

CAHL Students Celebrate AMAA Month

N E W S A N D N O T E S

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 200112

An,ou,t fog;uor kamauor 6a5a\ouj;anmasin h .7sqe ;u oc jh or;uh kamauor

6a5a\ouj;an4 orowf;t;u amhn kamauor6a5a \o ujiun anpa \man fog;uor kamqristonhakan 6a5a\oujiun ch! Bar;shr4 no\niskanfauat mard;r krnan sqanc;li kamauor6a5a\oujiunn;r en;l3 a\laxan marx;rh n;rs4oronq .ist gnafat;li ;u 7gtakar ellalowfand;r]4 takauin krnan fog;uor kamauor6a5a\oujiun cellal!Fog;uor kamauor 6a5a\oujiun en;l ouxo[ an]e

- a\r ;u kin - oro, an] men h or ke 'nt5oui ouke kancoui Astou6o\ ko[mh! Sourb Girqin mh=Astoua6 \aya. ke 'nt5h oro, an];r Ir gor6een;lou famar ;u oc o;uh mard - oc al .oumb memard;r4 a\l anfat me or endfanraphsfaxouagiut h! No\nisk Astoua6 faxarn;roumh= mhk fat irau mard chr krnar gtn;l! Ank*esh :r;m margarhin1 9Na\;za\ ;u afa mardckar0 (:r;m1 Ì1 ÊÍ)! 9:rousa[hmi 'o[ozn;rounmh= ptt;zhq4 na\;zhq ou gitzhq - anorfraparakn;roun mh= 'nt5;zhq - ;jh mard mekrzaq gtn;l4 ;jh irauounq eno[4 y,martoujiun'nt5o[ me ka\ - :s a\n qa[aqin jo[oujiunpiti tam0 (:r;m1 Í1 É)! :rb Sauou[ jagauoreAstou6o\ anfnaxand gtnou;zau4 Samouhlmargarhn xa\n \andiman;z ;u esau ir;n1 9ThreIr;n famar Ir srtin fam;mat mard ke'nt5h1110 (A1 Jag1 ÉË1 ÉÌ)! Incphs a\n at;n4Astoua6 a\s7r al - ;u mi,t - Ir srtin fam;mat;u Ir;n famar kamauor 6a5a\o[ an];r ke'nt5h!Fog;uor kamauor 6a5a\oujiun en;l ouxo[

an];re mard;rou ko[mh entroua6 ;u n,anakoua6c;n! Vo[own;rou kam famagoumarn;rou mh= alc;n oro,ouir! Oc al bar]r ousoum kam m;6karo[oujiun oun;nale fimnakan pa\mann;r ;nfog;uor 6a5a\ouj;an! :k;[;ziin mh= vo[owakanellale kam or;uh pa,t7n oun;naln al anpa\manfog;uor 6a5a\oujiun ch! Asonq an,ou,t krnan7gtakar ellal! Ba\z na. ouri, pa\man me ka\

or an.ousa';li ;uan'o.arin;li h!Bolorhn a5a= kouga\ ;u amhnhn ka-r;uor pa\mann h -Astou6o\ fandi-pil! A\l .7sqow3apa,.ar;l kamw;rstin 6no undo un;na l! A5anzfog;uor 'or]a5ou-j;an4 oc mhk an] -orqan al karo[ella\4 bar]r ousoum4dirq ;u pa,t7n oun;na\4 ;jh no\nisk amhn 7r6a5a \h ;k ;[;ziin mh= 4 kam m;6am;6nouiratououjiunn;r enh - Astou6o\ ko[mhendounoua6 fog;uor 6a5a\oujiun era6 krna\ellal! Astoua6 m;r gor6;rhn4 en6an;rhn46a5a\oujiunn;rhn ;u pa,t7nn;rhn a5a= m;r an]ek*ouxh - m;r apa,.aroujiune! Asika incph2sk*ella\111- An]amb xAstoua6 kam |isouse t;sa6

ellalow3 oro, fog;uor 'or]a5ouj;amb me!Fog;uor 'or]a5ouj;an - incphs 6a5a\ouj;an- ];u;re ke tarb;rin ou ke 'o.ouin4 ba\z ociro[oujiune! Oc qristonhakan kr7nq ka\4 ocal k;anq4 a5anz fog;uor 'or]a5ouj;an! Asikam;r oro ,o umow ce l lar 4 a \ l Asto u6 o \na.a];5nouj;amb! An m;x ke kanch4 ke 'o.h;u kouta\ m;xi3 Ir 'a5qin famar fog;uor6a5a\oujiun matouzan;lou a5an]na,norfoume!Mowshsi 6a5a\oujiune Astou6o \ ko[mh

endounou;zau mia\n a\n at;n ;rb an Qor;bL;ran wra\ fog;uor 'or]a5oujiun me oun;zau- Astou6o\ fandip;zau! Astoua6 .7s;zau ir;n- wa5o[ mor;niin mh=hn - ;u fon anor k;anqefimnaphs 'o.ou;zau ;u mia\n ankh ;tq irmatouza6 6a5a\oujiunn;re endoun;li ;[anAstou6o\ ko[mh! Jh# inq 7rfnou;zau ;u jh#Astoua6 'a5auorou;zau ir an]ow ;u fog;uor6a5a \oujiunn;row! Dvouaroujiunn;r ;u\ousafatoujiunn;r oun;zau4 ba\z t;[i ctouau!Fauatarim mnaz Astou6o\!

KKKKKAMAMAMAMAMAUOAUOAUOAUOAUOR ^R ^R ^R ^R ^A%AA%AA%AA%AA%A|||||OOOOOUJ:AUJ:AUJ:AUJ:AUJ:AN GN GN GN GN GLLLLL>AUO>AUO>AUO>AUO>AUOR PR PR PR PR PAAAAA|M|M|M|M|MAAAAANNNNNEEEEE

WWWWW;r;r;r;r;r1 :sa1 :sa1 :sa1 :sa1 :sa\i S\i S\i S\i S\i Sarararararmamamamamaxxxxx;a;a;a;a;annnnn*

* W;r1 :sa\i Sarmax;an fowiun h Joronjo\i (Ganata)Fa\ Au;taranakan :k;[;ziin!

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

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 13

:sa\i margarhin Astou6o \ fandip;lou'or]a5oujiune tarb;r hr4 or t;[i oun;zaut;silqow me3 :rousa[hmi tayarin mh=4 oro,a5ijow me! An ke wka\h ir masin1 9Oxiajagauorin mafouan tarin Thre t;sa\4 or bar]rou w;raza6 ajo5i wra\ nsta6 hr0 (:sa\i Î1 É)!Na;u Danihl4 :r;m4 :x;kihl4 Xaqaria ;ubaxmajiu a\l margarhn;r ;u karg me an];ra\laxan t;silqn;row fandipa6 ;n Astou6o\;u apa Ankh patgam ;u fog;uor 6a5a\ouj;ankocoum ou a5aq;loujiun staza6 ;n!Amhn mardou troua6 ch t;silq oun;nal! Oc al

amhn t;silq anpa\man fog;uor t;silq h! Omanq.a5nak fog;wiyak me k*oun;nan kam ir;nzt;sn;l ouxa6 bane ke t;sn;n ;u k*es;n jh t;silqme oun;zan - |isouse4 y;rmak fand;r]ow mhke4fr;,tak me4 sourb me kam Mariam ko\se t;san4or ir;nz a\s kam a\n bane .7s;zau! Asonqkrnan y,marit fog;uor t;silq ellal ;u cellal!Fog;uor t;silqhn ;tq4 mard fimnaphs ke'o.oui4 fog;uor dar] ;u bolorowin nor k;anqme k*oun;na\ ;u k*apri Astou6o\ famar! Anornor k;anqe ke 'asth ir t;silqin fog;uorellale kam cellale!:sa\i margarhin t;silqe y,marit fog;uor

t;silq men hr - an iraphs t;sau xAstoua6 -orowf;t;u4 a) an endoun;z ir m;[auor ;uanarvan ellale1 9Wa\ in6i4 afa ke korsouim 111pi[6 ,rjounq oun;zo[ mard men ;m0! b) M;[q;roujo[oujiun - 'rkoujiun - oun;zau1 9Qouan7rhnoujiund w;rzou;zau ;u m;[qid qauoujiun;[au0! g) Astou6o\ nouiroua6 k;anq me oun;zau!:rb Astoua6 farzouz3 9Xo2w [rk;m04 an esau39Afauasik ;s3 xis [rkh0 (:sa\i Î1 Í-Ð)! Fog;uort;silq kam 'or]a5oujiun oun;za6 ellaloufimnakan ;u an.ousa';li ;r;q \a=ordakanastiyann;rn ou 'ast;rn ;n asonq - endounilm;r m;[auor ellale4 'rkouj;an gitakzoujiuneoun;nal ;u nouirouil kamauor 6a5a\ouj;an3Astou6o\ 'a5qin famar!P7[os A5aq;ali k;anqe ouri, dasakan ;u

f;[inakauor 7rinak men h or zo\z kouta\ jhfog;uor 'or]a5oujiune gl.auor pa\mann hfog;uor kamauor 6a5a\ouj;an (Gor6q A5aq;lozÑ1 É-Ñ)! Anor al 'or]a5oujiune t;silqow met;[i oun;zau4 Damaskosi yamboun wra\4 jh;utarb;r ];uow ;u tarb;r pa\mann;rou tak! Anou[[aki t;sau |isouse4 ls;z Anor ]a\ne4

w;r=aphs endoun;z ir m;[auor ;u s.al enjazqimh= ellale4 apa bolorowin nor k;anq me oun;zau;u \a\tn;z ir kamauor 6a5a\oujiune |isousi19Thr i2nc k*oux;s or en;m0! An fima - ;u mia\nfima - patrast hr kamauor 6a5a\ouj;an4orowf;t;u apa,.ara6 hr3 w;rstin 6na64 nork;anq me oun;za6 hr! Fimnaphs 'o.oua6 hr!F;taga\in3 an ir .7sqow4 namakn;row4wka\oujiunn;row4 gor6;row ;u |isousi famarnafatakou;low3 zo \z touau jh fog;uor'or]a5oujiune irakanoujiun h4 k;nsakan h4Astou6mh h4 ;u Astou6o\ 'a5qin famar h!P7[osi f;t gor6 oun;zo[ bolor mard;rn al - ocmia\n ir gor6akizn;re ;u qriston;an;re - a\lna;u anfauatn;re4 f;janosn;re4 ka.ardn;re4ka5awaricn;re4 no \nisk jagauorn;rexarmanqow n,mar;zin ou fastat;zin anorbolorowin 'o.oua6 ;u nor an] me ellale! Fin ounor k;anqi a\s \stak ;u ou,agrau tar-b;roujiune mard;r ke t;sn;2n m;r k;anq;rounmh=111M;nq krnanq qriston;a\ kr7nqin patkanil4

qriston;a\ entaniqi me mh= ellal4 mkrtoua6ellal4 ;rb;mn fa[ordoujiun a5n;l4 ;k;[;ziinmh= m;6nal4 anor a\laxan vo[own;roun mh= andamellal ;u baxmajiu 6a5a\oujiunn;r matouzan;l4no\nisk krnanq \aya. a[7j;l ;u amhn Kirakipa,tamounqn;rou masnakzil4 ba\z takauinfog;uor 'or]a5oujiun coun;nal! "rkoua6 cellal!Fog;uor 'or]a5ouj;an ];u;re an]h an] ketarb;rin! Amhn mard anpa\man t;silq krna\coun;nal4 ba\z anpa\man k;rpow me t;sa6ellalou h |isouse ;u 'o.oua6! Mia\n ankh ;tqm;r kamauor 6a5a\oujiunn;re piti endounouinAstou6o\ ko[mh! A\laphs m;r bolor 6a5a\ou-jiunn;re krnan ellal i d;r;u4 inqnagofoujiun;u inqna.abhoujiun! Lauago\n paraga\in3bar;gor6oujiun3 ba\z oc fog;uor 6a5a\oujiun!Incphs Qristosi a,.arf galhn ;t q

patmoujiune bavnou;zau ;rkou masi3 Qristosha5a= (Q1A1) ;u Qristosh ;tq (Q1:1)4 no\nphs aliuraqanciur y,marit qriston;a\i k;anqe ouni;rkou mas - Qristosh a5a=3 m;[qi mh= m;5a6fin k;anqe4 Qristosh ;tq3 m;[qh 'rkoua6 nor7rfn;al ;u \auit;nakan k;anqe - Astou6o\'a5qin famar!Kamauor 6a5a\ouj;an gl.auor pa\mane

fog;uor 'or]a5oujiun oun;naln h! G

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

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 200114

Alexander MatossianAlexander Matoss-

ian passed away onSunday, February25, 2001. Memorialservices were held atthe Armenian Pres-byterian Church inParamus, NJ. He issurvived by his wife,Hripsime, and chil-dren, Cynthia and her husband George ofSolebury, PA; son Michael and his wife Karenof Charlotte, NC; and son Berj and his wifeMary Kay of Ukiah, CA; and grandchildrenNora, Michael Shant, Armand, Sarah and Rob-ert Preston.

Alex was the fifth child of Aintabtzi parentsMisak and Vahide Matossian. His sisters,Emelia Kutchukian and EphroniaMasbanadjian, and three brothers, Arthur,Puzant and Robert Matossian, had all prede-ceased him.

In 1953, Alex married Hripsime, neeTombalakian, in Beirut, Lebanon, and theywere blessed with daughter Cynthia and twosons, Michael and Berj.

In Beirut, Alex was a member of the FirstArmenian Evangelical Church and had servedon the church council as treasurer for manyyears. He was an active member of the Chris-tian Endeavor and had taught in SundaySchool. He had written many short stories inArmenian which appeared in the publicationsof the Christian Endeavor. On numerous oc-casions Alex was asked to give the messagein church, Sunday school and women’s guildannual dinner. Once, during a session it wasannounced, “now the message is going to bebrought to you by Alex Matossian.” Alex wasstunned. No one had told him that he was go-ing to be the speaker for that day. He got up infront of the people, stood there silently for amoment, when a young boy said loudly, “hedoesn’t know what he is going to say.” Alexgave the message that day beginning with “Ev-eryday is Christmas” and emphasized the needto keep the Christmas spirit alive in us everysingle day. Alex’s brother Robert never for-got that and he would often remark – Every-day is Christmas!

In June of 1967, right after the 5-day war,the Alex Matossian family emigrated to theUnited States and settled in Glen Rock, NJ toprovide a more peaceful environment for theirthree children and also give them an opportu-nity for good education. He had a jewelryengraving business in Ridgewood, NJ. Theywere members of the Armenian Presbyterian

Church of Paramus. In 1996 Alex andHripsime decided to live close to their chil-dren and moved to Ukiah, CA where they spenttheir winters, and returned to Doylestown, PAin mid May to be close to their daughterCynthia, and went back to Ukiah in the fallvia Charlotte, NC after visiting their sonMichael and family. Three years later, Alex’shealth did not allow him to travel so they stayedin Doylestown year round.

Throughout his life two things had beenmost important to Alex – his church and hisfamily. His faith and trust in God were pro-found and unwavering. His children spokeabout their father at the funeral service. Theyspoke of a loving father with enormous integ-rity, one who lived his faith in his daily life.In their testimonials, which were read at thefuneral service, Rev. Bernard Guekguezian andRev. Karl Avakian said respectively the fol-lowing about Alex. “Alex was a good mem-ber in our Christian Endeavor. He was alwaysgenuine with the people in his life.” “As hispastor for over 11 years, I learned to admirethe character of this man, his wise counsel andhis friendship, and his humility.”

Blessed be his memory.G

Rhoda Ruth Iskikian Habib(November 29, 1951 –March 28, 2001)

– by Joseph M. Iskikian (Grieving Father)"...There is laid up for me a crown of righ-teousness, which the Lord, the RighteousJudge, shall give me at that day.” -2 Tim. 4:8

Rhoda Ruth Iskik-ian Habib gracedthis world for all tooshort a time, but thelove and warmth shespread to all shetouched in all hermany roles, asdaughter, sister, wifeand mother, col-league, and friend, has left us with a keenersense of our humanity, and this shall remainwith us always.

Rhoda was born in Beirut, Lebanon on No-vember 29, 1951 to Joseph and HaigouhiIskikian, and lived there until the age of ten,when her family emigrated to the United Statesand established themselves in San Francisco.Rhoda continued her education, adding to herelementary schooling begun in Beirut’s Arme-nian Evangelical Central High School, by at-tending West Portal Elementary School, WestPortal Lutheran Junior High, and Lowell High.It was during these formative years thatRhoda’s spiritual life started to develop

through her active participation in S.F.'s FirstChurch of the Nazarene, in its music depart-ment, and the youth choir.

Rhoda’s adult life began during her collegeyears at the University of San Francisco. It wasthere that she met Edgard Habib who was tobecome her husband and long-term best friend.Her post-graduate work took her to San JoseState University where she received a Masterof Science degree in political science and U.S.Government, summa cum laude, thus acquir-ing an important understanding of the worldat large, and particularly the developing world,which she was later to put to productive use inher professional life. Of particular concern toRhoda was the plight of underprivileged chil-dren everywhere, most notably in the MiddleEast and Armenia. Her commitment to justice,together with her highly evolved spiritualityand her sense of pride in her roots in these re-gions of the world, led her to a life of strongactivity on their behalf.

Armed with these strong academic creden-tials, Rhoda started her professional life by en-tering a consulting career in Washington, D.C.after her family moved to Maryland. She wassoon to establish a strong reputation for herpersonal and professional qualities.

Rhoda’s fast-growing professional successnotwithstanding, it was her family that formedthe focus of her life. Since her marriage toEdgard in 1979 and the birth of their daughterMaral in 1989, she was unwavering in her com-mitment to her family, and that priority wasnever in doubt. That family also importantlyincluded her parents, Joseph and Haigouhi, herbrother John and his wife Kerry, and their twochildren, and numerous aunts, uncles, andcousins to whom she was deeply devoted.

Not least, Rhoda was a good and loving friend.No one could remain untouched by her charm-ing youthfulness, her luminous personality, andher positive outlook n a trait that she exhib-ited even in her final days with never a slip.One of her colleagues, perhaps speaking forall of us, wrote: “Rhoda was so capable, smart,competitive, determined, considerate, loyal,devoted, enthusiastic, joyful, proud, caring, andso much more. She was just so wonderful. Shewas very special to me as a coworker, profes-sional, and friend. I will miss her so much, butthat is because I am so much the richer andbetter because of her presence in my life.”

Rhoda is now at peace, and safe in the armsof the Lord. Edgard, Maral, and her devotedparents will miss her dearly, along with herbrother John and his family, her relatives andmany friends who have been unstinting in theircomfort and support. Her parents, Joseph and

O B I T U A R I E S

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2001 15

TTTTTigrigrigrigrigraaaaan Adam;an Adam;an Adam;an Adam;an Adam;annnnn–W;r1 Vira\r Pxtik;an

Tigran Adam-;ani mafow3 Monj-rhali Fa\ Au;ta-ranakan Ma\r:k;[;zin korsn-zouz ir fauatarim;u ,at sir;limhk andame!

Tigran Adam-;an 6na6 hr ÉÑÊÐ-in4 Laja qia4(Souria)! An faxiu ;r;q tar;kanfasakin3 orb mnaza6 h ;u ir m;6 ;[b7r;u qro= f;t [rkoua6 h LibananiSouel[arpi <mlan orbanoze4 our k;za6h w;z tari! Ine tar;kanin3 irf7r;[ba\re xa\n a5a6 h ir m7t irentaniqin orphs mhk andame! Irna.nakan ;u ;rkrordakan ousoumestaza6 h Ph\rouji mh=!

Patani fasakin3 Tigran ke dimhou k*endounoui Ph\rouji nauafan-gistin maqsatan ko[mh ou k*a,.atifon orphs fa,ouakal3 ËÊ ;rkartarin;r! An k*amousnana \ ÉË

Fokt;mb;r ÉÑÍÏ-in4 &rd1 Sirar'iMijil;ani f;t! anonz siro\ bo\nin mh=Astoua6 ke ,norfh ;rkou sirasounxauakn;r4 a[=ik me3 No\;min4 ;u mancme3 |aroujiune!

Libanani qa[aqakan k5iun;rounf;t;uanqow3 Adam;an entaniqe ke'o.adrouin Ganata\i Monjrhalqa[aqe! Fos ;us Tigran ke ,arounakha,.atil orphs pa,t7n;a \ <hlenk;rouj;an mh= minc;u ÉÑÑË4 ;rbfangst;an ke kocoui!

Kiraki April Ð-in4 ;k;[;zihn ;tqTigran k*oun;na\ srti x7rauortagnap me! An ke 'o.adroui m7taka\fiuandanoz me jmra6 ou gr;jhank;ndan wiyaki mh=! Faka5ak bvi,k-n;rou =anqin3 Cor;q,abji4 April ÉÉ-inTigran ke mtnh ir \auit;nakan qoune!

Afa ÏÊ tarin;rou k;anq me kew;r=anar an]a\n ;u an,,ouk k;rpowincphs ;[a6 hr Tigran ambo[= irk;anqin mh=! An ir ;tin ke ]gh irkine3 Sirar'in4 ir ;rkou xauakn;re3No\;min ;u |aroujiune4 jo5n;r ;u6or;r! Tigran ;[a6 h bari ou nouir;alamousin me ;u sirow l;zoun fogatarfa\r me ;u na;u gourgou5ot m;6 fa\rme! An ;[a6 h fauatarim ;u6a5a\ashr mhk andame Monjrhali Fa\Au;taranakan Ma\r :k;[;ziin4\arat;u7thn \aya.;low ;k;[;zuo\ bolorpa,tamounqn;roun3 a5anz baza5ou-j;an! An na;u ke sirhr a\z;loujiunn;rkatar;l ;u a\s k;rpow wa5 paf;l irkape faraxatn;rou ;u bar;kamn;rouf;t! A\s k;rpow an ;[a6 hr ,at sir;li;u \aya. 'ntroua6 mhke!

Bari ;u fay;li bnauorouj;an thran] men hr Tigran4 mi,t axniu4.a[a[arar ou drakan k;zoua6qow!Anor dhmqin wra\hn chr pakshr vpite!An f;x ou .onarf hr4 mi,t fam;st ;uj;j;u me amckot! An ir an]e zzo[ chr4ouri,n;roun ou,adroujiune ir wra\pafan=o[ chr4 oc al ir t;sakhtin wra\pndo[ mhke4 faka5ak ir oun;za6fastat famoxoumn;roun! Ir;ne chr'nt5hr4 ke na.entrhr 7gn;l qan jh7gnoujiun stanal! An lau f;t;uo[ menhr4 flou ;u fnaxand4 au;li patrastmtik en;lou qan jh .7s;lou! A\l .7sqow3Tigran bari wka\oua6 ;u amhnoun ko[mhendounoua64 ,at sir;li qriston;a\mard men hr! An ir ;tin ke ]gh lousauorf;tq me bari wka\ouj;anz ;u Astou6o\,norfqin ;u siro\n qa[zrouj;an! M;nqbolors piti \i,;nq xinq a\s k;prow!

9Apris bari ou fauatarim6a5a\111 Mtir qou Thro=d oura.o-uj;ane mh=0! G

TigrTigrTigrTigrTigraaaaan Can Can Can Can Calllll;a;a;a;a;annnnn(Mafouan tar;lizin a5jiu)

|o uno uar É 4ÉÑÉÌ-in4 Sisi mh=4Lousab;r T7lapy-;an ;u Fa\kaxounCal;ani \arkintak lo\s a,.arfkouga\ manc me4xor ke mkrt;nTigran anounow!Takauin manouk3Tigran ke kor-senznh ir fa\re! Apa4 ir m7r ;u ;[b7rf;t ÉÑÊÈ-in ke 'o.adroui Jri'oli!Ir na.nakan ousoume ke stana\Am;rik;an warvarani me mh= ourkh,r=anauart k*ella\ ÉÑËË-in4 stanalowir pat,ay wka\akane! Ibr ousoum-nat;n= ;u \amar enj;rzo[4 pataniTigran ke =ana \ .orazn;l irinqnaxargazoume!

ÉÑÌÉ-in k*amo usnana \ VanhjQh,i,;ani f;t ;u ke ba.tauorouicors xauakn;row3 S7si4 |owsh'4 S;pouf;u <o[ik! :[a6 h fauatarim amousin;u siroua6 fa\r me! A,.ata6 h mi,tir xauakn;roun apafowouj;an ;u\a=o[ouj;an famar talow anonzk;anqin lauago\ne!

Jri'oliin mh= oun;za6 h enk;ra\in;u m,akouja\in .andawa5 ;u b;[ounk;anq me masnakz;low ga[ouji ;k;-[;zakan ;u axga\in gor6ounhouj;anz!:[a6 h FMEM-i fimnadir andamn;rhn;u b6a.ndir ,arqa\in kousakzakan3Jri'olii Fa\ ga[oujin mh=! Ir;k;[;zakan k;anqin mh= ;[a6 hfauataz;al ;u gor6oun;a\ andam3\aya. stanalow patas.anatoupa,t7nn;r!

ÉÑÎÈ-in entaniqow ke 'o.adrouiPh\rouj ;u ibr arf;stawarv a,.ato[ke \a=o[i fimn;l ir an]nakangor6at;[in! Ba\z ar;u;lqi qa[aqa-kan anka\ounouj;an patya5ow4entani qow ke ga[jh Miaz;alNafangn;r ;u ke fastatoui NiuYerxi our anmi=aphs ke sksi a,.atilLi7nnhji fastatouj;an mh=4 minc;u

ir fangst;an kocouile!Ibr axga\in farz;row f;ta-

qrqrouo[ ;u fa\r;nashr mhke4 anAm;rika\i mh= al \7var7rhn ke sksi6a5a\;l ir ;k;[;ziin ;u ga[oujin4our ,norfiu ir axniu bnauorouj;ank*oun;na\ baxmajiu bar;kamn;r!

ÉÑÎÎ-in ke korsnznh ir kine3 Vanhje!Krkin entan;kan k;anq me oun;naloufamar k*amousnana\ Hmili Abo,;anif;t4 oroun f;t k*apri ÉÐ ;r=aniktarin;r! Ir ;rkrord kno=e mafhn ;tq4fasoun tariqin ;u ir k;anqi w;r=infangrouane apr;lou famar ir sir;lia5a=n;k a[=kan f;t3 Niu Yerxihn ke'o.adroui Los Any;les4 our apr;zaum;rj .a[a[4 m;rj al;ko6 srtow4 ba\zmi,t ,r=apatoua6 ir faraxatn;row!&r men al saka\n4 Kiraki 7re4 |ounisÉÉ-i ;r;ko\;an4 d;5 mouje cko.a64 irk;anqin plplazo[ yrage anaknka-l7rhn4 mar;zau3 .or sougi matn;lowir xauakn;re4 jo5n;re ;u ir bolorbar;kamn;re!

Tigran Cal;an a\s a,.arfhnm;kn;zau gitakiz fa\ou me4 siroua6f7r me ;u ank;[6 bar;kami me bolorpartakanoujiunn;re liouli katara6mhkou me gofounakouj;amb! Ankaska6ir \i,atake an,h= piti mna\ irxauakn;roun ;u ir bolor bar;kam-n;roun srt;roun mh=!G

Haigouhi, cared for her lovingly during the lastten months of her life, and her extended fam-ily and friends never left her side. Rhoda issurvived by her only daughter, Maral, her lov-ing husband, Edgard, her dedicated parents,Joseph and Haigouhi, her only brother, Johnand his family, and numerous relatives.

“Blessed is the memory of the righteous.” -Prov. 10:7.G

O B I T U A R I E S

Armenian Missionary Association of America31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDParamus, NJPermit No. 55

SUMMER CAMPS IN ARMENIA AND KARABAGH

Middle of June till the end of August will be abusy period for children and youth in Armenia asAMAA will hold camps in three regions of Arme-nia and Karabagh, North (Lori camp), CentralArmenia (Tsaghkadzor camp) and South(Stepanakert camp). Thousands of children andyouth are expected to attend these camps, whichare planned and organized in such a way as togive the participants healthy and active rest aswell as spiritual nourishment. Interesting programshave been put together to make every day of thecamp exciting, encouraging and fruitful. The pro-grams involve quiet times, spiritual lessonsequipped with creative activities, such as dra-mas, games, arts & crafts work to do with thetopic under discussion, songs, etc. Alongside thesespiritual activities sports, games and nutritious meals will make the rest complete and enjoyable.Besides these camps over 60 day camps and Vacation Bible Schools have been planned in 65 locations in

Armenia, Karabagh and Georgia. Over 100 childrenare expected per camp. Thus, near 10,000 (ten thou-sand) children will participate in the AMAA SummerCamp programs this year.

This year, a 14-day camp has been planned for100 handicapped children. This camp will be carriedout at the request of and in cooperation with theMinistry of Social Affairs.

It costs about $40 per child to operate a summercamp, and about $25 per child for a day camp. To meetthese costs, the AMAA depends on its members, friends,affiliated churches and concerned Christians. We hopeyou feel as we do about the importance of these sum-mer camps in the lives of Armenian children. We appealto you to "sponsor" as many of these children as youare able. Based on our past experience your generositywill have a positive impact on young lives.

Yes, I would like to "sponsor" children to attendsummer camps in Armenia.Enclosed is my donation of $ ______ for

____ Children @ $40 each for day/night camps.

____ Children @ $25 each for day camps.

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

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

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(Make tax deductible donations to AMAA earmarked for Armeniasummer camps, and mail to 31 W. Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652.)

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