Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America JAN/FEB 2001 - Vol. XXXV No. 1 (ISSN 1097-0924)

Evangelical Theological Seminary of - Class of 2000 E D I T O R I A L M E S S A G E On the 1700th Anniversary of Armenian Christianity Some Reflections on the Great Event by Barkev N. Darakjian * here are events and peoples in the his- of the Christianization of Armenia should came second Ttory of nations which set most impor- be Christocentric rather than centered on to his mission tant and definitive milestones in their con- Armenian culture, politics, or even on the of evangelism. sciousness as well as in their national expe- church itself. This has to be our norm and He evange- rience. The Christianization of Armenia be- criterion while we try to evaluate that great lized because came a turning point in the history of Ar- event. As Anselm, the great archbishop of he believed that he was sent to Armenia to menia and the Armenians. After accepting Canterbury (1033-1109) says, “I believe, in evangelize; that was his calling. Even though Christianity as its national or State religion, order that I may understand.” Personal faith he was a Parthian by race, he loved Arme- Armenia was never the same religiously, in Jesus Christ is of paramount importance nia, having been brought up as an Arme- culturally, and politically. It is futile to raise if we want to understand the conversion of nian. Probably he had some foreboding questions such as, what would have hap- Armenia to Christianity. about his fate in Armenia because of the ex- pened if our King, Tiridates the 3rd had not The conversion of Armenia into Christian- isting ancestral feud (his father had killed met the young missionary from Cesarea, had ity was a process rather than an overnight the father of the then King Tiridates the 3rd not employed him as his secretary, had not accomplishment. The early seeds of the Chris- of Armenia). It was sheer madness to enter been informed that Gregory was none other tian faith were sowed by Jewish, Assyrian, into the service of the King who might one than a son of Anak Bartev who had killed and Greek indigenous or itinerant preachers. day be informed who he was; yet this fact his father? What if the King had not fallen There were also quite a number of heretical did not prevent him from doing what he was sick and had not been healed by that young teachers beside already existing pagan priests called to do. And he actually paid the price missionary? We can also raise questions on who continued their divergent activities dur- by being tortured by the King, and being the political situation in Armenia which may ing and after the Christianization of the land. thrown in a dungeon where he remained thir- have affected the King’s decision to endorse While the palace and the Church were jointly teen long and dreadful years. He took it as Christianity as the religion of his nation and working to banish pagan worship, new her- his cross as well as his glory. He left behind State. We can even defy the conviction of esies were invading the land, such as him a model of a true evangelist to be imi- our clergy and pious people that it was good Ebionitism (Jewish Christians who did not tated by his grandson, Gregorius, who was for Armenia and the Armenian people to be believe in the Divinity of Christ), Arianism, ordained by his father, Vertanes the converted to Christianity. But whatever que- Nestorianism, Adoptionism, etc. (All four Catholicos, as Catholicos of the Albanians. ries we may raise, the fact remains that our heresies emphasize the humanity of Jesus Young, energetic, and a puritan, Gregorius nation became Christian in 294 A.D., 301 Christ). The sword of the King and the cross was so articulate in denouncing their sins, A.D., or 314 A.D. as some Armenian histo- of Gregory the Illuminator worked hard to and preaching Christian love, charity, and rians suggest. eliminate these heresies, with little success. mercy, that the local rulers became suspi- It is unfortunate that we do not have any It was St. Nerces the Great Catholicos (329- cious of his designs, which they thought, modern book on the Christian interpretation 373), the great-great-grandson of Gregory were devised by the Armenian King for ul- of Armenian history. Neither do we have a the Illuminator, and the father of St. Sahag terior motives. So the “Albanians caused book on the history of Armenian Christian Catholicos, who instead of fighting the pa- Gregorius to be dragged to his death at a thought. Our people are being taught more gans and heretics, established a chain of wild horse’s tail…” about Armenian church history and tradi- Christian schools and educational centers. The Christian faith without social and hu- tion than about Jesus Christ the Savior and St. Nerces’ methods proved to be more suc- manitarian services will prove to be defec- Redeemer. The Apostle says, “For I re- cessful than the use of force applied by his tive and fruitless. This is shown most clearly solved to know nothing while I was with you predecessors. The lesson is obvious. The in the earthly life of our Lord. The Apostle except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1st right education and preaching are more ef- Peter testifies to this in one of his speeches, Cor. 2:2). This was the aim and purpose of fective than the use of force to eliminate the saying “You know about Jesus of Nazareth the missionary apostles of Armenia. This unwanted cults from our homeland. and how God poured out on him the Holy was also the objective of Gregory the Illu- True evangelism, that is, preaching the Spirit and power. He went everywhere, do- minator. This means that our interpretation Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ, is ing good and healing all who were under both a calling, and a means to spread the the power of the Devil, for God was with * Rev. Barkev N. Darakjian is the pastor of Christian faith. Gregory the Illuminator was him”, Acts. 10:38. Jesus gave a similar tes- the First Armenian Evangelical Church of a great evangelist, because he was a great timony about himself when he said to his Glendale, CA. He was the former editor of the believer. He was a man of prayer and ac- disciples during their last supper together, FORUM, the quarterly of the AEUNA. tion. His own person, like the Apostle Paul, “Who is greater, the one who sits down to

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: [email protected]; Website: http://www.amaainc.org

2 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 eat or the one who serves him? The one who From then on God was worshipped in Ar- Jesus you, who used to be far away, have sits down, of course. But I am among you as menian, and the became been brought near by the death of Christ.” one who serves”, Luke 22:27. Nerces the dominant in communication and education. Eph. 2:12,13. We believe that this is the Great became a Catholicos of great virtues In all this, we thank God the Father in His greatest event of which we have to be mind- and good deeds. His high academic educa- Son, Jesus Christ, for His great love and ful while celebrating the 1700th anniversary tion and military training made him indis- mercy which moved the hearts of the of Armenian Christianity. We should also pensable in the palace of the King. However, Apostles, Thaddeus and Bartholomew, Gre- thank God for all those who are presently he will be remembered not only as a person gory the Illuminator and the rest of His faith- engaged in the preparations for the oncom- of unusual skill and noble character, but ful messengers who made this great and his- ing celebrations. May all other consider- mostly for being a caring and loving Shep- toric event possible. Writing to the Church ations, be they ecclesiastical, cultural, po- herd of his flock. He was a reformer of the in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul says, “At that litical, or financial, occupy the back seats social structure and traditions of the country. time you were apart from Christ. You were so that all glory be given to God, and His The measures that he took to ameliorate the foreigners and did not belong to God’s cho- Son, Jesus Christ in whom, and for whom condition of his people would cover many sen people….But now, in union with Christ we shall hold all celebrations.G pages. He planned and built hospitals for the sick, refuges for lepers, homes for the blind and lame, and asylums for orphans and wid- AMAA CONTRIBUTES TO EARTHQUAKE ows. He put special emphasis and gave di- rectives to enhance the role of the church in RELIEF EFFORTS IN INDIA AND EL SALVADOR the civic and moral aspects of public life. he Armenian The AMAA and Today, more than ever, we need centers for TMissionary As- the Armenian social and humanitarian service and action, sociation of America Evan- gelical be it in our Homeland or in the Diaspora, and (AMAA) donated Churches world- the Church, all Armenian churches must as- an initial sum of wide share the sume their responsibilities following the ex- $10,000 to help the grief of those who ample of our Lord Jesus Christ. victims of the disas- are affected by Lastly, we must never lose sight of the 5th trous earthquakes that these earthquakes. century pioneers who became instrumental struck India and El The AMAA has in establishing a truly Armenian Christian- Salvador in Central requested that ity in our Homeland. Their Christian faith, America recently. Armenian Evan- vision, devotion, and efforts made possible Rescue Teams in India counted for 20,000 gelical churches remember the victims the invention of the Armenian alphabet deaths, which were confirmed nationwide. of these catastrophes through prayers and which subsequently brought about the Thousands more were left homeless. special relief offerings. The offering will golden century of Armenian culture. We The earthquake that hit India on Friday, be added to AMAA’s initial aid and will dare to affirm that without the timely and January 26, 2001, measured at 7.9 on the be channeled through the Wider Church energetic initiatives that were taken by Sts. Richter scale by the U.S. Geological Sur- Ministries of United Church of Christ, a Mesrob Mashtotz, Catholicos Sahag Bartev, vey, and is expected to cost the country longtime international colleague agency King Vramshabuh, and a host of their faith- billions of dollars in reconstruction costs. of the AMAA. ful disciples and collaborators, we might According to reliable sources, the earth- The AMAA appeals to Armenian com- have had a Christian church and a Christian quake in India is a major earthquake com- munities all over the world and to its mem- people, but not the Armenian Church and parable to the 1988 earthquake in Arme- bers and friends to respond promptly and Armenian Christianity. Even though we nia and the 1999 earthquake in Turkey. generously to the needs of the suffering were for some time dependent on Greek, Officials in Anjar, a town to the south east people in India and El Salvador. Assyrian, and Latin religious and cultural of India, have estimated more than 5,000 Those who wish to help may send their resources for our church liturgy, theology, people killed only in Anjar and its sur- tax-deductible donations to the AMAA and Christian apologetic literature, the Ar- roundings, including about 350 children at 31 West Century Road, Paramus, New menian scholars, endowed with a strong who were trapped in a small alley during Jersey 07652, earmarked “India/El Sal- motivation, were not only capable to adapt their to celebrate Republic Day. vador Earthquake Relief”.G those foreign materials, but were also quick The earthquake in El Salvador (January to create indigenous worship materials and 13, 2001) comparatively was of a lesserDYes, I want to help the suffering people Armenian Christian literary works, of which magnitude, 7.6 on the scale, yet the devas- of India and/or El-Salvador. Enclosed the translation of the Bible into Armenian tation it caused was massive. More than 700 is my donation of $ ______. was their masterpiece. The Armenian alpha- people were killed, about 3000 were injured Name: ______bet and the Armenian language united the and 38,000 homes were partially or totally population of Armenia who were used to destroyed. Ironically, a town called Arme- Address: ______communicate with each other in different nia, 24 miles west of the capital, San Salva- ______languages, such as Aramaic, Assyrian, Per- dor, was heavily damaged. sian, Greek, and in vernacular Armenian.

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 3 T H E O L O G I C A L E D U C A T I O N Ordination and Graduation Services in Armenia

wo historical events marked the last ciation of Tweek of November 2000 for the Arme- America and the nian Evangelical community in Armenia: Union of Evan- pastoral ordinations in the Evangelical gelical Churches Church of Armenia, and the first graduation in Armenia, the exercises of the Evangelical Theological Seminary has Seminary of Armenia. enrolled sixty On Sunday, November 26, 2000, in the students from presence of more than four hundred digni- Armenia and taries and well-wishers gathered in the , of House of the Architects Union in , whom fifteen Hamlet Gureghian and Guevork Geuvorkian comprised the were ordained to ministry in the indepen- first-ever gradu- dent republic of Armenia. Rev. Rene ating class. Leonian, senior pastor of the Union of Evan- Academic gelical Churches in Armenia, remarked that Dean Rev. the moment had not only ecclesiastical but Guevork national dimension. Churches around the Guevorkian wel- The ordination of Hamlet Gureghian and Guevork Guevorkian. world sent letters of congratulations. Two comed the guests letters received special mention: one from and congratulated the families of the gradu- sowers, planting the seeds of the Bible.” Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian, President of the ates. He thanked the AMAA and all other Rev. Yuri Avanesyan, President of the Armenian Evangelical World Council, and organizations that had lent support to the Union of the Armenian Evangelical another from Mr. Andrew Torigian, Presi- Seminary, and read a letter from Mr. An- Churches in Armenia, encouraged the dent of the Armenian Missionary Associa- drew Torigian on behalf of the AMAA, graduates to continue their self-education tion of America (AMAA). which has fully funded the Seminary throughout their lives, using the Bible as In his remarks, Mr. Hamlet Gureghian throughout its existence. Rev. Guevorkian their inspiration, and concluded with this gave thanks to God and his loved ones for added, “this letter fills our hearts with joy challenge to the new graduates: “Remem- the strength and support they provided to and with sorrow. We were expecting to have ber that the beginning of wisdom, and the make his ordination possible. Mr. Guevork Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian, the Executive end of wisdom, is the fear of the Lord. Be Guevorkian pledged his ministry to the ser- Director of AMAA with us, but the Lord wise!” vice of broken-hearted, hopeless and lost has called his beloved servant into the eter- Dean Guevorkian charged the graduates people, by offering the Good News of Jesus nal peace.” Rev. Rene Leonian recalled to become evangelists, and added, “there are Christ. Rev. Janbazian’s contribution to the life of too many beautiful countries in the world, Rev. Rene Leonian challenged the candi- the Seminary. “Congratulating our gradu- but the Motherland is given to us once and dates to be faithful to the Word of God, and ates, we want to praise the Lord for Rev. forever. Be people that have this sense of to accept ordination as a higher calling to Janbazian’s life and ministry,” he said. Rev. belonging and feel the responsibility for their ministry. Rev. Leonian, joined by the as- Janbazian’s vision and enthusiasm played homeland. Remember that the greatest com- sembled clergy, then offered the prayer of a vital role in the creation and operation of mandment calls us to love the Lord with all ordination. The service concluded with the Seminary; he headed the Seminary’s In- our heart, mind, and strength, and to love prayers of benediction offered by the newly- ternational Advisory Board; and he had our neighbors as ourselves. Let us show the ordained ministers. hoped to attend the historic commence- love of God through our service to our fel- On Wednesday, November 29, at the ment. Rev. John Zarifian, AMAA mission- low Armenians.” Hakob Paronian State Theater, six hundred ary in Armenia, represented the AMAA. The Dean presented the candidates to the government dignitaries, church represen- During the ceremonies, Mr. Sergey President, who conferred upon each the de- tatives, and guests attended the first gradu- Vardanian, Deputy Chairman of the State gree of Bachelor of Theology. The Com- ation exercises of the Evangelical Theo- Council of Religion, challenged the gradu- mencement ended with the graduates’ word logical Seminary of Armenia. Founded in ates to “light at least one candle in the spiri- of promise, and a prayer of benediction of- 1997 by the Armenian Missionary Asso- tual darkness of Armenia, and become good fered by Rev. Yuri Avanesyan.G

4 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 C H R I S T M A S I N A R M E N I A AMAA-Sponsored Christmas Programs in Armenia and Karabagh

hristmas in Armenia this year once ater, the Culture Cagain, was joyously celebrated by House, praised children in Armenia and Karabagh thanks AMAA’s program, to the efforts of the AMAA's Orphan/Child confirming that it Care Committee. Through a series of spe- was unlike anything cial programs organized by the AMAA, the he had seen in his real message of Christmas was made avail- theater. He was im- able to thousands of children and their par- pressed with the ents. quality that reflected This year, over 25,000 children and par- the dedication and ents participated in Christmas programs of commitment of the drama, music and Santa Clause visits, held volunteers. in forty-one different locations. Sixty-seven In Kapan where such programs were held delighting their AMAA held a pre- audience, and conveying the Christmas mes- sentation for the first sage of God’s love and His care. time, the Director of These programs were prepared and staged the Culture House by AMAA’s Christian Education and his assistants Department’s staff and volunteers and were told of the need for presented by children and youth participat- spiritual “preach- ing in AMAA Christian Education ministries. ing” in the city. Fourteen-thousand children received In most towns and Christmas gift packages, which included cities these pro- school supplies, candy, toys, Christmas story grams are the only activity booklets, puzzles, coloring pictures, public celebrations etc. These packages were collected or pur- of Christmas. For chased through the generous contributions many children, these of AMAA members and friends in the programs are their United States, through the efforts of the first exposure to the AMAA Summer Camp and Christmas Christmas story and for many more, Committee’s Christmas Joy Project. it is their only celebratory activity Each of the 67 programs were held at the during Christmas. request or cooperation of local authorities. The AMAA is a non-profit chari- In many locations, the media gave very fa- table organization serving the spiri- vorable coverage of the programs. tual and physical needs of Armenian AMAA Armenia Christmas programs are communities in 22 countries around coordinated by AMAA Armenia office staff the world. During its 82 years of ser- and supervised by AMAA representatives vice, the Association has reached out in Armenia - Rev. Rene Leonian, Mr. Harout to thousands of needy people. Spe- Nercessian and Ms. Tamar Vassoyan. cial care is provided to children who The high quality programs often attract represent the future generation. The the attention of people. Professional drama services of the AMAA is dependent producers and other art workers frequently upon the support received from car- compliment AMAA on these productions. ing individuals. Those who would In many towns, the AMAA programs are like to support these and over 100 the highlights of the local Christmas activi- other activities of the Association can do so Nativity scene presented by the children of ties. All these bring glory to God and pro- by sending their contributions to AMAA Pureghavan, Armenia (above). Santa mote Christianity in the minds of people in headquarters at 31 West Century Road, Clause visits the children in Yerevan, Ar- a country that used to ridicule faith in God. Paramus, NJ 07652. All gifts are tax menia (middle). Children enjoying their In Armavir, the director of the main the- deductible.G Christmas gifts in Askeran, Karabagh.

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 5 A R M E N I A Samaritan's Purse Visits Armenia by Joe and Joyce Stein rompted by an expressed interest in votion of its Princi- PAMAA’s Armenia ministry, pal and Vice Princi- Samaritan’s Purse board members and ex- pal and noted that ecutives joined Joe and Joyce Stein, and none of the staff had embarked on their first fact-finding mission been paid nor funds to Armenia from August 8-14, 2001. provided for food Dr. and Mrs. Melvin Cheatham, Mr. Ken since May. Isaacs and General Hank Drewsf met with Our travels took AMAA Executive Director, Rev. Movses us to AMAA’s mod- Janbazian, AMAA Representative in Arme- est Spitak Center nia rev. René Léonian, and Mr. Harout and School where Nercessian, Deputy Representative at the France’s “Hope for Yerevan headquarters. They were briefed on Armenia” group AMAA projects, which address the sober- conducted Vacation (l to r) Rev. Rene Leonian, Mr. Ken Isaacs, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Stein, ing conditions and needs in Armenia. On Bible School for Dr. & Mrs. Melvin Cheatham, Mr. Harout Nercessian, General the brighter side, the Center is a hub for hundreds of chil- Hank Drewsf and Rev. Movses Janbazian. medical and dental care at the sleek Aynilian dren. AMAA sponsors over 60 daily Vaca- ways exists. complex, where medications and baby’s tion Bible Schools and Day camps each sum- Celebrating a service at the church in Isomil is dispensed. Spiritual life bustles mer in Armenia and Karabagh. Hrazdan was a festive event. Again the sanc- with Christian fellowship for young and old. On to Vanatzor, where Pastor Samuel tuary was filled with reverent worshippers Days packed with intensive site visits in- Kirakosian welcomed us and where an en- and Pastor Edik welcomed us as special cluded stops to AMAA-supported churches chanting choir regaled us with sensitive guests. Pastor Edik and his wife have eleven (there are 65 or more Evangelical Churches sharagans. AMAA’s dental clinic in wonderful children. After the service we and fellowships), schools and orphanages. Vanatzor is a vital and much appreciated part enjoyed the family fellowship at their home. Everywhere, Samaritan’s Purse was greeted of AMAA’s humanitarian projects in Touring the Haghtanak Village Old Age with unbridled enthusiasm, and our group Armenia.The striking, recently-constructed Home was the final and most disturbing visi- was deeply moved by the manifold needs. Stepanavan Church was packed with 500 or tation. The old and infirm residents are sub- Armavir’s Boarding School is for the very more parishioners, who presented us with a jected to Armenia’s unacceptable managed poor and learning-disadvantaged. Living dramatic Christian musical featuring Pastor care. The lack of staff and funds to prop- standards are appalling, while food and Ochinian’s five-year-old daughter and her erly run the institution is painfully evident clothing barely exist. Water supply in both young friends. This Evangelical Church is even at a cursory glance. These citizens the school and church are at a critical point. the first one built in Armenia, and is a high- seem to receive little attention in Armenia. On the upside, Armavir’s church service, light of Stepanavan. The town’s Mayor, in The AMAA is resolved to alleviate some of replete with children’s choir was delightful, a moment of candor, lamented that it was the elderly’s most pressing needs. and afterward Pastor Garush Andonian gave not located in the Village Center. Samaritan Purse members, in observing us beautiful wooden Khatchkars intricately In the heart of Yerevan’s teeming Armenia’s schools, camps and churches, are carved by a member of his congregation. “Bangladesh” neighborhood resides the keenly aware that Armenia’s children live a Sixty-five spirit-filled students are en- Avedisian Evangelical Primary School. painfully spartan existence, one that cries for rolled at Yerevan’s Evangelical Theologi- Bright, clean and inviting, this AMAA clothing, shoes and the bare necessities of cal Seminary. They will fill pulpits and pro- project represents the best and finest of its water and bread. We trust they will partner vide Christian education for the Church’s ex- kind. with the AMAA’s humanitarian endeavors. ponential growth. Aghveran Summer camp in the highlands Dr. Melvin Cheatham serves on the Board In the outskirts of Yerevan, Noubarashen of Armenia was inspiring. Each summer of the Billy Graham Evangelical Associa- Orphanage and School of Special Education thousands of youngsters enjoy a week of tion and Samaritan’s Purse. Ken Isaacs is is home and school for extremely poor fresh air, good food, loving counselors and director of Samaritan’s Purse International “street” boys, juvenile delinquents, and Christian emphasis. It is similar to AMAA’s Projects. General Drewsf is Vice President many who have been abandoned. We were camps in Stepanakert (the only Summer of Ministries. Each of these compassionate impressed by the efficient administration of camp in Nagorno Karabagh) and Dilijan. friends was impressed with the AMAA’s the institution, although it lacks acceptable These camping experiences are anxiously ministry in Armenia and looks forward to American standards. We observed the de- anticipated each year and a waiting list al- assisting in any way they can.G

6 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 M I S S I O N W O R K Armenia Revisited by Silva Maserejian It was with great anticipation that I traveled thought that the to Armenia for the second year to partici- children who pate in the third AMAA/AEAF/AEYF- were turned sponsored work project to Karabagh. Last away this year year had been an overwhelming experience due to lack of of meshing my spiritual walk with my physi- space would not cal being while consuming the culture and be turned away in history of our homeland. I left knowing that years to come. I would be back. Once the roof The team of the AMAA/AEAF/AEYF sponsored work project to Previous teams had repaired and recon- was complete, Karabagh. structed cabins and roofs at Camp Gargar, a we moved to the children’s camp in Stepanakert leased to the inside of the building. Vahak had decided life of our Armenian brothers and sisters. AMAA by the government of Karabagh. on a tray ceiling, and as the dry wall was Stopping at a local café one hot afternoon, This camp, set in the beautiful mountains of nailed up we really began to see it come to- we ordered tan from the menu and enjoyed a country landlocked by Azerbaijan but con- gether as a livable space. Vicken rigged the the cool yogurt drink while a procession of nected to Armenia in spirit (and by the electricity for the cabin, while the rest of us honking cars drove by in celebration of a Lachin Corridor), serves over 600 children spackled the ceiling and helped a local ex- wedding. These are the scenes that will for- every summer. Singing songs, practicing pert stucco the outside walls. Vahak added ever be etched in my mind. arts and crafts, and attending Bible studies, some aesthetic touches to the exterior, and Armenia revisited, ties strengthened, mis- these children learn of God’s love and sac- our building was almost complete. We did sion accomplished.G rifice for them. not have time to complete the indoors, but Our team this year consisted of four war- were satisfied that our goals were met. ARMENIA AWAKES riors for Christ: Project leader Vahak An additional project we took on was by Silva Maserejian Hanessian, Paramus, NJ; Vicken Keshishian, opening windows in the kitchen facility. Haverton, PA; Jayson Milnes, Fresno, CA; This may sound easy, but the walls were and Silva Maserejian, Watertown, MA. We close to three feet thick! (Remember, this A dog barks, a car’s trunk slams, met in Yerevan in mid-July for a couple of camp site used to be a military barracks!) My Armenia awakes days of reminiscing on past trips and pre- Although our arms took a pounding, our Moist from sweat, I open my eyes, paring, both physically and emotionally, for beloved kitchen ladies were so thankful for Through the clouds the sun breaks the work to come. Joined by three young the ventilation that it was definitely worth men from the youth group of the Evangeli- the effort. Miles away from where I call home cal Church of Yerevan, we set off for Our trip to Karabagh was not all work, I feel instantly near Stepanakert to begin our service for the however. During our meals each day we To where my hear will always remain Lord. interacted with the counselors and children My soul, my roots are here Pulling into Camp Gargar, we were re- at Camp Gargar. Always curious to our lieved to see the walls of the new cabin be- ways, they would often stare and giggle, I see the peak of Ararat gun last year still standing. This cabin, once with the bolder ones stepping forward to ask Rising, standing proud complete, would allow 44 more children to questions. One young girl, when learning I I hear the music of Sayat Nova experience God’s unconditional love in a fun was from the United States, asked if I knew Ringing clear and loud and cheerful environment. Our team’s goal “Vicken from Los Angeles.” Little did she this summer was to complete this structure know there are more Armenians living in I shed one tear for all we’ve lost in a mere couple of weeks. We were ready Los Angeles than in all of Karabagh! Yet smile for our new start for the challenge. We worshipped at the magnificent church I laugh and cheer for my homeland The next two weeks saw dramatic changes in Shushi. One memory I will always cher- Armenia awakes in my heart at our work site and in our hearts. Blocks ish is when the Der Hayr walked through were added to complete the walls, handed the church, and a group of children rushed With each morning of each new day up carefully and laid with mortar mixed by to him to kiss the cross. We drove through Armenia’s strong and free hand in a spirit of teamwork. The roof was Karabagh’s lush mountains and paid our re- Praise God for staying by our side built, the plywood laid, and the shingles spects to Babig and Dadig. We walked the To reach our victory. nailed, while our hearts were warmed by the streets of Stepanakert, soaking in the daily

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 7 E D U C A T I O N Haigazian Women's Auxiliary Presents Gorky Program

n its tradition of planning unique pro- versity and his wife Igrams, the Haigazian University Inge, past president of Women’s Auxiliary of Los Angeles pre- the Women’s Auxil- sented author/performer Nouritza Matossian iary. Also in atten- in a one-woman show on July 22 in the dance was Arshile packed Skirball Cultural Center Theater. Gorky’s niece, Liberty After an introduction by Auxiliary Presi- Amirian Miller, with dent Joyce Stein, Matossian, using only a her daughter, Cheryl Members of HU Auxiliary surround Nouritza Matossian and niece scarf and chair for props, dramatically por- Bucknam. of Arshile Gorky holding copy of the book Black Angel. trayed the lives of the important women in Dr. John Khanjian, the life of genocide survivor and famous President of the University, arrived from Beirut Whitney Museum of Art. The reproduction artist Arshile Gorky. Her narrative was em- in time for the event and delivered a brief is from a painting inspired by the only re- bellished by selected Armenian music and progress report. “Due to ’s depressed maining photo Gorky had of his mother slides of Gorky’s birthplace, family and economy,” he noted, “quite a few students are Shushan, who died of starvation in Yerevan paintings. The artistic production not only still in need of scholarships” to help them af- in 1919. The book @ $40 and the 20"x28" described Gorky’s difficult life, it more im- ford a higher education. Anyone interested in reproduction @ $30, are available from portantly told the poignant survival story of sponsoring a Haigazian student is welcome to Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary, the Armenian people. contact the Armenian Missionary Association c/o Mrs. Julie Aharonian, 10606 Melvin A banquet followed in the softly lighted Skirball of America (AMAA) at 31 W. Century Road, Ave., Northridge, CA 91326. Courtyard with the Armenian String Quartet pro- Paramus, NJ 07652, (201) 265-2607, E-mail: During her stay in Los Angeles, Mrs. viding light background music. Banquet MC [email protected]. Matossian was interviewed by the Armenian Grace Kurkjian introduced the evening’s co-chairs Guests were given the opportunity to pur- press and television, and by KCET’S “Life and Silva Hussenjian and Ida Levy who, along with chase Matossian’s book, Black Angel, The Times” TV program with Val Zavala and Warran Joyce Stein, had led the board in orchestrating the Life of Arshile Gorky by Overlook Press and Olney which aired twice. She was also inter- details of the event. She also presented Dr. John reproductions of Gorky’s The Artist and His viewed by Joan Agajanian Quinn for her syndi- Markarian, founding President of Haigazian Uni- Mother, commissioned by New York’s cated TV talk show “The Joan Quinn Profile.”

Armenian Evangelical World Council Meets in Aleppo,

he Annual Meeting of the Armenian the life, witness and service of the T Evangelical World Council (AEWC) Armenian Evangelical Churches was held on August 4 and 5, 2000 at the Ar- worldwide. Highlights of the agenda menian Evangelical Emmanuel Church of included: progress report on the Aleppo, Syria. The meeting was attended preparation of a common Armenian by the following members of the Council: Evangelical Pastors’ Handbook; re- Revs. Megerdich Karagoezian and Avedis port on the revision of the common Boynerian, representing the Union of the Ar- Armenian Evangelical Statement of menian Evangelical Churches in the Near Faith adopted in 1997; celebration East (UAECNE); Rev. Joel Mikaelian, rep- of the 1700th anniversary of adop- resenting the Armenian Evangelical Union tion of Christianity as the state reli- of France (AEUF); Rev. Dr. Vahan gion of Armenia; revision of the by- Tootikian, representing the Armenian Evan- laws of the Council; clarifying and gelical Union of North America (AEUNA); strengthening of the Armenian and and Rev. Movses B. Janbazian, the repre- Evangelical identity of the member sentative of the Armenian Missionary As- churches of the Council; enhance- sociation of America (AMAA) and the ment of the fellowship and coopera- Revs. Megerdich Karagoezian, Joel Mikaelian, Vahan Stephen Philibosian Foundation (SPF). tion between member churches; and Tootikian, Movses Janbazian and Avedis Boynerian. The participants in the meeting deliber- reports from the AMAA and member church anniversary of the Christianization of Arme- ated on a number of old and new agenda unions represented at the meeting. nia was again stressed at the Council’s meet- items, as well as discussed issues related to The importance of celebrating the 1700th (Continued on the following page)

8 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 Lucy Boyadjian Janjigian Presents Her Work at Heidelberg College

Editor’s Note: This article on Mrs. Lucy to be a refugee. That is Janjigian of Franklin Lakes, NJ, appeared in why she was able to speak the Heidleberg College Bulletin of Summer so movingly on April 3. 2000. Mrs. Janjigian, a Heiderlberg College In her presentation, “No Alumna (class of 55) is a life-long supporter Refuge: A Forum on the of the Armenian Missionary Association of Plight of the Homeless and America (AMAA). She is the chairperson of Uprooted,” Lucy joined the AMAA’s Spiritual Life and Armenia Sum- Sister Mary of Tiffin’s Sis- mer & Christmas Joy Committees and a mem- ters of St. Francis and a po- ber of the Orphan Child Care Committee. litical refugee from Central Mrs. Janjigian has traveled to Armenia sev- America. Lucy remem- Homeless "Alms" - Acrylic 26" x 32" by Lucy Janjigian. eral times as a short-term volunteer mission- bered bullets flying through ary and has directed the Arts & Crafts pro- her family’s home that sat in ‘no man’s land’ story of man’s inhumanity to man,” she said, grams of the AMAA sponsored summer camps between the Arabs and the Jews. She remem- explaining the collection which she brought in Armenia, Karabagh and Georgia. bered bombs falling and exploding nearby back to the campus. “I thank God for this gift “We do not while she covered her ears and sang the hymn, (of painting), for through it, I have been able know where “O God our help in ages past, our hope for to sensitize people to the plight of so many God leads us years to come; our shelter from the stormy souls, and I hope to paint for God’s glory.” when He gives blast…” It was truly storming and blasting! This glory was evident during a program us an assign- She recounted a one-hour truce called by on April 6 entitled, “Journey to Resurrection: ment with our both Arab and Jewish Authorities out of re- Artistic Perspectives on Holy Week.” The pre- gifts,” said spect for her father. The pause in hostilities sentation featured Janjigian’s works, “Drama Lucy, echoing permitted their family to move from their house in the Biblical Gardens,” depicting events from a sermon she to the school across the street, as that road had the Last Supper through the crucifixion and had heard the become an international border. Their home resurrection of Christ. night before in Jerusalem had fallen under Israeli rule. The Current and former speech coaches, during Heidel- Anglican Mission School of St. George’s speech team members and music students, berg College’s Religious Life Celebration where father taught was in Jordan. interpreted poetry by Boris Pasternak, Maria Week, April 2-9. The Artist had returned to In the late 1980’s, Lucy shared her artwork, Rilke and others, all of which combined to Heidelberg College a third time in more than “The Uprooted and The Homeless” series at present a moving performance. 40 years to share her gifts. Heidelberg. These paintings depicted the plight A student commented that, “… the paint- As a scholarship student, Lucy came to of Armenian refugees forced to flee Turkish op- ings of alumna Lucy were a very powerful Heidelberg in 1952 from Jerusalem. Born pression in the early 1900’s. The artist had been and emotional portion of the sesquicenten- in British mandated Palestine to parents of commissioned to do five paintings of the Ar- nial celebration.” He would now be much Armenian descent, she knows what it means menian Genocide. She created 22. “It is the more aware of the plight of the homeless.G

(Continued from page 8) ing. It was reemphasized that Armenian Since the officers of the AEWC are Unions of Armenia and Eurasia. Evangelicals everywhere mark this important elected rotationally from the constituting The Armenian Evangelical World Coun- milestone with special activities aimed at bodies, the participants in the meeting also cil is the worldwide fellowship of the Ar- preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our elected the new officers of AEWC for bien- menian Evangelical church unions and ma- people, and helping Armenians rededicate nial 2000-2002 as follows: Rev. Dr. Vahan jor service organizations. It was organized themselves to the faith of their forebears. It Tootikian, President (AEUNA); Rev. in 1981 to pursue the purposes of the former was also emphasized that Armenian Megerdich Karagoezian, Vice President Armenian Evangelical Inter-Union Council, Evangelicals should participate in next year’s (UAECNE); Rev. Gilbert Léonian, Secre- to affirm and strengthen the uniting bonds Armenian Evangelical youth conference to tary (AEUF); Mr. George Philibosian, Trea- between Armenian Evangelical churches, be held in Armenia; organize pilgrimage tours surer. The Executive Committee of the and to enhance the witness and service of to our homeland; hold special celebratory Council will be constituted by these offic- Armenian Evangelicals worldwide. activities; and take part as much as possible ers and Rev. Movses B. Janbazian, repre- The AEWC provides Armenian Evangeli- in the local celebrations organized by the senting the AMAA, and Rev. René Léonian, cal churches an effective forum for dialogue, Armenian Apostolic “Mother” Church. the representative of the Evangelical Church fellowship and cooperation.G

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 9 NEWS AND NOTES

Golf Tournament Benefits AMAA Appoints New Executive Armenian Children's and Administrative Directors Milk Fund The Eighth Annual Golf Tournament to Andrew Torigian, President, benefit the Armenian Children’s Milk Fund of the Armenian Missionary (ACMF) was held on August 7, 2000 at the Association of America New Seabury Country Club on Cape Cod, (AMAA) announced the ap- MA. The Club’s blue course, is highly re- pointments of Rev. Jirair M. garded by golfers and has earned a four-star Sogomian as its new Executive rating by Golf Digest. Director and Mr. Dikran Ms. Lynn Aznoian, the tournament orga- Youmshakian as the Adminis- nizer, arranged an eventful program. Lunch trative Director of the AMAA. was served prior to the tournament and The position of AMAA Ex- prizes were awarded for lowest score, long- ecutive Director had been va- est drive and closest to the pin. The tourna- cant since the untimely, prema- Rev. Jirair Sogomian Dikran Youmshakian ment was followed by a dinner, a silent auc- ture death of the Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian on Sept. 25, 2000. During his director- tion and a raffle. The event added about ship of thirteen years, the AMAA experienced significant increases in worldwide mis- $26,000 to the assets of the ACMF. sions outreach and financial strength. The ACMF began raising funds to pur- Rev. Sogomian has been Pastor of the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church chase infant formula for needy children in since August, 1990. Previous ministries within the Armenian Evangelical Union in- Armenia soon after the tragic earthquake of clude the congregational churches of Troy, NY (where he was ordained); Southfield, 1988. Although Armenia is now indepen- MI; and Downey, CA. He was also Pastor of two non-Armenian parishes of the United dent, the aftermath of the earthquake, along Church of Christ in South Windsor, CT, and Simi Valley, CA. with a war with Azerbaijan over Karabagh During 1975, and beyond the outbreak of the civil war in Beirut, Lebanon, the Rev. and a blockade of Armenia by Azerbaijan Sogomian was Chaplain and Professor of Religion at Haigazian College. Born in Alex- and Turkey, has crippled Armenia's andria, Egypt, in August, 1937, Rev. Sogomian studied at Haigazian and transferred to economy and maintained a high level of the American University of Beirut and, simultaneously, the Near East School of Theol- poverty. Many families are unable to pro- ogy. Receiving his B.A. at Milligan College, TN, in 1963, he continued his theological vide their children with proper nutrition. The studies at Hartford Seminary, CT, from which he received his M. Div. in 1965. ACMF represents an active group of volun- Multi-lingual and known for his exceptional ability to preach and teach the Gospel of teers who are committed to helping needy Christ, the Rev. Jirair Sogomian is equally recognized for goal-oriented administrative infants in Armenia. The purpose of the skills and organizational leadership. ACMF is to provide life-saving nutrition - At present the Pastor of the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church of Havertown, in the form of Isomil infant formula -for PA, the Rev. Sogomian will assume his new post by April 1, 2001. He and his wife those infants who do not tolerate milk and Lorraine (neé Shamlian) have five children and three grandchildren. whose families are too poor to afford alter- The new Administrative Director, Mr. Dikran Youmshakian has been serving the natives. The current members of the AMAA for the past 16 years as Assistant Administrator and Office Manager. He is a ACMF’s Executive Committee are: Attor- graduate of Haigazian University, with a B.S. degree in Mathematics and Bergen Com- ney, Jeanmarie Papelian (Chairperson), Seta munity College with an A.A. degree in Business Computer Programming. Kalajian (Treasurer), Harvey Bazarian, Prior to his move to the United States in 1984, Mr. Youmshakian had served the Ar- Elaine Kasparian, Khachadoor Kajoian, menian Evangelical community in Lebanon in many capacities – teacher of Mathemat- Marilyn Kajoian, Raffi Manjikian, Karnik ics in Armenian Evangelical Schools; Editor of Chanasser and Badanegan Artzakang; Ostayan, Linda Ostayan, Judy Shagoury, member and Secretary of the Central Committee of the Union of Armenian Evangelical Aetna Tashjian and Natalie Zakarian. The Churches in the Near East; member of its Community Council; member of the Christian ACMF works in partnership with the Ar- Endeavor Executive Committee; youth leader and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of menian Missionary Association of America the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church. (AMAA) to make sure that the neediest and Mr. Youmshakian currently is a member of the Armenian Presbyterian Church of most vulnerable children in Armenia get a Paramus, NJ. He is a deacon of the church and has served on its Board of Trustees. healthy start in life. Mr. Youmshakian is multilingual and is familiar with the AMAA mission field. He Those who wish to help the Armenian has traveled extensively in the states, to the Middle East and Armenia. He has been Children's Milk Fund may send their tax involved in AMAA’s Armenia Relief projects and has been instrumental in the forming deductible donations to the AMAA, ear- of AMAA’s Orphan/Child Care and Armenian Children’s Milk Fund programs. He has marked for Armenian Children's Milk Fund excellent administrative skills and has a good background in computerization processes. and mail to 31 West Century Road, Paramus, Mr. Youmshakian is married to the former Sossi Yacoubian. They have two children.G NJ 07652.G

10 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 NEWS AND NOTES

AMAA Orphan/Child Care Committee Members Raise over $50,000 in Boston

The Sixth Annual fundraiser to benefit AMAA's Orpha/Child Care programs was held on Wednesday, October 18, 2000 at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton, MA. This successful event which was made pos- sible through the dedicated labors of the AMAA Orpha/child Care Boston Commit- tee members, raised more than $50,000. This year's event was significant with the beauty of centerpiece items which were placed on each table. 200 ladies sit- ting around the tables silently auctioned these items and gave generously in sup- port of the needy children in Armenia and Karabagh. Along with the centerpieces, there was a live auction of several other items which were all donated for fundraising purposes. Mr. Jeff Barnd, Co- Anchor of WB56 TV in Boston, ran the auc- tion. Rev. Rene Leonian, AMAA represen- tative in Armenia and Mr. Dikran Jeff Barnd, Co-Anchor of WB56 TV in Boston running the live auction. Youmshakian from AMAA Headquarters in Paramus, NJ, both participated in the Care in Armenia. to all those who donated the centerpieces event presenting brief report on the activi- A word of gratitude is appropriate to all and the live auction items, and specially to ties supported by AMAA Orphan/Child the participants and supporters of the event, those who organized this successful event.G

"Glory Festival 2001" As we all are aware, 2001 is a very memorable year for us nian School students, will sing several Armenian songs, fol- Armenians throughout Christendom worldwide, as we celebrate lowed by the teen group in the original drama, “Children of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the Morning”, written by the well known Diane R. Bairamian, the state religion of Armenia in 301 AD. depicting the conversion of Armenia through St. Gregory. Other David’s Tabernacle Christian Arts Ministry, headed by Sylvia aspects of God’s grace given to this ancient nation of simple Kutchukian, will sponsor a unique event called: “Glory Festi- folks, then living at the foot of the Ararat mountain, will be val 2001” on Sunday, June 3rd 4:00pm, in Albany’s Hart The- presented in dance, music, dramatic readings and slides. atre at The Egg. Members of both the Armenian Apostolic and The booths in the lobby will display various cultural and Protestant churches in the Capital Region have enthusiastically spiritual artifacts passed down to us by our forefathers. joined in the production of this event. We invite you to mark Admission is free. All the proceeds from the event will go your calendars and plan to join us in celebration of our rich solely to the children’s orphanages and their Christian educa- legacy of Christian faith.. tion in Armenia through the CASP and AMAA offices. Your The program will be extravagant both in content and partici- donations will be gratefully received towards making both this pation. Local and out of town clergy, distinguished guests, such historical production and our efforts to reach out to the chil- as the Rev. Bishop Howard Hubbard of the Catholic Diocese dren in Armenia, one to be cherished for years to come. and other dignitaries, will bring their greetings and exhorta- For additonal Information write or call to: tions. Rev. Mihran Kupeyan, newly appointed minister of the Sylvia Kutchukian United Armenian Calvary Congregational Church in Troy, NY David’s Tabernacle Inc. and Rev. Stepanos Doudoukjian of St. Peter’s Armenian Apos- POBox 11300 tolic Church in Watervliet, NY, will be two of the main speak- Loudonville, NY 12211-0300 ers. The highlight of the evening will focus on our youth, both Tel.: (518) 459-3152 in music and drama. The children’s choir, joined by the Arme- E-mail: [email protected]

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 11 Fa\;rhn Bavin

ÉÏÈÈ-am;aki >of;r QRISTONHOUJIUN I GIN I2NC XOFO{OUJ:AN Tigran :oum,aq;an

9Our;mn o2w piti xath m;x Qristosi shrhn4 ta5apa2nqe4 soure wya5;li gin h paf;lou Qristonhakan an]nakan kam n;[ouji2une4 kam fala6a2nqe4 kam so2we4 kam fauatqe! Saka\n kan 'a5asiroujiun4 pat;fapa,toujiun4 m;rkouji2une4 kam wta2nge4 kam so2ure!0 F5owm1 Ð1ËÍ anfam;ra,.oujiun4 anfaskazo[oujiun4 na.an]! :u a\s A\s gitakzouj;amb h or Fa\ vo[owourde ÉÏÈÈ tarin;r bolore oc mia\n anmi=akan ,r=anakn;rou mh=4 a\l minc;u ,arounak4 i gin amhn xofo[ouj;an krzau karca6 mnal isk ;k;[;zakan ;u entan;kan k;anqi mh=! Qristonhakan a\n fauatqin xor orphs p;toujiun Ard;72q Fa\ anfate \7var h wya5;lou a\s wtangn;rhn endoun;z ËÈÉ jouakanin! :u a\s7r Fa\ axge f;5ou mnalou gine! A\sinqn mo5nalou ir bolor gofounakouj;amb ke n,h patmakan a\s ankiunadar]in tarakar6oujiunn;re ou anfaskazo[oujiunn;re4 ant;s;lou tar;dar]e ;u glou. ke .onarf;znh Qristonhouj;an ir an]nakan ,af;re ;u 'o.arhn ir an]e k;ndani xof fauatarim 6a5an;rou \i,atakin! matouzan;lou Astou6o\! A\s tar;dar]e no\n vamanak a5ij me kouta\ Ba[data6 s'iu5qi4 Fa\ vo[owourdi xauakn;re iuraqanciur Fa\ou paf me ;t na\;lou4 .orfrda6;lou ;u Fa\r;niqi mh= ;njaka\ ;n wtangi3 dimagrau;low arv;uor;lou aa\s irakanoujiune! tnt;sakan m;6 tagnap! I gin m;6 xofo[oujiunn;rou Patmouj;an mh= Fa\ vo[owourde a5a=ine ;[au Fa\r;niqe ke pa\qari paf;lou ir p;takanoujiune! Qristonhoujiune orphs p;takan kr7n f5cak;lou ÉÏÈÈ Saka\n iuraqanciur Fa\ jh Fa\astani ;u jh S'iu5qi tarin;r a5a=3 ,norfiu Sourb Grigor Lousauorici t;silqin mh= orqa2n patrast h masnakiz ellalou a\d ou Trdat G1 Jagauori fandgnouj;an! :u an orphs xofo[oujiunn;roun4 bavn;kz;lou zau;re4 7vandak;lou axg ;[au a5a=ine wyar;lou Qristonhouj;an gine niujaphs ;u baro\aphs! Astoua6 mi araszh4 ;jh f;t;u;low Qristosi xofo[ouj;an 7rinakin! korsnzn;nq Fa\astane4 i xour fpartaza6 k*ellanq Grigor Lousauoric inq wya5;z gine tarin;r ,arounak p;takan kr7ni ÉÏÈÈ-am;akow! ÉÏÈÈ-am;aki \i,atakouj;an >or Wirapin mh= ta5ap;low! Trdat G1 Jagauore wyar;z bolor ararqn;re animast k*ellan ;jh iuraqanciur Fa\4 .;lagara6 fiuandouj;nh ta5ap;low! Wardan Mamikon;n orphs anfat patrast cella\ ir an]nakan ,af;re xof;lou ;u ir xinouorn;re wya5;zin Auara\ri da,tin wra\ ir;nz Astou6o\ ou Fa\r;niqin famar! mafow! Fa\ vo[owourde wya5;z dar;r ,arounak Fa\ Au;taranakan :k;[;zin ;u Fa\ Au;tarancakan ;njarkou;low ta5apanqi4 fala6anqi4 n;[ouj;an4 sowi4 Enk;rakzoujiune a\s gitakzouj;amb h or masnakiz k*ellan m;rkouj;an4 souri ;u =ardi! Fa\astani mh= ÏÈ tarin;r \i,atak;lou Fa\astanhn n;rs Qristonhouj;an yanacman ,arounak ;njarkou;low anastoua6ouj;an4 isk w;r=in ÉÈ tar;dar]e4 ;u Fa\astan;a\z Ma\r :k;[;zuo\ f;t miat;[ tarin;roun pat;raxmi ;u ,r=a'akoumi! Mhk .7sqow3 k*a,.atin w;rak;ndanazn;lou a\s fauatqe Fa\r;niqin Qristonhoujiun m;6 xofo[ouj;amb! mh=! Fa\ Au;tarancakan Enk;rakzouj;an amhn mhk Qristonhoujiune xofo[oujiun ;njadro[ kr7n h andam gitakiz ellalow a\s irakanouj;an masnakiz ankaska6! Wka\ Qristose or >acin wra\ wya5;z gine4 k*ella\ a\s sourb partakanouj;an! Ir ariune ja';low mard arara6i m;[q;roun famar! Fa\ vo[owourdi patmouj;an mh= ;[a6 ;n nman Saka\n4 Qristonhoujiune na;u \a[janaki kr7n h4 wka\ pa\mann;r ;u pat;foujiunn;r! Anz;alin al Fa\ axge |arouz;al Qristose! Qristonhoujiune fimnoua6 h a\n ;njaka\ ;[a6 h wtangn;rou! Saka\n an Qristonhakan sosk fauatqin wra\ jh i gin bolor xofo[oujiunn;roun fauatqe pafa6 h amhn banh w;r! I gin amhn Qriston;an i w;r=o\ k*ella\ \a[jakan4 orowf;t;u 9:jh xofo[ouj;an4 go\at;ua6 h ;rb m;6 axg;r ou x7rauor Astoua6 m;r ko[mn h4 o2w piti ella\ m;xi faka5ak!0 p;toujiunn;r korsoua6 ;n patmouj;an h=;rhn! Incphs (F5owm1 Ð1ËÉ)! anz;alin4 a\s7r al Astou6o\ ,norfqow ou Anor wstaf;low A\s7r ;rb fpartouj;amb ke n,oui ÉÏÈÈ-am;a\ kar;li h n;rka\ wtangn;re dimagrau;l! tar;dar]e4 iuraqanciur Fa\ anfat orqa2n patrast h Qristonhouj;an ÉÏÈÈ-am;a\ ,r=ane ;njadra6 h m;6 wya5;lou Qristonhouj;an gine! xofo[oujiunn;r ;u piti ;njadrh au;li m;6 xofo[oujiun- Fa\ vo[owourde n;rka\is ba[databar ke gtnoui au;li n;r4 manauand n;rka\ daroun ;rb tarb;r fosanqn;r ke bar;npast pa\mann;rou mh=! Faka5ak bolor dvouaroujiun- wtang;n m;r nor s;roundn;roun fogin;re! Mia\n m;r n;roun4 fa\r;niqe anka. h ;u ke wa\;lh .[yi ;u kr7ni an]nakan 7rinak;li k;zoua6qow m;nq krnanq fastat axatoujiun! Fa\ s'iu5qe au;li npastauor pa\mann;rou paf;l apaga\ s;roundn;re ;u a5ij tal anonz or \i,a- mh= ke wa\;lh bar;k;zik k;anq! :u takauin ouni ÉÏÈÈ tak;n nor faxaram;akn;rou tar;dar]n;r! M;r na.niq- tarin;rou Qristonhakan fauatqi 'or]a5oujiun! a\s n;re krza6 ;n 'o.an;z;l m;xi Qristonhouj;an fauatqe! bolorow fand;r]4 iuraqanciur Fa\ orqa2n au;li Qriston;a\ M;nq orca2' patrast ;nq no\ne ;u au;lin en;l! h ;u orqa2n patrast h wyar;lou Qristonhouj;an ir ÉÏÈÈ-am;ake pat,ay7rhn ;u fpartouj;amb krnanq n,;l partqi bavine! ;jh m;nq a\s7r m;r mh= k*oun;nanq .onarf fogi4 xofo[ouj;an Miaz;al Nafangn;rou mh= oc ta5apanqe4 oc n;[ou- patrastakamoujiun4 ;u x7rauor fauatqow karca6 ke jiune4 oc fala6anqe4 oc sowe4 oc m;rkoujiune ;u oc al mnanq Qristosi ou Qristonhakan skxbounqn;roun!

12 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 Fa\;rhn Bavin

POULKARIO| FA| AU:TARANAKAN :K:{:ZIN:ROU MANOUKN:ROU BANAKOUME Fing;rord tarin h or Poulkario\ Fa\ Au;tara-nakan ;k;[;zin;re Wijo,a l;5an storote gtnouo[ xanaxan fangstatoun;rou mh= banakoum ke kaxmak;rp;n Ð-ÉÎ tar;kan ;r;.an;rou famar3 xanonq dastiarak;lou axga\in ogiow ou fauatqow! A\s tari al m7t ÐÈ manoukn;r |oulis ÉÏ-ÊÏ fauaqou;zan 9Ikliqa0 fiu[akin mh=! A\s banakoumn;re k*7vandakouin Am;rika\i Fa\ Au;tarancakan Enk;rakzouj;an ko[mh! Sargis |owfannhs;an3 S7`ia\hn4 Mannik Gou\oumy;an3 "lowtiwhn ;u Galoust Thmiry;an3 Wa5na\hn kr7nakan das;r dasauand;zin3 Astoua6a,ounci ,our= m;knabanoujiunn;r touin4 dhpi tarb;r g;[at;sil wa\r;r ar,aun;r kaxmak;rpzin ;u yig ja';zin famat;[;lou fay;lin ;u 7gtakare!

MAFAGROUJIUNQ

^:RON Y:RI F:QIM:AN a,.atanqh ;tq4 ^;ronn ou :sj;re

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 13 O B I T U A R I E S

Elizabeth Egoyan Bedrosian in grace and knowledge with God and man. couple traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, at which Elizabeth Egoyan Indeed, Anton and Armenouhi represented the time they lost their first-born son. They re- Bedrosian passed best in Christian statesmanship. The last years, turned to Aleppo, Syria in 1947, where they away December 19, though fragile physically, Armenouhi’s in- were blessed with the birth of their second son, 1999. She was born domitable spirit gave her the resiliency to con- Abel. Yacoub and his family moved back to in 1907 in a village tinue serving. Beirut, Lebanon and he began to minister for of Khoul near the Bible Society, by selling Bibles through- oo Arousiag Goenjian (nee Aivazian) Kharpert, Armenia out the villages of Lebanon. During his com- Arousiag Goenjian passed away on Sunday, into the family of mute on the Beirut Tramways, he started the September 10, 2000 (the eve of her 90th birth- self-study of the English language. They lost Krikor and Marineh day), in Redondo Beach, CA. Funeral services four more children at birth. In early 1950, he Egoyan (Yeghayan). were held on Friday, Sept. 15, 2000. entered the Nazarene Bible School. Upon Her husband of 31 years, Moorad Bedrosian She is survived by her brother Dr. and Mrs. graduation, he was appointed as minister of preceded her in death. Elizabeth lived and sur- Garabed Aivazian and family. Son in law and the Aleppo Armenian Nazarene Church. In vived the terrible time by God’s Grace, as daughter, Dr. and Mrs. Walid and Hilda 1960 he was ordained by the Nazarene Church shown by German Missionaries led by the fa- Ghurabi and grandchildren; Micheline, Ranya, in Damascus, Syria. In 1961, at the request of mous Reverend (“Ehman”) Aman, who made Tamar and Raffi. Son Dr. Armen and Azniv Rev. Tovmassian of the United States, he the decision to save the Egoyan (Yeghoyan) Goenjian and grandchildren; Lara, Haig and moved to Lebanon to minister the large families by accepting them in the missionary Shahan. Son in law and daughter George K. Assyrian Community in Beirut. During this compound. and Hasmig Mandossian. Sisters in law Mrs. period in Lebanon, he entered the Near East She spent her childhood years in the Dan- Armenouhi Salibian and Ani Goenjian. School of Theology and furthered his educa- ish Birds' Nest Orphanage in Beirut, Lebanon. Brother in law the Rev. James Spence and fam- tion at the Haigazian College and the Ameri- Elizabeth journeyed to Providence, Rhode Is- ily. Also members of the Goenjian, Aivazian, can University of Beirut. Due to financial dif- land and then to Fresno, California in 1927. Dombourian, Garmirian, Tavitian, Yerganian, ficulties and work pressures he stopped his Ghurabi, Kazanjian and Mandossian families. Elizabeth and Moorad were married in Fresno education, just short of a BA in Theology. In Donations in lieu of flowers were sent to at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church in 1967, Yacoub fulfilled his lifelong dream of the the AMAA. 1931. They worked together in farming in visiting the house of his birth in Urfa, Turkey. Parlier, California, then moved to Fowler, Cali- Rev. Yacoub Afrem Iwas Shekerji In February 1968, Rev. Yacoub and his fam- fornia where she resided for 56 years. Yacoub Afrem ily immigrated to Los Angeles, CA. Through- Elizabeth enjoyed life to its fullest and loved Iwaz Shekerji was out the years, he was invited to preach at local people of all walks. born to Afrem & Armenian Evangelical Churches. He also She was a life member of the AMAA and Lucia on June 6th started his ‘Pamphlet’ ministry and for the last has made a gift of $10,000 for the AMAS's 1917 in Urfa, Tur- fifteen years, was very active in writing Chris- tian pamphlets and mailing them throughout Orphan/Chid Care Fund in Armenia. key. He was the the world. Within the last six years, with his Elizabeth is survived by her children, Clara youngest child among an older failing health and kidney dialysis, he contin- and husband, Lee Bousian, Ernest and wife, brother, AbdulNoor ued his ministry by writing Christian Pam- Carlotta Bedrosian, Krikor Y. and wife and two sisters, Sa- phlets and mass mailings. Just a few hours Katherine Bedrosian, and 8 grandchildren and rah & Manush. In before his passing, he was attempting to stuff 7 great grandchildren. 1924, the family immigrated to Aleppo, Syria thousands of his last written pamphlets in en- Armenouhi Torunian as refugees. The family settled in the Assyrian velopes. On Friday November 24, 2000 at Mrs. Armenouhi Torunian, wife of Anton Community of ‘Barakkat Al-Syrian’. 11:30 AM, God decided that his servant had Torunian, died at the age of 81, on Thursday, Yacoub’s primary education was at the fulfilled his ministries and called him to July 6, 2000 in Montreal, Canada. Assyrian Orthodox School of Aleppo, where Heaven for the rewards. Rev. Yacoub is now Armenouhi Kazezian, a native of Lebanon, he studied in Syriac, Arabic and French. His reunited in heaven, with his five children, his and Anton Torunian were married in Haifa, family being very poor, he started to work as sisters, and his older brother, AbdulNoor, who Palestine fifty seven years ago. Anton and an apprentice jeweler at a very young age. At also died during Thanksgiving, 10 years ear- Armenouhi moved to Montreal Canada, via age twenty, under Rev. Tovmassian’s minis- lier, of similar kidney complications. England on July 1, 1953. They were founding try, he re-affirmed his faith and was born again members of the First Armenian Evangelical as a Christian. His first ministry was to teach Alice Esaian Hakimian Church of Montreal, and always involved in Sunday school within the community. Some Alice Esaian Hakimian, age 96, formerly of leadership positions. The Torunians were of his notable Sunday school students were his Troy, died Monday, October 23, 2000 at the known for helping newcomers acquire jobs future wife, Mary Hajjar, Rev. Peter Albany County Nursing Home. Born in and for giving moral support. Doghramji, and Rev. Habib Alajaji. He started Aintab, Turkey and educated in Troy, she was Armenouhi was a gentle and genteel indi- to learn watch repair to supplement his income the widow of Avedis Hakimian. and the daugh- vidual; a very gracious hostess, always hospi- and support his ministering. He started to min- ter of the late Harry and Rebecca Vartanian- table, and supportive of her husband, family, ister door to door in the community. Esaian. She was employed by Cluett Peabody ministers and missionaries. Her faithfulness On November 17, 1944 Rev. Yacoub mar- in Troy, retiring in 1949. She was a partner in to her Lord Jesus Christ had helped her grow ried Mary Hajjar. Within a year, the new the A & A Hakimian Holding Company. She

14 AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 O B I T U A R I E S was a member of the United Armenian Cal- Zarouhie (Zee) Chopourian Trott the same each time he was in Manchester for vary Congregational Church in Troy and was (Sept. 29, 1917-Dec. 23, 2000) business. active in the Ladies Aid Society of the church by Giragos H. Chopourian Each one of us is born with God’s multiple for many years. Mrs. Hakimian was a life Mrs. Trott was born in Adana, a prominent gifts and Zee had many of them – patience, member of the Armenian Missionary Associa- town of the Rupenian Armenian Kingdom of endurance, capacity for suffering, determina- tion of America. Cilicia established in 1080 A.D. by an Arme- tion, caring and loving. She had them all. Her She is survived by a son, Harry Hakimian nian noble named Rupen. The kingdom col- whole life was structured on what Jesus em- of Albany; a sister, Virginia Esaian-Noga of lapsed in 1453 when the Ottoman Turks cap- phasized: Love of God and neighbor. The Brunswick; four grandchildren; two nephews; tured Constantinople and subjugated the Ar- answer Jesus gave to the scribe who asked him one niece; and several great-nieces and neph- menians by 1473 for the next 445 years, fi- “which is the first commandment of all?” was ews and great-great-nieces and nephews. She nally ending it with the Genocide of its people. two (Mark 12: 29-31): To love God totally was predeceased by a son, George Hakimian, Zee’s greater travails began in 1921, when and the neighbor as ourselves. And he said, Sr.; a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Stephens abandoning farms, two houses, horses and “There is none other commandment greater Hakimian; a daughter, Anna Hakimian; four everything else, her parents self-exiled them- than these.” Zee lived her life believing in sisters, Florence Esaian, Gladys Esaian, Lydia selves and three children to the British Colony and living by those commandments. Esaian-Darmanjian and Rose Esaian of . Refugee life was tough. Living on Zee reached out to her family, friends in her Manoukian; three brothers, Harry Esaian, the sale of Mother’s jewelry for a couple of church, and neighbors with sincerity and com- Charles Esaian and George Esaian; and two years, the family finally found a niche, added passion. Despite being exiled from her home- nieces, Rachel Manoukian-Dudley and Flo- twins (boy and girl) and hungrily opted for land, she aspired for excellence and achieved rence Manoukian-Brooks. whatever education they could get. Zee gradu- it. She moved beyond survival to professional Funeral services were held in the Lasak and ated from the Armenian elementary church excellence. With her abundant love she made Gigliotti Funeral Home and at the United Ar- school and the American Academy (an Ameri- the life of little ones deprived of love to enjoy menian Calvary Congregational Church, of can Mission High School). Graduating from life fully. She was God’s child, and her God Troy, NY. the Nursing School of the American Univer- will recognize her contributions and give her Remembrances, in Alice’s name, were sent sity of Beirut, Lebanon in 1939, she became the crown of victory. to the Armenian Missionary Association of surgical nurse until 1941, and served as chief All of us will miss her badly, especially we America. nurse at the Howard Karagheuzian clinic in of her immediate extended family – the Beirut for a year. In 1942 she joined the hos- Chopourians, Blacks, Trotts, Stepheys, Louise (Fermanian) Boyajian pital of an asbestos mining company perched Baileys, Gehrts, Jarjisians. Louise Boyajian, 67, of Brockton, the wife on a high-altitude mountain village and a year We shall cherish her sweet memory. of Vahan “Barney” Boyajian, died Thursday later in 1943 she shifted to the hospital of an- at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital after a pe- other mining company, the Cyprus Mines Cor- The AMAA Board of Directors and staff riod of failing health. poration, whose product was copper. From wish to extend their heartfelt condolences Born in Providence, R.I., she was the daugh- 1943 to 1957 she was matron (head nurse) to the families of the following deceased ter of Violet (Avedisian) Fermanian and the and served also as sister at the surgical theater friends whose names were submitted to us late Samuel Fermanian. operating room. for publication in the AMAA News: In addition to her husband and mother, she Married in May, 1959 to Arthur Trott, Zee * Bedrosian, Avedis May. 25, 2000 is survived by two daughters and a son, Mrs. settled in England and adopted two children, * Zerounian, Harutun David (Judy) Manoogian of North Attleboro, Hilda and Peter, from Lebanon. She provided Aleppo, Syria May 31, 2000 Mrs. Walter (Nancy L.) Anoushian of North a hospitable and loving home, exposed her two * Nahigian, Marie Kingstown, R.I., and Dr. Stephen S. Boyajian children to an evangelical church, became a Belmont, MA June 17, 2000 of Medford, N.J.; two brothers, Jack grandmom to Peter’s daughter Jade and made **Hadidian Arshalous Fermanian of Boynton Beach, FL, and Samuel generous provisions for their future. Zee was Fresno, CA July 5, 2000 Fermanian of Peabody; 10 grandchildren, and a guardian angel for all the members of the * Tokatlian, Hrantouhi many nieces and nephews. Chopourian family, meeting their social and Watertown, MA July 16, 2000 For many years Mrs. Boyajian was a mem- financial needs when necessary. * Chekijian, Mary ber of the First Armenian Church in Belmont, Her sister, Azadouhie (Aye), was always a Arlington, MA July 31, 2000 MA. She was also a member of the Commer- phone-call away to help even though they were * Kassab, Flora Sunnyside, NY July 31, 2000 cial Club and the Armenian Cultural Society. a hundred or more miles apart. Peter and * Karamanlian, Jean She passed away on December 14, 2000. Hilda, two gentle souls ever thankful for the N. Hollywood, CA Aug. 26, 2000 Her memorial service of celebrating her tran- love bestowed on them, stood by to help. Pe- * Manasian, Anitza sition from this life to life eternal was offici- ter, with a great capacity for music, delighted Mission Hills, CA Sept. 8, 2000 ated by Rev. Soghomon Nuyujukian on De- her. He did a yeoman job of taking care of her * Chankalian, Vahan cember 18, 2000. in her last painful and depressing days, arrang- Leonia, NJ Sept. 15, 2000 Mrs. Boyajian's heart of love for others was ing for a 24-hour round the clock service at * Bilezikian, Paul demonstrated daily in her life of serving oth- the home she loved so much. Garo, twin Newtonville, MA Oct. 3, 2000 ers with a genuine spirit. “Whosoever be great- brother of Aye who lived in Cyprus, was est among you, let him be a servant of all.” equally sensitive to Zee’s needs, paying yearly * Memorials were designated for AMAA (Matthew 20:27). and half-yearly visits and brother Loutfig did **Bequests Assigned

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2001 15 "SEARCH FOR SNEAKERS"

Sneakers are so common here that parents buy a few pairs each year for each child in their household. However, sneakers in Armenia are a rare commodity as most families can not afford to buy even a single pair.

Out of 7500 children attending AMAA Summer Camps in Armenia, Karabagh and Georgia last year, only a few had sneakers. Many did not even have a pair of decent footwear.

The Armenia Summer Camps Committee as part of its preparation for Summer Camps 2001, has em- barked on a "Search for Sneakers" program this year for children attending summer camps in Armenia, Karabagh and Georgia. The AMAA organized summer camps are one of the major projects of the Or- phan/Child Care Committee. Each year, over 7000 children attend these camps and participate in sports D and arts & crafts activities. They associate with other Yes, I would like to provide sneakers for children in their age group. They enjoy nutritious children attending AMAA camps in Arme- meals, fresh air and comfortable beds. They also learn nia, Karabagh and Georgia. Enclosed about their Christian heritage and about Jesus Christ. please find: A pair of sneakers will be of much needed help.

------pair(s) of sneakers Would you kindly participate in this "Search for Sneak------U.S. dollars for sneakers ers" project, by providing a pair(s) of new sneakers for boys and girls ages 8-18, or make a contribution Name ------for us to buy a pair or more. Children will really ap- preciate and will smile when their little feet feel the Address ------comfort of the sneakers you donate. ------Sneakers or your donations may be sent to the Ar- (Please make tax-deductible checks payable to AMAA, earmarked for "Search for Sneakers) menian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 by April 15, 2001.

Armenian Missionary Association of America 31 West Century Road Non-Profit Org. Paramus, NJ 07652 U.S. Postage PAID Paramus, NJ Permit No. 55