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Australia, News, Relief

The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia Donates $10,000 to NSW Rural Fire Services

Earlier this year, the Australian bushfires destroyed over 20-million-acres mark causing major destruction in the beautiful states of New South Wales and Victoria. Yet, the impact of this disaster have not remained confined to just those two states, as smoke and poor air quality spread throughout Australia and affected residents as far as 1,200 miles away. Due to the bushfires, 25 lives were lost, including those of the NSW RFS volunteers and three US aerial firefighters. Thousands of homes completely perished, many towns destroyed and tens of thousands of families stranded. Sadly, millions of natural habitat, including Australia’s iconic Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus and so many different species, as well as natural Australian plantations scraped from the landscape.

The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA-Australia) with all the churches in Australia and the world prayed for the prevailing sad situation, and along with other charities and local and federal governments pledged to raise funds to support the suffering people.

We are glad to announce that our sister organization, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) joined us in our fundraising efforts and together on behalf of AMA-America and AMA-Australia we donated an amount of $10,000 AUS to support the NSW Rural Fire Service in their efforts and especially the volunteers. We thank the AMA-America and all our AMA-Australia donors, who helped us to raise sufficient funds to bring our share to this worthy cause.

Our thoughts will forever be with the families and loved ones of all who lost their lives. We specially pay tribute to the families of the firefighters, along with the US aerial firefighters. We feel the loss deeply and we honour the sacrifice they made to selflessly to protect communities across NSW.

Armenia, Artsakh, News

Congratulatory Letter to Arayik Harutyunyan, the newly elected President of Artsakh Republic

The President/CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia sent a Congratulatory letter to Arayik Harutyunyan, the newly elected President of Artsakh Republic.

Please read the Congratulatory letter as posted on Artsakhpress.am website.

Աւստրալիայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան Նախագահ/Գործադիր Տնօրէն Վեր. Դոկտ. Գրիգոր Եումշաճըքեանը շնորհաւորական ուղերձ հղեց Արցախի Հանրապետութեան Նորընտիր Նախագահ Արայիկ Հարությունյանին։ՇՆորհաւորական ուղերձը կրնաք կարդալ վարը նշուած Artsakhpress.am կայքէջին վրայ։

L to R: Kaylar Michaelian, Permanent Representative of Arstakh Republic to Australia; Rev. Dr René Leonian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Eurasia; Rev. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Protestant Community of Syria; Pres. Arayik Harutyunyan, President of the Republic of Artsakh; Rev. Berdj Djambazian, President of the Armenian Evangelical World Council; Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, President of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia; Rev. Aram Babajanyan, Armenia
Appeal, Australia, News

AMA-Australia’s Response to Bushfire Crisis

Lord, please provide strength and protection for those fighting to put out the fires and rescue lives.

As the Australian bushfires continue to blaze past the 20-million-acres mark, the AMAA, alongside the rest of the world, remains heartbroken by the destruction in the beautiful states of New South Wales and Victoria. Yet, the impact of this disaster have not remained confined to just those two states, as smoke and poor air quality have spread throughout Australia and affected residents as far as 1,200 miles away.

Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, President of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia reports: “After several weeks we have at least two dozen registered deaths, including volunteer firefighters, young and old and still there are many who are unaccounted. Thousands of homes have been completely perished, many towns have been completely destroyed, tens of thousands of families have been stranded, holiday plans not only cancelled, but turned into nightmare, with roadblocks and immediate danger to commuters. Sadly, millions of natural habitat, including Australia’s iconic Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus and so many different species, as well as natural Australian plantations have been scraped from the landscape.

I don’t have the words to present the full scale of the disaster. Gladly the major cities and people living there are safe. Fortunately the majority of the Armenian community lives in those safe places and we are spared from the catastrophic and horrific disaster. We, with all the churches in Australia and the world have been praying for the prevailing sad situation, which is the least we can do.”

While people are suffering and thousands and thousands of homes being perished, hundreds of people displaced and lacking the basic needs, it is our duty and responsibility with our prayers to contribute. Through our locally registered charity, the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, we are doing our best to raise funds to support the suffering people along with other charities and the local and federal governments. Please consider lending your support today.

Send donation checks to:
Armenian Missionary Association of Australia
12A Castle Cres Belrose NSW 2085

Or click the button below to donate to Australia’s Natural Disaster Emergency Relief. All funds collected by Armenian Missionary Association of America, our sister organization will be forwarded to AMA-Australia who will ensure they are channeled to local government and charities who are in-need.

Armenia, Artsakh, Education, Events, News

Armenian Missionary Association of Australia Raises $35,000 For “Shogh” Day Centers in Armenia and Artsakh

Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, AMA-Australia President

The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA-Australia) set a goal in 2019 to raise funds to support AMAA’s “Shogh” Educational Day Centers in Armenia and Artsakh, which provide provisional services for underprivileged children. The Centers, located in Gyumri, Vanadzor and Yerevan in Armenia and Askeran and Shushi in Artsakh, support children 6-12 years old who are living in socially underserved families, providing them a safe environment during parents’ working hours. The main objectives of the Centers are to help these children overcome educational difficulties, grow personally, and become part of an educated and healthy society. AMAA Representative in Armenia Harout Nercessian was invited to Australia to share this important work done with the children in these Centers and in their communities.

On Sunday March 24, Mr. Nercessian spoke at St. Andrew’s Uniting Church of Longueville to a combined Worship Service with Lane Cove Uniting Church, where he delivered the message and made a presentation about the Association’s work in Armenia and Artsakh. A Lawn Bowls Fundraising event followed the Worship Service at the Longueville Sports Club. This unique event was the first in a series of events organized for this year’s AMA-Australia Week, which was well attended by young people and enjoyed by all.

Zela Margossian Quintet (ARIA Nominated)

Later that afternoon, a cultural event was held at Longueville St. Andrew’s Uniting Church, featuring the Zela Margossian Quintet. Their amazing ethno-jazz performance with a taste of Armenian traditional music was greatly appreciated by all. The group donated all proceeds from the Concert to the “Shogh” Educational Day Centers. The opening of a Photography Exhibition followed the Concert in the Church’s War Memorial Hall, where Raffi Elejian, a new arrival from Aleppo, Syria, exhibited his photos. The Exhibition was opened by the Past President of Uniting Church of Australia (UCA), Stuart McMillan and was open throughout the following week.

On Tuesday, March 26, Manvel Saribekyan’s documentary movie Map of Salvation, about five young European Missionaries who were witnesses to the Armenian Genocide and subsequently founded shelters for Armenian children and women, was screened at St. Andrew’s Uniting Church War Memorial Hall.

  • UCA President, Dr. Dierdre Palme
  • Rev. Hagop Sarkissian
Opera Singer, Natalie Aroyan (Sydney Opera House)

On Sunday, March 31, the AMA-Australia Sunday Worship and Praise Service was held at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney in Willoughby. Many dignitaries, UCA clergy, politicians and representatives of Armenian organizations were present. The Service was led by Rev. Hagop Sarkissian, Church Minister. AMA-Australia President and Executive Director Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian offered the prayer and brought greetings on behalf of the Association. Mr. Nercessian brought the message based on Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of the Rich Fool. He also gave a report on the inspiring work that is done for our children in the “Shogh” Centers and the amazingly transforming impact that has been achieved in their lives and in their families, all for the glory of God. During the Service, talented and famous opera singer, Natalie Aroyan performed an aria by Pucini, accompanied by talented pianist Alex Sahagian. At the conclusion of the Service, UCA President Dr. Dierdre Palmer offered prayer, led the Lord’s Prayer Hyre Mer and gave the Benediction.

Harout Nercessian, AMAA Representative in Armenia

Following the Service, the AMA-Australia Annual Luncheon was held at St. Andrew’s Uniting Church War Memorial Hall. The Luncheon was well attended and included politicians and UCA leaders. All enjoyed the delicious food and the wonderful entertainment provided by the Lane Cove Delta Jazz Band, led by David Cant, a member of St. Andrew’s Uniting Church. Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian presented a brief audio-visual report about last year’s AMAA Centenary Fundraising for the Artsakh Kindergartens and the completion of the renovations. He made an appeal to continue their support to the AMAA’s projects, especially this year’s fundraising for the “Shogh” Day Centers, including the Sponsorship programs. Mr. Nercessian outlined the work done with disadvantaged children in these Centers. Some beautiful handicrafts, made by the children of “Shogh” Centers, and the bilingual New Testaments were available for purchase. With the generous donations of our supporters throughout the week-long activities, $35,000 Australian dollars net was raised for the “Shogh” Educational Day Centers in Armenia and Artsakh.

During his stay in Australia, Mr. Nercessian also spoke at the Armenian Evangelical Church Ladies Group Worship Service and visited the Armenian Day Schools of AGBU Alexander School and Hamazkaine Galstaun College.

Officially established in 1991 as an independent charitable organization and registered Incorporation in Australia, AMA-Australia is a sister Association of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). AMAA-Australia is the brainchild of the former AMAA Executive Director, the late Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian, who unfortunately didn’t see its fruition. It pursues the same aims as the AMAA, serving the religious, educational and social needs of Armenian communities in the Homeland and Diaspora.

Australia, Dink, Events, News

AMA-Australia Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Assassination of Hrant Dink

Rev. Youmshajekian, Mrs. Dink & Mr. Soghomonian

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the assassination of journalist and human rights activist Hrant Dink. In honour of the memory of our national hero, the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA-Australia) invited his widow Mrs. Rakel Dink to Australia to commemorate with them his life and work, and to also highlight the work of the Hrant Dink Foundation, which carries on his legacy.

On Saturday March 11th, Mrs. Dink was welcomed to Sydney by the AMA-Australia Board of Directors at an informal gathering at the home of Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Krikor Youmshajekian.

On Sunday March 12th, Mrs. Dink attended the AMAA Sunday Service held at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney. During the service, she witnessed her faith in Christ, even during the very difficult times following her husband’s death. All were encouraged by her dependence on God, and her trust in His purpose even when we cannot understand why. Rev. Dr Youmshajekian, President/Executive Director of AMA-Australia preached from God’s word.

Following the AMAA Sunday service, the Annual AMAA Luncheon was held at Miramare Gardens. The guest of honour Mrs. Dink encouraged all in attendance with her heartfelt remarks. The guests were entertained with two poetry recitals from Barouyr Sevag performed by George Shissoyan and a violin solo ‘Dele Yaman’ performed by Garen Boymoushakian. A brief presentation was given highlighting the work of AMAA in general as well as the projects completed by the AMA-Australia between April 2016 and March 2017. The surprise of the day was an arranged ‘Graduation Ceremony’ and presentation of a certificate to Mrs. Makrouhie Kortian. Mrs. Kortian an active member in the Australian Armenian Community over many years was awarded with a Certificate from Haigazian University for training she has completed. It is never too late for dreams to come true. The event was enjoyed by all who attended.

While in Sydney, Mrs. Dink also visited both Armenian schools – AGBU Alexander School and Hamazkaine Galstaun College. She also visited the AGBU & Tarkmanchats Armenian Saturday schools to encourage and inspire the Armenian youth.

On Sunday 19th March, the Hrant Dink Commemoration Evening was held at the Chatswood Concourse Theatre. The event was organised jointly with the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANCA). The memory of Hrant Dink was honoured through music, poetry and dance. Mrs. Dink delivered the keynote address emphasising that we should continue to struggle for truth and freedom of speech while acknowledging that nothing is possible without dependence on the Lord who is our Shepherd and our Refuge. The Uniting Church in Australia Assembly General Secretary Colleen Geyer delivered the closing remarks and Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian closed the evening with a prayer and invited the guests to join him in singing the Lord’s Prayer.

The following day, Mrs. Dink visited the Armenian community in Melbourne where the life and work of Hrant Dink was again commemorated at a gathering which was well attended and organised by the Sahagian Club. She also detailed the continuing work of the Hrant Dink Foundation which was established in 2007 to carry on Hrant’s dreams, his struggle, his language and his heart.

On Thursday 23rd March, a farewell dinner was held for Mrs. Dink at the Kirribilli Club which was attended by the AMA-Australia Board and members of ANCA.

AMA-Australia praises the Lord for His many blessings, and thank Mrs Rakel Dink for accepting their invitation to join them in commemorating the life of her late husband Hrant Dink. Special thanks also to ANCA for their support and help in organising the Hrant Dink Commemoration Evening.

Armenia, Education, News

AMA-Australia Renovates the Playground of Choratan, a Border Village in Armenia

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September 25, 2015 was a festive day for Choratan Village in Tavush Region of the Republic of Armenia. It marked the dedication ceremony of the Village Kindergarten playground which was completely renovated by a generous donation from the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia. The old playground, which was an abandoned area on the Kindergarten grounds, now has green areas, benches, swings and play stations for the children to enjoy.

For the dedication service present were Harout Nercessian, AMAA Representative in Armenia, Lusine Ohanyan, the Coordinator of the External Relations of the AMA-Armenia, representatives of AMA-Australia lead by the President/Executive Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, The Mayor and many other representatives of the Tavush Region who were present at the dedication ceremony, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the renovation of this playground, which was a necessity for the children of the Kindergarten and of Choratan village at large, and once again reaffirmed that over the past years AMAA has generously contributed for the well-being of the people of the border villages, and specially of the children.

Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian and Kakig Melikian, RA Parliamentary Representative of Tavush Region, along with the children of the Kindergarten cut the ribbon of the opening of the Playground, after which the guests toured the playground and expressed their gratitude to the representatives of the AMA-Australia for their patriotic work. The mayor of Choratan Village Varuzhan Baghmanyan presented special certificates of gratitude to the Harout Nercessian, Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian and to the representatives of the AMA-Australia. The opening ceremony concluded with a special program presented by the students of Choratan Kindergarten.

AMAA, Australia, Events, News

AMAA Executive Director/CEO Visits the Mission Field in Australia

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2016 marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA- Australia). Since its inception, AMA-Australia has provided the best possible volunteer work through its Board of Directors, no paid staff, and under the leadership and advice of its President and Executive Director Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian.

To help celebrate this milestone, Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), and his wife Sona travelled to Australia from March 31 – April 12. During their brief but fruitful visit, they encouraged AMA-Australia and the Church Community with their inspiring words and warm fellowship.

Their visit began with a Welcome Dinner at the Social Hall of the Armenian Evangelical Uniting Church of Sydney with the AMA-Australia Board, together with the Church Council and committee members. It was an informal night of fellowship where old friendships were re-kindled and new friendships formed. Mr. Khanjian briefly talked about the work that the AMAA is doing around the world and the future directions that are planned.

On Sunday April 3rd, Mr. Khanjian preached at the AMAA Sunday Service held at the Armenian Evangelical Uniting Church. His message exhorted all to reflect the light and love of Christ not only in words but also in deeds, as individual believers and also collectively as the body of Christ. Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian presented a brief report to the congregation about the activities of the past 15 years and thanked Rev. Hagop Sarkissian, Pastor of the Church, and the congregation for their partnership. An Appreciation Luncheon followed at St. Andrew’s Uniting Church Memorial Hall in Longueville, to thank the generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers of AMA-Australia over the past 15 years.

During his visit, Mr. Khanjian met with the Board of Directors of AMA-Australia to discuss future directions and plans. His encouragement and advice were much appreciated. He highlighted the AMAA Centennial Capital Campaign and encouraged the Board to embrace it as part of the AMAA family.

On Wednesday and Thursday, April 6 and 7, Mr. Khanjian presented two lectures to the Armenian Community. The first was about the prominent journalist Hrant Dink, who was martyred almost ten years ago for his outspoken advocacy about the misfortunes of the Armenians during the Armenian Genocide. The second lecture was about notable unsung heroes during the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Khanjian presented the lives and the tremendous work done by Rev. Aharon Shirajian, Rev. Dikran Antriassian and Hrant Guzelian. Both lectures were well attended and highlighted the positive influence of God’s word through Armenian Evangelical preaching, teaching and education in the lives of the Armenian community in the Middle East. The AMAA is striving to continue this work, despite the ever increasing instability in the region. Mrs. Khanjian capably read excerpts from the books that Zaven Khanjian had authored, impressing the audience.

On Sunday, April 10, Mr. Khanjian preached once again from God’s word at the Sunday morning worship service of Armenian Evangelical Uniting Church of Sydney.

Following the Church service, the 15th Anniversary Fundraising Luncheon of AMA-Australia was held at the Hamazkayin Arshak and Sophie Galstaun College Nalbandian Hall. A sub-committee, made up of several talented and enthusiastic youth, planned, organized and managed the event. The theme was Armenian Village with its Bread and Cheese table, in keeping with the last year’s project of AMA-Australia of renovating Choratan Village School Playground in the north east border of Armenia. On this special occasion, the AMA-Australia website was launched (amaaust.org.au), and the achievements of the past 15 years were detailed in a short presentation, highlighting the over $632,000 raised to support relief and educational projects in the Middle East and Armenia. Mr. Khanjian addressed the guests, thanked them for their support and encouraged them to continue with this noble mission. Mr. Khanjian recognized the President and the Board of Directors of AMA-Australia and presented each one of them a Certificate of Appreciation. Through the generous gifts of sponsors and guests, over $40,000 was raised to support various relief projects. The completion of a special project was announced to restore the Memorial Hall of the Armenian Evangelical Central High School of Ashrafieh in Beirut, Lebanon, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Mick and Nora Rozanski. The establishment of an endowment fund of $500,000 in the name of Anthony Rozanski Memorial Fund was also announced to provide scholarships to outstanding students at the Central High School of Ashrafieh in Beirut.

On Sunday April 3, Mr. Khanjian had a Radio Hour interview with the Australia Armenian Hour of Special Broadcasting Service – SBC, presenting the history of AMAA, its worldwide activities, the Syrian conflict and the situation of the Armenians in Syria, especially in Aleppo. In the evening, Upon the Primate’s invitation, Mr. and Mrs. Khanjian, accompanied by Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian and Rev. Sarkissian, attended the Inaugural Banquet of the Diocese of the Armenian Church.

During his visit, Mr. Khanjian also paid a formal visit to Bishop Haigazoun Najarian, as well as the leadership of the Uniting Church of Australia. He expressed his appreciation to the Uniting Church of Australia for officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide at the the 14th Triennial Assembly which was held on July 12-18, 2015. President of Uniting Church of Australia Stuart McMillan thanked Mr. Khanjian for his visit and presented him with a copy of the Assembly’s Armenian Genocide Recognition Resolution.

“Down Under is….Up Above,” said Mr. Khanjian at the conclusion of his visit. “We have a vibrant, God loving, passionate and a very hospitable community in Australia with a wealth of potential in all that is good for God and the nation.”

Armenia, Armenian Genocide, Australia, News, Uniting Church

Uniting Church in Australia Recognizes the Armenian Genocide

Sydney, NSW – The Uniting Church in Australia (UCA) has formally acknowledged that the Armenian massacres and forced deportations constitute a Genocide. The UCA is the third denomination at a national level to acknowledge the Genocide that took place 100 years ago.

The UCA that came into being on June 22, 1977, after three denominations – Congregational Union in Australia, the Methodist Church of Australasia, and the Presbyterian Church of Australia joined together – is the third largest Christian denomination in Australia and the first church to be created in and of Australia. At present a total of 2,500 congregations worship at a Uniting Church, including many congregations that worship in languages other than English.

This year the 14th Triennial Assembly was held on July 12-18 in the Winthrop Hall University of Western Australia in Perth, where 300 members of the UCA elected by Synods and Presbyteries across the country met.

The Armenian Evangelical Uniting Church of Sydney, located in Willoughby NSW is the only Armenian congregation that is part of the Sydney North Presbytery of the Uniting Church NSW and ACT Synod.
Rev. Dr. Chris walker, the National Consultant for Christian Unity and Worship, together with Mr. Levon Kardashian and the Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, the former minister of the Armenian Evangelical Uniting Church of Sydney and currently the minister of the St. Andrew’s Uniting Church of Longueville and the Chairperson of Sydney North Presbytery, as well as the President of Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, prepared a proposal (http://assembly2015.uca.org.au/28-armenian-genocide-christian-unity-working-group) seeking the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Uniting Church in Australia.

The proposal was moved by Rev. Dr. Walker on behalf of the Christian Unity working group and seconded by Rev. Dr. Avril Hannah-Jones. Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian made a brief speech capturing the attention of all present. “In the years of 1915-1918, the Armenian people were under the grip of annihilation and the brutal plans of genocide – but our gracious and loving God saved this first Christian nation from being wiped out,” said Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian. He also mentioned that many countries and many communities in Australia had been involved in providing support, relief, food, and safe places for the Armenian people to live.

“By accepting this proposal the assembly will keep the story of the first Christian nation alive,” he said, giving thanks to the many Uniting Church congregations who had held liturgies to commemorate the Genocide.

Rev. Dr. Chris Walker, National Consultant for Christian Unity Doctrine and Worship, told the Assembly that it was deeply fitting for the Uniting Church to make this acknowledgement as the Armenian people mark the 100 year anniversary of the Genocide. He also acknowledged that both the World Christian Council and the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA) had made statements acknowledging the massacres that took place and the suffering of the Armenian community. “Accepting this proposal would be an act of ecumenical solidarity with the Armenian people who have suffered so much and continue to do so” he said.

After the proposal was unanimously adopted (http://assembly2015.uca.org.au/uniting-church-recognises-the-armenian-genocide/#more-2113), the President of the Assembly, Mr. Stuart McMillan, made a brief comment and asked all to stand for a minute of silence in commemoration of more the 1.5 million Armenians, who were the victims of the Genocide planed and implemented by the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. By the request of Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian a prayer was offered by the NSW Moderator Rev. Dr. Myung Hwa Park, both sung and spoken in Korean and English.

The 14th Assembly has also agreed to

  • Commend the NSW and SA governments in acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and encourage the Federal and other state governments to do the same
  • Affirm the value of recognizing a date on or near the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, as a day of observance and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
  • Request the National Consultant Christian Unity, Doctrine and Worship to prepare

a) A prayer to be provided for all congregations of the UCA for use on the day; and
b) In consultation with others, educational and liturgical resources for congregations to use. On behalf of the Armenian community of Australia and the blessings of the Bishop Haigazoune Najarian, the Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, we express our appreciation and gratitude to the Uniting Church in Australia for passing such an important resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Commend the NSW and SA governments in acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and encourage the Federal and other state governments to do the same
Affirm the value of recognizing a date on or near the anniversary of the Armenian genocide, as a day of observance and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
Request the National Consultant Christian Unity, Doctrine and Worship to prepare
(a) A prayer to be provided for all congregations of the UCA for use on the day; and
(b) In consultation with others, educational and liturgical resources for congregations to use.
On behalf of the Armenian community of Australia and the blessings of the Bishop Haigazoune Najarian, the Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, we express our appreciation and gratitude to the Uniting Church in Australia for passing such an important resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

On behalf of the Armenian community of Australia and the blessings of the Bishop Haigazoune Najarian, the Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, we express our appreciation and gratitude to the Uniting Church in Australia for passing such an important resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Armenia, Events, Lebanon, Middle East, News, Syria

AMA-Australia Holds Sunday Worship and Fundraising Luncheon

Since its establishment in March 2001, the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA-Australia) as a sister organization has been actively supporting the missionary work of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). Through the tireless efforts of its founding members and those who have joined in subsequent years, the Committee has worked hard to bring awareness to the Armenian community at large, and specifically to the members of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney as well as our friends, the needs of our fellow Armenians in Armenia and in the Middle East.

Over the years, AMA-Australia has organized programs and various fundraising cultural and social functions, allocating all the funds raised to provide for the needs of our brothers and sisters in Armenia and for the last few years in Syria and Lebanon. AMA-Australia also continues its sponsorship programs with 42 children being sponsored in Armenia and 24 students in Lebanon and Syria through the AMAA’s Sponsorship Program.

As in previous years, this year on March 15 AMAA Sunday was observed in the Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney, followed by a Luncheon in St. Andrew’s Uniting Church’s War Memorial Hall, with more than 120 guests. After two consecutive years, funds were raised to support our brothers and sisters in Syria, both in Aleppo and Kessab, raising a total of 55,000 Australia dollars.

We turned our attention this year to the needs of the people living in bordering villages of Armenia, the most dangerous zone of the country. At our fundraising functions we were able to raise enough funds to construct a much needed Playground for the children of Choratan Village School. For this purpose, we invited Lusine Ohanian, External Relations Coordinator of the Armenian Missionary Association in Armenia, who works closely with the bordering villages and is familiar with their urgent needs. With a short film and photos, Lusine presented the much needed support required to help those who live with extremely limited resources. To raise the needed funds, we asked for donations and we are glad that many responded positively. We also had raffles on six paintings and an auction with an Armenian rug which were brought from Armenia for fundraising purposes.

We were also happy to have Louisa Janbazian, AMAA PR/Communications Coordinator from the United States, as our guest of honor. Mrs. Janbazian’s presence and encouraging words gave support to our program and fundraising efforts.

We would like to thank Lusine Ohanian and Louisa Janbazian for their presence and help to raise the necessary funds to complete the Playground Project in Choratan Village.

We hope that the Playground will be ready to be officially opened at the end of September with the support of Harout Nercessian, AMAA’s Representative in Armenia. Some of the AMA-Australia District Committee members are planning to be in Armenia around that time for the official opening. We would like to thank all those who have responded to our request and gave generously for this project.

May the glory be to the Father and His blessing upon us all and upon the missionary work of the AMAA.

Armenia, Artsakh, Education, News

AMAA’s Two Artsakh KGs Renovated and Furnished

Funded by the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, the AMAA’s Hagop and Lydia Baghdikian Kindergarten in Stepanakert and Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian Kindergarten in Martakert were renovated and furnished in late 2018.

The one-story Janbazian KG in Martakert is designed to accommodate 70 children. It now has an adequate heating system, new windows and doors, and bathrooms. Interior and exterior projects have also been implemented. The Kindergarten also has new furniture which helps provide up to date educational conditions for the children of Martakert.

  • Child Sponsorship
  • Children Home Page

The Baghdikian KG in Stepanakert is a two-story building which houses 120 children. The fences were renovated, the grounds were asphalted, and some renovation work was done inside the KG building.

The Baghdikian KG in Stepanakert is a two-story building which houses 120 children. The fences were renovated, the grounds were asphalted, and some renovation work was done inside the KG building.

The AMAA Artsakh Kindergartens distinguish themselves from other programs by the tender loving care that the children receive. Driven by the love of Christ, the staff and teachers of the AMAA KG’s love and provide caring attention to the needs of each and every child.

AMAA ensures that all its Kindergartens provide the best education possible. Teachers are provided with training, supervision and materials to help them effectively teach and educate.

Representatives of AMA-Australia plan to visit both KGs in May 2019.