Dear Mr. President and the Chief Commander of the brave Artsakh Army,
We salute you for your brave leadership and commitment during these critical times, as you and our brave people of Artsakh are facing courageously the evil enemy, whose intentions are very clear; to break us and invade the land of our forefathers. We believe that the strong and brave people of Artsakh, with your leadership, will win the war and protect the land and the people of Artsakh.
We are miles away and due to the global pandemic are unable to be with you physically, but we assure you that we are with you and fighting the enemy with heart, soul and mind till the end, when we will rise up victorious.
We raise our prayers to the Almighty God to protect you and be with you and the rock-solid Artsakh people. We are sure that the dawn is not far and the sun will shine to brighten the coming days and the heads of the Armenian people will be raised up high with the Free and Independent Artsakh.
On behalf of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, once again I salute you and commit to continue to pray for Artsakh and seek God’s blessing and might to lead you on the way toward total victory. Rest assured that God is with you and with our dedicated and brave army.
We hope soon to come to Artsakh and celebrate with you, and our brothers and sisters, your victory.
Long live our President!
Long live each and every soldier, young and old!
Long live the brave people of Artsakh!
Long live Artsakh!
Respectfully,
Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian President and CEO Armenian Missionary Association of Australia
L to R: Kaylar Michaelian, Permanent Representative of Arstakh Republic to Australia; Rev. Dr. René Léonian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Eurasia; Rev. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Protestant Community of Syria; Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan, President of the Republic of Artsakh; Rev. Berdj Djambazian, Minister to the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Union in North America; Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, President of the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia; Rev. Aram Babajanyan, Pastor of the Evangelical Church of Armenia in Gyumri
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Under the Auspices of Artsakh Prime Minister Mr. Harutunyan, AMAA’s Centennial Celebrations in Sydney, Australia Raises $200,000 for the Renovation Project of Artsakh KGs
Sydney, NSW, AUS – The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), established in 1918 in Worcester, MA as a response to the suffering and the devastation of the Armenian Nation, proclaimed: We founded the Armenian Missionary Association of America with a deep conviction that our martyred Armenian nation will survive and will continue to exist as a nation… Therefore, it is indispensable that we contribute to the revitalization of our Armenian heritage and spiritual life. Rev. Mihran T. Kalaidjian, first Executive Director of AMAA, 1918
Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, President of AMAA Board with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
To celebrate its 100 years of outstanding service to the worldwide Armenian communities and its fundraising Campaign Faithful to Its Legacy and Embracing the Future, the AMAA and its partners are organizing worldwide Centenary Celebrations during 2017-18. The first one was held in New Jersey, USA on October 21, 2017.
The Centennial Celebrations in Sydney commenced on Thursday, March 15 with a special screening of Director Jivan Avetisyan’s ‘The Last Inhabitant’ movie, the story of the 1988 expulsion of an Armenian village Gyurjevan in Azerbaijan, USSR. The screening held in Hoyts Movie Theater was open to the public. The following night, March 16, a cultural event celebrating the AMAA Centenary was held at the prestigious Concourse Theater and showcased performances by various Armenian and non-Armenian artists. Many distinguished guests were present at both events, including representatives of Federal and State officials, Representatives of the Uniting Church of Australia and His Grace Bishop Haigazoun Najarian Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand. Artsakh State Minister Harutunyan expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the invitation and for all the efforts by AMAA in support of our beloved Artsakh. The cultural event concluded by a benediction offered by Primate Bishop Najarian.
The AMAA Centennial Worship Service was held on Sunday March 18 at the Armenian Evangelical Uniting Church of Sydney led by the pastor of the Church Rev. Hagop Sarkissian. The Sanctuary and the adjacent Hall where the service was fed on a large screen were filled to capacity. Among the worshippers were Harutunyan, State Minister of Artsakh; Kaylar Michaelian, Permanent Representative of Artsakh in Australia; NSW Premier Honorable Gladys Berejiklian; Her Worship Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney of the City of Willoughby; Rob Floyed representing the President of the Uniting Church in Australia Stuart McMillan, and many distinguished guests.
AMAA Centenary Worship Service
A special plaque was presented to Premier Berejiklian who greeted the audience and expressed her thanks for this special award. She congratulated the AMAA for its 100 years of faithful service and wished the Association many more years of outstanding service. Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO addressed the congregation and brought the greetings of the worldwide AMAA family. Rev. Dr. René Léonian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of Eurasia, delivered the message and spoke about the mission of the AMAA in particular and the mission of the Armenian Evangelical churches worldwide in general. All the guest ministers from overseas participated in the Worship Service with prayers and reading of the Scriptures.
Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian hands award to Artsakh Prime Minister Araig Hartunyan
The highlight of the Centennial events was the Banquet held at the Miramare Gardens in Sydney. Among the 280 guests, there were many distinguished guests, including representatives of the Uniting Church of Australia, His Grace Bishop Haigazoun Najarian Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand and Father Parsegh (Basil) Sousanian of the Armenian Catholic Parish Community of Our Lady of the Assumption. AMAA President Dr. Darakjian in his remarks recounted a brief history of the AMAA and highlighted some of the giants of the Association such as Rev. Dr. Giragos Chopourian and Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian. “It is our duty to be faithful to this legacy and pass it on to future generations,” said Dr. Darakjian. AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian delivered the keynote speech, concluding, “Looking forward, the AMAA is on track with an ongoing journey of goodness. God has called the AMAA to face our nation’s spiritual and humanitarian challenges and assume a leadership role. We are called to continue to sow hope, win a smile, realize a dream, feed the hungry and save a soul.” Khanjian thanked all those involved in this memorable and historic celebration.
Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, President of AMAA Board (left) and Zaven Khanjian Executive Director/CEO of AMAA Present a special appreciation gift to Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, President/CEO of AMA-Australia
During the Banquet a special tribute was paid to the late Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian, former Executive Director of the AMAA, for his faithful service and his vision to establish AMA-Australia as a branch of the AMAA 18 years ago. A Proclamation (Gontag) by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the See of Cilicia was read by Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian and presented to Rev. Janbazian’s wife Louisa Janbazian. Vahak Paul Janbazian, on behalf of the Janbazian family, thanked for this special tribute bestowed upon his father. Hagop Janbazian, Rev. Janbazian’s brother, who could not be present at this special event, eloquently expressed his gratitude for this special tribute via a video presentation.
Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian, on behalf of AMA-Australia, presented special plaques to the sponsors, donors and guests and to Harutunyan, who graciously traveled to Australia to be part of these special Centenary celebrations.
In his concluding remarks, Harutunyan once again thanked AMA-Australia for this special invitation to represent the Artsakh Republic. Harutunyan spoke about the current situation in Artsakh. “I praise the AMAA’s mission in Artsakh” he said, “and particularly the work it does for the welfare of the children who are our future generations.”
Visit with His Grace Bishop Haigazoun Najarian Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand
The Banquet concluded with the singing of the Hayr Mer (The Lord’s Prayer) and a Benediction delivered by Rev. Berdj Djambazian, President of the Armenian Evangelical World Council.
During the course of the week, the overseas guests paid official visits to Primate Najarian of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Father Sousanian of the Armenian Catholic Parish as well as to the Hamazkaine Galstaun College and AGBU Alexander Primary School.
