This year marks the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church (AEC)
We praise God for the 175 years’ service and ministry of the AEC within the Armenian people
Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council, Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian edited and launched the commemorative publication of a memoir entitled, “Houshamadyan (Յուշամատեան) on the Occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
Read book review by AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian
Այս տարի կը լրանայ Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիի (ՀԱԵ) հիմնադրութեան 175-ամեակը։
Փառք կու տանք Աստուծոյ մեր ազգին մէջ ՀԱԵ 175 տարուայ ծառայութեան համար։
Յիշարժան Յոբելեանի առիթով՝ Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդի Գործադիր Տնօրէն Վեր. Դոկտ. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեանը խմբագրեց եւ կեանքի կոչեց ՀԱԵ 175-ամեակի Յոբելինական Յանձնախումբի ծրագիրներէն մէկը՝ «Յուշամատեան Հայաստանեայց Աւետարանական Եկեղեցւոյ՝ 175-ամեայ Տարեդարձին Առիթով» խորագրով Յուշամատեանը։
Այս ե-նամակով ձեզի կը ներկայացնենք Յուշամտեանի էլէկտորնային տարբերակը, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութեան Գործադիր Տնօրէն՝ Զաւէն Խանճեանի գրախօսականին հետ մէկտեղ։
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s Congratulatory Remarks On the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church
The Holy Gospel is Our Father and the Holy Church is Our Mother.(Vartanank)
These words, which echoed from the New City of Vagharshapat (Holy Etchmiadzin), are the two Pillars that define the spiritual and moral character of each Armenian Christian.
Indeed, throughout centuries, these sacred truths have been the basis of our ability to overcome the trials and tribulations of each historical time period and have been the source of our existence today.
Furthermore, the reliance on these everlasting truths comfort us and instill in us hope in these present times of great uncertainty.
We are delighted in knowing that this year marks the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Evangelical Church, a Church that has remained loyal to spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ since the day of its establishment. The Good News that was disseminated by God Incarnate illuminated the entire world and transformed the life of humanity, ensuring an eternal life with God.
The celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church grants us the opportunity to not only reflect on the past, but to equally focus on the present and future of the Church.
Founded in 1846 in Constantinople, the Armenian Evangelical Church progressed within the Armenian communities. We agree with the words of His Beatitude Archbishop Malachia Ormanian that “…indirect relations with the Western world was granted at a time when the expansion of these relations were limited.”
The contributions of the Armenian Evangelical Church are vast, especially in the overall spiritual development of our nation’s life. We wish to highlight the following.
The translation of the Holy Bible from classical Armenian to modern Armenian in the mid-19th century, when our language was in its transformational phase, was a magnificent feat, allowing the radiating the light of the Gospel to enter the households of the faithful.
The Armenian Evangelical movement played a vital role in the intellectual renaissance of our people through prominent new publications and works. These included “The Dawn of Ararat,”(Արշալոյս Արարատեան), “Tidag”(Դիտակ) and “Pyuragan”which continue to enrich the cultural and literary life of our nation. Among these jewels is the “Haigazian Armenological Review,” the academic journal specializing in Armenian studies. Moreover, Haigazian University, a renowned institution of higher learning has been the source of academic enrichment for thousands of Armenian and non-Armenian students.
The Armenian Genocide claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians including the faithful of the Armenian Evangelical Church. As a result of the first Genocide of the 20th century, a number of educational institutions founded by prominent Armenian Evangelical Church leaders were destroyed, devastating our people who have tremendously valued the gift of education throughout history.
However, the resilience of our people was evident following the Genocide. The Armenian Evangelicals believed in the unrelenting dedication, undying spirit, and the reawakening of our people as new humanitarian and educational institutions were established in the United States of America, France and elsewhere. Undoubtedly, the milestones of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America have been great in number since its establishment 50 years ago. Its organizations, schools, educational, and cultural institutions have allowed the Armenian Evangelical Church to continue its mission of spreading the Gospel of Christ, our Lord.
The mission of the Armenian Evangelical Church is noteworthy in the Motherland, especially after Armenia gained its independence and where thousands of our compatriots receive spiritual nourishment and humanitarian assistance.
As a servant of Christ, our Lord in the Armenian Apostolic Church, we can attest that each structure, whether secular or religious, is undoubtedly faced with great challenges. The celebration of the 175th Anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church is a testament of God’s glory, for this noble institutions has weathered many storms and has stood the test of time.
We rest assured that the Armenian Evangelical Church will remain loyal to its God-pleasing mission, and will continue to contribute to the prosperity of our people through educational and humanitarian endeavors.
Indeed, the love of Christ supersedes all things. It is our genuine wish and heartfelt prayer that the Armenian Evangelical Church continues to be led by the divine love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, thriving in its ministry and mission for the glory of God and the prosperity of the Armenian nation.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.(1 Corinthians 13:13)
ByRev. Dr. René Léonian, AMAA Representative in Eurasia
Since its founding in 1918, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) has always aimed to be vital to the Armenian people. It is in a Christian spirit, and in the name of love of neighbor, that the AMAA has organized its programs.
The essence of AMAA’s work is summed up in its support to churches, its Christian education, humanitarian, educational, cultural and development programs.
After the devastating earthquake in Armenia on December 7, 1988, the AMAA’s Board of Directors, under the leadership of its Executive Director Rev. Movses Janbazian decided to invest heavily in Armenia and come to the aid of families in the disaster areas. From the early years of AMAA’s involvement in Armenia, the Association partnered with Espoir pour l’Armenie – Hope for Armenia of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of France. At the time, the official authorities of Soviet Armenia praised AMAA’s mission and service in the Homeland.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony of the AMAA Center in Stepanakert, Artsakh in 1998, with Artsakh Republic Minister of Foreign Affairs Naira Melkumyan, AMAA Executive Director Rev. Dr. Movses Janbazian, AMA-AUS President Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, AMAA Field Director Hagop Manjelikian, local/overseas guests, and Armenian Church representatives.
On September 10, 1991, the AMAA was officially registered in Armenia to work in two directions (cf. official registration text):
– “To help the Armenian people in spiritual, religious, educational programs and publications.
– through humanitarian programs.”
On September 21, 1991, Armenia became independent and immediately afterwards the AMAA established its permanent headquarters in Yerevan (with “Hope for Armenia”).
In the fall of 1994, I had the privilege to be the Representative of the Armenian Evangelical World Council and the AMAA. The AMAA’s services were originally focused on the earthquake zone, then gradually it spread to the whole Armenian territory. From time to time, sporadic actions were carried out in Artsakh.
After a few years, the AMAA decided not to neglect Artsakh. Thus, in 1995, the leadership of the AMAA in the United States and the leadership of AMAA in Armenia, decided to set up a permanent center in Artsakh. That same year the AMAA officially registered in Artsakh as the first Diasporan Armenian philanthropic organization.
This materialized through contacts with the highest authorities of the Republic of Artsakh. It was facilitated by personal ties, but also because the AMAA’s reputation in Armenia was appreciated by the President and the Government of Artsakh.
Rev. Janbazian and I had a similar conception of the goal to be reached and shared these objectives with Hagop Manjelikian, who was AMAA’s Field Director at the time.
Arsen Manasyan, who was appointed Coordinator of the AMAA’s programs in Artsakh in 1996, strategically directed our offices in Stepanakert and supervised the AMAA’s work throughout Artsakh. His courage and faith in God enabled the realization of our programs in the early years.
While being in full agreement with the objectives enshrined in the official statutes of the AMAA, spiritual and philanthropic action, we believed that Artsakh represented much more than a piece of territory. Artsakh was like a part of us.
During the Artsakh war for independence from 1990 to1994, it was at the cost of the sacrifice of our soldiers and the Armenian population that we regained our honor and our pride in being Armenian. We understood that the security and independence of Artsakh were the guarantors of the security and independence of Armenia.
That is why it was necessary for the AMAA to invest in many areas of the lives of our brothers and sisters in Artsakh. Very quickly, the AMAA focused on the Christian education aspect of the younger generation, as well as their social, economic, educational and cultural needs. Through these programs, we knew that we would encourage the local people to stay in Artsakh.
The official inauguration of the new headquarters in Stepanakert was held on July 15, 1998. The Government of Artsakh, by its presence at the inauguration ceremony, expressed its support for our patriotic, humanitarian and spiritual action.
That day in Stepanakert with Rev. Janbazian, our international delegation and our local leaders, we first stopped at the Cemetery of the heroes who fell during the liberation war to meditate. Rev. Janbazian deeply moved us by his words filled with gratitude to these young people who fell at the front for the defense of the Armenian borders and for the defense of Armenians all over the world.
Later in the day, we went to Shushi to visit this “impregnable” fortress. We prayed in the magnificent Ghazanchetsots Cathedral. When I left the Church, I asked Rev. Janbazian to follow me and our local Coordinator Arsen Manasyan. The three of us went to visit a house 500 meters away with adjoining land. I said to Rev. Janbazian: “We have a permanent seat in Stepanakert, now we must also set the presence of the AMAA in Shushi, because Shushi is the place where, in 1823, the Swiss missionaries of the Evangelical Mission of Basel settled and, it is there that the Evangelical movement began in the Caucasus (Eastern Armenia) among the Armenians. Rev. Janbazian looked at this beautiful house and said: “It’s okay, you find the money in France and we buy it.” In the following months, an Armenian from France financed this purchase and that’s how AMAA settled in Shushi. This house was also the place where AMAA’s Summer Camp Program in Shushi developed. Soon AMAA also took charge of the only kindergarten in Shushi.
We were so happy, along with our Artsakh colleagues, to have been able to help the city of Shushi flourish.
Today, we are still reeling from the defeat of the war and the surrender of November 10, 2020. However, we believe that better days will come. The AMAA is still present in Artsakh. Our on-site representatives do an extraordinary job and under the leadership of Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, the AMAA is raising awareness around the world on the situation and needs of Artsakh.
Thanks to the help and prayers of all AMAA members and friends, we will continue to participate in the recovery and development of Artsakh and its people.
We have been shaken, but we believe God has not forsaken us. The children of Artsakh will still sing patriotic and spiritual songs, they will still dance our folk dances, they will continue their studies, and they will grow up healthy, under the benevolent gaze of the Good Shepherd.
So, we will say as usual with faith and comfort: “Next year in Shushi!”
Rev. Dr. René Léonian was AMAA Representative in Artsakh 1995-2011
The first property bought in Shushi, where the AMAA’s Summer Camp Program was developed.
With extreme anxiety and deep concern we follow the current existential crisis in the Homeland and the alienation of cohesive dialogue , mutual respect and concession over a common cause. We are cognizant that answers are sought not only on the recent Artsakh war, but also of blatant failures in security, defense, and diplomacy over the past quarter century.
We are convinced that the Homeland needs a national leadership that inspires confidence to all its citizens and finds its way through the realm of the law in the perimeters of the country’s constitution.
In view of the current mounting threat to Armenia’s peace, progress, prosperity and national unity, we call on all parties to lay aside their differences in the name of the Homeland and the sublime interests of the Armenian nation and gather around a table to formulate a mutually agreed plan for snap elections.
We wholeheartedly pray that all national, political and institutional leadership use their political wisdom to secure lasting peace and tranquility in Armenia.
Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, Executive Director, Armenian Evangelical World Council
Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director/CEO, Armenian Missionary Association of America
March 2, 2021
ԿՈ՛Չ ՀԱՅՐԵՆԻ ՔԱՂԱՔԱԿԱՆ ԱՒԱԳԱՆԻԻՆ
Խոր անձկութեամբ եւ յուզումով կը հետեւինք Հայաստան Աշխարհի ներկայ ճգնաժամային անցուդարձերուն եւ իրարամերժ ոգիով արտայայտուած քաղաքական միտքերուն եւ ուղղութիւններուն: Իրազեկ ենք այն իրողութեան, որ արդարօրէն պատասխաններ կը փնտռուին ոչ միայն Արցախեան վերջին պատերազմի մասին, այլ նաեւ անցնող քառորդ դարու անվտանգութեան, պաշտպանութեան եւ դիւանագիտական ծալքերու մէջէն ի յայտ եկած ձախողութիւններուն համար:
Համոզուած ենք, որ Հայրենիքը պէտք ունի վստահութիւն ներշնչող իշխանութեան մը, որ իր ուղին գտնէ երկրի սահմանադրութեան պարագիծի մէջ ակօսուած օրէնքի ճանապարհով:
Ի տես Հայաստանի խաղաղութեան սպառնացող ներկայ վտանգին եւ համազգային բնոյթ ունեցող քաղաքական այս տագնապին, այսու, կոչ կ’ընենք բոլոր կողմերուն յանուն հայրենիքի եւ հայ ազգի գերագոյն շահերուն մէկդի դնել տարբերութիւնները եւ հաւաքուիլ սեղանի մը շուրջ տնօրինելու արտակարգ ընտրութիւններու շուրջ համաձայնուած ծրագիր մը:
Ի բոլոր սրտէ կ’աղօթենք, որ հայրենի քաղաքական եւ կուսակցական ղեկավարները իրենց քաղաքական իմաստութիւնը գործածեն ի սէր Հայաստանի անդորրութեան եւ խաղաղութեան:
Վեր. Վահան Յ. Թութիկեան, Գործադիր Տնօրէն, Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդ
Զաւէն Խանճեան, Գործադիր Տնօրէն, Ամերիկայի Հայ Աւետարանչական Ընկերակցութիւն
Yesterday, Sunday 27 September 2020 afternoon Sydney time, we were devastated to receive the disturbing news from our beloved Artsakh. Since seven in the morning, Artsakh time, Azeris with their allies and hired mercenaries launched an aggressive military attack and declared war against Artsakh, creating panic and fear in the Armenian civilian population. There were several air strikes on the border and also in the capital Stepanakert.
This attack, which was not unexpected, resulted in many casualties, including Armenian soldiers and innocent civilians young and old. As a result, the Artsakh president, Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan, announced martial law and gave his orders to fully mobilise the army and in a speech given soon after the Azeri military launch, called all men, age 18 and up, to be recruited in preparation, if this turns to a full scale war. In his evening media press conference, the President made clear that Artsakh is not in war against Azerbaijan only, but also with their ally and partner Turkey.
The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia joins the Australian Armenian organisations with the Armenian National Committee of Australia and the entire Armenian nation and the civilized world and in the strongest terms, condemns this aggression. Also, calls the Australian Government, Federal and State, to condemn this violent attack, which resulted and will still result in the loss of civilians. We are sure that the Friends of Artsakh, which include Australian politicians, religious and community leaders, as well as many public figures, will join in condemning this aggression.
The Armenian Missionary Association of America Executive Director, Mr. Zaven Khanjian, has already announced that the Armenian Missionary Association, places its facilities in the Artsakh Republic under the disposal of the civilian authorities to shelter women, children and the elderly to keep them safe during the violent attacks.
The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia calls on all peace-loving people and nations to join in prayer, seeking God’s protection for the people. Please join us in prayer for the people of Artsakh and all those brave young men, who are defending their land, the land of their ancestors.
To you, our dear friend and President, Mr. Arayik Harutyunyan, we say: “Be strong, and courageous, because we are sure that you will lead the people of Artsakh and the brave men, to protect the land that God has given to our forefathers. Be strong and courageous, because we all are with you in these very difficult and critical times. God is with you and we all are in this with you, even if we are miles away from our beloved motherland Artsakh and Armenia”.
Artsakh is our stronghold. Artsakh is and always will be in our hearts with its beauty and inspiration.
In prayer and reassurance.
Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian President and CEO Armenian Missionary Association of Australia
The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia, run by all volunteers, has reached an important milestone through its fundraising efforts. Since its inception, the AMA-Australia, have raised over $2,000,000. Securing two Endowment Funds for education, the Anthony Rozanski ($500,000) and the Barkev Ishkhanian Fund ($50,000). The income from the funds is used to support students in Lebanon.
With the efforts of the founding board members and consequently with the members who have served over three year terms, with the leadership of its President and CEO, the annual turnover in 2001 financial year of $12,000, by God’s grace surpassed $2,000,000 in June 2020.
The Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA-Australia) a registered Incorporation in Australia and acting as a charity, pursues the same aims as the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMA America), which is to extend a helping hand to our Armenian brothers and sisters in Armenia, Artsakh and the Middle East, struggling and facing a hard time to make ends meet.
In 2021 we will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of AMA-Australia.
Since the launch in 2001 the AMA-Australia has embarked on journey of mission and adopted many projects and organised fundraisers to support the needy. The programs have included social and cultural initiatives. The main projects of the Association since its formation are the Child Scholarship Program to needy children in Armenia, Education Sponsorship Program for needy students in Lebanon and Syria, Relief aid to Armenia and in the last few years especially for Syria. We also have a sponsorship program for children in Armenia and students in Lebanon and distribution of Christian literature, such as 400 copies of Our Daily bread and the AMAA Newsletter, in Australia and New Zealand.
AMA-Australia does not have paid staff, buildings, offices or even a business phone. All the work is done via emails and correspondence. The AMA-Australia Website and Facebook are active. You can follow our programs, activities and news by visiting our website and following us on Facebook.
We need your help!
Our aim is to let as many people know the works of this organisation, and help fundraising efforts to fuel projects in 2020 & 2021, ESPECIALLY in these tough times for our Armenian brothers and sisters in Armenia, Artsakh and the Middle East.
Without your donations and support we would not have been able to raise the much-needed funds to pursue our goals for the glory of God.
Please continue to support us, if you have already done so, or join your hands and help us to do better in the coming years.
Upon the request of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy Sea of Cilicia, the Armenian Missionary Association of Australia (AMA-Australia) has committed to provide the means and to fully sponsor a young cleric, Father Ardag (George Arabian) for his advanced theological training at Charles Sturt University’s School of Theology, the United Theological College in Sydney. Fr. Ardag commenced his training in March 2019 and will graduate by the end of 2020 with a Master of Theology after writing his dissertation.
Education in general has illuminated the minds and souls of all the children of our nation without denominational, social or political discrimination. Being aware of the vital importance of education, it is the legacy of the Armenian Evangelical Church and the Church’s missionary arm, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMA-America), which well identifies Armenian Evangelicals throughout their 173-year history, that seminary education is essential for those, who have the calling to serve God in particular. Moreover, beyond the dissemination of the Word of God, education brands the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s global service.
We are grateful that the AMA-America has joined our efforts of sponsoring Father Ardag’s education by providing the whole tuition, which is 1/3 of the total cost of this project. AMA-Australia, with the support of the Australian Armenian Community, will cover the remaining 2/3, which includes all other expenses such as fees, accommodations, cost of living, books, travel and medical costs.
Our prayers are with Father Ardag in his studies and training to serve God wherever He leads him.
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.
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
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.
