Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of AmericaMAY/JUNE 2005 - Vol. XXXIX No. 3 (ISSN 1097-0924)

Armenia's First Lady, Bella Kocharian (middle) Visits the Armenian Evangelical Avedisian School of Yeravan, Armenia.(Story on Page 4)

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20052

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

Haigazian University has been the jewel of the AMAA in the Near East fromthe first day of its inception on October 17, 1955. It has matured from being

a class comprised of 43 students as a school of higher learning to a University withmore than 750 students granting undergraduate and graduate degrees.

God has blessed Haigazian University by giving it dedicated benefactors,devoted leaders, capable and talented instructors, and generous supporters.

We, as Armenians, are extremely proud of Haigazian University because notonly have our Armenian children from all over the world benefited by their excellentteachings, but also because many of Haigazian University alumni have enteredimportant positions in different countries and have had a very good influence onthose countries.

This year is the Golden Anniversary of Haigazian University, and the ArmeniaCommunity throughout the world shares this wonderful jubilee. The celebration inAmerica began on March 5 when we had an AMAA/Lark Concert for HaigazianUniversity in Glendale, CA, and it will continue for the entire year.

The year-long observances in Beirut will close with a week’s program thatincludes the Haigazian University Baccalaureate Service on June 26; the HaigazianUniversity Alumni Reunion in Mugar Garden, on June 27; a Haigazian UniversityBanquet, on June 29; and concluding with the Haigazian University CommencementCeremony, on July 1.

Haigazian University is the culmination of the dreams of our visionaries, Steveand Mary Mehagian and Stephen Philibosian, who saw the need of an ArmenianInstitution of Higher Learning. One that takes in all eligible students without regardto ethnicity, religion or race and gives them the benefit of a quality education. TheAMAA has been very proud to have been in the forefront of creating this greatuniversity and will always remember those strong and committed individuals whoby their philanthropy, advice, and hard work brought the dream to fruition.

Since Haigazian University is a cultural treasure the Armenian Communityshares with the world, we ask you to celebrate the University’s Golden Anniversarywith a gift to the Haigazian University Scholarship Fund and reaffirm the traditionand values of our world-wide community.

By contributing to this Scholarship Fund, you will be helping the University ina significant way. Haigazian University has never turned down a qualified Armenianapplicant who lacked funds. You can help perpetuate this assistance to the needystudents who would not be able to attend a university without financial support.

May this celebration become an occasion for rededication and reconsecrationof our joint goals with the same knowledge that “the one who began a good workamong you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) G

A Tribute to Haigazian University - The Jewel of AMAA

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the Armenian Missionary Association of America,31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Tel. (201) 265-2607; Fax (201) 265-6015E-Mail: amaa@amaa.org;Website: www.amaa.org

The AMAA is a Tax Exempt, not for profit organiza-tion under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3)

Andrew Torigian, Executive DirectorDikran Youmshakian, Administrative Director

OFFICERSH. Steven Aharonian, M.D. President

John Cherkezian, Vice PresidentPeter Kougasian, Esq., Vice PresidentHarry Dulgarian, Recording Secretary

Gary Phillips, Esq. Recording SecretaryEileen Chopourian Stephey, Ed.D. Recording Secretary

Aram R. Minnetian, TreasurerDavid Hekemian, Assistant Treasurer

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COVER PICTUREArmenia's First Lady, Bella Kocharian (middle)

Visits Avedisian School (Story on Page 4)

Andrew Torigian“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home andwhen you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Writethem on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your daysand the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD sworeto give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the

earth." Deuteronomy 11: 19-21

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 3

A R M E N I A

My first inquiry about Mt. Araratbrought a rapid fire response. The

lecture room window on the main floor ofthe seminary building was flung open.There, imposing and breathtaking, stood themajestic snow capped Mt. Ararat. Thoughthe imposing creation stood some 50 milesaway in the neighboring land of Turkey, itgave the awesome illusion that I could reachout the window and touch its splendor. Byits side stood another smaller identicallyshaped snow capped mountain, as if pairedwith Mt. Ararat like mother and child, calledLittle Ararat. All of the passion, with whichI had anticipated this vision, flooded me. Ihad so much wanted to see and take aphotograph of this Biblical implication formyself and even more so for my 89 year oldmother who still lives in Malaysia, andvigorously reads and meditates upon theWord daily. So most of that morning wasspent on that one subject alone.

In Stephanavan (157 miles from Yerevan,with a population of 25,000), I spent the nightwith the minister's family that spoke noEnglish. However, Harout had arranged foranother single young woman whose firstname was also Lilit (Lilit Ayvazyan) to serveas my translator. Lilit, who already has aBaccalaureate Degree in Theology, wasscheduled to enter the master 's degreeprogram at the Near East School of Theologyin Beirut. Lilit stayed at the minister's housetill bedtime before returning to her housewhich was within walking distance, to helpme with my communication with the ministerAraik Ochinyan, his wife, their two childrenand the minister's widowed sister. They knewno words of English and I knew no words inArmenian, but since we have a commonheavenly father, we were, without missing abeat, an ornithological specimen ofcongruent plumage congregate in closeproximity. They were the most hospitablepeople. I observed such love and warmth asthe minister's sister Anahit prepared theminister's children for school in the morning.I was told that her own child was being caredfor by her in-laws in Vanadzor. Anahit held aweekday job in Stephanavan as a cook and

My Mission Trip To Armenia

Victor Thasiah*

left for Vanadzor each weekend to be withher child. The food was very good, thesleeping arrangement was comfortable but Ihad trouble with the hot water shower. Theycranked up the electrical engine the previousnight and warned me that the hot water wouldbe available in three hours. Comforted by thatthought, I rested well that night.

But the story with the hot water systemwas quite different in the morning. I havethis thing worked out about bathing. I cansurvive many days without a body shower,but I can't be myself without washing myunruly hair and shaving my face every singlemorning. So that was what I did - I washedmy head over the sink and shaved and allwas well with me for the day. The perfectbreakfast needed no translation - just plentyof pointing and smiles. Lilit was prompt inher arrival. The church building that stoodtall in this little community was a gift of theFresno First Armenian Presbyterian Church.The adjoining buildings provided theminister's residence and rooms for freedentistry, music classes, and a senior lunchprogram funded by a foreign humanitarianagency. Eighteen CE staff members andvolunteers met at the class I taught and Lilitprovided enthusiastic translation. TheAMAA driver Arson from Yerevan camethat afternoon to pick me up and bring meback to Yerevan.

The AMAA delegation of staff, ministersand church members then assembled at adown-town location at the foothill where the1915 Genocide Memorial stands. This wasthe 90th anniversary of the ArmenianGenocide by the Turks. Half the country'spopulation of 1.5 million people was inYerevan to walk up the hill to pay homageand place flowers at the structure thathouses an eternal flame. In a 40 feet circle,the flowers were piled up 6 feet high. It tookus, following the church banner, led by Rev.Dr. Rene Leonian (the head of the AMAA inArmenia), two hours to maneuver the halfmile trek to the memorial monument atop thehill. It was a site to behold. I had never everin my 62 years of lifetime been in such anexperience.G

* Badveli Victor Thasiah is the formerinterim pastor of the Pilgrim ArmenianCongregational Church of Fresno, CA. Theabove are excerpts from a seven page reportof a mission trip which included teachingat the Evangelical Seminary in Yerevan,holding seminars for Christian Workers inhigh population centers in Yerevan, Gyumri,Vanadzor, Alaverdi and Stepanavan,preaching at both the Armenian and Englishmedium churches and experiencing the 90th

Turkish Genocide of Armenians in 1915Memorial. For a FREE complete report, e-mail to vthasiah@netzero.net

Victor Thasiah (standing first on the left) with Harout Nercessian and CE Workers in Alaverdi,Armenia.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20054

As part of the nation-wide ceremonies to mark Motherhood and Beauty Day in

the Republic of Armenia, April 8, thecountry’s First Lady, Bella Kocharian, paida visit to the Khoren & ShoushanigAvedisian School in Yerevan’s Sepastia-Malatia region, where she visited the class-rooms and talked with the children.

The Avedisian School is the first Arme-nian Evangelical School in Yerevan, Arme-nia, and was founded by the Armenian Mis-sionary Association of America (AMAA)in May 1999.

Accompanying the First Lady wereAghvan Krikorian, Director of Malatia-Sepastia Region; Rev. René Léonian,AMAA’s representative in Armenia; Bor-ough officers; Avedisian School Board mem-bers, and some parents.

Greeted with the traditional salt-and-bread ceremony of welcome, the First Ladyvisited the school’s Kindergarten and El-ementary sections.

Armenia's First Lady Visits Avedisian School

Following a reception in her honor, MrsKocharian and guests gathered in theschool’s social hall for a presentation ofsongs, dances and recitations by the stu-dents.

After the performances, Rev. Léonian ex-pressed his gratitude to the authorities ofArmenia who had shown their confidencein the AMAA with the establishment of theschool. He thanked the town of Malatia-Sepastia, for putting the present buildingunder the AMAA’s disposal for the use ofthe school, and finally to the city of Yerevanfor the land offered to the AMAA for a newbuilding which will encompass future addedclasses of the school.

Rev. Léonian also expressed his appre-ciation to AMAA Board member EdwardAvedisian and his wife Pamela, of Lexing-ton, MA, who are the sponsors of thisschool. He also paid tribute to the late Rev.Movses B. Janbazian, a past-Executive Di-rector of the AMAA, “whose vision was

the establishment of such an educationalinstitute in Armenia.”

Before leaving, the First Lady Kocharianexpressed her joy for being present at theAvedisian school for this special day andcongratulated Principal Mrs. MelaniaKeghamian, the teachers and the studentsfor their performance and their high achieve-ments in the educational area.

The Avedisian School has consistently ratedhigh in Armenia’s education system and, lastyear, was named the best school in the country.This year the school has 220 students, 100 inthe Kindergarten and 120 in Elementarygrades. The Avedisian School has been oneof the most important contributions of theAMAA to the people in the homeland. Itserves in one of the poorest areas in the south-west district of Yerevan and is now in urgentneed for expansion. There are ongoing plansto build an expansion on the piece of landwhich was provided by the city of Yerevan, tofacilitate the addition of the new classes.G

The Child Sponsorship Program of the Armenian Missionary Association of

America (AMAA) drew the close attentionof Donna Evans, the wife of the AmericanAmbassador to Armenia, John Evans, whenshe visited the AMAA headquarters inYerevan, April 13.

After her two-hour visit, Mrs. Evans in-dicated that she wanted to promote the ideaof sponsoring children as a Christmas giftto a loved one.

Mrs. Evans was greeted by AMAA Rep-resentative Rev. Rene Leonian and his as-sistant, Mr. Harout Nercessian.

Mrs. Evans toured the facilities of theYerevan office and the adjacent AMAAmedical clinic. She was briefed on the vari-ous ministries of the AMAA and the Evan-gelical Church of Armenia.

Donna Evans, U.S. Ambassador's WifeVisits the AMAA Office in Yerevan

Since its inception, theAMAA has been concernedabout the welfare of Arme-nian children and uponArmenia’s independence in1991, implemented this spe-cial program to support or-phaned and needy childrenin the homeland.

Ini t ial ly the AMAA’sChild Sponsorship Programwas started with just 37children from Gyumri ,which had suffered most from the devas-tating earthquake, and now, AMAA caresfor more than 2800 children and their fami-lies throughout Armenia and Karabagh.A tax-deductible gift of $250 a year spon-sors one child and family and that care

includes food, clothing, personal hy-giene, health-care items, and school sup-plies. The program takes care of the childuntil the age of 16 or 17, or upon thecompletion of the child’s secondary edu-cation. G

Mrs. Donna Evans (standing 3rd from left) visiting AMAA's clinicin Yerevan.

A R M E N I A

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 5

The Crystal Ballroom of the BeverlyHills Hotel was the beautiful setting of

the AMAA Orphan and Child Care luncheonon Saturday, April 9. More than 450 were inattendance as Alice Chakrian, LucyGulvartian, and Eileen Keusseyan, luncheonco-chairs welcomed the crowd. Joyce Stein,National Co-Chair of the Committee, praisedthe work of the West Coast Committee andoffered a prayer. Michelle Simourian, Co-Founder of the AMAA's East Coast Orphanand Child Care Committee described thework of the AMAA, which helps orphan-ages, schools, orphaned children living withrelatives and handicapped children in Arme-nia. Elizabeth Agbabian, Co-Founder of theAMAA's West Coast Committee presenteda touching video of children in Armenia whobenefit from the proceeds of this luncheon.

After the lunch, the lights were dimmed

Sold Out Crowd Attending AMAA Luncheon Shows Compassion andHope for the Children of Armenia

U S A

for the start of PolAtteu's spectacu-lar fashion showextravaganza, fea-turing his profes-sional models aswell as Armenianchildren wearingdesigns from hiscollection.

It was a fun filledafternoon asguests bid for theunique and beauti-ful silent auctionitems gathered by Lory Muncherian, GayaneTatoulian, and other committee members.

In closing, LindaKay Abdulian and ArsinePhillips, current co-chairs of the West CoastOrphan and Child Care Committee, recog-

nized various donors, whose contributionswere greatly appreciated, and thanked theentire committee for many months of diligentwork, which made the event trulyspectacular.G

The Armenia Summer Camp/Christmas Committee of the Armenian Missionary

Association of America (AMAA) presenteda Chamber Music Recital featuring MotýlChamber Ensemble on Sunday, May 15 atthe Armenian Evangelical Church of NewYork to benefit the children of Armenia andKarabagh. Motýl Chamber Ensemble’s mem-bers each carry an intense repertoire, haveperformed in numerous concerts and recit-als, and as a group are winners of the Art-ists International Competition. This uniqueensemble performs music written by com-posers who were victims of the Holocaust.The name Motýl, which means “butterfly”in Czech, is derived from the poem The But-terfly, written by a child at Terezin (the con-centration camp in Prague). The poem de-scribes the last butterfly seen in the con-centration camp.

The Program included music by Ulmann,Ludwig v. Beethoven, Komitas Vartabed,Egon Lede, Robert Dauber and Erik Hachikian.

AMAA Summer Camp Committee Holds Its Spring Recital Featuring MotýlChamber Ensemble

AMAA Summer Camp/Christmas Committee members with the artists and guests.

At the end of the program, Erik Hachikianwas recognized and invited to say a fewwords about his composition. LucyIshkanian was also recognized for being in-strumental in introducing Motýl ChamberEnsemble to the AMAA.

As the AMAA’s Executive Director, AndyTorigian indicated in his opening remarks,100% of the proceeds of this event will sup-port the AMAA’s summer camps and DailyVacation Bible Schools held in Armenia,

(cont'd on page 9)

AMAA Orphan and Child Care West Coast Committee members.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20056

The executives of the Armenian Mis- sionary Association of America

(AMAA) and the executives of theUnited Church Board for World Minis-ters (UCC) met on March 17, 2005 to dis-cuss their future plans as mission part-ners. The AMAA and the UCC haveworked together in getting aid to theTsunami victims. They also work closelyin helping the Armenians in Armenia bysupporting the AMAA Child Sponsor-ship Program, the Armenian EvangelicalTheological Academy in Armenia, andthe AMAA Children’s Camp projects.Support is also provided to Armenianstudents in Lebanon whose parents can-not afford to send their children to theArmenian schools. G

AMAA and UCC Executives Meet Together in Cleveland on Their JointMission Projects

Photo by Victoria Belanger

"The future of the Merdinian School is bright, and with God’s help we con-

tinue to raise the academic standards andlook forward to erecting new buildings, andexpanding to a secondary school,” said Dr.Hrair Atikian, Chairman of the Board of Di-rectors, at the School’s 23rd annual ban-quet, on March 6.

In opening the program, Harut Der-Tavitian, a member of the Board of the C. &E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School,who served as master of ceremonies, paidtribute to the Armenian Missionary Asso-ciation of America (AMAA), the ArmenianEvangelical Union of North America(AEUNA), and the other organizationswhich have supported the School since it’sinception.

On behalf of the AMAA, AndrewTorigian, Executive Director, stressed theimportance of the School’s mission and of-fered the AMAA’s continued support. Forhis part, Rev. Joe Matossian, Minister toAEUNA, also expressed wholehearted sup-

Merdinian School Celebrates23 years of Excellence

Photo by Harry L. Koundakjian

U S A

Mr. Albert Momjian, Esq., (AMAA Board Member and Solicitor), Mrs. Ann Kiernozek, (UCCTreasurer), Rev. Bennie Whiten, Jr., (Acting Executive Minister), Mr. Andy Torigian, (AMAAExecutive Director), Dr. Peter Makari, (UCC Area Executive, Middle East and Armenia).

port and joy over theaccomplishments ofthe school.

Other speakers onthe program includedHovsep Injejikian, theSchool principal andDr. Peter Crowe, theNarekatis Professorof Armenian Studiesat UCLA.

Entertainment forthe evening wasprovided by Board Member Vatche Terzian,who presented a slide show of campus life;a musical selection by pianist SarkisBaltaian; and the school’s choir, under thedirection of Mrs. Victoria Abrahamian-Elyasi.

Mrs. Alice Haig, a past AMAA Boardmember who was instrumental in the found-ing of the School, and Rev. Dr. Herald A.G.Hassessian, a former Merdinian SchoolBoard member, both of whom had died in

the past year, were remembered with a mo-ment of silence.Founded in 1982, Merdinian School is ac-credited by the Western Association ofSchools and Colleges. The school nurtureschildren from preschool through middleschool by offering a strong academic pro-gram, emphasizing Christian and ethicalvalues for the development of sound char-acter, and teaching Armenian and Americantraditions. G

The Merdinian School's choir presenting musical selections.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 7

Now in its second century of service,the Armenian Evangelical Church of Chi-

cago broke ground for a new edifice, at cer-emonies on April 16.

Some 200 members and well-wishers werepresent for the ecumenical service which be-gan with scripture readings by Rev. SamAgulian, the parish’s pastor, and ArmenianEvangelical Union of North America(AEUNA) ministers Rev. Kevin Kasper andRev. Michael Matossian.

Archpriest Father Zareh Sahakian, from AllSaints’ Armenian Apostolic Church ofGlenview, and several Deacons who werepresent at the ceremony, performed the Ap-ostolic Blessing of Antasdan—the blessingof the four corners of the world and the hu-man livelihood contained therein—the tradi-tional blessings for new Armenian churches.

After the welcome of the community anddistinguished guests, by the church’s Mod-erator, David Hagopian, Chairman of Trust-ees Fred Simonian lead the act ofgroundbreaking. He introduced Rev. Dr. VahanTootikian, Executive Director of the ArmenianEvangelical World Council (AEWC), whobrought greetings on behalf of the AEWC andAEUNA. As he turned the soil he blessed theground in the name of the Holy Trinity.

Mr. Simonian then introduced NyreeAgulian and Matthew Hagopian, current mem-bers of the church’s youth group; Mrs.Armenette Miller who grew up in the church’syouth group; and Mrs. Attia Megurdichian, a93 year old Genocide survivor and a longtimemember of the church. Mr. Simonian explainedthat, symbolically, these four individuals rep-resent the generations served by the church.

The small parish had its humble beginningsas a monthly prayer group on the south sideof Chicago in November of 1901. By 1916,with use of the facilities at the Moody BibleInstitute, the church was officially formed with42 charter members.

The church’s present facility was donatedby John Bezazian in 1945, and, in large mea-sure, the sale of the Bezazian property made itpossible for the church to move to a suburbanlocation, more central to the community it nowseeks to serve. It was fitting that Mr.Bezazian’s granddaughter, Paulette Bezazian,was attending the ceremony.

Evangelical Church of ChicagoBreaks Ground for New Building

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Andrew Torigian, execu-tive director of the ArmenianMissionary Association ofAmerica (AMAA), broughtthe greetings of the associa-tion and congratulated thechurch on this milestone. Hereviewed the history of thechurch and discussed howthe local church is the foun-dation of the AMAA’s abil-ity to effect change in themission field.

Also in attendance wasRev. Barkev Darakjian, Pas-tor Emeritus, who served thechurch from 1975 to 1996. Rev. Darakjian gavemoving comments, noting how appropriate itwas that in a week Armenians all over the worldwould be marking the 90th anniversary of theArmenian Genocide, Armenians would still be

Armenian Memorial Church of Watertown, MA WelcomesAMAA Executive Director Andy Torigian

Andy Torigian, the Executive Director of the AMAA joined the congregation of theWatertown Armenian Memorial Church for their Annual AMAA luncheon, orga-nized by the Missions Committee of the church. Mr. Torigian spoke about theArmenian Children and their families in Syria, Lebanon, and Armenia that cannotafford an education and encouraged the congregation to participate in sponsoringthese children. The response was very good. The congregation was very moved bythe dedication of the AMAA who help these children and their families.

proclaiming the faith of their fathers and build-ing churches.

Following the ceremony a reception washeld at the Armenian Community Center inGlenview. G

(l to r) Members of the Missions Committee of the Armenian Memorial Chruch, Watertown,Ma: Rick Ishkanian, Rachel Dohanian, Nora Orchanian (Chair of Missions), Andy Torigian(AMAA Ex. Director), Rev. Avedis Boynerian (Pastor of Watertown Church), SalpiMarkarian, Hasmig Pianpiano.

Mrs. Armenette Miller, Matthew Hagopian, Genocide SruviveorMrs. Attia Megurdichian and Nyree Agulian turning the soil.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 20058

The Armenian Evangelical pastor whobecame an international hero among

the Armenians as a result of his appearanceon Turkish television, paid a visit to theheadquarters of the Armenian MissionaryAssociation of America (AMAA) on Tues-day, April 12,2005.

Rev. Krikor Aghabaloghlu, was invited toparticipate in a five-hour show on Turkishtelevision to present “the Armenian pointof view.” in a discussion of the ArmenianGenocide. Rev. Aghabaloghlu is a well-known activist who has already been jailedonce for challenging the confiscation of hischurch’s property by the Turkish govern-ment.

At the AMAA offices, Rev. Aghabaloghluwas introduced to the headquarters staff,and had discussion with both the Executiveand the Administrative Directors. He re-ported on the progress of the ArmenianEvangelical work in Turkey, which goes be-yond the Armenian communities and reachesout to the local community. Many non Ar-menian Christians now regularly participatein the Sunday worship services

The outspoken and courageous Istanbulpastor was encouraged and supported bythe AMAA to attend the Bitinia Bible Schoolof Istanbul, from which he was graduated.In September 1999, the Union of the Arme-nian Evangelical Churches in the Near Eastgranted him a license to preach and performthe sacraments of Baptism and Communionin Armenian Evangelical Church of GedikPasha. He was ordained as a pastor in De-cember 2002 and continues to serve as pas-tor and Chairman of the same Church.

On the program, much to the surprise ofboth Hulki Jevizoglu, the host of the show,and his main guest, historian Mehmet Saray,Rev. Aghabal-oghlu made it clear that thereis no doubt a genocide was committed againstthe Armenians. It is reported that while thetwo Turks were in a state of disbelief, Pas-tor Aghabaloghlu went on to state that allTurks in Anatolia know the truth about theArmenian Genocide, although no one daredto talk about the subject and that anyonewho had the courage to speak about it, is

'Brave' Pastor Aghabaloghlu VisitsAMAA Headquarters

T U R K E Y

called a traitor, condemned by the me-dia, taken to court, and sent to jail.

He kept on insisting that, as a cler-gyman, he has the obligation to tellthe truth, and refused to allow himselfto be silenced.

Undeterred, Rev. Aghabaloghlu saidthat he knew the facts first-hand fromthe experiences of his own family, andadded that there is irrefutable evidencefor the Genocide in hundreds of booksin many languages and that everyoneknew that the Armenians in Anatolia werethe victims of Genocide.

Adding insult to the injury of the Turks, heasked rhetorically, “What did happen to theArmenians inhabiting that region? Did theyevaporate? Did they decide to migrate en masse?Are there any Armenians left in Anatolia?”

Mr. Dikran Youmshakian, Rev. Krikor Aghabaloglu andMr. Andy Torigian.

Dorcas Aid International Director Visits the AMAA Headquarters

Dorcas aid began in 1980 as a small group in Netherlands, mainly to assist thoseimprisoned for their faith. Today, after twenty five years, Dorcas Aid is an interna-tional organization providing development, social and relief services in twenty coun-tries around the world including Armenia. Dorcas projects in Armenia are supportedthrough active partnership with the Armenian Missionary Association of America(AMAA). AMAA supports Dorcas projects in Mozambique, Africa.

Dr. Dirk Jan Groot, the director of Dorcas Aid International, visited New Jersey andhad meetings at AMAA headquarters to coordinate the joint efforts of the two partnerorganizations. Mr. Groot also held meetings to reorganize Dorcas Aid America. Twonew members were appointed to Dorcas Aid America Board - Rev. Dr. Attila Kocais,pastor of Magyar-Hungarian Reformed Church of Perth Amboy, NJ and DikranYoumshakian, the Administrative Director of the AMAA. G

Rev. Aghabaloghlu was born in Arapkir in1957. He studied in Arapkir and Malatia and,in 1979, he was graduated from the Univer-sity of Istanbul, receiving a Bachelor’s de-gree in Education and majoring in the historyof Turkey. He is married to Maria Semerji.They have a son and a daughter. G

Mr. Dikran Youmshakian, Mr. Edward Janjigian, Dr. Dirk Jan Groot and Mr. Andrew Torigian.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 9

Karabagh, and Georgia, where more than10,000 children attend each summer.

A lovely reception prepared by the Sum-mer Camp/Christmas Committee membersfollowed the program, where the audience hadthe opportunity to meet the artists.

The Spring Recital was chaired by ElbizBaghdikian, the co-chair of the New York/NewJersey area Summer Camp/Christmas Com-mittee with Ani Chalemian as the Music Chair.

Keeping the day’s program in focus, hav-ing a recital by the works of Holocaust vic-tims to benefit the summer camps of Arme-nia- a country with children of victims of aGenocide, is truly the heart and spirit of theMotýl Chamber Ensemble and is the driveof the ensemble’s dedication to remember-ing the lives of Genocide sufferers and sur-vivors through their music.G

B R A Z I L

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’teaching and to the fellowship, to thebreaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

In general, the commemoration of abirthday is a reason for joy. In relation toour Armenian Evangelical Church in SãoPaulo, Brazil, our attitude towards God mustnot only be an attitude of joy, but also ofthanksgiving. The Lord has always beenblessing us in rich ways through this church,where God’s children have the opportunityto listen to His marvelous Word. And asthe book of Acts reminds us, in this belovedChurch, we have persevered by God’s graceand mercy, devoting ourselves to theapostles’ teaching and to our fellowshipwith one another. Our church communityhas truly been like a family where we haveshared the joyous and the sad momentstogether. We have laughed together, criedtogether, broke bread together, and prayedtogether.

As Paul the apostle said, God, who begana good work in us, will carry it on tocompletion until the day of Christ Jesus(Philippians 1:6). God, in His wonderfulgrace, provided to our parents, fifty yearsago, the means for the construction of atemple for His beloved Armenian Evangelicalcommunity, in order to allow His children tobe richly blessed through His Word and toworship Him with songs of praise. Timepassed from that day, fifty years ago, whenour church opened its doors for the veryfirst time and we gather together now as thechildren of this fearless yet obedientgeneration of servants of God who haveyielded to His calling. Today, with ourchurch built, we pray that we may continuebeing God’s blessing by being Hisinstruments, using the temple for His gloryand also for teaching our children and thenext generation our love and reverencetowards His church, so that they may beblessed by us as we were by our parents.

On this 50th anniversary occasion, thechurch held special worship services forthanksgiving with guest speakers andseveral other celebratory programs,expositions of historical pictures of the

Celebrating the 50th Anniversaryof the Construction of our Temple

church, video presentations and a dinner/banquet to highlight the history and themission of the church. We were speciallypleased to have amongst us Mrs. LouisaJanbazian from The United States (the wifeof our former pastor Rev. Movses Janbazian)who came to be with us specially for thisvery special occasion. On Wednesday, May22, she was the guest speaker of a specialprogram organized by the Women's Guildof our church, where she spoke about theAMAA's work for the children of Armeniaand Karabagh and showed a touchingvideo - "Happy Childhood" - about thechildren in Armenia and Karabagh whobenefit from the AMAA's ongoing mission.At the end of this special program donationswere received for school supplies to be sentto Armenia through the AMAA's SummerCamp/Christmas Committee.

As a church, we would like to share ourdeep joy with all the AMAA members, sinceour church could not have existed todaywithout the generosity that the AMAA hasbeen providing us all through these years.May the Lord Jesus drop showers of Hisrich blessings on the AMAA, so that otherchurches may have the same joy as we arehaving presently.

May God bless us richly and may theLord Jesus Christ always be glorified in thelife of our Church. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Roy AbrahamianSenior Pastor of São Paulo Church

Designed by Norman Seraidarian

(cont'd from page 5...)

Rev. Dr. Roy Abrahamian, the Senior Pastor ofthe Armenian Evangelical Church of São Paulo.

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 200510

Lebanon has quite often been on the news in the past months. Since the

assassination of the former Prime Minister,Rafiq El Hariri, in February, it has undergonemany changes. The whole country mournedthe great loss; a million people expressedtheir opinions on the streets; the PrimeMinister resigned; car bombs exploded invarious areas (some of them a few miles fromour schools); a new government wasappointed and finally, campaigns andparliamentary elections took place.

These events definitely and immediatelyaffected our schools and our families, yetamidst it all, the Armenian Evangelicalschools of Lebanon not only endured allthe shocks and daily challenges, but alsocarried forth their commemorations of the90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocideand celebrations of the 1600th anniversaryof the creation of the Armenian Alphabet.

Inter-school Contest Dedicatedto the 90th anniversary of theArmenian Genocide

The Armenian Evangelical EducationalCouncil of Lebanon planned this uniquecontest entirely dedicated to the ArmenianGenocide. The Council then published abooklet called “The Armenian Question”which included over one hundredquestions and answers as well as relatedwebsites and distributed it to about 1,000Armenian high school students inLebanon. The five themes were: Historicalbackground of the Armenian Question; theGenocide; Survival and Monuments;Related Books and Art; and Recognitionof the Armenian Genocide.

Twelve Armenian high schoolsparticipated in this very exciting event onApril 16, each with a team of three students.The questions as well as the scores, whichwere projected on screens, made the eventan exciting educational experience. Thewhole event was sponsored by HaigazianUniversity.

The Armenian Evangelical College wonthe first prize, the Central High School won

the second and the Seminary of theArmenian Catholicossate won the thirdprize.

Armenian Cultural DayAnother unprecedented event was the

Armenian Cultural Day celebration onMay 21, and May 25, 2005. About 600

elementary students and their teachersfrom all the Armenian Evangelical schoolsof Lebanon started the day by marchingin the streets of Bourj Hammoud, a denselypopulated Armenian district in thesuburbs of Beirut. A marching bandcreated the most unforgettable experienceto all the participants and pleasantly

Armenian Evangelical Schools of Lebanon Commemorate 90th Anniversaryof the Armenian Genocide and Mark the Armenian Cultural Day

The students marching in the streets of Bourdj Hammoud, Lebanon.

A presentation on the occasion of the Armenian Cultural Day.

L E B A N O N

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 11

Eleven teachers of the Armenian Evangelical Schools of Lebanon re-ceived gold medals and certificates as tokens of appreciation for their 25 ormore years of service in the educational field. The ceremony took place onMarch 13, in the presence of hundreds of friends, colleagues and familymembers.

The medals and certificates were handed to the teachers by Rev.Mgerditch Karagoezian, the President of the Union of the Armenian Evan-gelical Churches in the Near East, Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian, Chair of theCentral Committee, and Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Chair of the Educational Council.The joint choirs of the Armenian Evangelical College and Trad Social CentreSchool sang two beautiful songs.

The honorees were: Mr. Salman Awabdi, Mr. Aram Bakkalian, Mrs.Vehan Bedirian, Mr. Faysal Jalbout, Miss Anie Kasbarian, Mrs. SetaKaragoezian, Miss Makrouhie Ounjian, Miss Sossy Sarkisian, Mr. IbrahimSidani, Miss Sonia Sislian and Mr. Moustafa Tassi. G

Teacher Award Ceremony

surprised the passers by. A man, stillunknown to us, wrote in a local Armeniannewspaper and called this march “aninvitation to awareness.” He then said thatthose children were the newly rebornNaregatsis and Sayat Novas. When thestudents reached the courtyard ofShamlian Tatigian Secondary School, theyassembled large pieces of a puzzle, thusconstructing the historical map ofArmenia.

The few hours were full of culturalactivities. School choirs sang, Armeniandance groups performed and folkcostumes were presented. One of thehighlights of the day was the performancecalled “What Is the Armenian Cause?” bya group of school children.

The afternoon activities included agroup game based on Armenian Art and aworkshop for making the Alphabet.

The intermediate and high schoolstudents celebrated their ArmenianCultural Day in Anjar, an Armenianvillage in the Bekaa Valley, on May 25.About 500 s tudents and teachersgathered in the schoolyard. The dayopened with a prayer and announcementsfollowed by two kinds of programs. Thefirst was a mixture of Armenian dance,poetry, and music, all performed by verytalented students from each participatingschool. The second program was thepresentation of documents that thestudents themselves had prepared onthe computer on the following themes:Historical Armenia; the Recognition ofthe Armenian Genocide; GenocideMonuments; from Mousa Dagh to Anjar;and World-Famous Armenians.

The afternoon activities included twoart workshops, an Armenian dance class,a rally paper contest, and a roundtablediscussion.

Prof. Sossy Balian, the Chair of theEducational Coordinating Committee ,concluded the proceedings with a fewwords.

We praise God for a blessed and safeschool year and extend our gratitude tothe Armenian Missionary Association ofAmerica and its membership, whothroughout the years have supported ourschools both financially and morally andenabled us to continue our mission in theNear East. G

The Students at the courtyard of the Armenian Evangelical Shamlian Tatigian School of NorMarash, Bourdj Hammoud.

L E B A N O N

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 200512

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

9:S :KA| OR K:ANQ OUN:NAN0

W;r1 |owfannhs "1 Afaron;an

: rb farz troui4 jh mardoz dimagraua6 far-

z;roun fimnakan ;u am;nakar;uore o2rn h4

stazoua6 patas.ann;re antarako\s piti ellan

xanaxan4 ba\z wstafabar a\d patas.ann;re ir;nz

w;r=nakan lou6oumin mh= piti ;xra'akouin mhk

fimnakan farzi mh=3 k;anqi farzin!

Esoua6 h4 jh mard .orfo[ hak men h! Hak me4 or

krna\ .orfil tramaban;low ;u andrada5nalow!

Marde miak hakn h4 or krna\ inqn ir wra\ and-

rada5nal ;u ir go\oujiunn ou anor npatake farz-

ou'or]i ;njark;l! Inco2u go\ ;m! I2nc h k;anqi

npatake! Asonq farzoumn;r ;n4 xors mia\n mard

arara6e krna\ farzn;l! A5a=in marde4 or krzau

a5a=in ' i li so'a \akan farz e ar6ar6 ;l 4

fauanabar3 amhn banh a5a= farzouz1 i@nc h k;anqe!

:u ankh i w;r farze dar]a6 h mnaz;al bolor far-

z;roun korixn ou k;drone4 qanxi atika ke bnoro,h

ouri, amhn .orfourd! Atika a\n k;dronakan farzn

h4 or ke m;knabanh ;u ke dasauorh ouri, amhn

farz! K;anqe au;li .orounk h qan3 fauatqe4 qani

or fauatqe mia\n snamh= ba5i ke w;ra6oui ;jh

cb.i srth me4 our k;a#nq ka\! Anika au;li fimnakan

h qan3 shre4 ]gh or Astoua6 isk shr ella\4 qanxi

a5anz k ;anqi shre an;r;uaka \;li piti el la\!

K;anqe famapar'ak am'o'oumn h ouri, amhn bani!

K;anqe korixn h mardka\in go\ouj;an! A5anz

k;anqi3 april cka\! Go\ ellal3 ke n,anakh april!

Afa jh inco2u k;anqe amhn banh qa[zr h ou

jankagin! Xarmanali ch or minc;u isk am;naj,oua5

marde m;5nil c*oux;r! Aprile fryouanq h4 ;u npatak

men h inq ir mh=! K;anqe frapouric h ;u fma\ic4

mafe at;li! M;r banast;[6n;rhn wa[am;5ik

P;tros Dour;an pa[atagin ke bazaganch1

:u mafam;r]n al k*ouxh ;rkou ban1

Na. k;a@nqe4 w;r=e lazo[ m*ir wran!

Na#. k;anqe4 ;u ;jh a\d kar;li ch4 \;to \ lazo[

me ir wra\! Wiqjor Fiuko4 f5cakauor f;[inake

9J,oua5n;r0oun4 k*esh1 9M;5nil ocinc h4 dvouar ch4

ba\z capril xarfour;li ban h0! K;anqe mardka\in

go\ouj;an am;najankagin ;u miak gan]n h!

Xarmanali ch4 jh mardik apra6 ;n3 k;anqin

fandhp ir;nz oun;za6 dirqoro,oumin fama]a\n!

Mhkoun oun;za6 k;anqi 'iliso'a\ouj;an famar

k;anqe a5au;labar `ixiqakan go\oujiun h4 our;mn3

marde apr;lou h orphs a5a=nakarg anasoun4 kam3

k;ndani me! Baro \apa,t ;u drapa,t 'i li-

so'a\ouj;an famar k;anqe \arab;roujiunn;rou ;u

enk;rakzouj;anz am'o'oumn h4 our;mn mardoun

partakanoujiunn h april orphs enk;ra\in arara6

me! Ygnauorin famar k;anqe yambordi go\oujiun

men h4 a\d isk patya5ow an ke 'or]h april a,.arfh

f;5ou ;u an]naxspouj;amb! Fayo\apa,tin famar

k;anqe banast;[6oujiun h4 .ind ou 6i6a[!

|isous al apr;zau k;anqe4 ba\z anor k;anqe

tarb;r hr4 qanxi k;anqi fandhp oun;za6 ir t;sa-

khte ouri,n;roun t;sakhthn tarb;r hr! |isous o#c

stazoua6q ounhr4 o#c al entaniq4 ba\z an ygnauor me

chr! An enk;rouj;an mh= apr;zau4 k;rau ou .m;z4

ba\z niujapa,t mhke chr! N;rka\ gtnou;zau farsa-

niqn;rou ;u ir n;rka\ouj;amb xouarjoujiun s'5;z

amhn ko[m4 ba\z an fayo\apa,t me chr! Anor k;anqe

ta5apaliz hr4 ba\z an \o5;t;s mhke chr! Ta5ap;zau

ir ambo[= k;anqi enjazqin ;u ir k;anqe w;r=azouz

soskali o[b;rgouj;amb me4 ba\z an cesau So[omon

Imastounin phs1 9Ouna\noujiun4 ouna\nouj;anz4 amhn

ban ouna\noujiun h04 ;u oc al3 9Vpth ;u krh k;anqi

b;5e4 ;u kam3 a5anz vpiti krh04 sto\ik imastouin

phs! |isous k;anqi mh= npatak me4 \auit;nakan

npatak me t;sau! An k;anqi ta5apanqin mh= k;an-

qi \a[janake t;sau4 dvouaroujiunn;rou4 n;[oujiun-

n;rou ;u j,oua5ouj;anz mh=hn k;anqi fryouanqe ;u

npatake gtau! K;anqe ir;n famar npataki mioujiun

me ounhr! Anor apr;lak;rpe ;xaki hr! |aya. a5anz

qouni mnaz4 ba\z a[7jqow anzen;lou famar! An7ji

mnaz4 ba\z anor 6omapafoujiune x7roujiun artadr;z!

|ogn;zau4 ba\z a5anz mtafogouj;an apr;zau!

Na.atou;zau4 ba\z an m;rv;z at;l! K;anqe bard hr4

ba\z an parx apr;zau! K;anqe apr;zau \a[jakan7rhn!

Esoua6 h3 ;jh k*oux;s Au;tarane mhk ba5ow

bazatr;l3 a\d bare 9k;anq0n h! A\n ba5n h4 or ir

mh= k*am'o'h |isousi a5aq;loujiune! |isousi

ousouzan;l ouxa6 bane k;anq h r! An inxin qe

n;rka\azouz k;anqin f;t! An esau1 9:s ;m k;anqe04

9:s ;m \aroujiunn ou k;anqe04 9:s ;ka\ or k;anq

oun;nan ;u al au;li oun;nan0!

Ba\z i2nc ke n,anakh a\d!

|isousi famar amhn banh a5a= 9k;anq0 ke

n,anakhr3 an]e gtn;l! Sokrat esau1 9^anir xq;x0!

Fianali ban h wa\;l;l bnoujiunn ou anor g;[;z-

koujiune4 ba\z au;li fianali h n;rqin fam;ra,-

.ouj;an mh= april qou an]id f;t! A\d en;lou famar

phtq h gtn;l qou an]d! Gtn;l4 jh3 k;anqe imast ;u

npatak ouni4 jh3 april ke n,anakh3 m;6 patas-

.anatououjiun! Fasknal4 jh marde \auit;nakan arvhq

ouni4 jh an Astou6o\ nman h ;u krna\ april sourb

k;anq me4 minc;u isk mi=awa\ri annpast pa\mann;rou

tak! Gitnal4 jh |isous ;kau a\d k;anqe a5au;l

7rfno uj;an me4 ;#u y,marit ;r=ankouj;an me

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 13

O B I T U A R I E S

Pauline Lucy KhanjianPauline was born on October 6, 1933 in

Oakland, CA to Manual and PricillaAlexanian. At an early age she begantaking piano lessons and became anaccomplished soloist and accompanist.She pursued her undergraduate studies atWheaton College majoring initially inmusic, but then switched to ChristianEducation to incorporate another of herpassions. At the age of 23 Pauline was inspired to go overseas toBeirut, Lebanon. In Beirut she taught at the Armenian EvangelicalCentral High School for about two years, then returned to the USand taught at Simpson Bible College in San Francisco, while alsoserving as Director of Christian Education and organist at theBethany Armenian Congregational Church. At that time, Dr.Markarian, President of Haigazian College in Beirut asked Pauline ifshe would be able to help institute educational programs at thecollege and so she obtained a Masters in Education Degree andwent on to establish the Education and Psychology programs. Shealso organized annual musical productions at the college as well as

w;ra6;lou! K;anq me4 or iskaphs krna\ k;anq kocouil!

A\s h inqxinq yancnalou ;u gtn;lou k;rpe!

Takauin3 k;anqe phtq h nkat;l ibr \arab;rou-

jiun me Astou6o\ f;t! K;anqe4 or Qristos h4 ;u k;anqe4

xor |isous m;xi ke 'o.anzh ibr gor6nakan enk;-

rakzoujiun me Astou6o \ f;t! |isous esau1 9A\s h

\auit;nakan k;anqe4 or anonq gitnan mia\n y,marit

Astoua6e ;u |isous Qristose4 or doun [rk;zir0!

A5au;l k;anqe3 xAstoua6 au;liow yancnalou mh= ke

ka\ana\! Gitnal xAstoua6 orphs Fa\r ;u anor f;t

\arab;ril orphs ordi! |isous ;kau a\s \arab;rou-

jiune fastat;lou4 afa jh incou an esau1 9:s ;m

k;anqe04 9:s ;ka\ or k;anq oun;nan ;u al au;li oun;nan0!

:u d;53 k;anq ke n,anakh 6a5a\oujiun ouri,n;-

roun! Marde an=at go\oujiun me ch! An k*apri enk;-

rouj;an mh=! K;anqe kar;li h ouri, mardka\in hak-

n;rou \arab;rouj;amb! An]nak;dron ellal4 ir;rou

kazouj;an f;t famenjaz ch! An]e gtn;l3 ouri,n;re4

;u anonz fandhp m;r dirqn al gtn;l ke n,anakh!

Au;tarane anfatinn h4 ba\z anfatin4 or k*apri

enk;rouj;an mh=! Fon h mardka\in s;5i miasnaka-

noujiune ;u mioujiune! K;anqi ;r=ankoujiune ci ka-

\anar ,at farstoujiun oun;nalou4 a\l3 xAstoua6

yancnalou mh=! K;anqi ;r=ankoujiune ouri,n;roun

k;anq n;r,nc;lou mh= ke ka\ana\! A\n ;ritasardin4

or farzouz4 jh3 o2w h ir drazin4 |isous bari Sama-

razii patmoujiune patm;lh ;tq4 esau1 9Gna#4 doun al

a\nphs erh0! |isous3 6a5a\;lou4 talou4 k;anq n;r,nc;-

lou famar ;kau1 a5at ;u \ordafos k;anq4 ;r=anik

;u \auit;nakan k;anq! A\s h k;anqi npatake!

9:s ;ka\ or k;anq oun;nan ;u al au;li oun;nan0! G

W;rafratarkoua6 W;r1 |owfannhs "1 Afaron;ani

:[izin Kamq Qo Girqhn (Ph\rouj ÊÈÈË)

AnnouncementImmanuel Armenian Congregational Church of Downey,California, is looking for a new senior minister who canboth deepen our faith and lead us to the kind of growththat would utilize the many gifts of its members. He orshe must have the ability to preach both in Armenianand English, demonstrate a deep spiritual life, acommitment to the mission of the church, andadministrative abilities. We believe the position wouldoffer great opportunities to the right candidate who iseager to respond to this challenge. For further informationplease contact:Hrag M. Marganian, M.D.835 Panorama Road - USAFullerton, CA 92831e-mail: cjam6@adelphia.netTelephone and FAX: 714 446-0115

Aivazian, EmmaMemphis, IN

* Aroustamian, ArmenBrockton, MABabigian, MarionCresskill, NJ

* Balabanian, AnissePasadena, CABaroudjian Smith, VirginiePaso Robles, CADingilian, LouiseBronx, NY

* Esajian, BrightHanford, CA

* Fleury, MarthaCranston, RI

The AMAA Board of Directors and staff wish to extend their heartfeltcondolences to the families of the following deceased friends whosenames were submitted to us for publication in the AMAA News.

* Memorials designated for AMAA

Guleserian, John “Sarkis”Cranston, RIIshkhanian, BarkevMosman, Australia

* Kazandjian, SetaAleppo, SyriaKenosian, CharlesLynn, MA

* Linsley, LoraOakland, CA

* Mateosian, HripsimeMontebello, CASarkissian, PeggySan Diego, CA

leading the choir of the First Armenian Evangelical Church. Whilein Beirut, Pauline met John Khanjian, a seminarian at the Near EastSchool of Theology. They were married in the summer of 1963 inChicago. Pauline and John were both engaged in teaching at AleppoCollege and Pauline served as pianist for the Emmanuel ArmenianEvangelical church. In 1966 back in California, Pauline taught 5th

grade, then pursued nursing, acquiring her RN degree as well asher credential in Marriage and Family counseling. She acquired herMFT state license in 1971. After living in Beirut for 5 years and theloss of their first adopted son, Pauline was evacuated from Beirutby the American Embassy due to increasing civil unrest.Communicating only by letter they agreed that John would goabout the process of adopting another baby and in July of 1976Pauline flew to Belgium to meet up with John and their two newlyadopted babies. After a move in 1977 to Salina, KS, Pauline becamehighly involved at the First Covenant Church.

Of all her accomplishments, Pauline considered her greatest tobe raising her two children. She said that she wished she couldhave two lifetimes in order to learn all that she could and continuein service to the Lord. Indeed she followed Romans 12:11 “Do notlag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.”

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 200514

Pepronia MerjanianMiss Pepronia

Merjanian, Ph.D.,passed away onSunday, March 13,2005, in Pasadena,CA. Her body wasput to rest onThursday, March17 during a familyprivate intermentservice.

Dr. Merjanian was born on March 20, 1912in Marash, Turkish Armenia (Cilicia). At theage of three, she experienced the pain suf-fered by many Armenians during her forma-tive years.

Upon the pullout of allied forces from East-ern Anatolia, her reunited family, like manyother Armenian families, left Marash andsettled in Aleppo, Syria. Later, the familymoved to Beirut, Lebanon, where Peproniaattended the Miss Web Girls High School,the Beirut College for Women and the NearEast School of Theology.

Her desire to expand her education com-pelled her to seek education in the UnitedStates, in spite of financial uncertainties.Stateside, she studied at the University ofHartford, CT and obtained her undergradu-ate degree in liberal arts. The following year,she obtained her Master of Arts (MA) de-gree in Christian Education from the Hart-ford Seminary in CT. In 1951, she obtained asecond MA from the Teachers College ofColumbia University of New York, this oneis psychological foundations. Later, in 1975,she went on to receive her Ph.D. in psychol-ogy from California Graduate Institute. InCalifornia, she also obtained her teachingcredentials (for life) for all grades and juniorcollege.

Dr. Merjanian's professional career cov-ered a wide spectrum: teaching, counseling,ministry, social work, and authoring books.Two of her books were published, The Joyof Teaching, (a best-seller) in 1966 and 1977,and Money and Women's Self Esteem: AChristian Perspective, 1971. Dr. Merjanianhad achieved international recognition, andthe list of her accomplishments is very longindeed, not only within the Armenian com-munity, but in her surroundings as well, wher-ever those were. She was active in educa-tional, religious, and political causes, whichshe supported morally and materially.

She led an exemplary life of modesty, dedi-cation, gratitude and generosity, while trulyvaluing her faith and family. G

Irene H. GarabedianIrene H. Gara-

bedian died on De-cember 15, 2004 inIndianapolis, IN atthe age of 96. Bornin Kharpert, Tur-key (historic Arme-nia) in 1908, shewas the daughterof Paul BoghosJafarian and Nazley Darakjian Jafarian. Irenewas a survivor of the Turkish genocideagainst the Armenians in which vast num-bers of her relatives were killed and her worldwas torn asunder. She remained in Kharpertwith her mother and three siblings underharsh and difficult conditions from 1915 until1923 when the family was finally able to leaveTurkey and join her father in Boston, MA.An account of Irene’s early life is includedin her father’s autobiography “FarewellKharpert”. Irene later graduated fromBurdett Business College and worked as abookkeeper before marrying AttorneyCharles Garabedian in Worcester, MA in1935. She and Charles were the loving par-ents of two daughters, Elaine and Claire.After the death of Charles in 1952, Irene con-tinued to work until her early 70’s.

As a longtime resident of Worcester, MA,Irene was a devoted and active member ofthe Armenian Congregational Church of theMartyrs’, where she served as treasurer anda member of the Board of Trustees for over50 years. Further, she was a board memberof the Armenian Nursing Home, JamaicaPlain, MA and was active in the Worcesterbranch of the AGBU, for which sheorganized monthly fund-raising luncheonsfor a number of years. She had been alongtime sponsor of the AMAA Orphan/Child Scholarship Fund, a supporter of theAMAA and established the Charles MesrobGarabedian AMAA Endowment Fund.

In 1997, Irene moved to Indianapolis, INto be close to her daughter Elaine but kepttelephone ties with many friends andrelatives in Worcester. Throughout her life,she exemplified the qualities of integrity,honesty, compassion, perseverance,frugality and loving devotion to church andfamily.

She is survived by her daughters: Elaine(Donald) Minassian of Indianapolis, IN,Claire (Olvi) Mangasarian of Madison, WI,a sister, Ethel Duffett of Orlando, FL, 5grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.G

Bedros KellikianDeportation, dis-

ease & starvationcould not overcomethe will of genocidesurvivors, Garabed& Khatoon (Sagher-ian) Kellikian’s willto live. And thus in1919 soon afterthey returned toZeytoun, their first son, Bedros, was born.Turmoil, insecurity and violence once againuprooted them as they moved to the townof Kirikhan, where Bedros continued to ex-perience a difficult childhood losing a motherand younger brother to typhoid. In 1928,Garabed, along with his children, Bedros andOvsana moved to Aleppo, Syria where theytook refuge in the outlying camp of ZeytoonKhan. Bedros was soon enrolled at theSahagian Elementary. A year later he was atBethel Armenian Evangelical School, wherehe graduated from 6th grade, displaying anexemplary, scholarly talent. In 1934, he en-rolled at Aleppo High School for Boys, wherehe excelled in a similar show of prowess. Twoyears later however, a deceased benefactorput an unfortunate end to his formal educa-tion. Never giving up he sought knowledgethrough correspondence with the British In-stitute of Engine Technology investing ev-ery penny saved. In the meantime, hetaught himself foreign languages such asEnglish and French. In 1939, he startedteaching in Ayn Aroos, a small village ofNorthern Syria until World War II broke.

Bedros was an active member of his churchand community and took his Christian faithseriously. Throughout his life, he has beenknown for his involvement in the ArmenianEvangelical community in Syria & Lebanon.He served as lay preacher for fifteen years,whenever and wherever needed. His atten-tion was focused on the youth and he was afounding member of Christian Endeavor So-ciety Summer Camp in Kessab, Syria.

In the early 90s Bedros and his wife Aznivmoved to Los Angeles, CA to rejoin theirthree daughters, Sona, married to ZavenKhanjian; Hasmig, married to Arsene Baran;and Nora, married to Vahan Bezdikian. In1996, Bedros lost his beloved wife Azniv.

Bedros Kellikian’s motto in life has beento live with an unwavering loyalty to thepeople of his ancestry and forever expandthe mind, enrich the spirit, and be a beaconof good and morality to those around him Heentered into eternal rest on March 29, 2005.G

O B I T U A R I E S

AMAA NEWS, MAY/JUNE 2005 15

João Georges GaidzakianJoão Georges

Gaidzakian, son ofZabel and GeorgeH. Gaidzakian wasborn in Beirut, Leba-non on Nov. 24,1924. He receivedhis primary educa-tion at the ArmenianEvangelical CentralHigh School of Beirut, Lebanon where his fa-ther, George was the principal and his motherZabel, was one of his teachers.

In 1935 with his parents and sister Hildaleamoved to Brazil and the family started a newlife in a new country. The first years weredifficult with a totally different language andculture. However , soon he was able toconquer these obstacles and embraced withmuch love this new phase in his life.

He finished his schooling in 1947 at theBaptist College. Since his early childhood hehad shown artistic talents, in painting,artwork and music. He took violin lessonssince the age of 13 and participated innumerous musical programs in the Armeniancommunity, in churches and in schools asviolin soloist. He had been the Choir directorof the Zarkatsman Arshaluys (the formerYoung Adults group of the ArmenianEvangelical Central Church of São Paulo) andfrom 1965-1969 was invited as choir directorof the Presbyterian Church of Goias, Brazil.

He had also studied Agronomy &Electrical Engineering, as well as AirplanePhotography and in these areas he workedin many public departments of the country.

In 1957 he married Angel Der Hovanessianand the couple had three children: CinthiaAlids, Gisele Marcia and George Andre.

Joãn Georges was always interested withtopics related to Armenia, to the people ofArmenia, the Armenian Community and hischurch. He was an active member of theArmenian Evangelical Central Church of SãoPaulo and a member of the Church Council.

From 1980-1992 (with some intervals) hewas the administrator of the Armenian Center(Clube Armenio) of São Paulo and from 1988-1991 the President of the Marash Com-patriotic Association of São Paulo, Brazil.

Joãn was a well-respected and dignifiedperson in his community and faithful to Goduntil the last days of his life. He died inGoiania, Brazil at the age of 80. A memorialservice was held on Sunday, May 29, 2005at the Armenian Evangelical Central Churchof São Paulo, Brazil. G

O B I T U A R I E S

Rev. Norair MelidonianRev. Norair Meli-

donian, one of theoldest ministers ofthe Armenian Evan-gelical Union ofNorth America, en-tered his rest onApril 6, 2005, at age98. His funeral ser-vices were held onMonday April 11, 2005, at the Church of theHills, in Forest Lawn Memorial Park at Holly-wood Hills, CA. Officiating at his funeral werethe Armenian Evangelical ministers of GreaterLos Angeles area.

Rev. Melidonian was born in 1907. He wasthe son of Dr. Levon and Ovsanna Melidonian.He received his college education at theAmerican (Anatolia) College in Salonica,Greece, the American University of Beirut,Lebanon, and the Near East School ofTheology also in Beirut, Lebanon. He did postgraduate work in homiletics (art of preaching)and pastoral theology at the School ofReligion, San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

He married a fellow seminarian, VeraZasheva. Rev. Melidonian served eleven yearsin two Armenian Evangelical churches inBulgaria: Sophia, the capital, and Varna. Hewas ordained in 1944 in Sofia, Bulgaria, by theBulgarian Evangelical Union. He came withhis family to USA in 1948.

From 1948-1959 Rev. Melidonian servedArmenian Gethsemane CongregationalChurch and in 1960 accepted the call of theArmenian Cilicia Congregational Churchwhere he served until his resignation in1986.

Besides his parish duties, Rev. Melidonianserved the Armenian Evangelical Union ofCalifornia in the capacity of moderator in thelate 1960s. During his tenure, he introducedsome beneficial changes, such as annualexchange of pulpits of the ArmenianEvangelical churches in California, and familyconferences. He was also instrumental inpromoting better relations with the ArmenianApostolic churches. Rev. Melidonian alsoplayed an important role in the merger of theArmenian Evangelical Unions of the Easternand Western United States.

Rev. Melidonian was a man of literarytalents. He was the author of two books, “TheSoul of a Mother” and “Inner Turmoil” andone unpublished manuscript, “The Role ofthe Armenian People in Civilization”. He wasa dedicated minister who put his whole heartand soul in all his noble endeavors. G

Nellie J. KazanjianNellie Kazanjian, longtime New Hartford

resident, beloved mother–grandmother–greatgrandmother, store proprietor and communityleader, passed away on May 11, 2005.

Born on October 14, 1915 in Utica, NY,Nellie was the daughter of the late JaleelaMardenly and Karkour Murad. She attendedSouth Street School, Union School and UticaFree Academy. As the second of eightchildren, she had to leave high school beforecompleting the eleventh grade to work inher father’s grocery store. There she learnedthe value of hard work and integrity thatwould be a driving force throughout her life.

In 1936, Nellie married the late George J.Kazanjian. In 1941 they purchased and ranthe Quality Food Store on Pearl Street inNew Hartford. Nellie managed to raise fourchildren, be a homemaker and superb cook,and help her husband run the business.After her husband’s death in 1973 and herretirement from the store, the Village of NewHartford issued a proclamation thankingthem for their personal interest and concernin the welfare of generations of customersand friends for over thirty years. In 1984,the New Hartford Rotary Club awardedNellie the Community Service Award.

Nellie loved people and had a gift formaking friends, engaging conversations andlasting impressions wherever she went.Upon retirement she turned her boundlessenergy to the community.

Nellie was a volunteer reader to childrenat the New Hartford Public Library andserved as vice president and board memberof the Young At Heart Club for seniorcitizens. She was a founder of the NewHartford Adult Dining and RecreationCenter established in 1986.

On her 80t h birthday, Oneida Countysaluted Nellie for her meaningfulcontributions to the citizens and the historyof New Hartford by issuing a proclamationdeclaring October 8, 1995 as “NellieKazanjian Day in Oneida County.”

Deeply devoted to her family, Nellie wasrelentless in her determination to instill astrong sense of family values, faith and self-esteem in her children, grandchildren, niecesand nephews.

She is survived by her son George andwife Mary Lou Kazanjian of New Hartford,New York; daughter Miriam A. Kazanjian ofNorth Bethesda, Maryland; son John andwife Patricia Kazanjian of El Paso, Texas, sixgrandchildren and eight great grand-children. G

Armenian Missionary Association of America31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDParamus, NJPermit No. 55

AMAA Armenia Summer Camp/Christmas Committee

Drive For School SuppliesFor Children in Armenia and Karabagh

ElementaryColored pencils (no crayons)Pencil sharpenerPencilsErasersFolders

PensPlain white paperRulerColored markersPencil caseNotebook with lined paper

High SchoolPensErasersPencil sharpenerPencilsPencil Case

Notebook with lined paperFoldersHighlightersCalculator

Suggested items for School Supplies

Enclosed Please find _______ school supply packages or $________ in lieu of school

supplies for ________ packages at $10 each.

Name ____________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

(Please make tax-deductible checks payable to AMAA – earmarked for School Supplies)

Please send School Supplies or donations in lieu of School Supplies to the AMAA at31 W. Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.

For more information you may call Louisa Janbazian at (201) 265-2607.

The school supplies will be distributed to the children at the conclusion of Summer Camps. They will joyfully return home ready for school!