AMAA Past President H. Philip Hovnanian, Ph.D. 1914-2001 · 2017-09-28 · Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America JULY/AUGUST 2001 - Vol. XXXV No. 4 (ISSN 1097-0924)

Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of AmericaJULY/AUGUST 2001 - Vol. XXXV No. 4 (ISSN 1097-0924)

The Rev. Jirair SogomianEditor

In Memoriam

AMAA Past President

H. Philip Hovnanian, Ph.D.

1914-2001

AMAA NEWS, JULY/AUGUST 20012

AMAA NEWS - A publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Inc., 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.Tel. (201) 265-2607; Fax (201) 265-6015; E-Mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.amaainc.org

Hope that Does Not Disappoint Us

Jirair M. Sogomian

There are times and conditions in life when the temptation to embrace pessimism or even flirt with cynicism is quitealluring. When people on whom we have learned to lean for support, help and a source of strength are suddenlytaken away from us; when causes for the success of which we have dedicated our lives in sacrificial labor becometrapping dead ends; when deplorable human conditions we have worked hard to improve stubbornly refuse to yieldand our cries for human justice and righteousness fall on deaf ears, how easy it seems for us to throw in the toweland to walk away from that which has consumed a good part of our life energies! And yet, what sustains us in thoseawful moments of disappointment and despair is Christian Hope! I say Christian Hope, because the word “Hope”in its everyday, secular use has become synonymous to wishful thinking, good luck, or at its best easy optimism.

When one seriously considers the present social,political, economic and spiritual conditions in the

Middle East or Armenia; when one reads major articlesin the press describing the untenable conditions of peoplecaught in the grind of national and international con-flicts, "Hope" in the secular sense will obviously be ameaningless gamble too shallow to carry the weight oftimes and too weak to sustain us in the inadequacy andpain of our own failure to bring about a positive anddecisive change to the human condition.

To anyone who has followed closely the tragic his-tory of Armenia since the devastating earthquake in1988, or studied the social, political and economic vi-cissitudes in Lebanon since the fratricidal civil war in1975 which brought a thriving country to its knees; oneis bound to wonder with the psalmist, “How long, OLord?… will you hide your face from me? How longmust I bear pain in my soul and have sorrow in myheart?”

Yet, it is exactly in such times and places that Chris-tians “seize the hope set before us” (Heb 6:18) and useit as a steadfast anchor of their soul, because they are apeople who are born “into a living hope through theresurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. “(I Peter 1:3)It is exactly in such circumstances that Christians notonly seize the living hope set before them, but also sharethat hope and keep it alive with those who need it most.We are a people who are called to keep hope alive in aworld which challenges our capacity to hope, and we doso by refusing to believe that the death of our loved ones

or the serious challenges to our dreams and visions candefeat the Resurrected One on whom our hope is an-chored!

Those of us who happen to be in the minority campof this world’s privileged, must become a source ofhope for the suffering poor and the despairing dispos-sessed in this cruel and unjust world. But even moreaccurately, we must become channels of hope to theGod who is the Source of Hope, and instruments of theHoly Spirit’s sustaining power of hope! With all that iswithin us - with all the resources, spiritual gifts andtalents that God has entrusted us - we must reach be-yond ourselves and give hope to those who are aboutto give up, to impoverished people bereft of hope whohave never heard the wonderful and life-changing GoodNews that God is a sure and steadfast anchor of oursoul!

What moves us to step into the unknown and un-predictable future with the confidence of our faith; whatmoves us to incarnate Christ’s love to the undesirableand unlovable of this world, is the hope that lies at thecore of all our mission endeavors. Everything we do asthose empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent out bythe Christ – every dollar we share, every bit of timeand energy we spare, and every act of compassion wedare – we do so with the hopeful anticipation that Godis creating something new through us that anticipateshis total lordship and reign on this earth. Hope is God’sgift to you and to me, let us share it as we share all ourother God-given gifts.G

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

AMAA NEWS, JULY/AUGUST 2001 3

Dr. H. Philip Hovnanian, who was aprominent leader and a former Presi-

dent of our Armenian Missionary Associa-tion of America (AMAA), made the transi-tion from this life to life eternal on Friday,May 25, 2001. Dr. Hovnanian was a per-sonal friend of mine, and he was a warmand loving person who always reached outto his fellow man.

Dr. Hovnanian was mission minded anda committed Christian. He was a great leaderwho served the Armenian Evangelical Com-munity and the AMAA for many years untilthe last day of his life.

I remember at the November 12, 1988 ses-sion of the AMAA Board of Directors, inParamus, NJ, when Dr. Hovnanian wasunanimously elected President of theAMAA, a very challenging position. Andat that time, no one knew what would hap-pen in December of that same year.

A few days in his new position as Presi-dent of the AMAA, the sad news came ofthe devastating earthquake in Armeniawhich killed more than 25,000 people.

Under the leadership of Dr. Hovnanianand our late Executive Director, Rev. Dr.Movses B. Janbazian, the AMAA respondedto Armenia’s urgent needs. The AMAAheadquarters was open 24 hours a day inorder to organize relief efforts from theUnited States and throughout the world.

Dr. Hovnanian was in the office almostevery day assisting the Executive Director,our late Brother Movses.

We do believe that once again God hadguided the AMAA Board to choose the rightperson at the right time. Philip was a de-voted Armenian and a caring Christian whotook the huge responsibility quietly on hisshoulders and without hesitation. It was in-deed a demanding task, and our brother,Philip, handled it tirelessly and efficiently.

He served as President of our Associationuntil the end of 1990. Dr. Hovnanian hadan extensive experience and commitment tothe Armenian Evangelical life. He hadserved as Moderator and Trustee of the Ar-menian Memorial Church of Watertown,MA, and later as the Moderator of the Ar-

menian EvangelicalChurch of New York.He also served as Chair-man of the Board ofTrustees and Moderatorof the CongregationalChurch of Huntington,New York. He alsoserved the AMAA as:Chairman of HaigazianCollege Eastern Com-mittee, on the Board ofDirectors and its Execu-tive Committee, also oncommittees such as In-vestment, Budget/Fi-nance, Audio-Visual andConstitution/By-laws.He represented theAMAA, with Rev.Movses Janbazian, onthe Armenian RefugeeCommittee.

Philip comes from along line of ArmenianEvangelical families.His father, Philip Hov-nanian, an M.D., was thenational hero who hadsaved hundreds of Ar-menian lives duringWorld War I utilizing his privileged posi-tion as Head of the German Hospital of thefamous Berlin-Baghdad Railway, in Eintili,Turkey. There are numerous poignant sto-ries about the daring and heroic deeds theSenior Dr. Hovnanian gave to our nation inits martyrdom, at great peril to himself andhis family. So you can see our Dr. Philiphad a strong start in life to walk the rightpath.

Professionally, Dr. H. Philip Hovnanianwas a physicist/engineer who until recentlywas Corporate Vice President of public com-panies such as Cavitron Corp. (AMEX) andits successors Cooper Labs (NYSE). He wasa Fellow of the American Society for LaserMedicine and Surgery and a Fellow of theInstitute of Physics (London), a CharterPhysicist (UK), P.E. (NY, MA), and Honor-

ary Fellow of the American Academy ofDental Electrosurgery. He had served onFDA advisory panels on Medical Devices(Ophthalmic, ENT, Dental and OB/GYN).He had been a Research Associate in Surgi-cal Research at Lahey Clinic Medical Cen-ter, Boston, MA. He was in Marquis’ Who’sWho in America; Who’s Who in the World;American Men and Women of Science;Who’s Who in New York; Who’s Who inScience and Technology. In fact, becauseof Philip’s background, he advised us to goheavy into the stocks of various drug com-panies when he was on our AMAA Invest-ment Advisory Committee and as a resultof the appreciation of those securities, thatis now the largest percentage of our equityportfolio. We shall miss Philip, his kind-ness and his humanitarianism, but his legacywill always be with us.G

In Memoriam:Dr. H. Philip Hovnanian

Dr. H. Philip Hovnanian (left) with Robert Hekemian, Sr. andDr. Ara Manougian at the dedication service (August 25, 1989)of the first Mobile Medical Clinic sent to Armenia by the AMAA.

Andy Torigian

I N M E M O R I A M


H. Philip Hovnanian�Physicist, biomedical engineer, was born in Aleppo,Syria and was the son of Philip and Rosa (Jebejian). He married Siran NorianJune 10, 1948 and they had three children: Rosemary Janice, Joan Anita,John Philip. He received his B.S. in Physics from American University of Beirutwith additional post-graduate work at the same university and later at BrownUniversity in Providence, RI. He received his M.S. from Boston State Collegeand Ph.D. from University of Beverly Hills, CA. He was registered professionalengineer in NY and Mass. Starting in 1949, he held high-ranking positions in11 companies in the fields of physics, engineering, research and develop-ment in medical sciences, lunar sciences (at NASA), biomedical engineeringand biophysics. Throughout his career, he served on many scientific panels,most notably for the FDA, acted as consultant to several firms and guest-lectured at Northeastern University, MIT-Harvard study groups on biomedi-cal engineering and at numerous symposia throughout the United Statesand Europe. He belonged to many professional organizations (notably IEEEas a lifetime member) and was a Fellow of the British Institute of Physics. Inaddition he held several patents in his field (notably his pioneering work infiber optics) and was a frequent contributor to numerous technical and professional journals.

He was Past president and board member of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, deacon,moderator and trustee of the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York and a lifetime member of the Masons.

H. PHILIP HOVNANIAN(BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH)

DrDrDrDrDr. Ho. Ho. Ho. Ho. Hovnanian, at the annual convnanian, at the annual convnanian, at the annual convnanian, at the annual convnanian, at the annual convvvvventionentionentionentionentionof the Uof the Uof the Uof the Uof the Union of the Armenian Evnion of the Armenian Evnion of the Armenian Evnion of the Armenian Evnion of the Armenian EvangelicalangelicalangelicalangelicalangelicalChurcChurcChurcChurcChurches in the Near Eashes in the Near Eashes in the Near Eashes in the Near Eashes in the Near East representing thet representing thet representing thet representing thet representing theAMAA (1AMAA (1AMAA (1AMAA (1AMAA (1999).999).999).999).999).

A Memorial Service for Herair Philip Hovnanian, Ph.D. was held on Sunday,

June 24, 2001, at 11:00 A.M. during themorning Worship Service of the ArmenianEvangelical Church of New York. ThePresident of the Armenian Missionary As-sociation of America (AMAA) AndyTorigian gave a testimonial message on be-half of the Association, which, in his ab-sence (due to illness) was read by theAMAA’s Executive Director, The Rev. JirairSogomian. Dr. Hovnanian’s son, Mr. JohnHovnanian and cousin, Mr. HarryKoundakjian, presented eulogies and re-membrances. They both highlighted withpraise and thanksgiving the life of Dr.Hovnanian as a loving tribute to a man, whothroughout his life has served his Lord andpeople with much dedication. Cousin Harryspoke of his family: of Hrair's famous fa-ther, Dr. Philip Hovnanian, who was a

Memorial Service of Thanksgivingfor the life of Dr. Hovnanian

prominent doctor in Eintili, Turkey and laterin Aleppo, Syria; of early memories andrecent associations; of Hrair's devotion tochurch and how "orphaned" those left be-hind feel. The pastor of the Church, TheRev. Dr. Peter Doghramji, delivered the Me-morial Worship Service sermon. Through-out the Memorial Service the church choirsang hymns and sharagans under the direc-tion of the choir director/organist, Ms.Ivanka Petkovic.

A large number of family members,friends and church members attended theservice and the memorial meal that fol-lowed. Other friends and church memberswere given opportunity during the memo-rial meal to share their sweet memories ofDr. Hovnanian. Rev. Doghramji read con-dolence letters received from relatives,friends and former pastors of the ArmenianEvangelical Church of New York.

At the request of the Hovnanian family,memorial donations in lieu of flowers weredesignated to the AMAA and the ArmenianEvangelical Church of New York.

A Private interment service attended byimmediate family members was held onSaturday, June 30, 1:15 P.M. at Winchestercemetery near Boston, MA. The service wasofficiated by The Rev. Sam Agulian, pastorof the Armenian Memorial Church ofWatertown, MA, and with the participationof The Rev. Bernard Guekguezian, interimpastor of the First Armenian Church ofBelmont, MA and The Rev. JirairSogomian, representing the AMAA. Theservice was followed by a memorial meal.

This issue of the AMAA NEWS is dedi-cated to the loving memory of Dr.Hovnanian, as a tribute to a man whose lifeand testimony can be a source of inspira-tion to all.G

I N M E M O R I A M


Not too long ago, we all knew how todefine death. Death was defined as

the cessation of breathing accompanied bythe stopping of the heartbeat. A person wasdeclared dead when there was no pulse orbreathing. We have heard some tragic sto-ries, some bordering on the humorous, ofpersons who were assumed dead, but werenot. That is why governments passed thelaw that a medical doctor has to give awritten statement to confirm the death ofa person. These days we need permits, li-censes and certificates for all aspects oflife, and even death. You need a certifi-cate to die. Without such a death certifi-cate a person cannot be cremated or bur-ied.

Today definitions of death are more so-phisticated. They have to do with brainwaves as well as the cessation of vitalsigns. How does the Bible define death?Is there a Biblical text which clearly de-fines death? Perhaps not; but there is animportant passage in St. Paul’s letter tothe Church in Rome where we have awholistic definition of death. Death is to-tal separation or separatedness.

Death is a process. It takes a long timefor most people to die. We are all dying aslow death daily. Today, with the deathof our brother Hrair, we all died a little.Similarly, the older we get, the closer weare to that point at which the body beginsto disintegrate. We lose our physical in-tegrity. Parts of the body do not work to-gether any more. Each part separates it-self, or is separated, from the other. Theprocess of separation and disintegrationmay take a while; however, it culminatesin death.

St Paul does not write about the physi-cal separatedness or disintegration of a

person, but of the person’s totalseparatedness from other persons, includ-ing God. In death we are totally separatedfrom friends and loved ones. There is noth-ing lonelier than death. The separation istotal and final. Such separation includesbody, mind, soul and spirit—the wholeperson. The Greek idea of the immortal-ity of the soul is simply that—a Greekidea. It is not Christian, nor is it Biblical.In the Greek philosophical teachings, thesoul is the idea or form dwelling in mat-ter. Matter disintegrates, but the soul re-mains intact. Christians borrowed thisconcept and added the moral necessity ofheaven and hell. The immortal soul goesto heaven or hell according to one’s be-havior while in the body. In contrast, theBiblical view is an integrated andwholistic explication of life in which bodyand spirit are inseparable. That is why Godcreates “heaven and earth” in the begin-ning, the spiritual and the physical. Thatis why God re-creates them as the “newheaven and the new earth.” That is whythe Apostles’ Creed says, “I believe in theresurrection of the body.”

Death, then is the total separation oralienation of the entire person from all life,including the Source of all life, God.

All this is bad news. Is there good newsin St. Paul’s Epistle? Is there a gospel inhis definition of death? Yes, indeed. Letus read it aloud: “Who shall separate usfrom the love of Christ?” asks Paul. Doesdeath separate us from Christ’s love? Theanswer is in two parts. First, negativelyspeaking, St. Paul says that no adversity,not even death can ever separate us fromthe living Christ. Neither “tribulation, nordistress, nor persecution, nor famine, nornakedness, nor peril, nor sword.” Dr.Philip Hovnanian, both a churchman anda missioner, is a living testimony of thisdeclaration. He was a child of the Arme-nian Genocide. Yet nothing, no persecu-tion, famine, nakedness, peril or sword

separated him and his family from the loveof Christ and his church and its mission.Likewise, in this 1700th anniversary of thebirth of Armenian Christianity, everysingle Armenian Christian joins St. Paulwho declared more than two centuries be-fore, that nothing can separate us fromChrist and his love. In other words, ourrelationship with the resurrected and liv-ing Christ is stronger than death, and vic-torious over it.

There is a more positive answer as well.He continues: “For I am sure that neitherdeath nor life, nor angels, nor principali-ties, nor things present, nor things to come,nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any-thing else in all creation, will be able toseparate us from the love of God in ChristJesus our Lord.” We are in the orbit of God.

We may be tempted to say that adver-sity can separate friend from friend, lovedone from the beloved, and even from God.St. Paul goes much further. Even goodthings in life do not separate us from God.In other words, we are in God’s orbit inadversity and in plenty, in all circum-stances. Sometimes our orbit may be muchlarger as we put more distance betweenus and the Center of our life, who is God.Yet the love of God, like the force of grav-ity, pulls us always into orbit—near or far.Nothing can cause the decay or the dete-rioration of that orbit. In this physicalbody, or in a new resurrected one, wher-ever we may be or whatever we may be-come, we are always in the orbit of God’slove, and that orbit is Christ himself.

This is the good news which our brotherHrair Philip Hovnanian lived and pro-claimed, in word and in deed, as his lifecircled around God, and as he continuesto revolve in the orbit of God.

If Philip were able to speak to us today,or even preach a sermon at his memorial,I am sure he would say: "Nothing canseparate us from the love of God! We arein God’s orbit." Amen.G

"In the Orbit of God"

*Peter Doghramji

* Rev. Dr. Peter Doghramji is the ministerof the Armenian Evangelical Church of NewYork. This message was delivered on June24, 2001, during the Memorial Service forDr. H. Philip Hovnanian.

In Memory of H. Philip Hovnanian, Ph.D.

I N M E M O R I A M


Eleven years ago I stood up on this po-dium and shared with the people in this

place of worship my fondest thoughts of mysister Joan. That was an extremely difficultday for my family and me. My sister died tragi-cally young. At first, I found myself strug-gling to write down words that would comeacross as a celebration of Joan’s life ratherthen share the pain of her untimely death.Fortunately for me, Joan was such a joy inlife that once I got started, the words flowed.

Now eleven years later, I find myself uphere again to share my thoughts of anotherfamily member, my Dad. As I struggled tostart this eulogy, I realized that as sad as ithas been for me to lose him, my Dad’s lifewas full….. and what he accomplished onthis earth brings cause for celebration.

My father had two distinctive sides to him,his work as a scientist and his work for thechurch. I will first make an attempt to cap-ture some of the highlights of his work inscience..... So much has been written aboutDad and his accomplishments in the bio-medical. The Marquis Who’s Who in Medi-cine & Healthcare, Who’s Who in Science& Engineering, Who’s Who in America andWho’s Who in the World.

The story I am about to share with youwill give you full appreciation of the mag-nitude of my dad’s accomplishments

The last week of my father’s life, I spenta great deal of time with him in the hospital.Sitting by his side I saw and spoke withmany healthcare professionals who wereassisting in my Dad’s care. I happened tostrike up a conversation with one doctorabout some of my dad’s early work in fiberoptics. I told him that Dad was one of thefirst scientists to realize (back in the 50’s)that since light traveled through fiber opticswith little or no heat transference, there wereendless possibilities for application withinthe medical field. Dad went on to fasten alens to one end of a fiber optic bundle andhook up the other end of the bundle to aclosed circuit television. He and his col-leagues then lowered the lens end down atest subject’s throat, into his stomach andviewed the inside of his stomach on the tele-

vision. This may seem unremarkable com-pared to today’s science where “scoping”patients has become routine in medical ex-aminations but in the mid 50’s it had neverbeen done before. The only way medicalprofessionals could view the inside of a liv-ing being was by surgical incision.

After sharing this story with the doctor, helooked down at Dad, then looked back up atme and said, “Do you have any idea howmany millions of lives have been saved as aresult of the pioneering work your dad did?”I will never forget the impact of that questionon me. For all of us who have benefited fromthe results of a scoping examination, myselfincluded, I want to say...thanks Dad.

Dad’s relationship, dedication and serviceto the church and the Armenian MissionaryAssociation of America spanned more thanfifty years. Many of you have sent wonder-ful words of condolence to Janice and my-self. I know I can speak for her and say thatwe both thank you for the outpouring of sup-port. A few comments stood out to me that Iwould like to share with you: Rev. SamAgulian of the Watertown , MA. Church whoI asked to speak at Dad’s gravesite next weektold me he and the other ministers in the as-sociation "looked up to my Dad as a fatherfigure." Rev. Jirair Sogomian, the ExecutiveDirector of the AMAA wrote to my sister andme the following: "It was my privilege toknow your father for the last four decadesand to admire him for his outstanding per-sonal achievements and his total dedicationto the Armenian Missionary Association ofAmerica. His involvement in the AMAA wasmulti-faceted, providing leadership as Presi-dent of the Association and serving on a hostof committees as chair and fully participat-ing member. We feel poorer for his loss andwill definitely miss his wise council and ex-perienced guidance." And the Rev. ArtenAshjian wrote this to me: "Your late fatherPhilip and I happen to be in a Kindergartengraduation picture taken in 1926. When werenewed our acquaintance in 1978, the year Isettled in the New York Metro area, your fa-ther did not hesitate referring to me as “myclassmate” whenever I met him. He was re-

spected not only for his erudition but alsomore importantly for his humility, his talentsas a calm and wise leader and especially forhis faith and charitable spirit. Because Philipand I worshiped in different churches, we didnot see each other frequently. I will alwayscherish the moments when I was watchinghim or conversing with him at the ArmenianEvangelical Church of New York, at picnicsor even at Caldor’s, where he used to shop.My wife Mary and I miss him already".

As a father, Dad encouraged the spirit andpassion of following one’s dreams. When Ifirst started college I told Dad that I wasthinking of changing my major from Politi-cal Science to Business. He looked at meand asked why. I responded by saying that Ithought I could get a better job after gradu-ation. Dad became agitated and said to methat I was missing the point of my collegeexperience. He went on to say that collegewas the only time in my adult life that Iwould be able to learn something passion-ately interesting to me and that it was thatinterest that I should follow. As he put it,"Don’t worry about the money, if you areinterested in what you are learning, themoney will come later." I took Dad’s adviceand it paid off. The education I received incollege has been extraordinarily helpful inthe development of my career.

Through the years, my family has experi-enced much tragedy. My parents had theirmarital troubles. We almost lost my sisterJanice and her husband 15 years ago to a ter-rible fire in their home. My parents lived tosee the death of one of their daughters, Joan11 years ago… something no parent shouldhave to go through. And finally, my father’sown 10 year battle with cancer. Throughoutthese milestones and others, my father's faithnever wavered. In his darkest hours, he foundsolace in reading the Bible. On low days hewould call me and talk to me about a specificverse in the Bible he had revisited and how ithad comforted him. We always ended ourconversations with Dad saying to me that “Weare going to beat this thing” and that we lovedeach other. In fact, the last thing I remembermy Dad saying in the hospital was “John. Weare going to beat this thing”.

Well Dad. Your body may have finallygiven in to the disease you fought so bravelyfor all those years but rest assured... you didbeat that thing. For your legacy will live onfor generations to come.G

My Dad: H. Philip HovnanianMade his living as a man of science/Lived his life as a man of the church

John Hovnanian

I N M E M O R I A M


The Missions Banquet organized by theArmenian Evangelical Church of

Toronto and the Armenian Missionary As-sociation at Canada (AMAC) was held onSaturday, June 9, 2001 at the Banquet Hallof the Armenian Evangelical Church.

After his opening remarks, Mr. MihranJizmejian, the Executive Secretary ofAMAC and master of ceremonies, invitedThe Rev. Fr. Elias Kiredjian of the Arme-nian Catholic Church, to offer the invoca-tion. He then introduced the clergy and spe-cial guests of the Armenian Community ofToronto, who were invited to meet our Ex-ecutive Director, The Rev. Jirair Sogomian.Those present were: The Very Rev. Fr. ShahePanossian of St. Mary’s Apostolic Church,The Rev. Fr. Elias Kiredjian, Deacon HaikMirzakhanian & Antranig Mirzayan, the rep-resentatives of Holy Trinity Armenian Apos-tolic Church, and Mr. Sarkis Assadourian,Member of Parliament who presented anappreciation plaque to The Rev. YessayiSarmazian and first day covers of 1700th

Anniversary Canadian CommemorationStamps to him and to The Rev. Sogomian.

The guests were thenentertained by AnyaAlexeyev (Sarkissian)with a musical selectionon the piano and Mrs.Lena Beylerian sang twoclassical Armenian songsaccompanied on the pi-ano by Mrs. Nune Verdian.

Following the messageand the report of our mis-sion work in Armenia,given by The Rev. JirairSogomian, the pledge forms were collectedand an auction took place. The appeal raisedwell over $5,000 for the various missionprojects of the Armenian Missionary Asso-ciation, and the revenue from the auction was$900 earmarked to provide employment pos-sibilities in Armenia.

Over 140 guests at the Banquet enjoyedthe delicious food served by the churchyouth. The artistic program and the pleas-ant environment contributed greatly to thesuccess of this fund raising activity.

In his closing remarks on behalf of the

AMAC's Missions Banquet

Member of Parliament, Mr. Sarkis Assadourian presenting thespecial Canadian Commemoration Stamps of 1700th Anniver-sary of Armenian Christianity to Rev. Yessayi Sarmazian.

The AMAA's ARMENIA SUMMER CAMP AND CHRISTMAS JOYCOMMITTEE year round go from one action program to thenext. In winter, they collect items for the summer camps,which this year was focused on an intensive "Search for Sneak-ers", and yielded surprisingly good results. In summer theygear up for Christmas.

This fall, on October 11th, at 11:30 A.M. a Tea Party, at theAMAA's Headquarters, with the theme "Christmas in October"will be the fund raiser for the children's "Christmas Joy Pack-ages" in Armenia, Georgia and Karabagh. Each ArmenianChildren's Christmas Joy Package will include school sup-plies, hygienic supplies, a small toy and candies and it willcost about $ 5.00 each.

We would like to thank you for your generous support ofthese programs and the consistency with which you havegiven. Please mark your calendars for the afore-mentionedTea Party to which you are cordially invited. If you are unableto be with us on October 11th, you may wish to make a do-nation in lieu of gift packages, and send it to the AMAA. Your

I am unable to attend the the Tea Party in support of"Christmas Joy Packages" for children in Armenia, butI would like to make a donation.

Enclosed please find - - - - - U.S. Dollars for - - - - Arme-nian Children's Joy Packages.

Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Make tax-deductible checks payable to AMAA, earmarkedfor Christmas Joy Package and mail to 31 W. Century

Road, Paramus, NJ 07652)

Association the Executive Secretary Mr.Jizmejian, thanked the Guest speaker andall those present for their contribution in thesuccessful celebration of this Missions Ban-quet. Special thanks to the Banquet Com-mittee members Salpy Deirmenjian, MaralHasserjian, Vartouhi Jizmejian, SiranJizmejian, Loris Panossian and SilvaYenovkian and the volunteers for their re-lentless effort in making the Banquet a suc-cess. The celebrations ended with the sing-ing of the Lords prayer and the benedictionoffered by The Rev. Yessayi Sarmazian.G

CHRISTMAS IN OCTOBER

C A N A D A

donation will bring a little cheer into the lives of Armenianorphans and needy children, and your act of love will helpchildren of Armenia understand the meaning of Christmas.

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D


The Armenian Evangelical Fellowship ofEurope (AEFU) was established in May

of 1998 in Issy Les Moulineaux, France,through the initiating efforts of the AMAAand in consultation with the Armenian Evan-gelical Union in France. The purpose was toestablish a fellowship and strengthen ties be-tween Armenian Evangelical Churches in Eu-rope and keep them in touch with ArmenianEvangelical Unions and the AMAA. The Fel-lowship includes 15 member churches from5 countries in Europe in addition to theAMAA. Member churches are from Bul-garia, Belgium, Greece, France and Turkey.

The Fellowship meets every two years.The second meeting was held on Wednes-day, May 23, 2001 at the Armenian Evan-gelical Church of Issy Les Moulineaux. Rev.Gilbert Léonian chaired the meeting. Par-ticipating were six representatives fromFrance, three from Bulgaria, one each fromBelgium, Greece, Turkey and the AMAA.Participating as guests, were Reverends JoelMikaelian from France, René Léonian andGuevork Guevorkian from Armenia andRev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian from the U.S. Itwas a privilege for me to be AMAA’s repre-sentative this year to the meeting.

The field reports received from each mem-ber church, was heartwarming and encourag-ing. Through these reports, it was evident thatArmenian Evangelical Churches worldwideare providing a unique service to their com-munities, witnessing and making the Word ofGod available to those who are in need.

Updates and information from each area,I am sure, will interest our members andfriends, and will provide an opportunity tothank God and praise Him to leading us doevangelical mission work in countriesaround the world.

BELGIUMThe Armenian population in Belgium num-bers about 15,000. The Armenian Evangeli-cal Church of Brussels is very active. Thechurch was established by the AMAA. ThePastor, Rev. Sarkis Pachaian, was recentlyordained. Members of the church are mainlyArmenian immigrants from Turkey or Ar-menia. Two separate church services are

held every Sunday. Attendance is about 40in each group. Once every month, and onspecial occasions, the groups have joint ser-vices. The plan is to have both these groupsjoined. The church in Belgium is a mission-ary Church and it has started a fellowship inAnverse Belgium with 20 people attending.They also keep contact with groups that havestarted in Germany. Berdj GumushdeArtarian is a missionary serving in Germany.

BULGARIAThere are two active Armenian EvangelicalChurches in South Bulgaria, namely inSophia and Plovdiv. Sophia has 4000 Ar-menians. The church in Sofia has 90 mem-bers, with a Sunday School of 30 children.The pastor is Rev. Sarkis Paravazian.

The church in Plovdiv has 200 members.The Armenian population numbers 6000.Attendance at Church on Sunday is 250.Sister Josefina Keshishian and MannigKouyoumdjian serve the church. Both arevery active, as they visit the elderly and or-ganize Bible Studies at homes.

In North Bulgaria there are four ArmenianEvangelical churches–in Varna, Rousse,Burgas and Choumen. Varna has 2500 Ar-menians. The church in Varna has 100 mem-bers, Russe 50 and Shouman 20. Rev. BedrosAltounian, Rev. Yervant Kazazian, Mrs.Mariam Altounian and Mr. KalousdDemirjian serve these churches. A new sanc-tuary has been built in Varna which will beused by the Bulgarian Methodist Church as

well as the Armenian Evangelical Church.

GREECEIn recent years the Armenian population inGreece has increased in number due to im-migration from Iran, Armenia and Lebanon.Greek Armenian population is only 10,000in number, however, there are about 40,000recent arrivals, mostly from Armenia.Greece is a transit station to the west. Thereare two active Armenian EvangelicalChurches in Greece–in Kokinia and NeosCosmos (Derghouty). Attendance is about40 and 30, respectively. The Kokinia Churchhas a very active kindergarten with 25 stu-dents. The old building of the DerghoutyChurch in Neos Cosmos is being replacedwith a decent building. Both churches haveSunday school, Youth Group and for the firsttime have organized a three-day camp. Rev.Vicken Cholakian from Beirut serves bothchurches as pastor.

FRANCEThere are twelve Armenian Evangelicalchurches in France with seven pastors serv-ing. Two young graduates will join this year.Rev. Thierry Katandjian will serve in Marseilleand Saint Loup, where the pastor Rev. JeanAgopian has just retired. Another young pas-tor, Rev. Sarkis Baroudjian who was servingon a part-time basis will soon serve the churchjust established in Arnouvilles, north of Paris.

Armenian Evangelical Fellowship of Europe Meets in Paris

Dikran Youmshakian

Participants in the 2nd biennial meeting of AEFU (l. to r.) Rev. Guevork Guevorkian,Mr. Dikran Youmshakian, Pastor Krikor Agabaloglu, Rev. Yervant Kazazian and Rev.Bedros Altounian.

(Continued on the following page)

E U R O P E


There are 2,000 Armenians in this area. Thechurches in France are located in the follow-ing areas: Alfortville, 2000 Armenians, Pas-tor: Rev. Alain Bedikian; Paris, 100,000 Ar-menians; Issy Les Moulineaux, 5000 Arme-nians, Pastor: Rev. Gilbert Léonian; Lyon,30,000 Armenians, Pastor: Rev. KrikorKhayigian; Decines, 1000 Armenians, Pastor:Rev. Krikor Khayigian; Valence, 6000 Arme-nians, Pastor: Rev. Ago Tchoghandjian; PontD’aubenas, 2000 Armenians, Pastor: Rev. AgoTchoghandjian; Montelimar, 200 Armenians,Pastor: Rev. Ago Tchoghandjian; MarseilleRegion, 100,000 Armenians, 5 churches:Beaumont, Rev. Joel Mikaelian; Saint-Antoine, Rev. Georges Dabbo; Saint-Loup,Rev. Jean Agopian; Marseille Centre, Rev.Jean Agopian; La Ciotat, Rev. Jean Agopian.

Churches in France and the Union are verywell organized, and are doing missionarywork in all of Europe. The Union in Francewas established in 1924. They have twocampsites in La Source and La Fontanelle.Each church has Sunday School, YouthGroup, and Ladies Guild. Each region has

a spiritual hour on the radio.

TURKEYThe Armenian Population in Turkey is esti-mated at 65,000. Armenian Evangelicals areconsidered as a separate community. Beforethe Armenian Genocide, there were over 200Armenian Evangelical Churches in the area.There are now only two. The Church in GedikPasha, recently renovated, has four worshipservices on Sundays for four ethnic groupsand in four languages - Armenian, Turkish,Russian and Persian. The leader is a dynamicpastor, Rev. Krikor Agabaloglu. It is amaz-ing to witness that Christian Turks use anArmenian Church sanctuary to have theirworship service. Moldavian Turks, who at-tend the church do missionary work, as theyvisit remote areas and distribute Bibles in theTurkish language.

The Armenian Evangelical Church in Perais the first Armenian Evangelical Churchthroughout the world. The leader of thechurch is Mr. Hovhannes Torkomoglu.Thirty to forty people attend church servicesevery Sunday. They sing in Armenian but

the sermons are preached in Turkish. TurkChristians use the sanctuary for their ser-vices in the afternoon

ENGLAND, GERMANY AND HOLLANDThese three areas are mission fields. Thereis need for spiritual revival especially in thenew immigrants from Armenia and Turkey.They need our prayers, visits and support.There are Armenian Evangelical fellowshipsin these areas and we provide limited helpthrough the distribution of Bibles and De-votional Literature. A German Missionary,Rev. Gotfreid Sauer is very active in serv-ing Armenian immigrants in Germany. TheAMAA is in contact with him on regularbasis. A recent pastoral graduate is a candi-date for Mission work in Europe. He willbe visiting different countries in Europe,mainly places where there are no active Ar-menian Evangelical Churches.

The Fellowship of the Armenian Evan-gelical Churches in Europe is a reality andneeds much of our prayers and financialsupport. AMAA is a founding and support-ing member.G

Two events – one in Brussels, the otherin Istanbul – were the highlights of this

mission from March 21 to May 1, 2001. Af-ter 10 services in three churches during thefirst two weeks in France, we held an Ordi-nation Service on Palm Sunday, April 8, forMr. Sarkis Pachaian in Brussels, Belgium.

It was Rev. Movses Janbazian, our lateand dearly lamented Executive Director ofthe AMAA, who had seen the genuine spiritof a young Christian preacher in Mr.Pachaian, and had encouraged him greatlyto enter the ministry. The AMAA financiallysupported his theological studies and is con-tinuing to support his work to the ArmenianEvangelical community in Belgium.

A remarkable element in the ordainedPastor's statement was the fact that he spokein Armenian – which he learned only re-cently – in order to be able to minister to agroup of new arrivals from Armenia.

The Second highlight of our mission was

the consecration of the newly refurbishedGedik Pasha Church in Istanbul. This spe-cial event took place on the Sunday afterEaster, April 22, at 3:00 P.M., with a con-gregation of 400 drawn from many parts ofthis city of 12 million.

The sanctuary, located on the second floor,had completely deteriorated in the last 30years. The current Pastor, Krikor Agabal-oglu, determined to renovate the hall and thedecayed second floor sanctuary. "I neededmoney," he says, "but God sent me ChristianTurks from Moldavia who lovingly dedicatedthemselves in helping me rebuild God'sHouse" – a "miracle," indeed, for those of uswho have met these former Muslims who, inrecent years, have turned to Christ.

One of these Christian Turks, a laymanborn in Istanbul, spoke from the pulpit. Afterhis conversion to Jesus Christ, he founded aRadio Ministry that is spreading the Gospelseven days a week in all of Istanbul and Tur-

key. Many more Muslims of both Turkish orIranian origin are turning to Christ. Our ownArmenian Evangelical Church of Pera, whereArmenian Evangelicals established their firstchurch in the year 1846, has become the homechurch of Christian Turks, who come for wor-ship every Sunday afternoon, following ourmorning services. In the occasional absenceof the Pastor, Mrs. Sona, a graduate of theIstanbul Bible School founded by Canadians,conducts the Sunday morning services in bothArmenian and Turkish. Mr. OhannesTorkomian, the President of the church, to-gether with his wife, are fully dedicated tothe healthy functioning of the church's mis-sion, which he accomplishes faithfully withhis personal finances.

It is also a joy to report that there are about40 circles of Armenian Christian womenwho gather in different homes of their neigh-borhood for Bible study and prayer. Womenof Turkish origin converted to Christ alsojoin in such fellowships. "The Lord worksin mysterious ways" in Istanbul!

These mission visits could not have beenaccomplished without the support of theAMAA. We give the glory to God, andthank Him for his amazing Grace!G

Mission Visits to Brussels and Turkey

John A Zarifian

(Continued from page 8)

E U R O P E


SYNOD OF THE ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCHES OF FRANCE

The Synod of the Armenian Evangelical Churches of France (May 24-26, 2001 in Issy Les-Moulineaux, Paris) was dedicated to the1700th anniversary of the Armenian Christianity. The Synod this year was a forum with the participation of 30 pastors, theologians

and lay leaders from France, Armenia, Greece, Lebanon and the United States. The theme was "With God For The People", presentingthe contribution of Armenian Evangelicals to Armenian communities throughout the world. AMAA's representative this year was theAdministrative Director Dikran Youmshakian, who took part in the forum. Pictured above are the participants in the Synod.G

AMAA JAMES G. JAMESON ESSAY CONTESTOPEN TO HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Armenian Missionary As-sociation of America (AMAA) isseeking a volunteer who has theexpertise to apply for grants tocharitable foundations and orga-nizations for a variety of AMAAprojects in Armenia, the MiddleEast, and other parts of the world.

In time the position may de-velop to a part time or a full-timeemployment.

If interested or know of some-one who is qualified for the posi-tion, please call the AMAA officeduring business hours.

Thank you for spreading theword to your congregation. Joyand peace!

AMAA SEEKSVOLUNTEERS

The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) has an-nounced it will once again sponsor the James G. Jameson Essay Contest.Topics should touch upon some aspect of Armenian heritage such asreligion, literature, language, history, culture, geography, economy or his-tory. Awards will be made in two categories: High School contestantsand College/University contestants. The deadline for entries is extendedto August 15, 2001.

All Armenian or part-Armenian students are eligible. Only unpublishedentries will be accepted. The winner in each category will be awarded$250.00, provided from the income of a special fund established by Mr. &Mrs. James G. Jameson of Brookline, MA.

The essays should be written in English and have a length of 1,000 to2,000 words. A contestant is allowed no more than one entry per year, andno more than one member of a family may receive an award in a five-yearperiod. If no submitted essay is considered sufficiently meritorious, no awardwill be granted that year.

Entries and/or inquiries should be directed to:AMAA - James G. Jameson Essay Contest

31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652

N E W S & N O T E S


I t was with great excitement and anticipa-tion that the fledgling Armenian Evan-

gelical Church of Glendale, California,planned the celebration of its first anniver-sary with a most memorable banquet.

Some 240 members, friends, pastors andsupporters from sister churches in SouthernCalifornia and beyond, gathered on Satur-day, May 25, at the spacious Anoush Res-taurant hall to join their year-old sisterchurch, thank and praise God for the gift oflife and the privilege and opportunity to beChrist’s loving and caring presence in thecity of Glendale.

The warm spirit of hospitality and the"Tender Loving Care" which had been in-vested in the planning and execution of thebanquet was felt from the welcoming wordsof the MC, Mr. Roy Boulghourjian, to thefinal benediction of The Rev. MgrditchMelkonian. A rich cultural program which

A BLESSED FIRST ANNIVERSARY

included vocal andinstrumental solosand recitations, andan exquisite abun-dant table of Arme-nian delicacies, alongwith the messages ofthe two keynotespeakers: Dr. MihranAgbabian in Arme-nian, and The Rev.Jirair Sogomian inEnglish, made theevening a most memorable one for allpresent. The planning committee also ex-pressed the gratitude of the congregation totheir pastor, The Rev. Barkev Darakjian, forhis sacrificial ministry, and a few of its layleaders for their inspiring leadership.

We congratulate Church Moderator andBanquet Committee Chairs Mr. & Mrs. Jo-

seph and Vartiter Dornian as well as theentire Church Board and the Banquet Com-mittee. We rejoice with the saints in the Ar-menian Evangelical Church of Glendaleand pray the Lord of the Church to helpthem grow in stature and spirit to fulfilltheir noble mission in the city of Glendaleand beyond!G

Rev. Barkev Darakjian (left) with a few church council members:Mary Agulian and Vartiter & Joseph Dornian.

AMAA PARTICIPATES IN ALEXANDRIA, VAARMENIAN FESTIVAL

The Annual Armenian Festival organizedby the Alexandria-Gumri Exchange

Committee was held on Saturday, May 19,2001 in the center of the Old City Alexan-dria, Virginia. The Armenian MissionaryAssociation of America (AMAA), as in pre-vious years, participated with a display ofbooks, bibles, and other literature on themission and services of the AMAA.

A special effort was made this year to raisemoney for sneakers for poor children attend-

ing camps in Armenia. The response to thistouching appeal was overwhelming as peoplecontributed generously to this unique project.

The Alexandria-Gumri Exchange Com-mittee sponsors five orphan and needy chil-dren in Armenia through the AMAA eachyear. Mr. Dikran Youmshakian, the Admin-istrative Director of the AMAA participatedin the Festival promoting the mission andservices of the Association in Armenia andspecially to the city of Gumri.G

N E W S & N O T E S

HRANT AGBABIAN CONDUCTSA CELEBRATORY CONCERTOn the anniversary date July 1 of the found-ing of the Armenian Evangelical Church, acelebratory concert commemorating the1700th anniversary of the Christianization ofArmenia was held at the United ArmenianCongregational Church (UACC) in LosAngeles. A joint choir of 45 members of thethree Armenian Evangelical Churches per-formed sharagans and other litergical selec-tions. Conductor, Hrant Agbabian, had cho-sen meaningful Evangelical pieces reflect-ing the spiritual aspect of music in worhsip.Nune Kartalyan, Raffi Kerbabian andSuzie Mazmanian were the soloists andMartha Sarian was the organist.

Rev. Barkev Darakjian delivered the mes-sage reflecting on the two anniversaries beingcelebrated. Over six hundred people were inthe audience including dignitaries and clergy.

This celebratory event was coordinated bythe Armenian Evangelical Union of NorthAmerica. Rev. Mgrditch Melkonian, AssociatePastor of UACC was the coordinator and gavethe opening remarks. A prayer was offered by TheRev. Apraham Chaparian. Closing remarks wereoffered by The Rev. Karl Avakian, minister of theUnion and The Rev. Ron Tovmassian of UACC.The concert concluded with the triumphant sing-ing of the long version of the Doxology.G


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Grigor t;[;ak hr a\n iro[ouj;an3 jhqristonhakan fauatqe Fa\astan b;ro[n;rn hinJadhos ;u Barjo[omhos a5aq;aln;re4 oronqnafatakou;zan fa\;rou ko[mh4 \a=ordo[tarin;roun nafatakouo[ ouri, a\r ;u kin9misionarn;roun0 nman! Grigor inq al an]naphscarcaranqi ;njakoua6 hr qristonhakanfauatqin famar4 xor inq va5anga6 hr oc-fa\kakan a[biurn;rh3 K;saria\i mh=! Afa jhinco#u Astou6o\ Mia6in Ordiin h=qi baza5ikt;silqe chr krnar ellal ouri, ban4 ba\z mia\nkajo[ikh4 or ke n,anakh ti;x;rakan! GrigorLousauoric ke fauatar ;k;[;ziin faraxatkajo[ikhouj;an4 kam3 ti;x;rakanouj;an!

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\ap;te4 Fin Ktaka-rani mh= \i,oua6wrane4 s;[ane4 ta-panake4 n;rka\ou-j;an faze4 no.ax-n;roun ariune4 Srbou-jiun srboze4 ;u amhninc4 or a5ncoua6 hfinin f;t! Amhn bannorogoua6 h3 wrane4faze4 ;u fastatoua63nor n;rka\oujiun me4nor srboujiun me ;u\auit;nakan Fogin ;u a\s bolore3 Qristosig;rago\n xofo[ouj;amb!

Afa jh inco#u H=mia6ini t7ne g;raxanzaphsimastaliz h! A5anz Astou6o\ Mia6inin h=qin4;k;[;zi go\oujiun couni4 o#c H=mia6ini mh=4 o#c;rkragoundin or;uh ankiunin mh=! :u Mia6ininh=qow fastatoua6 ;k;[;zin sourb h ;u kajo[ikh!A\dpisin hr a\n ;k;[;zin4 xor Grigor Lousauoricyancza6 hr ;u oroun ke 6a5a\hr! Misionarakan;k;[;zi hr anore4 ir anounin fauatarim! A\d7r;rou Fa\astan;a\z A5aq;lakan :k;[;zink*au;taranhr far;uan axg;re4 Qristose keqaroxhr fon bnako[ vo[owourdn;roun ;u z;[;rounl;xoun;row4 ;u ;k;[;zi ke fastathr! Mia\nf;taga\in hr4 or Fa \ ;k;[;zin dar]aupa,tpano[akan ;u korsnzouz ir au;tarancakan.o\anqe ;u 111 touv;z!

A\s7r4 Fa\ Au;taranakan :k;[;zin4 kam a\lor;uh ;k;[;zi4 ke fakash inqxinq4 ;jh mo5na\ irau;tarancakan nkaragire ;u endfanrakan(kajo[ikh) fangamanqe4 dim;low pa,tpano[akan5axmawarouj;an! W;rapr;lou ;u ir fimnakanbnouj;an ou yakatagirin fauatarim mnaloufamar4 ;k;[;zin \i,;lou h Kajo[ikh SourbH=mia6ine4 a\sinqn3 Astou6o\ Mia6in Ordiinh=qe4 orphsxi mna\ Anor a5aq;louj;an mh=4wa\;l;low Anor n;rka\oujiunn ou 7rfnoujiune\auht!G

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


Flora GopoianFlora Gopoian

was born March 15,1915 in Bursa, Tur-key to Vartan andSarah Tomassian.She was the young-est daughter in thefamily, after Miriamand Theresa. Theyoungest member ofthe family was her brother Paroonag.

She was ahead of her time, as she workedhard to get an education, a practice not ac-cepted for women at that time. Her highereducation included three years at the Ameri-can High School in Beirut and three years atJunior College of Beirut. Her education al-lowed her to share her knowledge through apost as a math teacher at the American HighSchool in Beirut. This was quite an accom-plishment for an Armenian woman at that time.

She came to the United States in 1947 afterbeing married in Beirut to Arpiar Gopoian,who traveled from the United States to marryher. Flora’s outstanding organization skillsfacilitated her involvement in many differentorganizations, both religious and political. Heraccomplishments included: Treasurer of theTekeyan Cultural Society, member of the Or-ganizing Committee for the AGBU, memberand Treasurer for the ADL in Beirut, FAC(First Armenian Church of Boston) delegateto almost all church conventions for manyyears, member and Treasurer of the FAC Se-nior Ladies Aid, FAC Trustee, organizer of theFAC Church pictorial directory for five years,Treasurer for the AMAA for 10 years, estab-lished the FAC Benevolence Committee rais-ing money for children’s education in Arme-nia and Beirut, and worked at Workingman’sCoop Bank for 24 years in the Payroll andBookkeeping Departments.

Flora always defended what was right. Shewas often outspoken in her defense of anyworthy cause and would take an oppositionwhen necessary.

Socially, she was an excellent hostess andentertained many dignitaries from both theUnited States and abroad. She was a goodfriend and always helpful, thoughtful and readyto offer her services to those who needed her.She was a beloved member of her family, andwas always concerned and interested in theirlives. She gave generously of both her timeand energy. Flora will be truly missed by herfriends and family who loved and treasuredher. Family and friends will forever remem-ber and love her.G

Zabel BilezikjianZabel Bilezikjian

was born to Bedrosand Kohar Vahanianon February 20, 1916in Marash, Turkey.She was one of ninechildren born to herfather. Only three sis-ters survived intoadulthood (two oldersisters were Siroun and Lydia). During theArmenian Genocide, having found refugealong with her parents and younger brother inthe American Missionary Compound inMarash, Zabel devoted her life to music andmastered the piano and the organ under thetutelage of Mrs. Bessie Lyman. During thistime, she also became fluent in the Englishlanguage. In 1934, at the age of 18, Zabel leftTurkey with her parents and younger brotherand established a new life in Aleppo, Syria.

In Aleppo, Zabel devoted over 30 years tothe Emmanuel Armenia Evangelical Church,first as a pianist and organist for the youth groupand later as the church music director. Musicwas an integral part of her life: she gave pianolessons and played in concerts in the commu-nity as a soloist as well as an accompanist.

In 1935, he married Youhanna Bilezikjian,a renowned designer and tailor of clothing formen. They had two sons and two daughters.A great priority for Zabel was to provide thebest educational opportunities for her children.In 1965, they moved to the United States to becloser to their children and settled in West LosAngeles. Her education in the American Mis-sionary School in Marash helped her feel athome in the United States.

After the death of her husband in June of1971, her life revolved around her family in-cluding five grandchildren and two great grand-children. She retired and moved to AnaheimHills in 1994 to be close to her son Zaven andhis family. Her family has been her greatest joy.

A sudden heart attack on June 17th provedfatal. She passed away on June 19, 2001. Zabellived a blessed life and was dearly loved by herfamily, relatives, friends, and members of thecommunity. Many were blessed with her love,faith and devotion. She will be missed dearly.

Zabel is survived by Children (spouses)Vahe (Grace), Berta (Richard), Zaven andLouise; Grandchildren (spouses): Tina, John(Marilia), Tanya, Sandra

, Mark; Great Grand-

children: Ann Zabel, Deron.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts were sent

to the AMAA, designated for the Zabel andYouhanna Bilezikjian Memorial Fund.G

Yeghia ManjelikianYeghia Manje-

likian was born inSepastia, Turkey(Western Armenia)on March 24, 1922 toHagop and SatenigManjelikian. He wasthe oldest of fourbrothers He also hadan older and a youngersister. Yeghia’s fatherwas a miller by trade and this vocation becametheir means of survival from the genocide. Hewas also a devout Christian who assumed therole of the local priest gathering the remain-ing Armenians and providing for them spiri-tual leadership.

At an early age, Yeghia was forced to dropout of school to carry on the family trade,due to the poor health of his father. However,he made sure that his younger brothers wouldstay in school. Throughout his life, his con-cern was always first toward the welfare ofhis family before his own. In 1941, he wasdrafted into the military where he served forfour years until his discharge. He was 19 atthe time and it was the first time that he hadleft his childhood village of Yulduz Eli hav-ing been transferred to Ankara to work as acarpenter in the military academy. This iswhere he learned the trade of carpentry, whichbecame his life long vocation.

Soon after his discharge, Yeghia decided toimmigrate to Syria where there seemed to bebetter living opportunities for him and his fam-ily. In 1952, he met Lucy. A year later theywere married and the newly formed family wasblessed with three children: Seta, Hagop andAni.

In 1956, Yeghia with his wife and their firstchild immigrated to Lebanon, where the fam-ily grew and became part of the local Arme-nian community. In 1969 they immigrated tothe United States and made their new home inWatertown, Mass.

In 1988, after his retirement he moved toPasadena, CA where he became very activein the ministry of the church. The day beforehis 79th birthday he was diagnosed with lungcancer. He was not afraid of death because hewas strongly grounded in his Christian faith.To his dying breath he confessed of his lovefor his Savior as well as his love for his moth-erland, Armenia and of his family. His lastwords were that God would bless and preserveArmenia. He went home to be with the Lordon Tuesday, May 29, 2001.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts were sentto the AMAA, designated for the YeghiaManjelikian Memorial Fund.G

O B I T U A R I E S


MMMMMararararari Mi Mi Mi Mi Mooooourururururatatatatat;a;a;a;a;annnnn?Xouarj Yampax;an (Doustre)

Fa lhpi Fa \Au;taranakanB;jhl Warvaranifauatarim mhk6a5an4 ir ÊÐ;rkar tarin;rou6a5a\ouj;amb ;uir patkar;lik ;an qe auar-t;low4 ;rkra\ina\s bnakouj;anwa \re ]g;low\auit;nakan qa[aqazio uj;antirazau |ounis Ë4 ÊÈÈÉ-in!

Falhpi B;jhl dprozn ou ;k;[;zin;[a6 ;n ir ;rkrordakan toun;re! Ocmhk .namq ch xlaza6 talo uiuraqanciur a,ak;rti4 ousouzici4tn7rhni! Anonq bolore ir faraxatn;re;[a6 ;n an.tir! ÉÑÏÎ-in4 B;jhl:k;[;zuo\ tiknanz mioujiune patoua6h xinq orphs 9Taroua\ Ma\r0!

Ir fangist bnauorouj;amb ouAstou6o\ wa.e ir srtin mh=4 an ir;rkou xauakn;re3 Yhja ;u Xouarj4 m;6-zouza6 h Astoua6awa.4 xanonq ou[ar-k;low B;jhl Warvaran4 Kirakn7r;a\dproz4 +aniz-;ritasardaz ;u ;k;[;zi!Ir partakanoujiune katara6 h liou li! Astoua6 parg;ua6 h ir;n Ëjo5n;r oronz srt;roun mh= al dro,ma6h no\n Astou6o\ snounde!

Ir k;anqi w;r=in fangrouanin anbar;gouj fogatarn;rou .namqin\an]nou;zau ;u ir mafkanazoun knq;zAstou6o\ .a[a[aoujiune oun;nalow irsrtin mh=!

Tikin Mari Mourat;an ir k;anqibari pat;raxme pat;raxm;zau4fauatqe paf;z ;u a\s7r ir ;rkna\inbnakaranin mh= oura.ouj;an ;rg;rowke 'a5abanh xAstoua6 ir miusThro=mow nn=o[ sir;lin;roun f;t!G

James MisirianJames H. Misirian died at IHS Broomall,

PA at the age of 86.Born in Turkey, Mr. Misirian lived in Marple

Township. He formerly lived in Upper Darbyfor 20 years and in Philadelphia for 10 years.

He graduated from West Philadelphia HighSchool and has been employed as a mechanicfor the Ford Motor Co. in Chester, PA. He wasalso the proprietor of James Auto Repair Shopon Baltimore Avenue in Philadelphia for morethan 20 years. At one time, he worked as a ser-vice manager at the Springfield Dodge agency.

His religious affiliation was with GraceChapel, Havertown, PA.

He is survived by his spouse, Anna (neeAsadorian) whom he married in 1940; daugh-ters, Lucille Niez of France and Joan Munroof Norristown, PA; a son, Dr. James H. Jr. ofWisconsin; seven grandchildren and threegreat-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at GraceChapel, with the Rev. Robert McGann offici-ating. Interment was private.

Mr. Misirian always held steadfast to hisChristian faith and love for His God and hisfamily.

Memorial donations in his name were sentto the Armenian Missionary Association ofAmerica.G

Lucy JohnsonLucy Johnson of Warwick, RI died on June

6, 2001. She was the wife of the late RichardJohnson, mother of Linda Pederson, JudithJohnson and the late Janice Rogan who diedof cancer in 1998, sister of Harry Kouyoumjianand Diane Koumjian, grandmother of five andgreat-grandmother of three.

Lucy was a life long member of the Arme-nian Euphrates Church of Providence, RI, andwas active in the life of the church. She lovedclassical music, especially opera. She was aradiology technician and she worked until herretirement.

Last year, she took a special course to be-come a child advocate, and at the beginning ofthis year she was sworn as an officer of the courtto work with children at risk. However, she wasnever able to follow through on this work. InMarch 2001, she went in for an operation forpancreatic cancer, and after several complica-tions, she went home to be with the Lord.

Funeral services were held in the ArmenianEuphrates Church and memorial donations inher memory were sent to the AMAA desig-nated for the Orphan/Child Care programs inArmenia.G

O B I T U A R I E S

The AMAA Board of Directors and staffextend their heartfelt condolences to thefamilies of the deceased friends whosenames were submitted to us for publicationin the AMAA News:

Aghazarian, ArsenN. Hollywood, CAAntrasian, RoseHavertown, PA

* Ashjian, AzadouhieEmerson, NJ

* Babikian, SourenLos Angeles, CA

* Bogosian, MaryBrockton, MACarlson, John “Bud”Des Plaines, IL

Casparian, VictoriaSanta Barbara, CACollier, HasmigGlendale, CA

* Diarian, KrikorCairo, Egypt

* Dogramajian, EstelleFlushing, NYDonabedian, AvedisAnn Arbor, MIDonigian, AliceBeirut, LebanonDonigian, ParamazBeirut, Lebanon

* Goshgarian, KazarFairbanks, AS

* Hamalian, OnnigRivervale, NJ

* Hazarossian, LeonClearwater, FLHoplamazian, JohnRockledge, PAJameson Flint, LucilleLaguna Hills, CAJebejian, RobertAleppo, Syria

* Johnson, Edward E.Santa Barbara, CA

* Kalajian, AliceWatertown, MAKapoian KayaneParis, France

* Kevorkian, WarrantSan Diego, CA

* Melikian, HrachiaWhite Plains, NY

* Melikian, NinaWhite Plains, NYMesserlian, SatenigBeirut, Lebanon

* Ohnigian Suran B.Bryn Mawr, PA

* Philibosian, VernoicaChalfont, PA

* Phillian, AlexWest Paterson, NJ

* Svajian PergrouhiNew York, NY

* Williams Jr., Gustave F.Maywood, NJ

* Allahverdian, Hampartzoum* Altomari, Domingo

Karabetian, Rose* Keklikian, Meline* Khatchadourian, Kohar* Khatchadourian, Luther

N. Kayne, LynnNofal, Jr., HenryOrchanian, Melkon

* Pilibosian, KrikorSourenian, Rose

Armenian Missionary Association of America31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDParamus, NJPermit No. 55

OFFICIAL CALL TO THE 82ND ANNUAL MEETINGOF THE

ARMENIAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAThe Eighty Second Annual Meeting of the Armenian Missionary Association of America, Inc. (AMAA), will be heldon Saturday, October 20, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. at the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater Detroit, 26210W. 12 Mile Road, Southfield, MI.All members of the AMAA are invited to attend the meeting to:

I. Consider and approve the reports of the Officers, Executive Director, Committees,Chapters, and Affiliated boards of the Association for fiscal 2000-2001;

II. Consider and approve the financial reports for fiscal 2000-2001;III. Announce the results of the elected eight Board members to replace those whose terms have expired;IV. Elect four members to the Nominating Committee;V. Elect an Auditor;VI. Consider and approve the Association's budget for fiscal 2001-2002, andVII. Consider and act upon any other business that may legitimately come before the membership.

PROGRAM OF THE 82ND ANNUAL MEETING ACTIVITIES

Thursday, October 18Thursday, October 18Thursday, October 18Thursday, October 18Thursday, October 1810:00 a.m...........BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RETREAT - Theme: "Missions in the 21st Century"

Friday, October 19Friday, October 19Friday, October 19Friday, October 19Friday, October 19 9:00 a.m. .........BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RETREAT 7:00 p.m. .........BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING

Saturday, October 20Saturday, October 20Saturday, October 20Saturday, October 20Saturday, October 20 9:00 a.m. .........82ND ANNUAL MEETING 2:00 p.m. .........BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING

7:00 p.m. .......... AMAA BANQUET AND ARTISTIC PROGRAM

Sunday, October 21Sunday, October 21Sunday, October 21Sunday, October 21Sunday, October 2111:00 a.m. ......... ANNUAL MEETING WORSHIP SERVICE AND INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS

As members of the AMAA world-wide family, we look forward to this annual gathering to renew our ties offellowship as Armenian Evangelical churches and communities, and to strengthen our common missionaround the world. With joy we eagerly anticipate your presence and participation.

Documents

AMAA Past President H. Philip Hovnanian, Ph.D. 1914-2001 · 2017-09-28 · Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America JULY/AUGUST 2001 - Vol. XXXV No. 4 (ISSN 1097-0924)