Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America … · In many places, the Christmas message is told by fairy tale characters dear to children. This is done in most

Rev. Peter B. Doghramji, Ph.D.Editor

Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of AmericaJAN/FEB 2004 - Vol. XXXVIII No. 1 (ISSN 1097-0924)

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 20042

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.amaa.org

The Reverend Dr. Peter B.Doghramji, B.A., B.D., Th.

M., Ph. D., D.D., was elected asExecutive Director of the Arme-nian Missionary Association ofAmerica on December 13, 2003,effective January 1, 2004.

Dr. Doghramji was born andraised in Aleppo, Syria. He grewup in the Syriac EvangelicalChurch within the ArmenianEvangelical Union. He receivedhis Junior College diploma fromAleppo College, where he latertaught and also served as its firstnational president. He graduatedfrom the American University ofBeirut with a B.A. and from theNear East School of Theologywith a diploma, equivalent to B.D.He was also awarded the Th. M.degree by the Divinity School ofHarvard University and the Ph. D.degree, magna cum laude, fromPrinceton Theological Seminary.He was also awarded an Honor-ary Doctor of Divinity degree byUrsinus College.

Dr. Doghramji began his min-istry in 1953 in Hassakeh, Syria,where he served a heteroge-neous congregation of Arabicspeaking Presbyterians andAssyrian (Syriac) and ArmenianChristians as a licensed pastorand principal of the elementaryschool. He was ordained in 1955.He married his seminary school-

Rev. Dr. Peter Doghramji Elected New Executive Director

mate, Marie Bedikian, in 1953.They have three children, Karl,Paul and James, who are prac-ticing physicians, and sevengrandchildren.

Dr. Doghramji’s ministry alsoincluded chaplaincy at AleppoCollege, Interim Ministries at theNational Evangelical Church ofAleppo, Immanuel ArmenianCongregational Church ofDowney, CA, the United Arme-nian Congregational Church ofHollywood, the Armenian Martyrs’Congregational Church ofHavertown, PA, where he laterserved for nine years as their callpastor, and since October 2000,the Armenian Evangelical Churchof New York. He taught coursesin Religion, Philosophy and Eth-ics at Aleppo College, served asFaculty Secretary and AssociateProfessor of Theology at the NearEast School of Theology, and wasan adjunct professor at the Ameri-can University of Beirut andLancaster Theological Seminary.

In 1979, Dr. Doghramji waselected as the Assistant to theConference Minister, and later in1985 as the Conference Ministerand President of the PennsylvaniaSoutheast Conference of theUnited Church of Christcomposed of 7 Associations and215 churches. He retired in 1991after serving the Conference for

12 years.Dr. Doghramji has served on

various boards, including theNear East School of Theology,Lancaster Theological Seminary,the Pension Boards of the UCC,the AMAA and the AEUNA,where he also served as its firstExecutive Secretary and later asModerator. The Armenian com-munity and the AMAA family willgreatly benefit from the gifts hebrings to enhance the mission ofthe AMAA.

Please note that the newe-mail address of the AMAAis: [email protected] and thewebsite is: amaa.org

CHANGE OF

AMAA'S E-MAIL ADDRESS

Rev. Dr. Peter Doghramji

COVER PICTURE - Children & Parents attending Christmas Program in Stepanavan, Armenia

AMAA NEWS, JAN/FEB 2004 3

Dear Friends and Partners in Mission:

We have nine missionary letters of St. Paul preserved in the inspired Word of God. Each letter starts with apersonal greeting to the church. All of these greetings have one thing in common encapsulated in a few words: “Ithank God for you!”

When I was asked to offer the invocation at the last Annual Meeting of the AMAA in Montreal, it never occurredto me that in two months’ time I would be writing to you repeating those same words which I quoted then beforeoffering my prayer. As I greet you with this letter, I would like to echo St. Paul’s words saying, “I thank God for you!”

St. Paul had many other things to write about, including “the contribution to the saints”. There will be otheroccasions to write about them, the work of your mission partners, their joys and sorrows, their needs and theirstruggles. But for now, I want to express my gratitude to God for the AMAA family, born and raised and supportedby the Armenian Evangelical Churches, and the countless children of God in North America, the Middle East,France, Armenia and all around the world, who give of themselves for our common ministry and mission. Theyinclude officers, directors and staff, members of committees, volunteers who devote their time and energy, and allthose who give and donate joyfully, to better the lives of the needy and illuminate the hearts of many with the goodnews of rebirth, reconciliation, salvation from sin and human misery, through Jesus the Christ. They also include myillustrious predecessors, some of whom are in glory. I thank God for my immediate predecessor, The Rev. JirairSogomian, who gave two and a half precious years of service before his retirement in a critical time, when the AMAAwas orphaned by the sudden death of The Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian. I thank God for The Rev. Dr. GiragosChopourian, who built up the AMAA from a fledgling organization to the towering mission instrument it has become.We join his family and friends in congratulating him on his 90th birthday, which was celebrated in Havertown, onJanuary the 18th.

I shall continue to thank God for you.

In the following series we shall study the profiles ofBiblical personalities who were “sent by God” on specialmissions. These studies are not intended to be definitiveor exhaustive. They are “appetizers” for personal devo-tions with a focus on evangelism and mission.

The persons are selected at random. Perhaps St. Paulcomes to mind as the first missionary. It is rather tricky togo that route and categorize the order of missionaries. Ifwe did that God would be the first. God is both the Senderand the one who is Sent. God is a sending God. BeforeGod sends someone, God sets the example by coming tous. God is not static. God does not just sit there and watchthe world go by. There is movement in God. That is why

BIBLE STUDY SERIES

“BIBLICAL PROFILES OF MISSIONARIES AND THEIR MISSION”

I. Introduction

we know God as Spirit.In terms of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, we describe

this missionary activity of God by the Father, who sendsthe Son, the Son who is sent by the Father, and the everpresent and dynamic Holy Spirit who is sent by the Fatherand the Son (some prefer saying “through the Son”). Thisdoctrine or church teaching is not a theological formula butan explanation as to who God is. The God whom we wor-ship through Christ is not the Aristotelian “UnmovedMover,” but the Mover who is in movement. God movestowards us in Christ; and that is the gospel.

Scripture Passsages: Jude 14: 23-25; 20: 21-22

by Peter Doghramji

From the Executive Director...

Yours in Christ,Rev. Peter B. Doghramji, Ph. D.


AMAA-Armenia Christmas Programs

by Harout Nercessian

A R M E N I A

Christmas is a special time for both chil-dren and adults. Adults are concerned

about all the preparations – Christmas din-ner, decorations and food. Children on theother hand, look forward to all the funChristmas is expected to bring –parties, can-dies, Santa, and, of course, the gifts.

True to its tradition, AMAA offers spe-cial Christmas programs for tens of thou-sands of children and their parents in Arme-nia, Karabagh and Georgia. These programsprovide the children with Christmas joy andtouches them by the all-important, life-changing Christmas message of God’s love.

AMAA Christmas 2003 programs wereheld between December 23 and January 16in 50 locations throughout Armenia,Karabagh and Georgia. Twenty thousandchildren and their parents participated. Theaudiences heard the Christmas message ofhope through drama, songs, and other artforms. The children had fun with clowns,Santa, games and special gift packages ofcandy and educational material.

These programs touch the young littlehearts in special ways. Two children inGyumri were overheard arguing whether thebaby Jesus on the stage was a doll or real.Eventually, the girl turned to her brother andsaid, “it is the real Jesus, and he has come tomelt your heart”.

In many places, the Christmas message istold by fairy tale characters dear to children.This is done in most creative forms. InStepanavan, a Christmas version of snow-white and the seven dwarfs was staged. Theplot included robbers who kidnapped Santa.The kidnapped Santa tells them about God’slove expressed on Christmas. The robbers be-lieve in Jesus and release Santa. One child latercommented, “if robbers can change, so can I”.

The Christmas programs are acted by chil-dren that participate in AMAA ChristianEducation programs such as Bible classes,children's choirs and acting classes. Theseyoung actors are blessed as they develop anduse their talents for the glory of God. Thecommitment of these children is an examplefor adults to follow. David, a fourteen yearold boy had no money to ride the bus to

drama practice, and there was nobody athome from whom to borrow money. He wasdetermined to go to his practice. To get somecash, he sold some of his clothes at thenearby second-hand clothing store and ar-rived at his practice on time. Needless to say,his parents had mixed feelings about the in-cident.

In Talin, AMAA staged the story of a para-lyzed boy whose only prayer and Christmaswish is to be healed. The drama touchedmany in the audience because the boy whoplayed the role of the paralyzed boy suffersfrom a limping leg. He acted out of experi-ence and from his heart.

The last Christmas program was held atthe prestigious, 640-seat Hagop Baronian

(cont'd on the following page)

Harout Nercessian and Rev. Rene Leonian during the Christmas Program in Yerevan.

Christmas in Stepanavan.


A R M E N I A

Theater in Yerevan. The drama entitled,“The Happy Clown” was presented to 3,000children and adults in five sessions. Thisnear-professional presentation, acted byAMAA’s theater group told the story of asad clown that found joy in Christ onChristmas day. The event was covered ontwo national TV newscasts.

Although Armenia has a very rich artisticheritage, those living in the remote regionsare rarely exposed to art or the Gospel.AMAA staged Christmas programs in sev-eral such places, including the village ofToumanian. For many decades, this smallvillage of 2,000 people has been deprived ofGospel message. The collapse of communismbrought more misery. There are no jobs in

A Special Christmas Party In Armenia

Mrs. Belle Ashodian is a Christian lady,living in California, whose heart has

deep compassion for the poor in Armenia.Mrs. Ashodian’s compassion is not pas-

sive. She was moved to help in very practi-cal ways. She sponsors 20 children and over200 needy families in Armenia.

Mrs. Ashodian’s loving care extends be-yond sending financial support to these des-perately needy families. She takes great in-terest in their overall well being. She praysfor them and often calls them to find out howthey are doing.

Every Christmas, these families aretreated to Mrs. Ashodian’s special care. Re-alizing that these families cannot afford agood Christmas meal, Mrs. Ashodian orga-nizes a big Christmas party for them.

Over 100 sponsored individuals attendedthe two Christmas parties that were orga-nized on December 28 (Yerevan) and onJanuary 11 (Gyumri). Some were unable toattend because of winter travel difficulties.The guests were served a rich table of meals,fruits, and dessert. Most important though,they had a great time of fellowship, wor-ship and thanksgiving. They were all verygrateful to Mrs. Ashodian whose caringheart, expressed through her generous sup-

the village and most people live in deep pov-erty. About two years ago, AMAA startedreaching out to the villagers. Two Christmasevents were organized in Toumanian – onefor children and one for adults. AMAA’sChristian Education team from the town ofAlaverti put on a Christmas presentation, andbrought Christmas packages for the children.This was the main Christmas event of thevillage that brought joy to many children andtheir parents.

On behalf of the staff and volunteers ofAMAA Armenia, and on behalf of the tensof thousands of participating children, Ithank those who prayed for and contributedtowards these Christmas programs.

We are also very appreciative of the vol-

unteers of the Camp-Christmas Program andthe Orphan Child-Care committees. We ac-knowledge their creative efforts at raisingfunds for and generating awareness of theseChristmas programs.

We are also very grateful to the staff andvolunteers of AMAA Headquarters inParamus, NJ. They provide logistic sup-port in financial matters, packing, ship-ping and more.

I want to extend my personal thanks toMr. Andy Torigian, Mr. Dikran Youm-shakian and Rev. Rene Leonian for theirleadership, counsel and prayers.

Most important, we praise God for en-abling us all to reach out to these childrenwith the love of Jesus Christ.G

port, enables them to overcome the chal-lenges of life.

The gratitude of the sponsored families isexpressed in the numerous letters that arewritten. They all thank Mrs. Ashodian forthe Christmas party. However, their great-est gratitude was expressed for the ongoingrelief support that they receive.

Narine Mirzoyan who looks after sevenorphaned children thanks Mrs. Ashodian,writing, “you are the light and heating of

our home”. She has electricity in her homethanks to Mrs. Ashodian’s monthly support.

Ophelia Yeghian asks for God’s blessingson Mrs. Ashodian, because she writes,“through your support you saved my life andthat of my family”

This sacrificial support pours out of Mrs.Ashodian’s loving, generous heart. As in thewords of the Apostle Paul, this is “a fragrantoffering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing toGod”.G

(cont'd from previous page)

Rev. Hamlet Gureghian of Yerevan Church blessing the table.

by Harout Nercessian


U N I T E D S T A T E S O F A M E R I C A

Boston Area Orphan & Child Care CommitteeRaises Over $48,000

On October 15, 2003 the Armenian Missionary Association ofAmerica (AMAA) Orphan and Child Care Committee of Bos-

ton held its 8th Annual Luncheon/Auction to benefit underprivilegedchildren in Armenia.

Once again beautiful centerpieces created by the hostesses fortheir event were silently auctioned and Mike Wankum, Channel 56Meteorologist, wittingly and with great humor, auctioned 15 items.Red Sox tickets, Holiday Weekends, Concert Tickets, Thanksgiv-ing Dinners were furiously bid for under his able gavel.

The committee, the hostesses and some 150 attendees helped toraise and net over $48,000!

The AMAA Orphan and Child Care Committee has been raisingfunds for orphans and underprivileged children in Armenia since itwas formed shortly after the devastating 1988 earthquake.

The funds raised help schools, orphanages, summer camps andsome 2,000 children and their families.

All administrative costs involved in helping these needy chil-dren are underwritten by the AMAA. Thus 100% of moneys raised

United States Ambassador to Armenia John Ordway visited theheadquarters of the Armenian Missionary Association of

America on Sunday, January 14, 2004. A reception organized onthis occasion was hosted and attended by AMAA President Mr.Andy Torigian, Board Members and friends from the East Coast.The Ambassador was accompanied by Keith Simmons, Director ofUS AID Programs in Armenia, along with other officials.

In his opening remark the Ambassador presented a short reporton the progress in Armenia during past years. The Ambassadorrecognized the AMAA and told that he was familiar with AMAAmission programs, specifically the sponsorship of 2,800 needy chil-dren and their families. The Ambassador commended the AMAAon the free medical care provided to poor families through AMAA’sMedical Clinic. He noted that AMAA is one of the largest overseasemployers in Armenia with over 300 people on the payroll. Thiswas followed by a lengthy discussion on issues mostly related withaid provided to the Republic of Armenia by US Aid agencies aswell as various Armenian organizations including the AMAA.

A question and answer period during the reception created muchinterest and gave an overview about the US government’s outlookfor Armenia. It was very encouraging to hear that Armenia ratedbest compared to other republics of the former Soviet Union. Mr.Keith Simmons encouraged the AMAA to apply for US Aid assis-tance by following their guidelines.

AMAA President Mr. Andy Torigian thanked the Ambassa-dor for this visit and wished him success in his endeavors andfuture plans.

The Ambassador was invited to share a light dinner during whichthose present had a chance to converse with him.G

can be used directly for the children.If you wish to help, please send your tax deductible contribu-

tions to: AMAA/ Orphan and Child Care, 31 West Century Road,Paramus, NJ 07652. G

AMAA Hosts Ambassador Ordway

(l to r) Dikran Youmshakian, AMAA Administrative Director,Ambassador John Ordway and Andrew Torigian, AMAA President.

Some of the Boston area Committee members at work.



The Armenian Missionary Association ofAmerica (AMAA), headquartered here,

will receive more than $330,000, part of a$20 million settlement of a lawsuit againstNew York Life Insurance Co. brought by theheirs of Armenians killed in the genocide of1915. The AMAA is one of nine charitableorganizations across the country that willshare $3 million.

The agreement resolves claims by morethan 2,000 heirs of Armenians on file in theOttoman Empire who bought New York Lifeinsurance policies before 1915 and were un-able to collect after the massacre.

Andrew Torigian, president of the AMAA,said the settlement is about more than money.

“It kind of puts a closure to that one por-tion of the massacre and its after-math,” hesaid. “For those who are directly involved, itsatisfies a little bit to get some compensationfor it.”

Torigian said he never knew his grand-par-ents, who were killed in the genocide.

After attorney fees and administrative costsare paid, the plaintiffs and other heirs willdivide about $11 million. About 1.5 millionArmenians were killed in the massacre.

“Our willingness today to resolve policiesthat may remain unpaid from that era showsthat New York Life adheres to the same val-

Armenian Heirs To Share $20MInsurance Company Settles Case Linked to 1915

by Merry Firschein*

ues of integrity and humanity that guided usthen,” said Sy Sternberg, New York Lifechairman and chief executive.

The nine organizations that will receive ashare of the $3 million also include the Ar-menian Church of North America EasternDiocese and the Amenian General Benevo-lent Union, both in NY, and the ArmenianRelief Society, United States chapter, inWatertown, MA.

Torigian was pleased his organization hasbeen recognized. The AMAA was foundedin 1918 and is the worldwide missionary armof the Armenian evangelical churches andcommunities, which serve 22 countries,including Armenia. The AMAA has beenheadquartered in Paramus for about 35years.

The $333,333 will go toward the AMAA’s$2 million budget to provide care to Arme-nians in the Near East, Torigian said. TheAMAA runs a medical center in Armenia’scapital, Yerevan, and dental clinics in Yerevanand Vanatzor.

They also serve about 1,000 new mothersand their infants who need special formulabecause of breastfeeding problems. TheAMAA assists more than 2,800 orphans,which also include children who have lostone parent, and 200 especially needy fami-

* Merry Firschein is a Staff Writer of TheRecord. This article appeared in the Feb-ruary 3, 2003 issue of The Record

ARMENIA SUMMER CAMP/CHRISTMAS COMMITTEE — SPRING CONCERT

The Armenia Summer Camp/Christmas Committee is plan-ning its Spring Concert as a fund raiser on May 2nd at 2:00 pmat the Armenian Evangelical Church in New York City. An Armenian String Quartet with a pianist (seniors of JulliardSchool of Music) will perform. Tickets are $20 for adults and$10 for students. For reservations or further information pleasecall the AMAA office at 201-265-2607 or the New York Churchoffice at 212-685-3177. All funds raised from this concert will be designated towardsSummer Camps and Daily Vacation Bible Schools held in Arme-nia, Georgia and Karabagh. Last year 10,500 children attendedwhose lives were enriched emotionally, physically and spiritu-ally. We hope with your financial support and prayers this sum-mer will be as successful and will bring joy to the lives of thesechildren.

D

lies. The organization also runs schools andgives college scholarships to needy studentsin Armenia.

Torigian said he would discuss uses for themoney with the organization’s board of trust-ees.

The class-action lawsuit was filed in No-vember 1999 in Federal District Court in LosAngeles by Martin Marootian of Californiaand 12 other plaintiffs. Marootian, now in hislate 80s, said his mother had tried in 1923 tocollect on a policy bought by her brother-in-law but was unsuccessful.

The plaintiffs claimed that after the 1915massacre of about 1.5 million ethnic Arme-nians by Turkey, then part of the OttomanEmpire, many survivors did not know howto collect on insurance policies. Marootianand the other plaintiffs also claimed that manypeople didn’t know that family membersbought policies in the first place.

The agreement, announced last week, stillmust be approved by the courts; a hearing isscheduled for Feb.15 in District Court in LosAngeles. Potential claimants will be notified,according to New York Life officials.

Almost 1 percent of Bergen County resi-dents and 0.2 percent of Passaic County resi-dents claimed Armenian ancestry, accordingto the 2000 census. People of Armenian heri-tage make up about 0.2 percent of the popula-tion of New Jersey, census data show.G

G I will attend and support the Spring Concert

with my donation of US$ _____

G I am unable to attend but would like to support

the summer camps with my donation of US$ ______

Name ___________________________________

Address __________________________________

_________________________________________(Please make tax deductible donations to AMAA earmarked for

Summer Camps and mail to 31 W. Century Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652.



In honor of Maestro Vatsche Barsoumian,founder of the Lark Musical Society and

Lark Conservatory of Glendale, theHaigazian University Women’s Auxiliary ofLos Angeles has established a scholarshipto pay tribute to their worthy alumnus. Theannouncement was made by Auxiliary Presi-dent Joyce Stein at a benefit luncheon at theFour Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills on Sun-day, January 18, 2004.

Mrs. Stein presented the conductor witha framed etching of the Haigazian Univer-sity Mugar Building created by artist IngeMarkarian, wife of Dr. John Markarian,founding President of Haigazian College,now Haigazian University.

Joyce Abdulian eloquently introduced theguest of honor, citing his many accomplish-ments, and endorsing the Lark Conservatoryin Glendale where voice, instrument, anddance are taught and where, she announced,“enthusiasm is felt everywhere.”

In his heartfelt response, the towering butgentle Maestro expressed deep appreciationto all who have inspired and sustained him,especially four people, the late ArmineDarakjian, the registrar who gave him en-couragement, Rev. Else Farr whose recom-mendation made it possible for him to re-ceive a scholarship to Princeton NewJersey’s Westminster Choir College, HerairMouradian, now President of the HaigazianBoard of Trustees, and Dr. John Markarian.

He thanked his family members, includ-ing his devoted wife Arpi, their five chil-dren, Hovig, Shahe, Raffi, Shoushik, andAlik, and his father in law, for their constantsupport. He praised Haigazian University foroffering him the opportunity to pursue hislife’s work in the field of music.

Lark musicians and vocalists joyfully per-formed in honor of their beloved conductorin a program lauded by the audience. SixArmenian folk instrumentalists marchedonto the stage and skillfully played the mu-sical instruments of their homeland in trib-ute to the Lark choir-master who has in-structed musicians far and wide.

UCLA co-ed and Lark choral memberMari Kartalyan, a student of Vatsche’s since

Maestro Vatsche Barsoumian Receives Tribute by Haigazian AuxiliaryAt January 18 Benefit Luncheon

she was eight years old, praised her dedi-cated teacher, then sang with her brotherAshot Kartalyan, Aghavni Jouharian, andShahe Barsoumian, in an a cappella quartetof Vatsche’s musical protégés.

Other musicians who played their heartsout were young Aram Garibian, accompa-nied by his mother Janet Garibian, captur-ing the attention of the audience with whatseemed to be his magic violin, the proficientNatalie Buickians who played piano, andtalented singer Heibert Alaverdian who sangin Armenian, accompanied by the giftedArtashes Kartalyan.

The luncheon was chaired by Ida Levyand Silva Hussenjian who orchestrated theduties of their dependable committee ofAuxiliary members. MC Phyllis Hamo readcongratulatory letters from Dr. PaulHaidostian, the current President ofHaigazian University, from Dr. PeterDoghramji, Executive Director and AndyTorigian, President of the Armenian Mis-sionary Association, and from HerairMouradian, President of the HaigazianBoard of Trustees. She was pleased to an-nounce that Auxiliary member MaggieMatossian had recently generously increasedthe Arthur and Maggie Matossian HaigazianUniversity endowment fund to $100,000.Dr. John Khanjian, the immediate Past Presi-dent of Haigazian University attended andoffered the closing benediction.

Vatsche Barsoumian has taught music atHaigazian College, the American Universityof Beirut, the Near East School of Theol-ogy, and the Beirut University College. Heis the founder of several musical groups,including Armiss in Beirut and has givenmany choral symphonic concerts in Leba-non, Syria, France, and the United States.In 1984 he founded the Parsegh GanatchianMusic Conservatory in Beirut and in 1994he founded Drazark Publications which haspublished 30 titles of treatises, monographsand scores relating to Armenian Music.

In 2001 Vatsche was awarded an honor-ary professorship at the Komitas StateConservatory in Yerevan, Armenia and in2003 he was the musical conductor of

By Phyllis Hamo

The honoree, Maestro Vatsche Barsoumian.

Tchouhadjian’s Armenian operetta Zvartat the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Notedperformances also include Verde’s Re-quiem and Bach’s St. Matthew’s Passion.The Lark Musical Society is home tochildren’s choirs, adult choirs, and instru-mental and dance programs. It is head-quartered at 411 E. Acacia Street, Glen-dale, CA 91205, 818-500-9997.G

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B R A Z I L

“Porque somos feitura sua, criados em Cristo Jesus para as boasobras, as quais Deus preparou para que andássemos nelas.”

( Efésios 2: 10)Foram 65 anos repletos de bênçãos vividos em nossa Igreja,

colaborando no trabalho do Senhor, como servas dignas daSociedade de Senhoras.

E nesse ano passado, quando celebramos esta data com algumasfestividades e Culto de Ação de Graças, homenageamos as irmãsque se destacaram em nosso meio e ainda no mês de dezembro,com enorme júbilo recebemos, uma vez mais, a visita provenientedos Estados Unidos da nossa querida Louisa M. Janbazian.

No dia 10 de dezembro passado, no Encontro de Senhoras paraum Chá de Confraternização, por ocasião do Natal, tivemos apresença de cerca de 70 senhoras da nossa igreja e de toda acoletividade armênia de São Paulo, que vieram para ouvir a palestraem armênio, sobre “Natal das Crianças na Armênia”, traduzida peloirmão Garô Aharonian, da Igreja Evangélica “Irmãos Armênios”.Nessa ocasião, além de solos e poesias, a Louisa apresentou umvídeo muito bem elaborado sobre os trabalhos da AMAA, investidosna missão de colaborar com a nossa mãe-pátria Armênia, em espe-cial, na distribuição de presentes para as crianças.

Todas as pessoas presentes ficaram emocionadas com estetrabalho abençoado que a AMAA vem realizando durante osAcampamentos de Verão e Natal e sensibilizadas ao final do

Sociedade de Senhoras da Igreja Central Evangélica Armênia de SãoPaulo Comemorou 65 Anos de Bençãos Com um Chá deConfraternização para as Crianças na Armênia

programa, fizeram doações para contribuir na compra de brinquedospara o Natal das Crianças na Armênia.

Ficamos felizes em saber que, de alguma forma, estamoscolaborando com esse magnífico trabalho e oramos para que Deusabençoe ricamente todos aqueles que voluntariamente têmparticipado desta ajuda; que seja tudo para honra e glória do SenhorJesus Cristo.G

- Marlene G.. Gazebayukian

"For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to dogood works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. "(Ephesians 2. 10)

It’s been 65 blessed years that we are collaborating in the workof the Lord, as the faithful servants of the Women’s Society of ourchurch.

During this past year, while we were celebrating this importantdate with some festivities and Thanksgiving worship, we honoredsome of those distinguished ladies in our midst, and in December,with much joy, we received once again the visit of our dear LouisaM. Janbazian, from the United States.

On December 10, during a Christmas Benefit Tea, more than 70ladies from our church, as well as from the Armenian Communityof Sao Paulo, came to hear about the Children’s Christmas Pro-grams in Armenia, presented in Armenian by Louisa and translated

The Women's Society of the Armenian Evang'l Central Church of SãoPaulo Commemorated 65 Years of Blessings With a Benefit Tea for theChildren in Armenia

into Portuguese by Garo Abrahamian of the Armenian EvangelicalBrotherhood Church. After musical and poetical presentations,Louisa showed a video, which elaborated the work of the AMAAin our motherland Armenia, and especially the distribution of Christ-mas gifts to the children.

All those who were present were very touched with the work thatAMAA does in the Summer Camps and during Christmas Programs.At the end of the presentation most of the ladies who were presentmade special donations towards Christmas gifts for our children inArmenia.

We were very happy to know that, in some way, we were alsocollaborating with this magnificent work, and pray that God willrichly bless all those who voluntarily participated for the glory ofour Lord Jesus Christ.G(Translated from the above Portuguese article by Louisa Janbazian.)


T U R K E Y

Responding To Terror And Destruction

It was an act of terror thousands of milesaway from our shores. It was not directed

against Armenians. Nevertheless our sis-ters and brothers in the Armenian Evangeli-cal Church of Beyoglu, Istanbul, sufferedthe consequences of the terrorist bombingof the British Consulate. The blast damagedthe church building. Windows were shat-tered. The sanctuary was useless unless ur-gent repairs were made.

The Chairman of the Church CouncilOhannes Torkumoglu wrote to us abouttheir need. At its December 13th meeting,the AMAA Board of Directors unanimouslyallocated $5,000 for the needed repairs.Ironically, some windows were damagedbefore this terrorist attack by “little terror-ists” of the neighborhood youth. Also, the

IN SEARCH OF SPONSORS

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM AND MAIL IT TO

AMAA - 31 W. CENTURY RD. PARAMUS, NJ 07652

Yes, I want to sponsor ____ child(ren) and make sure he/she attends

school. Enclosed is my contribution of $ _______________.

Name ______________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Tel: _______________________________________________________

Apraham

Narine

Patil

D

Koko

roof was leaking and needed urgent re-pairs. It was providential that those re-pairs were not done before that terroristattack, says Mr. Torkumoglu; otherwise,

it would have been wasted.Despite evil, things work together for

good for those who love God and put theirtrust in Him.G

Children in Lebanon and Syria rely on AMAA's Child EducationSponsorship Program to be able to attend Armenian Evangeli-cal schools. Out of 1,200 underprivileged children attendingschools, so far only half have sponsors. There are about 600 chil-dren like Nareg, Garine, Abraham, Patil, Narine and Koko whoneed sponsors. Please look at their pictures and find it in yourheart to sponsor them. A gift of $200 will keep one more studentin school for one year. Nareg Garine


P U B L I C A T I O N S

Recently the Armenian Evangelical WorldCouncil and the Armenian Heritage Com-mittee jointly published Dr. Vahan H.Tootikian’s bilingual book entitled ThePastor’s Manual for the Officers of the Ar-menian Evangelical Churches.

According to the author, it aims at accom-modating the relatively wide range modes ofworship of the Armenian Evangelicalchurches worldwide and attempts to serve asan instrument to strengthen their spiritualsolidarity and their sense of unity. (p. 166)

The Pastor’s Manual is prepared specifi-cally for the use of Armenian Evangelicalministers, preachers, In-Care Students, semi-narians, and spiritual and lay leaders wholead various worship services.

Besides its Introduction and Conclusion,the Manual consists of ten parts: The Or-der of Worship, the Sacraments, Member-ship, Marriage, Funeral Services, Chris-tian Ministry, Services of Dedication forChurches and Organizations, Services forSpecial Occasions, Feasts and Commemo-rations, and the Creeds and Statements ofFaith of the Armenian EvangelicalChurch.

In this volume the Rev. Tootikian statesthat unlike the ancient liturgical churches,the Armenian Evangelical churches are not

bound by ecclesiastical authority to a fixedOrder of Worship. They belong to a tradi-tion in which great flexibility and experi-mentation are germane. Theirs may be char-acterized as free worship where a variety offorms may be used, borrowed, or created.They are free to utilize materials from an-cient and modern Christian traditions. Butfree worship, claims the author, does notimply disorderly worship. In fact, there area number of fundamental principles andcommon ingredients in the Armenian Evan-gelical Worship Services (p. 7).

Because I am not versed in the Armenianlanguage, my personal observations are lim-ited to the English part of the book.

The Pastor’s Manual is catholic (univer-sal) in its inclusiveness with reference to thegreat tradition of which we are a part, but italso is specific with material for the Arme-nian heritage, not commonly available inEnglish.

Books like this are usually the work of anappointed committee. How blessed we areto have a pastoral spirit as Dr. Tootikian todo this work for us.

The written prayers will enhance the wor-ship of any service if used as printed but havethe added value of being broadening to anypersonal devotions and a beginning point for

A Book Reviewby Rev. J. C. James

The Pastor's Manual by Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, D.Min.

BOOK ORDER FORMPlease forward Book(s) {List by catalogue No.(s)} __________

for a total of $___________ plus $_____________ for post-age and handling. In the U.S. add US$4.00 for first copy andUS$2.00 for each additional book. In Canada add US$6.00 forfirst copy and add US$3.00 for each additional book (order booksby catalogue numbers).

Name ___________________________________________

Address __________________________________________

City _______________________ State ___ Zip _________Enclosed is my check for $ ________________

(Make checks payable to AMAA - Canada: Payable in U.S. dollars - Pricessubject to change)

putting together an inclusive pastoral prayer.One can profitably leaf through these prayersand be warmed.

The practical planning chart for weddingservices (pp. 63-64), is so useful that every-one should have something like this to sim-plify the details that can get lost (though Iwould discourage the couple from havingmemorized vows because of the possiblefailure of human recall in such emotionalmoments).

I was moved by deep feelings that sur-faced in the liturgies for special occasionsbut especially in the form for (p. 148) Ar-menian Martyrs’ Day. Armenian Evangeli-cal Day (p. 152) and the Feast of the HolyTranslators (pp. 154-155), were also wor-thy of becoming classic prayers.

And as you use the book certain memo-rable phrases jump out and make the heartglad: (p. 153) Lift our eyes to you, O Lord,that we may burst asunder all tombs of self-ishness, pride, and sin. (p. 154) Use us as alight that is not shadowed, as salt that hasnot lost its savor.

These and other phrases too numerous tolist, whether from the heart and mind ofPastor Tootikian or collected by him, willleave all of Christendom, not only Arme-nian Christians, in his debt.G

THE BURNING TIGRIS, by Peter Balakian, 475 pp, hc, No. 306$26.95BLESSINGS IN BITTER CUPS, by Rev. Giragos H. Chopourian,Ph.D., 250 pp, hc. No. 305 ............................................ $20.00THE HERITAGE OF ARMENIAN LITERATURE, VOLUME I, FROMTHE ORAL TRADITION TO THE GOLDEN AGE, 388 pp., hc, No.288 ................................................................................ $35.00"REV. DR. MOVSES B. JANBAZIAN - MAN OF VISION WITH AMISSION, 278 pp., hc. No.304 - Complimentary - a donationmay be sentOLD & NEW TESTAMENT (hc - extra large) No. 13k, ......... $15.00TTTTTHEHEHEHEHE 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700THTHTHTHTH AAAAANNIVERSARNNIVERSARNNIVERSARNNIVERSARNNIVERSARYYYYY AAAAARMENIANRMENIANRMENIANRMENIANRMENIAN R R R R REFERENCEEFERENCEEFERENCEEFERENCEEFERENCE B B B B BIBLEIBLEIBLEIBLEIBLE (hcgreen - extra large) No. 13n, ......................................... $20.00SERPAZAN BADMUTIUN, (Children’s Bible) No. 155b .......... $10.00NEW ARARAT EASTERN ARMENIAN NEW TESTAMENT (Soft- Cover,No. 13l ........................................................................... $10.00

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

S.al ban me pataf;zau 9W;r=in Enjriq0i

gi,;re!

Endo uni@l 4 or Thr o= ];5q;re ,';n

a,ak;rtn;roun otq;re 1 1 1 ! A,ak;rtn;rn

hin4 or loualou hin Thr |isousi otq;re!

Najana\hl b;r;lou hr =oure4 Andrhas b5n;lou

hr konqe ;u ouri, ;rkou a,ak;rtn;r loualou

;u srb;lou hin Thro= otq;re!

Saka\n a,ak;rtn;re c;n ,arvir! Anonq

ke wiyin jh o#w piti el la\ jiu mhke4

9m;6ago\ne0 ({ouk1 ÊÊ-ÊÌ)! :u =ouri konqe ;uan];5oze ke mnan 6aloua6 1 1 1 ! Thr |isous ci

.7sir! K*;llh4 9mhkdi ke dnh0 ir fand;r]e1 ke

'ajjh 6a5a\i an];5oze ;u ke sksi gor6i!

Ke loua\ a,ak;rtn;roun otq;re ;u ke srbh

xanonq ir ];5q;row – a\n ];5q;row4 oronq

qani me 7rhn3 piti 6ak6khin .acin wra\!

Ardar;u4 s.al ban me ka\ fos 1 1 1 !

Saka \n oro2nq hin a\s 9jankagin0

a,ak;rtn;re! I2nc kar;li h es;l anonz masin!

Gowasa2nq 1 1 1 ! |owfannhsi masin3 or ke

'a'aqhr ;rk in qhn krak i= ;zn;l i r

j,namin;roun wra\4 |akobosi masin3 or ke

'a'aqhr ;[b7r f;t ajo5 grau;l Thro= a=in

ou ]a.in4 "iliposi masin3 or chr oux;r

oun;za6e ba,.;l an7jin;roun4 P;trosi masin3

or 6owin wra\ qal;lh ;tq isk4 enk[m;lou wra\

hr j;rafauatouj;an patya5ow! Aso2nq hin

arvani louazou;lou! S.al ban me ka\ fos 1 1 1 !

* * *O2w ;n a\d a,ak;rtn;re4 ;jh oc m;nq!

Mardk7rhn kar;li ch fasknal4 jh Thr |isous

inco#u a\sqan qa[zr h m;xi nman anou[[a\

a,ak;rtn;rou fandhp 1 1 1 !Thr |isousi ararqe4 qa[zrouj;an ou

.onarfouj;an a\s v;ste ];uak;rpoujiun ch!

Anfrav;,touji#un h! 9:jh clouam q;x4 doun

bavin counis in6i f;t04 k*esh An (fmr1 Ð)!

Inco2u1 orowf;t;u m;nq o#c \7var ;nq4 oc al

karo[3 loualou m;r isk otq;re4 oronq

ca'axanz a[tot ;n4 'o,ot4 z;.ot! I2nc-

phs cellan4 ;jh par-

tadroua6 ;n april

a\s a,.arfi m;[qi

ya.ya.outin mh=!

Afa jh inco #u

anfrav;,toujiun h

loual m;r otq;re4

.ostowan;low Thro=

jh o#ur molora6 ;n

a\n otq;re ;u i#nc

a[t;r fauaqa6 1 1 1 !

Saka\n m;nq ke

m;rv;nq Thro= a5a-

=arke! 9Doun bna#u piti clouas im otq;rs04

ke \a\tararn;nq (fmr1 Ð)4 j;r;us wa.nalow4

or karge m;xi ga\ ouri,n;roun otq;re loualou!

Manauand ke m;rv;nq loual otq;re anonz4

oronq w,tazouza6 ;n m;x tarb;r a5ijn;row!

9F;5o#u |oudan;rhn 1 1 1 04 ke patya5aban;nq!

Fo#s h qristonhakan n;ro[mtouj;an

ga[tniqe! Kar;li ch n;r;l o;uh mhkoun4 ;jh

ant;s;nq Astou6o\ n;ro[ dirqe3 fandhp m;xi!

* * *W;r=in Enjriqi w;rnatoune a\n wa\rn h4

our fandart7rhn ke ,,n=h Astou6o\ n;ro-

[amtouj;an k;ndani ,ounce! Dit;#nq Thr

|isousi era6e! Ls;#nq konqin mh= 6'azo[

=ourin ,r,iune! F;t;ui#nq Thro= ,arvoum-

n;roun 1 1 1 !

Andrada5na#nq kataroua6 ararqin astoua-

6a\in .orqin! 9:rb louaz anonz otq;re 1 1 10

(fmr1 ÉÐ)! Oro2nz otq;re! |ouda\i2nn al 1 1 1 !

A\5#4 louazou;zan na;u matnicin otq;re 1 1 1 !

Animanali@ .orfourd 1 1 1 ! Kar;li2 h or;uh

6a5a\oujiun matouzan;l anonz4 oronz mh= ke

\a\tnoui \ouda\akan fogiin afauor ,ounce

ir mafab;r f;t;uanqn;row! M;r patas.ann

h3 o#c4 kar;li ch!

Saka\n4 Astoua6 ci .ndr;r m;xmh or;uh

6a5a\oujiun4 or I#nq era6 ch |oudan;rou ;u 1 1 1

m;xi! G

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Esther Mgrdichian HekimianEsther was born

to (hotelgy) Hovhan-ness Mgrdichianand Efronia Makh-shikian on October10, 1924 in Kessab,Syria. She was theeldest of seven chil-dren. She went toLebanon and re-ceived her degree in teaching. She taught inKessab for several years along with ZeronHekimian. Zeron fell deeply in love with herand he decided to ask for her hand in marriage.Unfortunately, in 1947 Hovhanness gatheredhis entire family and left for his homeland ofArmenia, where she continued her career inteaching and helped to support her family.

Being the eldest child in the family, Estherwas burdened with taking care of her sistersand brothers when she lost her beloved mother,Efronia in the spring of 1951. Two years later,she lost her beloved brother, Vahan, who hadjust turned 18. After many hardships, Estherput her own needs aside and with the utmostdedication she continued taking care of every-one in her family. Then again in 1961, Estherlost her dear father Hovhanness.

In 1972, Zeron Hekimian came to visit Ar-menia. After twenty-five years, he met Estherand he decided to ask for her hand in marriageagain. They were married in 1973 in Los An-geles, CA. Esther got a job at the Bank ofAmerica and she rapidly moved up in positionbecause of her wonderful disposition and dedi-cation to her work. Even though Esther andZeron did not have any children, they livedhappily for twenty-eight years.

In 1995, Esther was hit with another tragedy,when she lost the youngest of her siblings, herbeloved brother Vahe, at the age of 56. At aboutthe same time Zeron, her husband, became veryill and Esther lovingly took care of her belovedhusband during the entire time of his illness.At the time they were living in Fresno, CA. Inthe spring of 2000, Esther lost her one and onlylife-long partner which hit her very hard andshe felt lonely and depressed.

In October of 2002, Esther had heart sur-gery and on November 22, she went to be withthe Lord. She left behind many relatives,friends, neighbors, students and acquaintan-ces. She also left a legacy of devotion to thoseshe loved. She was truly a remarkable woman.

She is dearly and greatly missed by every-one who knew her. God bless her soul andkeep her alive in our memories.

Her niece, Janet Elmajian Navasardyan

13

O B I T U A R I E S

Ephronia KarakashianEphronia Karakashian was best known as

ORIORT (Miss Teacher) Shnorhokian, due tobeing a teacher for 40 years. She consideredherself as mother of many children, all beingher former students, especially mother to her7 nephews and nieces. She treated her step-children and their families as her own. Read-ing from her diary, “I was born in OccupiedArmenia Town of Aintab, in November 1910.My parents were new born spirit-filled Chris-tians. In 1903, (7 years before my birth), arevival started in my town where my fatherHovhannes Shnorhokian along with mymother Victoria (Aynilian), many professorsand high class people were converted to Chris-tian faith…

In 1915, when the First World War started,we were deported to the banks of the EuphratesRiver. In January, it was a miracle to be aliveand healthy with two families under one tent.Eventually we were deported to Aleppo, Syria.

My parents raised three children. My brotherManasseh was an ordained minister, Editor ofChanasser and Badanegan Artsakank as wellas an educator. My sister Annali was a Regis-tered Nurse. I was a teacher. I graduated fromhigh school in Aleppo, Syria. I was given ascholarship to a British College for Teachers inBeirut Lebanon… In 1960 I was one of the threefortunate Armenian teachers who got the grantby Calust Gulbenkian to go to England for re-fresher courses…

In 1967 I visited the US for a summer vaca-tion. Towards the end of my visit I met a Chris-tian widower, named Karekin Karakashian ofNewton. We got married in September 1967in the First Armenian Church in Belmont.

God granted us ten years together... Karekinpassed away in September 1977.

I continued my evangelistic work within theFirst Armenian Church Ladies Aide, as wellas during my visits to Armenia and France.”

Ephy taught Saturday Armenian School inSt. James School for many years. She was veryhospitable and generous with her cooking.

Ephy spent her final seven years in The Ar-menian Nursing Home, in Jamaica Plain. Shewent there gladly due to an opportunity to haveChristian devotions, Bible studies and beingan encouragement for the residents.

Ephy was always content and at peace withher difficult situations, thanking God all thetime. God took her to heaven on July 2, 2003at 10 a.m. where there was a shortage of Ar-menian and Christian teachers.

Ephy will be waiting for all of her loved onesto join her in heaven.

Arpi Shnorhokian Sarian

Avedis SoghomonianAvedis Sogho-

monian, 104 years ofage, passed awaySept. 29, 2003 inDearborn, MI. Hewas born in Marash,Turkey, on Dec. 25,1898. He was the sonof Levon and Gurji(Koomrian) Sogho-monian, and the brother of Azniv and Samuel.

Avedis told the story of his life to his manynieces and nephews. He remembered that oneSaturday morning when he was a young boy,he had eaten a special breakfast prepared byhis mother, and went out to play with a neigh-borhood friend. Little did he know that hewould never return to his home and was neverto see his loving parents again, as they werebrutally massacred by the Turks that verymorning. He, too, was caught and imprisoned,but was able to escape. He was forced to fleefrom his village, traveling on foot with onlythe clothes on his back. Later he met hisbrother, sister and aunt at camp. They trav-eled together to Cyprus, and eventually madetheir way to Ellis Island. After examinationson the island, Avedis was not allowed to re-main in the country. He was sent back toCyprus, due to an infection in his eye. He wasplaced in an orphanage for Armenian children,where he was trained to be a tailor. He latersettled in France, where he lived for severalyears, while working in a department store.Around 1937, Avedis was able to return to theUS. Loyal to his adopted country, he faithfullyserved in the US Army during World War II.After the War, he embarked on his employ-ment with the American Beauty Manufactur-ing Co., from where retired, after many longyears of service. He resided with his brother,Samuel, in Ferndale, Michigan, and later tookresidence at the St. Sarkis Towers, in Dearborn.

Avedis was known to be a modest, agree-able, and humble man, who was content withvery little. Although he never learned to drivean automobile, he traveled to beautiful, dis-tant lands, including such places as Alaska, Ha-waii, Mexico, South America, and Europe. Hewas not a wealthy man, but he continuouslylooked for and found ways to give to others.Though he did not think of himself as a highlyeducated person, he learned to speak, read andwrite in several languages, including Arme-nian, English, French and Turkish. Avedislived a life dedicated to Christ, having a strongand steadfast faith in God. Au Revior, Avedis!We will miss you until we meet again.G


O B I T U A R I E S

Angel AndonianOne of the first

things we think ofupon contemplatingour mother’s life ishow closely hername matched herpersonality. A trulyselfless and devotedmother, wife, andgrandmother, shelived her life to the fullest in the service andfor the welfare of her family.

Angel was born, one of twin girls, 92 yearsago to Dr. Kevork & Maria Sarkissian. Hertwin, Adelina, did not survive past the first fewdays of her life. Angel was the youngest of 6children in a loving household in Killis, until1915 when, in view of deportation of Arme-nians out of Turkey, the family moved toAleppo, Syria. Mom had a relatively privilegedupbringing. She had the occasion to acquire agreat number of skills and to develop her natu-ral talents. She became a resourceful and me-ticulous artisan in sewing, knitting, needleworkand cooking. As a young person she learnedto play the piano and attended private schoolsgraduating from the American High School andJunior College for Girls in 1930.

She met our father, Haigazoun in the youthgroup and choir of the local Armenian Con-gregational Church and they wed in 1935.They had four children. She suffered irrevo-cably the unexpected and tragic loss of herdaughter, Ida and son-in-law Antoine in 1995.Yet she lived to see the birth of 12 grandchil-dren and 3 great grandchildren.

Mom was a woman of enormous faith. Shebelieved and lived by this doctrine. Her faithwas her strength, to trust God. Her faith gaveher courage to emigrate to America, go to workat age 58, with high standards of moral andwork ethic. Finally, her faith reassured herthat one day she will go to Heaven.

For the past 4 years we watched her healthdecline. During the last week of her life, itwas love that strengthened the bond betweenus. She slipped away gently and quietly, know-ing we were there, singing Hyer Mer, strokingher face and telling her how much we lovedher, and that she was on the road to Heaven tojoin her loved ones.

Mom, your life has come full circle. Thecollective human memory and the essence ofyour continuing existence will live on in thespecial way you touched each of us. You arenow a real angel as of October 29, 2003.

Sam & George Andonian, Mary Demirjian(her children)

Dora MuradianDora Muradian left us to be with her Heav-

enly Father on Tuesday, December 23, 2003,at the age of 83. She was born to Nishan andHranoosh Esajian on September 6, 1920, inKingsburg, CA. She was a life-long residentof Kingsburg, attending Harrison School andgraduating from the Kingsburg High School.She later attended Reedley College.

She married Sam Muradian on June 14,1941, and they enjoyed 62 years of life to-gether. She was a life-long homemaker andkept a beautiful home and yard. She kept busyin the summers by canning and was “famousfor her pickled peppers”. She always had abounty of fruits and vegetables from Sam’sgarden. Her happiest moments were when herhouse was full of kids and family, the morenoise the better. She took great satisfactionfrom feeding everyone who came to her home.

Dora was a wonderful cook and an accom-plished seamstress. She enjoyed golfing formany years and was the envy of many becauseshe accomplished two “holes in one”. She wasa member of K.R.C.C. and also the TuesdayClub.

She was a lifetime member of the First Ar-menian Presbyterian Church in Kingsburg andlater in Fresno. She was a Sunday Schoolteacher and active in the Ladies Fidelis group.She enjoyed serving her church in any capac-ity where she was needed.

She was the loving mother of Carolyn Taberand her husband Alton; Linda Palm and herhusband Stan; and Jim Muradian and his wifeNorma. She was the grandmother of CraigTaber, Laurie Lewis, Ryan Palm, Darren Palm,Jared Muradian, Jeremy Muradian, and JarridPaige. She had nine great-grandchildren andtwo great-great grandchildren. She is also sur-vived by her loving husband Sam; brother,Henry Esajian; and many nieces, nephews andcousins. She was preceded in death by her par-ents; her brother, Edward Esajian; and sister,Lili Avedian.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; herhusband also and he praises her.” Prov. 31:28

She was lovingly cared for until the end bySam who was totally devoted to her and hislove is an example to all who knew them, andthe relationship they had.

A graveside funeral service was held at theKingsburg Cemetery on Tuesday, December30, 2003. A Memorial Service followed at theFirst Armenian Presbyterian Church in Fresno.

Donations may be made to the First Arme-nian Presbyterian Church (FAPC) or the Ar-menian Missionary Association of America,Inc. (AMAA), or donor's favorite charity.G

Evelyn BasralianEvelyn Terzian Basralian, passed away at her

home in Hasbrouck Heights on December 12,2003 at the age of 91. She was described byfriends and family as a woman of great strength,wisdom and humor. Mrs. Basralian was a par-ticularly remarkable woman because of herachievements which spanned nine decades andsix children, during which time she wasuniquely able to give her love, show her under-standing and exhibit a willingness to embracechanging attitudes and values of the times, whileholding steadfast to the traditions of her faith.She was a prolific letter writer and communi-cated with her friends all over the world. As anavid reader and collector of books, she parceledout articles and books to family and friends onsubjects from “what would contribute to livinga good family life” to politics and education.Born in College Point, NY, she received a BSdegree in 1935 from New York University.During college, she worked as a dietician atMacy’s in New York and later taught HomeEconomics in the Cinncinatus, NY, andLyndhurst, NJ school systems. She was mar-ried to Dr. Joseph B. Basralian, a urologist andattending physician at Hackensack UniversityMedical Center. He predeceased her in 1972.She was a founding member, a past presidentand board member of the Hackensack HospitalAuxiliary. She was also a past president of theWomen’s Auxiliary of the Bergen County Medi-cal Society. She was a founding member of theWomen’s Club and Contemporary Society ofHasbrouck Heights. She left a letter to her chil-dren which was read at her bedside on Fridayin which she said, in part: “I love you all somuch and am grateful for God’s gift of each ofyou – all so welcomed, cherished and loved.What a wonderful and blessed life I have had… good parents, brother, relatives and friendsas guardian angels, devoted caring children, andabove all, a husband without equal.” She issurvived by her brother, Lawrence Terzian ofHackensack; son Peter H. and his wife, Sandra,of Houston; son Joseph L. and his wife,Jacqueline, of Franklin Lakes; daughter EvelynTashjian Ambrose and her husband, Robert, ofMahwah; daughter Karen M. Toplian and herhusband, Joseph, of Englewood; son Gary J. andhis wife, Jackie Myers, of South Orange; sonDr. Kevin R. and his wife, Louise Weidel, ofHo-Ho-Kus; 17 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. The funeral was held on Tues-day, December 16, 2003 followed by the in-terment at Hackensack Cemetery. Donationsin lieu of flowers may be made to the AMAAOrphan Child Care or the Christ EpiscopalChurch Restoration Fund, Hackensack, NJ. G


O B I T U A R I E S

Haroutune KalayanHaroutune Kalayan was born on June 2,

1908 in Aintab, Turkey. In 1915, after hisolder brother and father were massacred, hismother, his brother and he moved to Aleppo,where he attended Aleppo College. Then hecame to American University of Beirut,where he graduated with an MS in Engineer-ing.

In 1937, he married Berjouhi Shiredjian.Together, they left for Cyprus where hetaught at the Melkonian College for a fewyears. On his return, he started to work inthe Archeology Department of greater Syria.When Lebanon claimed its independence, heworked at the Archeology Department ofLebanon and taught part time at the Engi-neering Department of the American Uni-versity of Beirut.

He was a member of the First ArmenianEvangelical Church and a prominent leaderin the Armenian community. He was ascholar, lecturer, and an author.

He restored all the ancient ruins in Leba-non. He won the “Said Akel” Award for hiswork. In 2001, when he went back for a visitto Lebanon, the Minister of Culture, Mr.Ghassan Salame, acknowledged him for allthe restoration work he had accomplishedin Lebanon.

In 1978, he went to Jordan and worked intheir Archeology Department until he retiredin 1989. Shortly after his retirement hemoved to the United States to be with hischildren. He is well known in the archeol-ogy community and has given many lecturesin the Middle East and Europe. His love ofthe ruins can be seen in: Palmyra, Baalbeck,Anjar, Sidon, Byblos, Jerash, Petra, andmany other sights.

Haroutune Kalayan passed away on Sun-day, December 21, 2003. On Friday Decem-ber 26, 2003, the Reverend Dr. PeterDoghramji performed funeral services at thePresbyterian Cemetery in Bound Brook,New Jersey. He was then laid to rest next tohis beloved wife.

He is survived by his two daughters AlisIspentchian and Chouchan Samman, fivegrandchildren, and three great grandchil-dren.

An Honorable Mention Award in the nameof Haroutune and Berjouhi Kalayan will begiven every year by the Armenian Engineersand Scientists of America.

“Blessed are they who die in the Lord;they rest from their labors and their worksfollow them.”G

Hrair BizdikianHrair Bizdikian,

known as “Nick” tohis Greek friends. Apartial portrait of theman.

Hrair was born onDecember 28, 1930,in Athens, Greece.He died at the age of72, on September26, 2003, in Tinos,Greece. His passing brings to memory manythoughts about him, but on this occasion of hismemorial we like to remember him simply asa Christian, a man who tried to follow Christ.

Here is what Jesus says, “Whatever you didfor one of the least of my brothers, you did itfor me” (Matthew 25:40). Here Jesus portrayshis follower as one who looks at others as if

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The color printing of the cover page of this issue of theAMAA NEWS is graciously donated by our printer,

Paul Vartanian of PrintsolutionsEnglewood, NJ, Tel. (201) 567-9622.

The AMAA Board of Directors and staff wish to extend their heartfelt condo-lences to the families of the following deceased friends whose names were submit-ted to us for publication in the AMAA News.

Arlen, LucyNew York, NY* Atamian, FimiAvakian, LeonBelmar, NJ* Basralian, EvelynHasbrough Hgts, NJ*Bagian, MaryRumford, RI* Bandoian, LucyMA* Casparian, TheresaFloral Park, NY* Galloshian, Rose* Gulesserian, ShakeSaratoga, CA* Harpootlian, BeatriceMiami Shores, FL* Hekimian, EstherFresno, CA* Kalayan, HaroutuneBridgewater, NJ

they were Christ himself, a person who caresfor others and who is passionately involved intheir welfare, especially people who are in dif-ficulty. This is a person who takes a keen in-terest in the well-being of his fellow men andwomen, a person who is warm and loving, gen-erous, and always ready to extend a helpinghand.

Hrair could be characterized with many dif-ferent traits, but the above picture of the fol-lower of Christ fits best in portraying him.Surely most of us remember him as such, gen-erous, giving, friendly, interested in otherpeoples’ needs, never refusing to help, alwayswith a smile of approval and encouragement.He liked to talk to people, especially to youngpeople, with the hope of helping them. As such,he has touched many people with the love ofChrist.

His brother, Jerair

* Memorials were designated for AMAA

Karjian, HovsepLos Angeles, CA* Kolligian, MadelineWaltham, MA* Koudouzian, LoussiaClovis, CAMardirosian, QuharEmerson, NJ* Muradian, DoraKingsburg, CA* Nalbandian, ZarouhieFairview, NJ* Nercessian, MyrnaOghigian, Virginia* Pambakian, MadeleineReseda, CA* Shushan, HelenMAYeretsian, JohnCranston, RI

Armenian Missionary Association of America31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652

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

JOIN US FOR A PILGRIMAGETO ARMENIA AND KARABAGH

Organized on

the 20th Anniversary of theARMENIAN MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (AMAC)

MAY 24 - JUNE 7, 2004

Participation Fee - To Yerevan Only: Can. $2,850.00 - US $2,200.00Take an optional 3-day extension tour to Karabagh with an additional Can. $150.00, US $115.00

DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS, APRIL 10, 2004The above PRICES include: 1 night hotel in Prague, 12 nights "ANI Hotel" in Yerevan, with breakfast anddinner, all airport duties, visas, daily excursion and fees in Armenia and K arabagh, pick up and return to &from Zvartnotz Airpor t in Yerevan. (Prices are quoted from Canada - departure Toronto or Montreal airports,and from US - departure any US nor th-east major airpor t.

NOTE: For further information and reservations, please call Mr. Mihran Jizmejianat (416) 491-9879, or Contact AMAC, 45 Fairglen Ave. Toronto, ON M1T 1G8, Canada,

Tel. (416) 429-5669: Fax: (416) 429-9879; E-Mail: [email protected]

Have a glimpse of the daily lives and struggles,needs and hopes of our people

• Witness the impact of AMAA's & AMAC's mis-

•

sion and service programs in Armenia• Have a fellowship and express solidarity with

the people of Armenia

• Visit and learn more about the historic land-marks, culture and people of Armenia

• Participate in special tour to historic points ofinterest

• Enjoy memorable social and cultural events

Documents

Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America … · In many places, the Christmas message is told by fairy tale characters dear to children. This is done in most