Titizian, Kendirjian Move into SARF Leadership Roles

Reception Honors Khanjian

GLENDALE, Calif.—The Executive Committee of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) in August elected two new officers: John Titizian as chairman and Raffi Kendirjian as vice-chairman.

Khanjian with the SARF Executive Committee

Zaven Khanjian, the outgoing chairman of the Executive Committee, presided over his last committee meeting on Aug. 30, when the new officers were elected. Since its inception in August 2012, in response to the deteriorating living conditions of Armenians in Syria, SARF, under the leadership of Khanjian, raised and transferred to Syria more than $1 million for use in humanitarian relief. Khanjian submitted his resignation following his appointment as the executive director/CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA); although this position requires him to relocate to New Jersey, Khanjian has pledged his continued support to SARF’s mission.

In his inaugural address to the Executive Committee, Titizian expressed his appreciation for the work performed by SARF during the past two years, outlined his commitment to SARF’s mission, and pledged to continue the vigorous fundraising work undertaken by the Executive Committee. Raffi Kendirjian stressed the need to continue aiding Syrian Armenians, as the conditions in Syria have not improved over the past two years.

The election of the new officers was completed with the re-election of Sona Madarian as secretary and Meher Der Ohanessian as treasurer.

On Aug. 20, a reception to honor Khanjian was held at Kavar Restaurant, with the participation of about 30 executive and supporting committee members, and press representatives. On behalf of the SARF Executive Committee, Ara Arayon, the vice-chairman at the time, presented Khanjian with a memento. The co-chair of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA Regional Executive, Rebecca Berberian, presented Khanjian with a plaque in appreciation of his efforts.

Many of those present made heartfelt remarks about Khanjian’s vision, dedication, and leadership, which focused the efforts of various community organizations and the public on raising funds for the Armenians of Syria. Khanjian reciprocated their praise, and reaffirmed his desire to continue to help those in need.

The co-chair of the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA Regional Executive, Rebecca Berberian, presented Khanjian with a plaque in appreciation of his efforts.

The following churches, charities, and organizations came together to form the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund in August 2012: Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Western Diocese of the Armenian Church; Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; Armenian General Benevolent Union; Armenian Missionary Association of America; Armenian Relief Society of Western USA; Armenian Democratic Liberal Party; Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western USA; and Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Western USA.

SARF continues to accept contributions. One of the latest contributions was a $10,000 donation from the proceeds of the “Bashde LA 2014,” a concert held on July 12 at the Christian Outreach for Armenians Center in Glendale. To make your contribution, donate online at www.SyrianArmenianReliefFund.org or send a check to P.O. Box 1948, Glendale, CA 91209-1948.