Faithful to Our Legacy: AMAA's 97th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia

The Annual Meeting and related activities of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) took place in Philadelphia, Pa., the City of Brotherly Love, Oct. 20-23, hosted by the Armenian Martyrs’ Congregational Church (AMCC) of Havertown. The AMCC Host Committee, co-chaired by Eileen Chopourian Stephey, Ed.D. and Thomas Momjian, Esq., included Rev. Nishan Bakalian, Karen Bogosian, Marian Buchakjian, Tim DeMirjian, Elaine Farashian, Lynne Gulezian, Carol Jerrahian, Pauline Karjian, Leila Kevorkian, Joan Momjian, Diane Uber, and many volunteers.

(L to R) Mark Momjian, Esq., Esther Momjian, Carol Momjian Hanamirian, Esq., Set Momjian, Zaven Khanjian, Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, Inge Markarian, Rev. Dr. John Markarian, Thomas Momjian

Prior to the AMAA Board and Annual meetings, the Executive Board of the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC), comprised of representatives from all Armenian Evangelical Unions, held its meeting on Thursday evening and Friday morning. On Friday evening, the AMAA held its regular Board of Directors meeting.

The 97^th Annual Meeting of the Association was held on Saturday morning. AMAA President Dr. Nazareth Darakjian presided over the meeting, which was attended by over 100 members and guests. Delegates of Armenian Evangelical Churches, Unions, Armenian Evangelical World Council, AMAA Committees and affiliated organizations shared their reports, their joys and concerns and praised God for another successful year. Before the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Darakjian announced the results of the elections for the AMAA Board Class of 2019: Dr. H. Steven Aharonian (Calif.), Dr. Ara Apelian (N.J.), Dr. Rafi Balabanian (Calif.), Rev. Ara Guekguezian (Calif.), Berjouhy Gulesserian (N.J.), Dr. Susan Jerian (Calif.), Joseph Stein (Calif.), Dr. Michael Voskian (N.J.), and Gregory Zeronian (Calif.).

(L to R) Matthew Momjian, Mrs. Joan Momjian and Honoree Hon. Set Momjian, Christine and Bruce Momjian

The highlight of the weekend was the sold-out Annual Meeting Banquet on Saturday evening at the Philadelphia Marriot West, honoring three distinguished individuals: Albert Momjian, Esq., former President of the AMAA (posthumously); Honorable Set Momjian, former US Representative to the United Nations; and Rev. Dr. John Markarian, founding President of Haigazian University.

(L to R) Melineh Momjian, Thomas Momjian, Esq., Esther Momjian, wife of the posthumously honored late Albert Momjian, Esq. – former AMAA President and Carol Momjian Hanamirian, Esq.

Eileen Chopourian Stephey, Ed.D. welcomed the guests and introduced Master of Ceremonies Mark Momjian, Esq. who brought a unique sense of humor and warmth to the event. He welcomed the 200 guests and acknowledged the legacy of each honoree and of the AMAA over the past 97 years throughout the world. Special video presentations were made which provided a glimpse of the very full lives of each honoree. Another video, produced by Tina Stein Segel, highlighted the work of one of the AMAA’s newer ministries, the “Shogh Day Center,” a program the AMAA runs in Armenia.

The Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian, Armenian Ambassador, offered his appreciation for the AMAA’s efforts in Armenia and around the world. Among the many guests, he recognized Wilma Cholakian, who served as Administrative Dean of Haigazian University in Beirut during the time he attended the University. They reunited for the first time in over 20 years at the Banquet.

Throughout the evening, musical entertainment was provided by the gifted soprano Anush Avetisyan who performed Armenian and classical pieces.

In his closing remarks, AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian reflected on the AMAA’s upcoming Centennial and stated that the milestone upon us is more than cause for celebration. “It is an affirmation of our continued vision; a reminder for introspection and an opportunity for new dreams,” he said.

(Clockwise from center, L to R) Joseph and Joyce Stein, Sona Khanjian and AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian, ROA Ambassador Grigor Hovhannissian, AMAA President, Dr. Nazareth Darakjian, Haigazian University Trustee Chair, Dr. Ani Darakjian, founding President of Haigazian University Honoree Rev. Dr. John and Mrs. Inge Markarian

The weekend culminated with a Worship Service held in the sanctuary of the host Church. Pastors from all over the world participated in the Worship Service with prayers and readings from the scriptures. Before the Pastoral Prayer, Rev. Ara Guekguezian led a special moment of remembrance to honor the memory of those members and friends of the Association, who made the transition from this life to Life Eternal during the past year. The Armenian message, with the theme of “Faithful to our Legacy,” was offered by Rev. Gilbert Leonian, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Alfortville, France. Rev. Nishan Bakalian, Pastor of AMCC, offered the English sermon with the theme “A Legacy of Suffering… for the Gospel.”

The Church Choir enriched the Worship Service with their music, and the Executive Director of the AEWC, Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian, brought the service to its culmination with the installation of the newly-elected AMAA Board members.

In conjunction with celebrating the 170th Anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Evangelical Church, this year’s theme “Faithful to Our Legacy” kicked-off the Centennial Capital Campaign on the East Coast garnering lead gifts which pushed the gifts raised past the $4 million mark.

Special thanks are extended to Rev. Nishan Bakalian, Pastor of the host Church, Host Committee Co-Chairs Thomas Momjian, Esq. and Eileen Chopourian Stephey, Ed.D. and members, and all delegates of the Armenian Evangelical Churches, Unions, Armenian Evangelical World Council, AMAA Committees and affiliated organizations for their hard work and support in making this another successful and memorable AMAA Annual Meeting! Special thanks also to Marge and Karen Bogosian and the team from Visual Sound who provided the audio and video systems for church meetings and the banquet