Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian, founding president of Haigazian University, fades away at 104

“The Armenian Evangelical Community has deep historical roots in the Middle East. One of those is called Haigazian University, and I had the privilege of serving as its founding president.” Rev. Dr. John Markarian, October 2020

June 30, 2021 Armenian Missionary Association of America Obituaries 0
Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian

PARAMUS, NJ – It is with deep sorrow that we share the sad news of the passing of Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian, the founding president of Haigazian University of Beirut, Lebanon.

“Although Dr. Markarian has physically departed from this earth, he remains a shining star in the field of higher education and the history of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA),” said AMAA executive director and CEO Zaven Khanjian. “As thousands of Haigazian University students mourn his loss, we praise God for generations of Haigazian graduates who have illuminated the skies of humanity and brilliantly served their respective communities around the globe,” he continued.

Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian, of West Pittston, died on June 29, 2021. He celebrated his 104th birthday on June 7.

He was born in Windham, N.Y., a son of the late Jacob and Dora (Euth) Markarian. He was a graduate of Lafayette College and Princeton Divinity School. He later served on the faculty at Lafayette College. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister and earned a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology from Drew University. Rev. Dr. Markarian was the founding president of Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon. An account of his years there is relayed in his memoir, “The Thirsty Enemy.” He and his wife, Inge, later moved to California and eventually to West Pittston where they resided for the last 34 years.

He leaves his wife, Inge, of 47 years; his daughter Joanne Kubler, of Los Angeles; his grandson Michael Kubler and his wife Kathryn, and his great-grandchildren Gabriel and Ari of Sydney, Australia.

A celebration of Rev. Dr. Markarian’s life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made online or mailed to the AMAA at 31 W. Century Rd., Paramus, NJ 07652. (Please include a memo on check: Rev. Dr. John Markarian Memorial.)

Donations will benefit the Rev. Dr. John J. Markarian Scholarship Fund designated to Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon.

As we mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. Markarian, we rejoice in his life and find consolation in the hope of the Resurrection.

Armenian Missionary Association of America

Armenian Missionary Association of America

The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) was founded in 1918, in Worcester, MA, and incorporated as a non-profit charitable organization in 1920 in the State of New York. We are a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Our purpose is to serve the physical and spiritual needs of people everywhere, both at home and overseas. To fulfill this worldwide mission, we maintain a range of educational, evangelistic, relief, social service, church and child care ministries in 24 countries around the world.

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