Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of America Nov ...

Publication of the Armenian Missionary Association of AmericaNov/Dec 2007 - Vol. XLI No.6 (ISSN 1097-0924)

E D I T O R I A L M E S S A G EJesus, The Greatest GiftAMAA NEWSis a publication ofthe Armenian Missionary Association of America,31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.Tel. (201) 265-2607; Fax (201) 265-6015E-Mail: amaa@amaa.org;Website: www.amaa.orgThe AMAA is a Tax Exempt, not for profitorganization under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3)Andrew Torigian, Executive DirectorDikran Youmshakian, Field DirectorAl DePaola Jr., Operations DirectorOFFICERSH. Steven Aharonian, M.D. PresidentJohn Cherkezian, Vice PresidentPeter Kougasian, Esq., Vice PresidentHarry Dulgarian, Recording SecretaryGary Phillips, Esq. Recording SecretaryAram R. Minnetian, TreasurerDavid Hekemian, Assistant TreasurerEDITORIAL BOARDAndrew Torigian, EditorLouisa Janbazian, Associate Editor, Layout & DesignDikran Youmshakian & Al DePaola, AdvisorsCHANGE OF ADDRESSIn order to keep our mailing list up to date, pleasesend all corrections, along with the old address to:AMAA NEWS, 31 W. Century Rd.,Paramus, NJ 07652E-mail: amaanews@amaa.orgPRINTINGPrintsolutions, Englewood, NJ(201) 567-9622FRONT COVER PICTURE:AMAA Peninsula Group Committee memberspictured with Field Director Dikran Youmshakian.(l to r) Seta Yenikomshian, Kris Gulesserian,Anahid Gulesserian, Elizabeth Yeghyayan,Margo Gulesserian, Nora Balabanian andAnayis Adrouny.Andrew TorigianThere were no Christmas trees, no tinsel and no trinkets.There was a stable, a man, a woman, a baby and love.This was the gift that was presented to us on that night inBethlehem 2000 years ago. God gave us His love unconditionally.He expressed this love by the humble beginnings of lifeon earth through our Savior. In His birth, God was relating to us thatthe world may consider the lowliest or insignificant. To God, we areall significant, which is why the best that God had was offered to us.It is ours to accept this greatest gift of all, the birth of our Lord andSavior Jesus Christ.In John 17:20 Jesus said, “I do not pray for these alone, but alsofor those who will believe in Me through their word.”Imagine, 2000 years ago our Savior was praying for us! Yes, Jesuswas praying for you and me! He goes on to say in John 17:22-23,“I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they maybe one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they bebrought to complete unity to let the world know that you sentme and have loved them even as you have loved me.”How can we keep the Good News about Jesus to ourselves whenwe know He prayed for all those who believe in Him and His prayerreveals that God loves us as much as His own Son? It was becauseof this incredible love, that God gave us the best He had to offer:His Son, Jesus Christ. We need to witness to allow others to be includedin His prayers as they turn to Christ. This is the best gift youcan give to all those with whom you come in contact.Remember God always invites us to go back to Bethlehem with theshepherds, in order for us to see a new future, a new hope, andrenew our faith.Krisdos ?nav yv #a3dnyxav7 2yzi5 myzi My/ Avydis1Krisdos dzenav yev haidnetzav, tzezi, mezi Medz Avedis.(Christ is born and is revealed, good tidings to you and to us).Page 2 - AMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007

Friends of AMAA Peninsula GroupMeet For Their Annual LuncheonThe Friends of the AMAA Peninsula Group were formed in1960 motivated by the educational needs of Armenian childrenin the Middle East. A group of twelve dedicated ladies agreedto have monthly informal luncheons, organize a group and raisefunds to help needy students in Lebanon and Syria. This group,a Protestant- sponsored organization, soon became ecumenical inrepresentation to include Armenians of all denominations.The group had their Annual Luncheon on Friday, December 7.The hosts this year were Mr. and Mrs. Ike and Kris Gulesserian ofLos Altos, CA. Over 50 people attended.Mrs. Margo Gulesserian, the current Chairperson of the group,welcomed the guests. Rev. Nerses Balabanian, Pastor of theCalvary Armenian Congregational Church, offered the prayer andintroduced the guest speaker Dikran Youmshakian, Field Directorof the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA).After lunch, Mr. Youmshakian thanked the group for theirgenerous support, updated them on the recent economic andpolitical difficulties in the area and presented a video on AMAAministries in the Middle East. The members of the PeninsulaGroup were delighted to learn how their support had impact on thelives of children in the Middle East in a positive way. The groupsponsors ten students each year providing $2,500.00.The event was a great opportunity of fellowship and also anoccasion to praise God through singing Christmas hymns.Special thanks to the hosts, Ike and Kris Gulesserian, foropening their home and hosting this event. We thank the committeemembers and those who prepared the food. Thank you to all whoparticipated and supported the event. qGift Givingby Dikran YoumshakianTwo men were discussing what they were going to buy their wives for Christmas. One of the men said, “This yearI think I will just wrap myself up as a present and give myself to my wife.” To which the other man replied, “Well I amnot giving my wife much either.”What do we give and to whom do we give when it is Jesus’ birthday that we celebrate? This is a question thatwe should ask when we celebrate Christmas.Gift-giving is an expression of love and thankfulness. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son”(John 3:16). Apostle Paul to the Corinthians said, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).Gifts on Christmas should be given to God and to Jesus. Yet we often forget Him and instead spend dayswondering what we should give each other, to the point that we even consider wrapping ourselves as a gift. Thereis no wrong in gift-giving; it expresses our love and thankfulness. Let us however not forget God, He gave his Sonout of His indescribable love, and let us put more sense in our giving. First, let us give ourselves to the Lord. MakeChristmas the day of our re-birth through Christ and then give with love and compassion not only to those who welove, but to those who need our love and care.“Truly I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”(Matthew 25:40) qAMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007 - Page 3

School Supplies toArmenian Children in IraqForty Armenian students in Baghdad, Iraq were happily surprisedduring the Holiday Season with gifts from the ArmenianMissionary Association of America (AMAA). Each child receiveda backpack of much needed school supplies. It was the gesture oflove more than the value of the items sent.In November, AMAA was contacted by Sergeant John M.Meguerian of the US Army, currently serving in Iraq, informing theAssociation about the urgent need of school supplies for elementarystudents at the Baghdad United Armenian School. In response tothis appeal, the staff at the AMAA headquarters prepared packages,which were sent to Iraq in time for the Holiday season. The BaghdadUnited Armenian School is the only Armenian school servingthe Armenian community in Baghdad.C H I L D C A R EAMAA Staff members Marie Viducich, Marie Ziegler and GildardoBlandon preparing School Supplies for the Iraq Armenian ChildrenThe first school, Saint Tarkmantchatz School in Iraq was established in 1852. In 1901 the Zabelian School for Girls was established.In 1917 both schools merged under Saint Tarkmantchatz Co-Ed School. In 1921 with the flow of new Armenian immigrants settling inIraq, a third school – Sevadjian School – was established managed by the AGBU. In 1949 Sevadjian School and Saint Tarkmantchatzmerged. The new school had a record number of 1200 students in 1974, when unfortunately, it was taken over by the government andwas renamed Ibn Al Haythem Public School. Armenian and religion classes were cancelled. After several years and with hard work,Armenians were able to regain the ownership of the school. The student body had dropped to 750 students with only 250 Armenians.Today, the situation is much more difficult with the war in Iraq and the only Armenian School serving in Baghdad struggles to keepits doors open. Student population has further dropped.The symbolic gifts sent to the 40 elementary students will be a beacon of hope for the school and the struggling Armenian communityin Iraq.Those who want to participate in this effort can contact the AMAA office at 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652 or call 201-265-2607. qOde to GodVanessa Gertmenian-Wang*Who is God?Is he a person, a spirit?If you shouted His name from mountaintop,Would He hear it?Is God a he, a she, an it, a they?I can't seem to keep these thoughts at bay.I don't know the answer so I guessGod wants to keep it that way.Even though I can't see God, I know He's there.I can feel His presence in the air.He watches us as we do what we do,Sometimes I wish I could see Him too.God is the creator of everything.Men, women, and some things in between.Nothing would be here without His help.Thank God He found us.God controls everything far and wide.The oceans, the trees, the land that we ride.Sometimes everything works outright,Sometimes everything goes all wrong.No matter, what, we all move along.I thank God as often as I can,So should every other woman and man.I try to be the best person I can be,I want God to be proud of me.So here's my thank you to God the great,He's the one who controls my faith.God helps us everyday.He cares for us in every way.* Vanessa Gertmenian-Wang (8th Grade) is thegranddaughter of Paul Gertmenian and greatgranddaughterof the late Henry GertmenianPage 4 - AMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007

H E A L T H C A R EA CardiologistWith A Loving HeartDr. Jean-Charles Meguerditchian, from Lyon, France has beenvolunteering in AMAA’s Nerses and Arpine Aynilian MedicallllllllClinic in Yerevan, Armenia for eight years.This much sought-after doctor’s reputation has spread likewild fire. People with all kinds of diseases come to see him fromYerevan and beyond. At times he responds to house call requestsin the evenings or weekends. Here, instead of finding one patientto treat, he is often surprised by the large number of unexpectedpatients. During his 13 week service each year, Dr. Meguerditchianhas treated 700 patients.Dr. Meguerditchian was born in Valence. He is the son of the lateRev. Dikran Meguerditchian who has pastored several ArmenianEvangelical Churches in France. He first came to Armenia veryreluctantly at the relentless insistence of his pastor in the year2000. He had no desire to go to a former Soviet Union country.The three-week visit, during which he treated needy patients inAMAA’s Aynilian clinic, changed his perspective on Armenia andlife itself. Ever since then, he has been coming to Armenia. Duringthe past few years, he has been coming three months a year totreat patients in Armenia. Dr. Meguerditchian feels very sad whenthe time of his departure from Armenia approaches. He is deeplymoved when patients ask him, “Who will take care of us when youare not here?” The doctor who once reluctantly came to Armeniais now reluctant to leave Armenia.Dr. Meguerditchian primarily treats patients with bloodcirculation problems. He also treats patients with rare diseases thatother doctors avoid.Garoush is a man in his seventies. He entered the clinic, wantingto see “the doctor”. All the patients in the waiting room turnedtheir faces, trying to avoid his sight. Garoush’s skin was whiteand full of sores. He had a leprosy-like skin disease. He told Dr.Meguerditchian that all the hospitals had turned him down. Thiswas his last hope. Dr. Meguerditchian’s initial reaction was to turnhim down too. After all, he was not a skin specialist. Yet, he feltGod’s call to help the man. Garoush returned to the clinic a weeklater. His disease had not disappeared, but the sores were far lesspainful now. He can at least function. Two weeks later, Garoushcame again. His disease had gone. His skin’s normal color wasrestored and the sores had disappeared. Garoush was healed. Dr.Meguerditchian believes this to be God’s miraculous healing. Histreatments, though administered by much prayer, were only meantto prevent further deterioration. On a future visit, Garoush told thedoctor that AMAA was his last hope and that he had decided tocommit suicide if AMAA’s medical staff turned him down.Emma, a 70 year old woman had her leg caught under a carwheel and her muscles and tissues were severely damaged. Doctorshad mistreated her causing more damage. Dr. Meguerditchianpatiently treated her leg every day. Emma’s leg tissue is slowlybeing restored.Since his first visit to Armenia, Dr. Meguerditchian has discoveredhis life mission to be serving the poor and the needy of Armeniain the name of Christ. The presence of Christ is indeed evident inhis loving care for his patients. He truly obeys Jesus’ command to“Go…heal the sick… cleanse those who have leprosy. Freely youhave received, freely give." (Matthew 10:6-9) qAPC Missions CommitteeRaises Funds for Christian CampsThe Armenian Presbyterian Church MissionsCommittee would like to thank all who sponsored PastorBerj's Bike Ride in the month of August. We praise Godthat the goal to raise $10,000 has been achieved asGod led many to support this project.Because of such donations, 25 boys and girls willhave the chance to attend Camp Johnsonburg (PC-USA) and Camp Arevelk (AEUNA) and will be blessed byhearing God's Word and fellowship with other Christians,and by God's grace many will respond to that very graceof God by accepting Christ as their Savior. Only eternitywill provide the complete picture of what impact suchcontributions make to the Kingdom of God. qAMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007 - Page 7

C H U R C H L I F EThe Armenian EvangelicalBrethren Church of GlendaleDedicates New Building"…the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes."Psalm 118:23On September 8th, 2007, the Armenian Evangelical BrethrenChurch (AEBC) officially dedicated its recently purchased.and renovated facility in Glendale, California.The purchase of the church property on 1800 Lake Street wasmade in August of 2006 from the New Life Christian Church (FreeMethodist). Renovation commenced promptly in December ofthe same year. Mr. George Shahinian spearheaded the purchasingstage of the project. His initial involvement in the transaction andpurchase of the property was significant. The building committeemembers as of November were Mr. Sarkis Ekimyan (chiefcontractor), Mr. Aram Karsian, Mr. Yervand Gevorgyan, Mr. SevagShanlian and Mrs. Anait Tiratsuyan. An aggressive fundraisingcampaign also started at this time. Much of the unique features thechurch is now adorned with were due to the successful fundraisingof members and friends of AEBC. Among these features are morethan 30 fiberglass-enforced Krinkglas® windows throughoutboth buildings, custom-made and custom-engineered sanctuarylighting by McFadden Trend Lighting, and a full-body immersion,fiberglass baptistry located on the sanctuary stage (concealed as analtar.)The facility was in full use beginning on June 3, 2007. Almostimmediately plans went underway to have a special building dedicationservice on the evening of September 8th. By August, withthe assistance of the AMAA, the church was able to pay off its debtDr. Steven H. Aharonian brings AMAA's greetingsto the New Life Christian Church.The evening of September 8th marked the culmination of thegreatest undertaking the church and ministry has experienced in itsrecent history. It was the prayer and hope of the pastor, church, andbuilding committee, that Christ and Christ alone would receive theglory and praise during the service.The Mayor of the City of Glendale, Mr. Ara James Najarian, waspresent at the service and welcomed the church to the communitysaying, “I am so happy to welcome the church amongst ourmembers, residents and citizens, so we can all live with a littlemore dedication to our Savior Jesus Christ…know that God willbless this work…to continue the good work established by theArmenian Evangelicals.”On behalf of the Armenian Missionary Association of America(AMAA), its President, Dr. Steven H. Aharonian, represented theAMAA noting, “We are pleased to have brought our small contribution--asthe AMAA in making possible the buying of this lovelybuilding.” The board and congregation of AEBC are thankful tothe AMAA executive committee, especially Executive DirectorMr. Andrew Torigian and President Dr. Aharonian, for their immediateresponse and assistance during a time of need.Ms. Janina Morikawa and Rev. Arnold Doi, of the New LifeChristian Church officially transferred the Corporate Grant Deedto the property. During an emotional highlight of the service, theprevious owners made note of the significant renovation of thefacility and their joy in passing on the baton to the new owners.Three prayers of dedication were offered starting with Rev. Doi,Rev. Daniel Chang (Korean pastor of Hope Presbyterian Churchwhich currently uses the facilities of the Silver Lake property), andRev. John Melkonian.The Armenian Evangelical Brethren Church looks forward as “thejourney continues.” The future holds possibilities and unseen blessings.We continue ahead to glorify God and to proclaim the messageof salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. A banquet honoring the82nd anniversary of the church was held November 3rd at AmbrosiaRestaurant in Glendale, CA with great success. Fundraising andministry plans are on the horizon and the church is alive again—toGod be the glory. qPage 8 - AMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007

Armenian Martyrs' Congregational Churchof Havertown, PA Marks CentenaryMINISTRYSPOTLIGHTFour hundred congregants,dignitaries, friends, andguests helped the ArmenianMartyrs' CongregationalChurch (AMCC) mark its centenary,with a luncheon banquet on SundayDecember 2, 2007. The Master ofCeremonies was Albert Momjian, Esq.,and the keynote speakers were formerpastor Rev. Dr. Peter Doghramji andguest speaker Dr. Tony Campolo.A major portion of the celebratoryluncheon was devoted to rememberingthe past and honoring those whoestablished and served the church.The history of the AMCC goesback to the latter years of the 19thCentury and the early years of the20th, when the small community ofProtestant and Apostolic Armeniansliving in Philadelphia organizedoccasional worship services led byguest preachers and priests.Following the 1915 massacresof Armenians in Turkey, when a newwave of immigrants increased theEvangelical community, a secondEvangelical church was organized in1920. Within a few short years thosetwo churches were merged to formthe AMCC. The AMCC established it'shome in West Philadelphia in 1924 andin 1964 it moved to its present home inHavertown.The AMCC congregation is a vitalpresence in the Armenian communityof Greater Philadelphia providingleadership and impetus to communalharmony and cooperation.The AMCC congregation has astrong sense of stewardship bothlocally and worldwide. Besidessupporting many of the AMAA'soutreach programs, the church recentlyestablished a sister church relationshipwith the Armenian Evangelical Churchof Plovdiv, Bulgaria, supporting thechurch both spiritually and financially.As of September 2007, Rev. L.Nishan Bakalian serves as the ministerof the church. qRev. L. Nishan Bakalian with pastoremeritus Rev. Soghomon NuyujukianHonored ministers present at the banquet(l to r) Rev. L. Nishan Bakalian, Rev. HovhannesKarjian, Rev. Gary Schongalla Bowman, Rev.Soghomon Nuyujukian & Rev. Peter DoghramjiAMCC Sunday SchoolRev. L. Nishan Bakalian with his wife MariaAMCC Choir 100 th Anniversary BanquetAMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007 - Page 9

F I E L D V I S I T A T I O N SAMAA Field Director VisitsMembers And FriendsOn The West CoastDuring the next four months, AMAA Field Director DikranYoumshakian will continue his visits with the followingschedule:January 7- 14, Los Angeles, CAAMAA Sunday at the Armenian Evangelical Church ofGlendale - January 13, 2008 12:30 pm.February 9-11, Salem, NHAMAA Sunday at the Ararat Armenian CongregationalChurch - February 10, 2008, 11:00 am.February 22-25, Belmont, MAAMAA Sunday at the Frist Armenian Church - February 14,2008, 11:00 am.March 1-8, Los Angeles, CAAMAA Sunday at most Armenian Evangelical Churches -March 2, 2008March 28-31, Watertown, MAAMAA Sunday at the Armenian Memorial Church - March30, 2007, 11:00 am.From December 2 to 10, 2007 the Field Director visited AMAAmembers and friends in Los Angeles, Fresno and San Francisco.Pictured above are two faithful members of the AMAA;Mr. Archie Arzouyan and Mrs. Belle Ashodian. Mr. Arzouyan hasbeen a generous contributor to the AMAA and to the ArmenianEvangelical Church of Hollywood. Mrs. Ashodian is an angelsponsoring 225 needy Armenian families in Armenia for the past10 years. She also sponsors 10 children and provides regular aid toneedy Armenians in Bulgaria.Such visits are important to update our members and donorson current events, mission fields and service ministries. It is also agreat opportunity for us to thank our donors for their support.April 4-10, Fresno, CAAMAA Sunday at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church -April 6, 2008, 11:00 am.April 11-15, Detroit, MIAMAA Sunday at the Armenian Congregational Church ofDetroit - April 13, 2008, 11:00 a.m.During these visits, the Field Director will be available forpersonal visits to answer any questions. Those who areinterested can contact AMAA office at 201.265.2607 ore-mail him at dyamaa@amaa.orgMeet Our Staff...Mr. Gildardo Blandon is an important part of office supporthere at AMAA headquarters. He puts the muscle to many thingsthat need to get done. His job is very diverse being responsiblefor packing the many shipments we send, all the large mailings(e.g., Our Daily Bread booklets, AMAA News, special appeals,etc.), and general maintenance of the property. He is an efficientworker and does whatever is necessary to get the jobdone. We are fortunate to have him on the AMAA staff.Mr. Blandon was born and raised in Columbia. He has livedin New Jersey for 20 years and for 17 of those years, he hasbeen employed by AMAA. He is married with two children.Page 10 - AMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007

B O O K S E R V I C E P R O G R A MBOOKSA c o n c i s e Hi st o r y o f t h e Ar m e n i an Pe o p l e, by George A. Bournoutian, Examines the history of the Armenians in relation to that of therest of the world. pb. # 316................................................... $35.00Ac a d e m i e s f o r An at o l i a, by Frank A Stone, A Study of the Rationale,Program, and Impact of the Educational Institutions Sponsored bythe American Board in Turkey, 1830-2005, 400 pp, #325 ........$39.99Th e Ar m e n i an An s w e r, by Richard G. Melikian, Take a walk into thefuture of the Armenian people. #168......................................... $5.00Ar m e n i an Ch r i st i an it y - Th e Fa it h o f a Nat io n , by Rev. Dr. AharonSapsezian, A historical look at Christianity in the Armenian culture.pb. # 252............................................................................... $10.00Ar m e n i an Hi st o r y Timeline, by Hagop & Marilyn Arshagouni, 52 pp,hc, No. 289 ........................................................................... $15.00An Ar m e n i an Fa m i ly Re u n io n, by Mitchell Kalpakgian. A Lifetime ofUnforgetable and Delightful Stories. 159 pp, pb. # 317....... $18.00Ar m e n i an Ne e d l e l a c e & Em b r o i d e ry, by Alice Odian Kasparian, Aphotographic collection of more than 100 priceless specimens (athird in color), 127 pp, hc. # 120 .......................................... $15.00Ar m e n i an s Re s o lv e To Su r v i v e Tu r k i sh Ge n o c i d e, by Douglas Y.Haig, 258 pp., pb. No. 273.................................................... $15.00A Br i e f Hi st o r y o f Ar m e n i a, by Rev. 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An Armerican Missionaryborn in Ottoman Empire, gives a first hand account of eventsin Kharbert during the Genocide, 220 pp, pb, # 267............... $25.00Do n’t Le t t h e Go at s Eat t h e Lo q u at Tr e e s, by Thomas Hale, Theadventures of an American surgeon in Nepal. #257............. $10.00Es c a p e to Mu s a Da g h o r t h e Ba n i sh m e n t o f Ze it o u n a n d Su e d i a’sRe v o lt, by Rev. D. Antreassian, 74 pp, pb, No. 234............... $7.00Th e Fo r t y Day s o f Mu s a Da g h, by Franz Werfel, Famous novelabout the 1915 heroic and successful resistance of the Armeniansof Musa Dagh against the regular armies of Turkey. #119..... $10.00Th e He r ita g e o f Ar m e n i an Lit e r at u r e, Vo l u m e I, From the OralTradition to the Golden Age 388 pp., hc, # 288..................... $35.00In Ot h e r Wo r d s, by Rev. 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The rich history, legends, and storiesabout Armenia’s delightful cuisine. 243 pp, pb. # 318.. $20.00Pl e a s e Pa s s Th e Pi l a f, by Elizabeth D. Tootelian. A Collectionof Armenian Recipes. 98 pp, pb. # 322........................ $10.00“Pa r e e Ye g a k” (Welcome) or Go o d Lu c k, Hand crafted trivetsof solid wood. #26a.........................................................$5.00FA|:RHN GIRQ:RAn'o.arin;li Va5angoujiune - F;[inak3 W;r1 Parg;u N1Taragy;an - Bana.7soujiunn;r Fa\ Au;taranakanacatour;an - :rkou Fator Fa\;rhnh Fa\;rhnBa5aran - iuraqanciur fatore ÊÍÈÈ h= - #325.......$60.00ARMENIAN BIBLES - ASTOUA^A

Fa\;rhn Astoua6a,ounc;rAm;rika\i Fa\ Au;tarancakan Enk;-rakzouj;an K;dronat;[ihn kar;li hstanal Fa\;rhn Astoua6a,ounc;r tarb;rkaxm;row ;u 6aualow! Stanalou famarfay;zhq ambo[=azn;l wari ktr7ne ;u[rk;l AMAA Book Service Program, 31 WestCentury Road, Paramus, NJ 07652.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------A\o4 ke 'a'aqim oun;nal----- 7rinak s;u lajakaxm (# 13x1) - fate $ÊÍ----- 7rinak y;rmak j[jakaxm (# 13x3 ) - fate $ÊÈ----- 7rinak s;u ka,;kaxm (# 13x3 ) - fate $ËÈ----- 7rinak y;rmak ka,;kaxm (# 13x4 ) - fate $ËÈ----- 7rinak m;6a6aual kanac lajakaxm (#13n) -fate $ÊÈEndfanour Goumar ____________Anoun --------------------------------------------Faszh ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Orphs a5aqman 6a.s fay;zhq au;lzn;l $Ì1ÈÈa5a=in 7rinakin famar ;u $Ê1ÈÈ iuraqanciur \au;l;al7rinaki famar! (Ganata\i famar Am;rik;an $Î1ÈÈa5a=in 7rinakin famar ;u Am;rik;an $Ë iuraqanciur \au;l;al 7rinaki famar)!^an7j! ÉÈ-h au;li 7rinakin;rou famar ÊÈ% x;[=piti troui! Fay;zhq chq;re gr;l AMAA anounow!CDs, TAPES & DVDsA Vio l a Re c ita l - Brahms, Schubert, Gomidas, Bagdasarian, Milhaud,Reger - by Gor Hovhannisyan, Viola and Gary Kirkpatrick,Piano. Recorded live, # 301.................................................. $15.00AMAA's "Yo u n g Vi rt u o s o s" o f Ar m e n i a - Musical Ensemble of 6talented children - ages 9-14 (violins, cello, flute & Piano) - Armenianand international classical music, # 293........................ $10.00Ar m e n i an Sa c r e d Mu s i c Ch o r a l e - Conductor Dr. John P. Merjanian-Hyms, Sharagans, and Sacred classics - set of 4 #203....... $25.00Ba c k to Ar m e n i a - Samuel Yervinian (violin) and Armen Aharonian(piano), (CD), # 298.............................................................. $15.00Fav o r it e Pi an o Ma s t e r p i e c e s - performed by concert pianist LevonHovsepian. Includes includes the best of Babajanian, Chopin, Rachmaninoff,Bach, Busoni. # 314.......................................... $15.00Jo u r n e y to Re s u r r e c t io n - Paintings by Lucy Janjigian (DVD andVideo) - 33 paintings, DVD #313a , Video #313b................. $25.00"Me g a Ga" - Armenian Children's Songs on DVD and CD - Singalong as you experience the beautiful and historical sites of Armenia.Composed by Tamar Albarian. Arranged by Vahan Ohanyan.#324...................................................................................... $25.00No r Ye r k #4 (in Armenian - CD), NOR :RG Jiu Ì (Si Ti)# 208f.................................................................................... $15.00No r Ye r k - Bi d i Ba d m e m (in Armenian - CD), NOR :RG (Si Ti)Piti Patm;m4 #s. 208j........................................................ $10.00"Se r pa z a n Ye r k e r" Sacred Music Chorale, (tape in Armenian),conducted by Dr. John Merjanian, Srbaxan :rg;r - >mbawar3T7qj1 Yan M;ryan;an (]a\n;rix) # 193............................ $10.00Up r o o t e d - Paintings by Lucy Janjigian - DVD #313c........... $25.00For a complete listing of bookstore holdings please contact AMAA BookService Department - 201.265.2607, amaa@amaa.org, www.amaa.org#BOOK ORDER FORMPlease forward Book(s) {List by catalogue No.(s)}_________________ for a total of $____________plus $_________ for postage and handing.In the U.S. add US$4.00 for first copy and US$2.00 foreach additional book. In Canada add US$6.00 for firstcopy and add US$3.00 for each additional book (orderbooks by catalogue numbers).Name:____________________________________Address:___________________________________________________________________________E-mail: ___________________________________Tel.:______________________________________Enclosed is my check for $ ______________Make checks payable to AMAA (Canada: Payable inU.S. dollar) prices subject to changeTo purchase with a credit/debit card or electronic debit tochecking account, please call the AMAA office at 201.265.2607Available from AMAAAcademies for AnatoliaA Study of the Rationale, Program, and Impact of theEducational Institutions Sponsored by the American Boardin Turkey, 1830-2005By Frank Andrews StoneSince 1830 the institutions oflearning in Turkey sponsored by theAmerican Board of Commissionersfor Foreign Missions (today calledWider Church Ministries), have helpededucate the Armenians of Asia Minor.Academies for Anatolia examinesthis 175 year saga. Many ArmenianAmericans can recall members of theirfamily who attended these schools inplaces like Karpert, Aintab, Marash,Tarsus, Marsovan and Smyrna - to name just a few ofthe sites. Three of the American Board Schools at Izmir,Tarsus and Ûskûdar are currently in operation and enrollsome Armenian students. Also, many of the former faculty- Armenian and American - are named and pictured in thebook.The author, Dr. Frank Stone, is a Professor Emeritusat the University of Connecticut. Stone's specialization ininternational education is the Middle East. He has taughtat the American College, Tarsus, Turkey from 1953-1966.Since then he's made ten study trips to the Middle East.To order your copy please complete the Book Orderform ($39.99 - #325)#Page 12 - AMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007

F A | : R H N B A V I NAmyriga3i Ha3 Avydaran[agan Ungyragxov;yan()6amya3 #opylyanEnjazik tarin4 ÊÈÈÐ-e4 Am;rika\i Fa\Au;tarancakan Enk;rakzouj;an fimnadrouj;anÑÈ-am;a\ \ob;l;ann h! A\s a5jiu Fa\Au;taranakan Fama,.arfa\in >orfourde oura.;u ;ra.tapart srtow ke \a\tnh ir shrn oufiazoume Fa\ Au;tarancakanin! Axgapar6mana\s enk;rakzouj;an 6a5a\oujiune ankaska6m;r patmouj;an fo\akap h=;rhn min ke kaxmh;u ir inisounam;a\ baxmabariq iragor6oumn;reke l;zn;n fa\ k;anqe3 fa\r;niqi jh Artasafmanitara6qin!Am;rika\i Fa\ Au;tarancakan Enk;rakzoujiune4or 'a[aq,akan anounow ke yanczoui orphsAu;tarancakan4 6nound a5au Ar;u;l;an Nafangn;rouFa\ Au;taranakan Miouj;an |ounis Ï4 ÉÑÉÐ-itar;kan famavo[owin4 or goumarou;zau Fa\Au;taranakan Nafatakaz :k;[;ziin mh=4 Ouster4Mhshcoushz4 Miaz;al Nafangn;r!Ca'axanzoujiun piti cella\ ;rb;q fastat;l4jh Au;tarancakane fandisazau a,.arfi cors6ag;roun zroua6 fa\ au;taranakan ;k;[;zin;reirarou m7t;zno[ ;u irarou x7do[ kape! A5anzAu;tarancakanin4 fa\ au;taranakann;r pitixrkouhin lau a5a=nordoujiun oun;nalh ir;nzpatmouj;an dvouarin fangrouann;roun! Au;tarancakaneanonz fa\ja\j;z kaxmak;rpcakankorow ;u en];5;z a5a=nordoujiun! :jh an A5a=inA,.arfamartin patoufasoua6 fa\;roun cfa\-ja\jhr a5a=nordoujiun4 ;u baro\akan ou niujakann;zouk4 qsan;rord darou a5a=in z;[aspanoujiune,at au;li dvba.t f;t;uanqn;r piti oun;nar!N;rka\is Au;tarancakane ouni ÑÈ tarin;roupatka5;li wastak ;u 6a5a\oujiun fama\n fa\ouj;an!Anor andamakzoujiune qsan ;rkou faxarekanzni ;u anor faso\jn;re ke fasnin ,our=fariur qsan milion tolari! Anor tar;kan piutyhnm7tauoraphs w;z milion tolar h3 \atkazoua6 au;liqan fariur qa5asoun 6ragirn;rou4 oronz mi=ozow6a5a\oujiun ke matouzoui faxarauor kar7t fa-\ordin;rou a,.arfi cors 6ag;roun tara6oua6!Au;tarancakanin bolor 6ragirn;re k*iragor6ouin,norfiu faxarauor an];rou ansakark 6a5a\ouj;an4an]nouhr =anq;roun ;u niujakan 7vandakouj;an!Anonq ir;nz niujakan4 mtauor ;u fog;uor n;rdroumow4n;zouk ke kangnin Au;tarancakanin!Au;tarancakane \atouk a,.atanq ke tani4 orFa\ Au;taranakan ;k;[;zin;r da5nan barin irauimastow au;tarancakan4 a\sinqn4 Qristosi siro\'rkouj;an ;u .a[a[ouj;an Au;tarane tara6o[;k;[;zin;r!Antarako\s4 S'iu5qafa\ m;r patmouj;an anzo[ine tasnam;akn;roun Am;rika\i Fa\ Au;tarancakanEnk;rakzoujiune ;[au a[;tauor fa\ouj;an 9BariSamarazin04 ;u m;r vo[owourdi tagnapali 7r;roun4an orphs 9fr;,tak xouarjoun0 fasau amhnoun3qristonhakan qa[zr ogiow ;u mardasirakan axniuxgazoumow! An fa\ vo[owourdin b;rau ir 6a5a\oujiunemhkh au;li ou[in;row! An ir npaste b;raufa\ girin ;u dprouj;an4 fa\ ;k;[;ziin ;u m,ako\jin!Artasafmani mh= manauand4 ;u Fa\astani :rrordFanrapa;touj;an anka.azoumi 7r;rhn asdin4 m;6;[au anor 7vandakoujiune fa\abnak ;rkirn;roumh=3 krjakan4 dproza,inakan4 mardasirakan4au;tarancakan ;u fog;uor marx;roun mh=17vandakoujiun me4 oroun famar Fa\z1 Au;taranakan:k;[;zin ;ra.tapart ke mna\ anor t;slakanfimnadirn;roun ou wastakauor m,akn;roun!Anor .namatirakan d;re ir skxbnakan tarin;-roun3 arka6afarouj;an ;njarkoua6 m;r vo[owourdib;korn;roun fandhp4 w;ra6;z Au;tarancakan bouvic];5qi me4 ;rkara6 m;r whrq;roun4 Au;tarani BariSamaraziin ca' srta5ouc!Qsan;rord darou S'iu5qi fa\oz patmouj;anam;nhn za\toun glou.n;rhn min ke kaxmh Au;tarancakanipatmoujiune4 anor k;anqn ou 7gta,atgor6e! Fama\nqa\in m;r kariqn;rou ;rkounqin argasiqe;[o[ a\s kaxmak;rpoujiune karo[azau dimagrau;lnor pa\mann;rou partadra6 mtafogoujiunn;re! Ir;npatiu b;ro[ anaca5ouj;amb an =atagow fandisazaubar;sirakan4 krjakan4 fog;uor ou m,akouja\in ;ua5ncakiz a\l marx;rou mh=! Anor ba.toro, d;rean=n=;li piti mna\ s'iu5qafa\ vamanakakizpatmouj;an mh=! Anor gor6ounhoujiune amhn tariendar]akou;zau4 xargazau nor ga[a'arn;row4 nor6ragirn;row ;u an dar]au oc mia\n .namatirakanmarmin me4 w;raka5ouzan;low m;r 'louxa6 ;k;[;zin;rnou fastatoujiunn;re4 a\l na;u an ;[au fa\kakan;u qristonhakan dastiarakouj;an sataro[ m;6kaxmak;rpoujiun me4 ir anmi=akan foga6ouj;antak oun;nalow Fa\ Au;taranakan krjarann;r3 mankaparthxhnminc;u famalsaranakan ousoum stazo[a,ak;rtn;rou krjajo,ak fa\ja\j;low! A\s7r faxarauorAMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007 - Page 13

,r=anauartn;r4 oronq patouauor qa[aqazin;rdar]a6 ;n Ma\r Fa\r;niqi kam S'iu5qi xanaxan;rkirn;rou mh=4 ;ra.tapart ;n Au;tarancakanin!Patan;kan4 ;ritasardakan4 m,akouja\in4 krjakan4.namatirakan4 fratarakcakan4 au;tarancakan;u a\l baxm;r;s ir gor6ounhouj;amb4 m;6anouna\s Enk;rakzoujiune ir ;rkarat;u ;u vra=an 6a5a-\ouj;amb 'a\loun mhk apazo\ze ke kaxmh m;r z;[ik;nsounakouj;an!Kotorakoua6 fa\ouj;an xauakn;roun bar7-roujiun parg;u;lou wy5akamouj;amb4 srtab;k m;r9Mnazordaz0in famar an wstafouj;an a[biurdar]au dhpi fa\ouj;an apagan!Isk a\s7r4 aknark me mia\n Au;tarancakanipa,t7naj;rj AMAA News-i h=;roun4 bauakan hyancnalou anor n;rka\ b;[oun k;anqe4 lousamit;u f;5at;s \an]na5oujiunn;re! Fon ke fandipinqFa\astani ;u ga[ja,.arfi mh= Au;tarancakanigjouj;an ;u krjouj;an4 fog;uor ;u m,akouja\in4;k;[;za,inouj;an ;u axga,inouj;an endar]akgor6ounhouj;an!Fark h na;u \i,;l4 jh Au;tarancakan niujakann;rdroumin ca' kar;uor h a\n baro\akan patk;re4 oran ke n;rka\aznh m;r fa\ au;taranakan fauaqakank;anqin mh=! An osk;[hn 7[ake ke fandisana\miazn;lou a,.arfazriu bolor fa\ au;taranakann;re;u miangama\n wa\;l;lou anonz n;zouke!|ob;linakan a\s tarin oc mia\n a5ij menh gnafat;lou Am;rika\i Fa\ Au;tarancakanEnk;rakzouj;an b;[mnauor ;u boloranouhr 6a5a\oujiunemasnauoraphs Fa\astan;a\z Au;taranakan:k;[;ziin4 ;u endfanraphs fa\ axgin4 a\l na;uf;5afa\;az aknark me n;t;l anor apaga\in!Incph2s piti dimagrau;nq Au;tarancakani\a=ord inisnam;a\ k;anqe4 or xa\n piti fasznhÊÊ-rd darou s;min! I2nc nor 6ragirn;row pitixargazn;nq4 x7razn;nq xa\n4 orphsxi an kar;na\,arounak;l ir 7gta,at 6a5a\oujiunn;re or apaga\s;roundn;re no\n ;5andow ,arounak;n ir;nz jo[oua6va5angoujiune pafpan;l ;u ou5yazn;l!Jo[ ;rkar apri Am;rika\i Fa\ Au;tarancakanEnk;rakzoujiune4 orphsxi an ,arounakh 7rfnouj;ana[biur da5nal ,at;rou!W;r1 Dokt1 Wafan |1 Joujik;anGor6adir Tn7rhn3Fa\ Au;t1 Fama,.arfa\in >orfourdiMost recently Natalie Aroyan was one of the five finalistsof the Australian Singing Competition 2007Mathy Awards, and won the first prize in the popularaudience vote and was awarded a special $5,000prize. As a Mathy Awards Finalist, she was alsoawarded the prestigious Nelly Apt Scholarship of$15,000 to attend the Israel International Vocal ArtsInstitute Program in Tel Aviv. Natalie is a member ofthe Armenian Evangelical Church of Sydney, Australia.She and her parents, Sarkis and Lucy Aroyanare major supporters of the Armenian MissionaryAssociation of Australia.AMAA Executive Director Andy Torigian, in his capacityas President of the Armenian Nursing and RehabilitationCenter (ANRC) in Emerson, NJ, greetingand welcoming Karekin II the Supreme Patriarchand Catholicos of All Armenians to ANRC.Page 14 - AMAA NEWS, Nov/Dec 2007

O B I T U A R I E SRev. Samuel AghapegianRev. Aghapegian was born in Aligoudarz,Iran in 1947 into the family of Samson andHerignaz Aghapegians. He grew up in theArmenian Evangelical Church in Tehran.Rev. Aghabegian studied at the Near EastSchool of Theology and graduated in 1984with a Bachelors degree in Theology.From July 1984 to 1980 Rev. Aghapegian andhis wife Arpineh Mahshigian served togetherfrom July 1984 to 1989 the Armenian EvangelicalChurches in Ekizolukh and Keorkune (Kessabregion), Syria.Rev. Samuel Aghapegian was ordained tothe pastorate in August of 1987.He left the churches because of healthproblems and came to Beirut in 1990-1991 toserve with his wife in the Center for ArmenianHandicapped in Lebanon taking care of theelderly and leading the Evangelical worshipservices of both, the Center for the ArmenianHandicapped and the Armenian Sanatoriumof Azounieh in Lebanon.Rev. Aghapegian was admitted to the hospitalon Wednesday Nov. 14, 2007 due to acerebral stroke. He passed away on Nov. 15,2007. He is survived by his wife Arpineh, hismother Herignaz, his sisters Anna of USAand Ardzemnig of Tehran and his brother inthe USA.Funeral services were held on ThursdayNov. 22, 2007 at the Armenian EvangelicalChurch of Nor Marash (Bourj Hammoud),Lebanon. qMelcon Garabed MelconianMelcon G. Melconian,a prominent member ofNew York's Armeniancommunity passed waypeacefully on Nov. 23,at his home in Princeton,NJ, with his family at hisbedside.Melcon was bornin Baghdad on June 23, 1929, the eldest ofthe three children. After high school at theAmerican Jesuit College in Baghdad, he waseducated at the University of Birmingham inEngland, where he graduated with a Bachelorof Science degree in Chemical Engineering.He came to the U.S. for post-graduate studies,earning a Master of Science degree in PetroleumEngineering from University of Tulsa,in Oklahoma.Following in the footsteps of his father,Melcon dedicated his 45 year career to the oilindustry. He entered the industry as a chemicalengineer, working several years at Phillips Petroleumand then at Foster Wheeler. In 1962,he joined Mobil Oil, where he worked for 32years. Later he established an oil consultingfirm and developed a lecture series deliveredto chemical engineers around the world.Soon after moving to New York City in1959, Melcon met Hilda Berejikian. Theymarried two years later and enjoyed the 1960stogether as a socially active couple in Manhattan,Los Angeles, and London. Their first son,Gregory, arrived in 1969, promptly followedby a second son, Philip. Shortly thereafter, thefamily moved to Princeton, NJ. Together withhis wife, Melcon emphasized the importanceof family, faith and community service. Heactively participated in and supported manyorganizations, such as the AMAA, AGBU, ArmeniaFund, Armenian Assembly, etc. He wasvalued by his peers for his balanced views,inclusive approach, and desire to advance themission of each organization.Reared in the Armenian Church, Melconactively practiced his faith throughout hislife. He joined his wife Hilda regularly forservices at the Armenian Evangelical Churchof New York, where he also served as moderatorand most recently as chairman of theMinisterial Search Committee.He is survived by his wife, Hilda, sonsPhilip and Gregory, daughter-in-law Nyire,grandson Henry, brother Vahe of Downingtown,PA and sister Marlene Setrakian of Beirut,Lebanon. The funeral service was held atSt. Vartan Catherdral in New York City. Memorialdonations were made to AMAA andSt. Vartan Cathedral. qMowshs Shmhry;anTasagan soworov6;ivn e grgnyl nmana-i;nyrow5 ;e ha6vakova/ ynk a3sdy.53arcanki myr wyr]indovrku madovxanylovmyzme 3avyd pa=nova/harazadin1 A3s0r`saga3n5 ys gu myr6=ym 83aved9 magpa3u1O[ mia3n krisdoneagan havadkiangivnen tidova/ 3avidynagan gyanki3o3sow agngalova/ miaxovmi badja6-av5 a3l a3n hasdad havadken ‘qa/5or dasnamyagnyrov wra3 dara/ova/ yvungyra3in gyanki hyd untylov/ova/ yr6]anig parygamov;yne mu ydk garyli [eyrpek pa=novil a3s harazaden1Ir /racracor/ mdkow5 /a-a3a6sirov;yamp5 marzigi 0rinagyli gyn6xa.ow5 ungyra3in ]yrm zcaxovmnyrow5ansagarg hivramy/arov;yamp5 hara6zadi m0dyxovmow5 ungyragan wyhan26nov;yamp5 martga3nagan hoca/ov;yamp5hajo3agadar nyrga3ov;yamp5 ‘nd-ova/zovar;amdov;yamp5 anpasir ha3ryna6sirov;yamp yv lov- abrova/ havadkow5Morisu ta-2a/ er anniv;aganharsdov;ivn mu a-anx orovn garyli [eyryvaga3yl ,arovnagov;ivnu myr gyankiAsdova/a,norhk mnaxyal 0ryrovn1

90th ANNIVERSARY TRIP TO ARMENIAWhat an exciting time in our history - 90 years of service to the Lord!As part of celebrating this momentus achievement, all friends and members of the AMAA areinvited to come to Armenia where we can see first-hand the projects of the AMAA and the historicsites of Armenia on July 14 through July 23, 2008.There will be customized bus tours to AMAA locations and historic sites. The tour will includelunch and dinner daily with breakfast included at each hotel. The cost and detailed itinerary willbe provided at a later date.It is important to make your hotel reservation for this trip early, as there are limited rooms availablein Armenia in the summer. The current room rates per night for doubles are: $230 for theMarriott Hotel and $130 for the Congress Hotel.If you intend to join us on this trip, send your check for the total hotel cost to the AMAA by March31, 2008 to secure your rooms. Plan to arrive in Yerevan on July 14, 2008 and leave on July23, 2008.For further information, please call the AMAA at 201-265-2607.Armenian Missionary Association of America31 West Century RoadParamus, NJ 07652Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDParamus, NJPermit No. 55