By HAROUT NERCESSIAN,
AMAA Representative in Canada

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”. Aristotle

Rooted in its Armenian Evangelical heritage, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) has steadfastly prioritized the education of its youth as one of its four core pillars.

At its 105th Annual Meeting Banquet to be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Sheraton Laval Hotel in Montreal, QC, Canada, the AMAA will celebrate decades of dedicated investment in the progress and advancement of young people toward mature Armenian Christian adults. This special event will honor Rev. Hagop Manjelikian, whose ministry has guided hundreds of children to become God-loving adults living exemplary Christian lives.

In light of his recent and unexpected passing, the AMAA will also pay tribute to Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO, recognizing his remarkable philanthropic and literary legacy, as well as his unwavering support of AMAA’s youth program.

Over the years, AMAA’s contribution to the development of young people has been multi-faceted.

Education of the heart is imperative

Inspired by the timeless Biblical wisdom to “train up” children early in life, the AMAA joins hands with the five Armenian Evangelical Unions worldwide, impacting thousands of children, youth, and young adults. Together, we ignite their hearts to worship God, study the Bible, and cultivate character.

Through the AMAA, young people receive quality Biblical teaching in ministries such as Sunday Schools, Youth Discipleship, Leadership Training, and Bible classes. In these nurturing environments, they deepen their faith, embrace Christian virtues, and develop God-honoring skills and habits.

Summer camps also educate the heart and provide much-loved supportive environments where seeds of faith germinate amongst the campers. Enveloped in a Christian atmosphere, campers experience Christian love, draw close to God, forge life-long friendships, refine their social skills, and create unforgettable memories filled with joy and adventure.

The festive Christmas season is an opportunity to educate the hearts of children. In Armenia it blossoms with AMAA’s heartwarming events in over 40 cities, towns, and villages. More than 10,000 children glow in the Christmas wonder, captivated by the message of God’s love portrayed through plays, songs, and other performances. They eagerly immerse themselves in the Christmas story, join in carols, and their eyes sparkle with anticipation as they explore their Christmas Joy packages, personally delivered by Santa.

Educating the Mind: Essential for a Productive Life

Education is one of AMAA’s four pillars and has long been central to the Armenian Evangelical mindset. AMAA operates and supports various educational programs around the globe.

Armenian Evangelical Schools in the United States, Syria, Lebanon, and Armenia are celebrated for their commitment to comprehensive and exceptional education. Catering to children from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, these schools provide opportunities that make a fulfilling and productive life achievable for all students. The AMAA takes immense pride in witnessing the positive contributions that the alumni make to society.

Haigazian University stands as a beacon of pride for its co-founders, the AMAA and the Armenian Evangelical Union of the Near East. As the sole Diaspora Armenian university, it educates minds through a diverse array of liberal arts, computer science, and education degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. During its 69-year history, the University has successfully launched thousands of Armenian and non-Armenian students onto fulfilling career paths.

No aspiring young person should miss out on higher education due to financial constraints. The AMAA is dedicated to ensuring this by offering tuition subsidies to eligible students in Armenia and North America enabling them to attend university and embark on rewarding professional paths.

Cultural enrichment provides a sense of belonging

Cultural education is an indispensable part of youth development, as it strengthens a person’s sense of belonging and identity. The cultural programs of Armenian Evangelical institutions serve as a lighthouse that leads our youth to the cultural riches of the shore. The AMAA champions these vibrant programs, which not only bridge generations through the cultural wealth of our forebears but also cultivate the innate artistic skills within our children. As they immerse themselves in music, dance, theater, painting, and a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions, they weave the rich tapestry of our Armenian legacy into the fabric of their lives.

Character predicts fulfilling relationships

Engaging in missions and service is crucial for youth character development. The AMAA encourages volunteering in both local and overseas mission efforts. Many young people volunteer at summer camps, Sunday Schools, and in various youth ministries. The AMAA’s Summer Internship Program in Armenia broadens participants’ worldviews, allowing them to develop character through service.

Rev. Hagop Manjelikian has built a lasting legacy of outstanding youth work

For many years, Hagop was the Christian Education Director at the United Armenian Congregational Church (UACC). The leadership of UACC held Mr. Manjelikian’s exceptional leadership in high esteem, as evidenced by the remarkable growth of the youth ministry from a mere handful to an impressive 185 young people.

As a youth leader, he led young people to Christ, motivated them to live according to the teachings of the Bible and to excel in all they do. He lavishly invested time teaching the Bible, mentoring, playing, going on trips, laughing, and having fun with the youth under his care. He coached their basketball teams to great victories and shared unforgettable experiences. He inspired the discouraged, guided the confused, picked up the fallen, and offered hope to the disheartened. Those who were entrusted to his leadership care were touched by his sincere love and commitment to their well-being and spiritual growth.

His youth admire the skillful way he harmoniously blended enjoyment as a friend with the exercise of spiritual guidance as a leader. They are grateful for his wisdom as they wrestled with faith questions and important decisions and found comfort in his presence as they faced difficult circumstances and discouragements.

The AMAA proudly honors Rev. Manjelikian for his unwavering and passionate commitment to youth. His tireless efforts and boundless dedication have empowered countless young individuals to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and maturity, guiding them to become responsible and devoted Christian adults.

Zaven Khanjian was a champion of youth

Zaven Khanjian was a man of unshakable Christian faith and deep-rooted patriotism. He possessed a rare bouquet of qualities seldom found in a single individual. Zaven’s sacrificial compassion for victims of poverty and injustice, his far-sighted vision, strategic thinking, robust determination, and faith-based pristine work ethic made him a potent force for good.

Under his leadership from 2014-2024, the AMAA rose to new heights of national admiration and respect. Thanks to his ardent efforts, the AMAA’s philanthropic impact expanded far beyond expectations.

Born and raised in an Armenian Evangelical family in Aleppo, Syria, the late Zaven Khanjian’s Christian faith, character, and patriotism were deeply influenced by his parents and the ministries of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, including Sunday School, Youth, and later Chanitz (young adults group). Recognizing the critical importance of youth ministries, during his tenure as Executive Director/CEO of the AMAA, he dedicated significant time and resources to ensuring Armenian children received quality education and Christian formation. Under his leadership, the AMAA invested in Armenian schools, camps, and various youth programs. The likes of Zaven Khanjian rarely appear on the scene of human existence. He will be greatly missed.

Thanking God for the past and charting the path forward.

To chart the path forward, AMAA reflects on the past and thanks God for the privilege of ushering young people into productive lives of service, grounded in the Christian faith, character and wisdom.

Inspired by its enduring legacy, the AMAA is resolute in continuing its God-mandated mission of reaching out to youth. With divine guidance and the support of our partners, our mission perseveres.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Up for Our Newsletters

Get notified of the latest updates from MassisPost.

You May Also Like

Bipartisan Letter Urges Biden to Refuse Sale of F-16 Jets to Turkey

WASHINGTON, DC — Democratic and Republican U.S. lawmakers urged President Joe Biden’s…

President Trump\’s Former Aide Michael Flynn Registered as Lobbying Agent for Turkey

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, Michael Flynn,…

Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian Selected as President of Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority

GLENDALE – The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (BGPAA) has selected Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian…

Dr. Zeynep Gürsel to speak on “Portraits of Unbelonging: Photography, the Ottoman State and Armenians Leaving for America 1896-1908”

Dr. Zeynep Devrim Gürsel, associate professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University, will…