PARAMUS, NJ – The Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) held its regular meeting on October 15–16, 2026 at the headquarters of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in Paramus, New Jersey, bringing together representatives of the five Armenian Evangelical Unions around the world, along with representatives of the AMAA and the Stephen Philibosian Foundation.
The meeting provided an important opportunity for Council members to review ongoing activities, reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, strengthen collaboration among Armenian Evangelical institutions worldwide, and discuss priorities for the future of the global Armenian Evangelical community.
The President of the AEWC, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, welcomed the Council members and guests. He then invited the Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, to lead a brief biblical meditation and offer the opening prayer, setting a spiritual tone for the deliberations and discussions that followed.
Following the presentation of written and oral reports by the Council’s officers and representatives of the various church Unions and partner organizations, the Board reviewed the AEWC’s activities and initiatives over the past year. Discussions focused on the progress made in fostering cooperation, strengthening relationships, and advancing shared goals among the Armenian Evangelical Unions, the AMAA, and related institutions around the world.
A significant part of the meeting was devoted to the worldwide celebrations marking the 180th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church in 2026. Representatives shared updates on the commemorative events and activities organized by their respective Unions, highlighting the diverse ways in which Armenian Evangelical communities across the globe are honouring this historic milestone. The anniversary serves as an opportunity to celebrate the Church’s rich spiritual heritage, reflect on its enduring mission, and renew its commitment to faith, service, and witness for generations to come.
A comprehensive report on the progress of the Digitization and Archiving Project was presented at the meeting. Recognizing the importance of this initiative, the council unanimously agreed to continue advancing the valuable project. Furthermore, the council approved and confirmed that the Worldwide Pastors’ Conference will be held from 27 to 30 September 2027 at AMAA’s Camp Hankavan in Armenia.
In another important decision, the Armenian Evangelical World Council unanimously voted to extend the term of its current President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, for an additional year. The Council also approved a change to the length of future presidential terms, extending them from two years to three years. These decisions reflect the Council’s commitment to continuity in leadership and to strengthening its governance and long-term effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of shared purpose and commitment to the mission of the Armenian Evangelical Church worldwide. Through continued dialogue, cooperation, and mutual support, the Armenian Evangelical World Council seeks to strengthen the bonds uniting Armenian Evangelical communities across continents and to advance their common spiritual and institutional mission.
