Blogging and administering the regular release of the newsletter of Chanitz.com has been fun, exciting, and rewarding at the same time. We’ve had specific purposes for this blog, many of which we were able to achieve, through the joint efforts of many supporters.
We would like to thank our sponsors, whom we consider our partners in ministry. We consider them our partners because most of them saw the need, saw the vision and shared it with us, and supported us morally and financially.
Here, I would like to tell you the story of one of our partners, who cheered our efforts but who also exhorted us to prepare ourselves well for what's coming.
I praphrase: "You will be faced with various obstacles and tough decisions. But don’t forget that the One who gave you this vision will not depart you. There will come many who will put different motives into your actions and initiatives, but stay firm in God's direction."
Losing our focus, we did not. And as we worked more and put further effort into this project, namely, Chanitz.com, we saw the need for more regular time and effort needed in order to keep it up and running. The more we gave ourselves up for this ministry, the more it soaked up our energies like a sponge, and the faster the website grew and matured.
As months went by, we came to realize that Chanitz.com has the potential to become a bigger project and to grow more. And seeing this potential, we know that this can be achieved only through the joint efforts of dedicated people.
Now, it's Summer time, and we are all tired and in dire need of vacation, the reason why I will announce here that Chanitz.com will take a break starting from the month of July till August and perhaps September, only to return to you with renewed efforts, new news, new ideas, new pictures, new articles, new games and surprises.
Enjoy your Summer and the Camps,
and enjoy your time with God :) 
Cheers!
Chanitz.com, admin
Raffi
Friday, June 27, 2008
Summer Vacation for Chanitz.com
Evil spirits and the presence of evil: interview with Ms. Houry Barsoumian
- What are the evil spirits?
- Are Christians vulnerable to these harmful spirits?
- How can a Christian protect himself/herself from evil?
You can listen to the interview by clicking on the following link: http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=4460409-dfe
CHANAGHPOUYR Team
Read More......
Armenian Evangelical P. & E. Torosian’s Elementary and Intermediate Graduation
Our Lord’s love is so great. He led us all throughout this year until we reached its end with our graduating students. Saturday 21st of June 2008 was the end, the happy ending. It was the graduation of 13 grade 9 students who are preparing themselves to go a new school with new teachers, new administration, but we know that Torosian has prepared them well. Also 21 grade 6 students graduated and turned a new page in their academic life preparing to go to grade 7.
The commencement started with the entrance of the graduates, the national anthems, rev. Hovhanness Sevadjian’s prayer, the guest speaker, Mrs. Seta Pamloukian directed her word to the graduates, the school choir enchanted the audience with 2 songs, and then the grade 9-ers took their part in the commencement. The diplomas and prizes were distributed followed by principle; Mrs. Seta Karageozian’s ending word, the Rev. Sevadjian’s prayer and the exit of the graduates.
In the outer yard the graduates were congratulated, a cake was cut in their honor, balloons were sent flying up and all were invited to a reception at the end of the “big day”.
Torosian
Torosian’s KG Graduation
Friday June 13, 2008 wrapped up the academic year for the Armenian Evangelical Torosian Kindergarten classes.
It was God’s grace that guided us and led us through out this year which was full of insecurities and uncertainties until we reached the appointed date for the end-of-year graduation ceremony.
17 students graduated from KGII in an enchanting performance which included 3 different dances from every KG class, choreographed by their teachers, songs in different languages, Armenian, Arabic and English, with the accompaniment of the Piano, Mrs. Negdar Palazian and an interesting play presented by a dialogue and directed by Mr. Robert Arakelian.
The graduates expressed their wishes of what to become when they grow up in a DVD recording.
The commencement ended by principal, Mrs Seta Karageozian’s encouraging word and Rev. Hovhanness Sevadjian’s blessing player.
We thank our Lord for His endless love and care and ask Him for His presence in the coming years and in many more to come Torosian commencements.
Torosian
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Emails and Messages
Shahe Demirjian (Lebanon, Marash Church): "Thanks for sending me these news guys, keep on this work and God bless you."
Krikor DerGarabedian (USA, originally from Ashrafieh Church): "thank you for sending the updates of your website."
Andreas A. Rudolph (USA): Sireli engerner, from 1980 to 1982 I was 'Anjarzi', being originally from Germany. Now I am serving as Gen. Secr. World's Christian Endeavor Union, living in the US (New Jersey). Thank you Raffi for your e-mail and thank you for this forum. I long to come to Lebanon and Syria and visit the tschanitz there, but I am short of time. Also I would like to see what is left from Christian Endeavor in Egypt (maybe also Iraq). Does anybody of you have any connections with CE over there or does know about them? I am presently trying to get into contact with them. Any help is welcome. Badvelli Ekmekjian, please give my regards to Badvelli Serop Megerditchian. Shnorhagallutiun!! shad gesirem kesi pollorovin!
Hovig Trtrian (USA?): parev tsez shad oraxem vor meshd lav namagner gi xrgek enze hachoxotyon gi maxtem tseze yev parevners anmen meg chanitzagane yev lav orer poloret.
Hrayr Jebejian (Cyprus): Thanks for keeping us posted with all the recent news. Keep up the good job.
Salpie Dermenjian (Lebanon): God bless you I love your newsletter/blog.
Boghos Malian (Lebanon): congratulations... I congratulate our school and their lovely students for being the 3rd in the levam's mini football tournament (the small category) and I congratulate their coach Mr. Mike Hagopian. I hope this success will continue and you'll come in first during the coming years...
Monday, June 23, 2008
Our Partners in Ministry
Haigazian University
Haigazian University is a liberal arts institution of higher learning which operates on the United States model of higher education using English as the language of instruction. Its purpose is to provide quality education in a Christian environment where academic freedom and the search and dissemination of truth are predominant. It seeks to empower students both for leadership positions and as professionals to serve in the Armenian and non-Armenian Lebanese communities as well as in the Middle East.
P. & E. Torosian School
Torosian is a neighborhood school. Most of the students live a walking distance from school. The school implements the Lebanese Government Curriculum in Kindergarten, Elementary and Intermediate levels. The school's mission is to educate the Armenian new generation with Christian, Armenian, sound and decent education. Mrs. Seta Karageozian is the principal of the school.
Armenian Evangelical Trad School
The school was built specifically for disadvantaged children – the generation of the Armenian refugees who, because of their desperate situation, were left without education. The school, today, shares its building with the social center, which is available for the children after school hours, where they can study & receive help. The social center also reaches the children & the adolescents through spiritual & social activities. The present social worker is Mrs. Rita Lao Manjelikian. The present principal of the school is Mrs. Vera Svajian.
Armenian Evangelical Christian Endeavor Union
The Armenian Evangelical Christian Endeavor Union of Syria and Lebanon (Armenian: Լիբանանի և Սուրիոյ Հայ Աւետարանական Եկեղեցիներու Քրիստոնէական Ջանից Միութիւն) is the youth organization that is affiliated with the World Christian Endeavor Union and the Christian Endeavor International. The Armenian Evangelical CE Union mostly coordinates with the youth ministries of local churches and at the same time it runs two summer camp sites (Monte Verdi-Lebanon and Kessab-Syria) where various groups (Children, Teenage, Youth and Young couples) organize their summer camps and conferences.
Armenian Evangelical Trad Social Center
The center tries to reach to the needs of the Armenian community, bringing to it hope and improving their living conditions. It provides shelter, food, and medicine for the people. Under the wing of the center also operates its DVBS school, its youth group affiliated with CE Union, and it's kids group.
Howard Karageuzian Foundation
The Howard Karageuzian (HK) Commamorative Corporation was founded in New York in 1921 by Mr. and Mrs. Mihran and Zabel Karageuzians in memory of their son Howard who died of malaria while only 14.
Ջանասէր
Chanaser, the bimonthly magazine, is published by the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East.
Owner: Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Publisher: U.A.E.C.N.E. Publications Committee
Bible Bookshop
The Christian store for gifts, Bibles, and Christian books. Whoever likes to gift a nice present can find suitable gifts for suitable prices with quality products. The store is located next to the Armenian Brotherhood Church, in Armenia Street.
Soulahian Super Store
The store where you will find your needs met; whether you need kitchen equipments, or gifts that you need to buy, or toys, ornaments for your salon, or electrical equipments... The store is located near Shamlian Tatigian High School, in Bourj Hammoud, Sin el Fil Roadway.
Peter's Brass
Established in 1951 as a family business: Peter's Brass is one of the major firms in the awards, gifts and sign industry in Lebanon today.
Character and expression is the result of much given attention to the fine artistic and technical details.
Combined with modern technology and traditional hand finish, they cast the events of today into living history.
Learn Matrix and Montage your Videos
MATRIX has become an indispensable software that any jewel designer today is using to design much more accurately and satisfy their clients.
Moreover, they can also take care of the video-recording needs for your events and montaging the recordings for you.
Seven habits of highly ineffective churches
1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim below there. Doing things with excellence, joy and flair may make someone uncomfortable. God doesn't really expect much anyhow.
2. Take no risks. A successful practice of risk avoidance is often best achieved by sending any and all new ideas to a minimum of four boards or committees who understand it's their role to say no to any new ideas. This process may need to be reinforced by remarks noting how a particular idea might make the church liable, cost money or ruffle feathers.
3. Practice the following evangelism strategy: "If they want us, they know where to find us." Assume that everyone does know where you are and what you are. It also can be helpful if your building looks like a medieval fortress. If you don't have that going for you, encourage ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they perform their role.
4. Blame early and often. Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation is made easier if scapegoats are regularly identified. In some congregations, ministers make wonderful scapegoats. You may also blame "newcomers," or "people who don't understand how we do things in this church." If all else fails, blame the conference, the denomination or Satan.
5. Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are within you. Have an all-purpose excuse such as, "I've just been so busy" (elaborate at great length just how busy you are, implying that no one else is busy). Occasionally try out a creative new excuse, such as, "Our dog ate the printer-ink cartridge and required an emergency appendectomy. He is now very busy, too."
6. Make it clear to all that the job of the pastor(s) and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy. Think of your church as the "Love Boat" and the pastor as the cruise director and activity planner. The job of clergy and staff members is to keep everyone on board happy. If someone is unhappy, it's a sure sign your pastor is not doing the job.
7. Spend as little money as possible. Even though you may enjoy spending money on personal things like a car or a cruise, you can demonstrate your commitment to modesty and simple lifestyle at church. The very best programs cost nothing. And why would your church building need renovation? If it was good enough for your grandparents, it'll be good enough for your grandchildren.
By ANTHONY B. ROBINSON
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The subject of being a "Stumbling Block" discussed with Rev. Hovannes Svajian
- Where is the problem, in the one who is being a stumbling block or being affected?
- Why do people leave the church, and their faith perhaps?
- What is the role of priest/pastor, and what if they are a hindrance to peoples' faith?
- How should believers in Christ act?
- How can we cope with the hurt?
You can listen to the interview by clicking on the following link: http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=4185964-759
CHANAGHPOUYR Team Read More......
Armenian Evangelical Torosian School's Choir Performs
51 Torossian students glowed on the stage of Hovhannes Boghossian in a Jolly spring choir, conducted my Mrs. Nectar Palazian, on Friday the 30th of May 2008. Jolly and joyful best describe the choir mood and the songs. The piano accompaniment was done by Miss Maria Palazian and the dialogue was directed by Mr. Robert Arakelian. The theme of the choir was spring and the springtime birds, butterflies and the bees. Accordingly the songs were chosen and chanted. Also there was an Arabic Medley and Armenian traditional classic songs. The audience was enchanted with this delightful choir, and we thank our Lord for his watch over us through all this time so we could work on and present this piece of art.
Torosian
Friday, June 20, 2008
Individualism
I can't really grasp the power and effect of individualism on the American community in general and the Christian community in specific. Here in the Middle East, Lebanon, being part of the community plays a great role in people's lives and even more in the lives of ethnic minorities.
If you see a stranded motorist on the freeway, total strangers would come along and help out without even being asked. Now, that's truly a great blessing to still have here. Americans think the East and Middle Easterners are "friendly-freaks" that they open up their houses to strangers and have dinner with them without social barriers.
However, people in the east want to be more like the west since they think their individual identities are being assimilated, while westerners think the east is blessed to be living in a community as theirs.
During the 2006 July War, two Christians visited bombed villages in the South to support them materially. They came to one house which was hit badly by Israeli bombs and asked the dwellers - who had refused to leave their home - how they could lend a helping hand. The man's reply was this: "I just want you two to come inside and drink coffee with me."
They headed to the village to be a blessing to others. Instead they left the village being blessed themselves.
Manochil
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Andre - Khachi Mod (Խաչին Մօտ)
We received this video from Rev. Nerses and Sevan Balabanian.
This is the very famous (Խաչին Մօտ) worship song that we sing.
And as Rev. Balabanian notes, this song is written by an Armenian from Iran.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
STATISTICS ABOUT LEBANON
1. Lebanon has 18 religious communities
2. It has 40 daily newspapers
3. It has 42 universities
4. It has over 100 banks (that is banks and not branches of a bank)
5. 70% of the students are in private schools
6. 40% of the Lebanese people are Christians(this is the highest Percentage in all the Arab countries)
7. There's 1 doctor per 10 people in Lebanon (In Europe & America , there's 1 doctor per 100 people)
8. The name LEBANON Appears 75 times in the Old Testament.
9. The name CEDAR ( Lebanon 's tree) appears 75 times too in the Old Testament!!
10. Beirut was destroyed and rebuilt 7 times (this is why it's compared to The Phoenix ).
11. There are 3.5 Million Lebanese in Lebanon.
12. There are around 10 Million Lebanese outside Lebanon !
OTHER INTERESTING FACTS:
1. Lebanon , the country, was occupied by over 16 countries:>Egyptians-Hittites-Assyrians- Babylonians- Persians- Alexander the Greeks- Romans - Byzantine- Arabs-The Crusaders-The Ottoman Empire- Britain- France - Israel- Syria.
2. Byblos (city in Lebanon ) is the oldest, continuously living City in The World.
3. Lebanon 's name has been around for 4,000 yrs non-stop (it's the Oldest Country/ nation's name in the world!)
4. Lebanon is the only Asian/African country that doesn't have a Desert.
5 There are 15 rivers in Lebanon (all of them coming from its own Mountains)
6. Lebanon is one of the most populated countries in its Archeological Sites, in the World!!!
7. The first alphabet was created in Byblos (city in Lebanon )
8. The only remaining temple of Jupiter (the main Roman god) is in Baalbeck, Lebanon (The City of the Sun). This is also the largest of all of the Roman Temples.
9. The name of BYBLOS comes from the BIBLE or BOOK
10. Lebanon is the country that has the most books written about It.
11. Lebanon is the only non-dictatorial country in the Arab world (It Has a President!)
12. According to Christianity Jesus Christ made his 1st miracle in Lebanon , In Sidon (The miracle of turning water into wine).
13. The Phoenicians (Original People of Lebanon) built the first boat, and they were the first to sail ever!
14. Phoenicians also reached America long before Christopher Columbus did.
15. The 1st law school in the world was built in Lebanon , in Downtown Beirut .
16. People say that the cedars were planted by God's own hands. This is why they're called "The Cedars of God", and this is why Lebanon is Called God's Country on Earth." Is it not a real Crime Against Humanity to destroy a country with such history?
* We received this from Mrs. Silva Lousinian Jemjemian
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Armenians in Arab Countries: an interview with Hrayr Jebejian
Interview conducted by Mr. R. Chilingirian
Question One: You mention in one of your articles that the assimilation of the Armenians in the Arab countries is much slower than in the Western Countries, mainly in Europe and the USA. Can you elaborate as to what aspects help the Armenians keep their identity and their language in the Arab countries, and what aspects keep them away from assimilation with the Arabs?
There are a number of issues that need to be taken into consideration when answering this question. Yes, the assimilation of the Armenians in the
- The social structure and set up of the
- The Arab World and the
- There is also the emotional component. The Arab World and the Middle East are geographically close to
- The Arab world welcomed and helped the Armenians after the Genocide. The friendly ties and connections, throughout history, between the Arab and Armenian nations, have been important indicators of the two communities’ understanding of each other and respect towards one another. The Arabs hold great respect for the Armenian nation’s faith and culture. The latter has helped in maintaining the language and the national identity of the Armenian community.
- It is only appropriate to single out
Question Two: Lately, we've been reading and hearing a lot from analysts on television, who say that the Lebanese immigrants leaving to the Gulf are easier to get them back to Lebanon, and they are not regarded as immigrants, unlike those who have left, say, for France, USA, or other Western Countries, never to return. Is this also true about the Armenians living in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Iran?
It is imperative that we bear in mind an important element when we talk about those who go to work in the Gulf region. Those people do not and cannot become citizens of these countries, irrespective of the number of years they stay there. Whereas, those who go to
The situation of the Armenians in the Diaspora can not be compared with the Gulf experience. The Armenian communities in the countries you mention,
In the end, it is needless to say that we have to bear in mind that we were born in this part of the world because our grandparents and parents were driven out of their homeland. So, we need to navigate in these circumstances and in the countries where we are all now living until such a time when justice for the Armenian Cause will take place. The challenge for the Diaspora Armenians is to preserve their Armenian identity and culture while embracing the local one. I am one of those advocates who call for “moderation” and “balancing” (havasarageshroutyoun) between the dual identities in the Diaspora context. We are Armenians with a rich cultural and ethnic heritage and a struggle for a just cause. At the same time, we are destined to live outside our homeland because of the Genocide. We are thankful and grateful for the countries that hosted us and we share their culture by “balancing” it with ours.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Social Psychology: Lend An Ear
"The first time the car broke down we were somewhere in North Carolina, "my mother-in-law told me over the phone. "We had it fixed, and then it stalled again in Delaware. But the worst was on the Verrazano Bridge duringrush hour. It seemed as if we'd never get home."
"That sound terrible," I said, ready to launch into my own horror story - a car that conked out at 9:30 p.m. in a desserted mall parking lot.
But someone knocked at her door, so she had to say good-bye.
"Thank you for listening," she added, "but most of all for not telling me your worst car story."
My cheeks burning, I hung up. In the days ahead I found myself thinking about the wisdom of her parting words. I can't count the number of times I've begun to complain - about a fight, a professional disappointment, or even car problems - only to have my friend cut me off with "The same thing just happened to me." Suddenly we're talking about her ungrateful kid, her leaky fuel line. And I'm left nodding my head in all the right places, wondering if we haven't all come down with a bad case of emotional attention deficit disorder.
What we all hope for when we're feeling low or agitated or wildly happy is to find a friend who sounds as if he or she has all the time in the world to listen. We don't always want answers or advice. Sometimes we just want company.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Monday, June 09, 2008
Haigazian University receives $700,000 US grant
BEIRUT: US Charge d'Affaires Michele Sison presented on Thursday a donation of $700,000 to Dr. Paul Haidastian, the president of Haigazian University, to finance scholarships for deserving students. This funding, provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will support 371 students as they pursue their educations. "One of the US core values is education. It is a value that Americans share with Lebanese. Our support for Haigazian University, as well as other Lebanese educational institutions, assists students as they make Lebanon, the region and the world a better place," Sison said.
Read More......Sunday, June 08, 2008
Armenian Evangelical Trad School's Kermes
On 24 May, 2008, the Trad school organized their annual kermes event.
