Haigazian University’s Alumni Reunion-Dinner: A Treasured Evening of Fellowship

On Thursday, July 21, 2011, Haigazian University alumni of different generations, attended a unique reception dinner, which took place in the courtyard of the New Heritage Building, at May Ziade street.
The occasion created a perfect opportunity for old graduates, to return to campus, reconnect with each other, and cherish dear memories.
Gassia Keloukian, from the class of 2004, and former student Shant Kabakian, now a rising comedy star, cheerfully animated the evening.
The Haigazian Band with soloist Aline Naccachian, created an exceptional musical atmosphere playing the most renowned hits of soft rock, while Lebanon’s champion in Latin dance, a fresh graduate, Mher Kandoyan passionately performed with his partner Ghinwa Slaidi.
The program concluded with a raffle draw of interesting gifts distributed to lucky winners.





Lecture Announcement: On Remembering 200 years of AMERICAN BOARD mission, and looking forward

Title: On Remembering 200 years of AMERICAN BOARD mission, and looking forward

Location: Haigazian University (Auditorium)

Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Program:
o Opening Remarks by Dr. Peter Makari, Executive, Middle East & Europe, Global Ministries of the UCC and Disciples of Christ.
o Lessons from the American Board Massacre of 1847: 14 dead, 50 held hostage… by Rev. Dr. John Deckenback, Conference Minister, Central Atlantic Conference.
o Living American Board History in Turkey by Mr. Kenneth Frank and Mrs. Betty Frank, Global Ministries personnel in Turkey.
o The Impact of the Missionaries on the Armenian Evangelical Church by Rev. Mgrdich Karagoezian, President, Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East.
o Closing Remarks Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President, Haigazian University.

Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian Preaching in the Mrouj Church

On Sunday, July 31 - the fifth worship service, for the summer of year 2011, was held in Mrouj Church. Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, president of Haigazian University, gave the sermon. Mr. Samuel Svajian, a member of Elders' Committee of the Emmanuel Church, led the worship. After the service, the church had fellowship and reception.







Ջանիցականի մը Վկայութիւնը (The Testimony of a Chanitz Youth)

Click on the image to read the testimony (original version is in Armenian).

The testimony in English:

I got to know about Chanitz approximately one and a half years ago, in the fall of 2009 - and I am a member of Chanitz for a year now.

How I became a member of Chanitz

During that period, I was going through difficult circumstances. I was at a turning point in my life. After the end of the two-year relationship, that had left traits of feeling vague, lost and skeptical; I was living a period of uncertainty.

That relationship that grew slowly, had taken me to a place that I didn't want to be. Like a labirynth, it had taken me away, losing me and changing me.

I had become sel-centered, and a many times materialistic, that I have disregarded many Christian principles; I had gone astray. The relationship ended and what remained was waste, pain, anguish, hopelessness and feeling of guilt. I could see how much I had been weak in many circumstances. How much I had been wrong. My conscience was torturing me and the only way out was... God.

I remember that many nights, being hopeless and my eyes closing up from fatigue, I used to repeat, "Give me hope, O Lord, give me hope."
After a period, I met Dsovag (my fiance who is also a Chanitzagan). We used to talk about spiritual topics and about faith.

She used to assure me that God always forgives. Many times, I used to take her to Chanitz, without going in myself, despite her invitations.

And I thought to myself, that if I never wanted to go back to my mistakes, to hopelessness, I would not be able to do it alone. I had passed through periods, when I was close to God, I had made an oath, but with time I got distracted with other things; I got lukewarm. If I wanted to straighten up my life and be pleasant to God, I had to be in an environment that encouraged me, inspired me, taught me and cleaned me.

Dsovag's constant invitations became fruitful. And for the sake of trying it, I went. I confess that, at first, there was a battle in me. From one side, it seemed strange, and on another side, I felt calm and secure. The battle continued, but I had decided, there was no way out. I will stay strong.

In the beginning, I used to feel odd, and I've had fears and doubts, but I got acquainted slowy, I met the guys, I started reading the Bible. I sensed how others, like me, were praying, which was a kind of security for me to see that they could take hope, vigor and courage from God. It was very interesting...

And I accepted Jesus Christ, and asked Him to change me and guide my life... Where to? I don't know accurately, to the better and the good. But I know for sure that everytime I remember the bad days, face temptations or be in a difficult situation, I pray and continue praying until the weight becomes lighter or it gets solved, or I have the courage to overcome it.

Now that the past troubles are over, there remains worries, fears, work-related problems, future plans, and thousands of other things, but inspite of this, I admit my weakness as a man, and I surrender to Jesus and I have the help of the Chanitz.

For me, Chanitz has become a calm station, after one week of commotion, tire, we carry worries, doubts - whatever it is - to bring them to Jesus, we get inspired from each other, we discuss, we get encouraged and armed we return to our lives.

In today's valueless world, where everything is permissible, specially the harmful ones, I, as a young man, yearn for spiritual direction, guidance and motivation. A warm environment that defends the soul and leads with God's grace. This environment I found in Chanitz. I would like to encourage you all. As the Bible says in Roman 12:11:

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

A Chanitzagan
Translated by Raffi Chilingirian