Pastors and Elders Who Participated in the Sunday Services Held in Mrouj

Organized by the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church and for the first time, Sunday worship services were held in the Arab Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Mrouj, at 10:30am, starting from Sunday, 19 July till Sunday, 27 September.

The following pastors and elders preached:
- Rev. Hovhannes Svajian (pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church)
- Mr. George Khacherian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Marash Church)
- Mrs. Maguy Arslanian
- Mr. Serop Seropian
- Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian (president of Haigazian University)
- Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian (pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Ashrafieh)
- Mrs. Vera Svajian (pastor's wife of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church)
- Mr. John Sagherian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Church of Ashrafieh)
- Rev. Megerdich Karagoezian (president of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East)
- Rev. Hagop Sarkissian (pastor of the First Armenian Evangelical Church)

The following elders led the worship:
- Ms. Ani Baboghlanian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church)
- Mr. Samuel Svajian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church)
- Mr. Antranig Messerlian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Marash Church)

Mr. Raffi Andonian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Marash Church) and Mrs. Houry Ghazarian (member in the Armenian Evangelical Church of Damascus Syria) played the piano.

We thank each and every person, who participated and helped in this service.

Pictures from Mrouj Sunday Service


Rev. Megerdich Karagoezian (president of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Neast East)


Rev. Megerdich Karagoezian, and Mr. Samuel Svajian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church)





Not a Spectator Sport

It’s time to get off the couch and into the game!

It has long been known that maintaining a program of physical activity is essential for good health. In the days before health clubs and personal trainers, people’s daily work and routine had activity built in: walking to get from place to place, using human power instead of machine power, playing games, and the like. But even as medical knowledge and practices have advanced, in more affluent societies movement and exertion has diminished, and people have become more sedentary, bringing with it a raft of malaises and social consequences, and no easy way out.

The church has not been spared from this societal trend. The church is the place of God’s dwelling, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ, in which each member has an essential function, and when the parts work together in harmony, the body functions properly and enjoys health and unity for the common good (I Cor. 12:7). But rather than being active participants in the life and outreach of this precious body, too often we appear more like persons gathered to watch a sporting event, cheering for one team or booing another, and hoping our players will clinch a victory. This was never the intent of our Lord, when he gave his life at Calvary. Nor was it the intent when he sent his empowering Spirit on the believers at Pentecost.

So how do we remedy this condition of preferring to be spectators, when God has called us to be servants? We can learn from efforts exerted to get people active. The first effort is to raise awareness in order to show how an individual’s sedentary routines are ultimately harmful to persons, families and society in general. At the same time, the benefits of simple, active, healthy living are promoted. We must remind those followers of Christ who resign themselves to a passive faith that they will not only drag down the church, but will make the life of faith seem irrelevant to society. Our family members, friends and coworkers will be deprived of seeing how a child of God meets the challenges of life.

Secondly, exercise promoters devise ways of pulling people “off the couch” and into action, to experience a renewal of vigor for themselves. For example, of late we have been hearing about new exercise video games which require previously passive players to move their entire bodies, and not just their thumbs, in order to play. As a church, we can provide young people short-term projects or host Bible-based discussion groups for various age groups, so that they can experience the rewards and challenges of knowing and living our faith.

Thirdly, as people become self-motivated and attached to a more active life, they find ways to develop more seriously their new found lifestyle. No longer content with “virtual tennis,” for example, they get up, grab a racket and ball, and head to the courts.
Here at this third point is the greater challenge for us: to bring people, step by step, from spectators into action, and therefore into maturity – into a deeper commitment to Christ in every sphere of their lives,building up the church in truth and in love (Eph. 4:12-16). It will take the active participation and dedication of us all, but as we rise from our seats and get in the game, the Lord Jesus will surely transform us – and our world.

In Christ’s love,
Badveli Nishan Bakalian
ARMENIAN MARTYRS’ CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA, USA

Աւետարանչական Ժողովներ - Evangelistic Meetings

Orgnanized by the Evangelism Committee of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, evangelistic meetings will be held in 4, 5, 6 and 7 November 2009.
The evangelist Rev. Jacques Tchoughandjian will arrive from France to lead these meetings that will be held in Emmanuel Church.

You are definitely invited to participate and to pray for this utmost important nights to reach to many for His glory.



Chanitz (Youth) Camp 2009 In Kessab


Rev. Krikor AghabalOghlu (pastor of Armenian Evangelical Church of GedikPasha, Istanbul, Turkey) speaking to the youth


Kchag sleeping rooms


Before taking a group picture


Left pic: Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Chanitz
Right pic: one of the three serving teams. This team was responsible for gathering the plates, cleaning all the plates, spoons, forks...




The leadership team: (Top to bottom, L to R): Badveli Datev Basmajian, Badveli Simon DerSahagian, Rev. Krikor AghabalOghlu and his wife, Badveli Elias Jabbour, Badveli Hrayr Cholakian, Rev. Raffi Messerlian, Rev. Serop Megerdichian, Rev. Hagop Sarkissian, Mrs. Kayane Messerlian, Mrs. Yester Kilaghbian, Dr. Aline Megerdichian, Mrs. Silva Sarkissian, Mr. Harout Bardakjian Mr. Hagop Akbasharian, Mr. Jirayr Ghazarian


The 'Intelligent Design' team: Raffi Akbasharian, Rev. Hagop Sarkissian, Tsolag Apelian, Jad, Raffi Chilingirian, Mano Chilingirian


"Shnorhagalenk mayrigner, shnorhagalenk kouyrigner :)" These mothers and sisters cleaned, cooked, washed... We enjoyed their presence and tasty food. Thank YOU!



The teams presenting their talents through the songs that they composed and through drama that they prepared.



In the Armenian Evangelical St. Trinity Church: Badveli Sevag Trashian, Rev. Vahan Tootikian, Rev. Raffi Messerlian



Left pic: Rev. and Mrs. Soghomon and Yester Kilaghbian
Right pic: Aren Deyirmenjian on the keyboard, and Shahan Kilaghbian on the piano

Interview with a young Christian singer: Mrs. Mary Balian

Chanitz- Many of our readers do not know Mary Balian. Can you tell us about your background, and your musical background?

Mary- I gave my life to Christ in the 11th grade at Camp Arev and have been attending United Armenian Congregational Church for over twelve years. One of the ways I have been called to serve Christ is through music, which has always been a part of my life. I have been singing and songwriting since I was six years old and have always sung in choirs. In high school, I was part of an award-winning show choir for four years; during college, I was in Awaken a cappella and recorded two CDs with the group. I sing at various churches and am part of the worship team at UACC. In addition, I have performed in several languages -- on television, radio and in concert. I was part of a group of singers who recorded a Christian album in Farsi. I also toured France and Armenia on the New Hope Band Tour and have appeared on “Unshakable Live” and other television shows.

I’m a graduate of UCLA and Cal State Northridge in sociology and psychology. I work as a school counselor and am passionate about helping kids be their very best. I live in Burbank with my husband, Manuel Saghbazarian.

It wasn’t until college that I discovered Christian music. A close friend of mine gave me a CD by Rebecca St. James and that changed the way I viewed music forever. I found a new passion for Christian Contemporary music, and that led me to my desire for recording Armenian Christian Contemporary music.

Chanitz- Why and when did you decide to make an Armenian album rather than an English one?

Mary- On April 24, 2004, I attended an Armenian Christian worship night for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. There was only one Armenian song sung that night, Khatchin Zinvor, which was very moving to me. I was disappointed that there weren’t any more; all of the other songs were familiar praise songs in English. I realized that there weren’t many Armenian Contemporary Christian worship CD’s available. A deep desire to record an Armenian language Christian album formed. That is when I decided to record “BASHDENK”/ (Let’s Worship). I prayed, I sought wise counsel from pastors and close Christian friends regarding what they felt was a need in the Armenian community. In my heart, I felt there was a great need for Armenian Christian music and I needed to reach Armenians.

Chanitz- Can you tell us the details of how you picked and arranged the songs for your bashdenk CD?

Mary- When I decided to record an Armenian CD, I sat down and started brainstorming Armenian songs that were familiar to me and spoke to my heart. I knew I wanted to record a CD that had variety: songs that sounded more “Armenian”: Khatchin Zinvor, Havadkus Chem Moranah; hymns: Eench Medz Es Toon, Pari Eh Eeem Hokvooys; familiar Armenian Christian songs:

Pernees Khoskeruh, Yerpvor Nah Amberov Veratarna; songs that were Contemporary Christian English songs translated into Armenian:

Aghaghegeh Deeroch/Shout to the Lord; songs that I had heard at other churches:

Pari Loor, Voh Eench Hurash; and a few songs that I had written:

Amen Or, Bashdenk, Tsaynus Luse.

The first song I decided to record was Khatchin Zinvor. Whenever I would hear that song,I would become very emotional. I felt that it spoke to me as an Armenian and Christian. That song inspired me to record the Armenian CD and is very dear to me. While the style of the CD changed as we progressed, Khatchin Zinvor was the inspiration to BASHDENK.

Chanitz- Can you tell us about your future plans?

Mary- I would love to continue recording Christian Contemporary Music in Armenian and other languages if possible. I would love to have the opportunity to worship with Armenian Christians in different parts of the world. I had the opportunity of going to Armenia and was very blessed as I worshipped there with other Armenians.

I have a desire to team up with various non-profit organizations and make a difference through music and service. I have the opportunity of leading a fundraiser concert with The Milk Fund in March 2010 and would love the opportunity to work with other organizations.

Chanitz- What would you like to say to the Lebanese youth?

Mary- Seek first the kingdom of God. Never give up on your Christian faith. Cherish who you are as a Christian Armenian. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. You many not know what lies ahead, but if the Lord has called you to follow Him, you must obey Him and follow His will.

I know the Lord called me to record BASHDENK and I could not walk away from it. It took me almost 5 years to complete, yet I knew I had to be faithful and serve Him. While you may be persecuted and feel discouraged at times, know that the Lord will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid to be a Christian Armenian.

For more information visit:

http://www.marybalian.com

Badaniatz (Juniors) Camp 2009





The leaders from left to right: Ms. Silva Chilingirian (Marash Church), Mrs. Anita Andonian (Marash Church), Mr. Manoug Ibitian (Emmanuel Churhc), Mrs. Vera Svajian (Emmanuel Church), Mrs. Silva Sarkissian (First Church), Mr. Hagop Akbasharian (as field worker), Mr. Elias Jabbour (Anjar Church), Mr. Hagop Gojigian (Emmanuel Church), Mr. Elie Dosh (Ashrafieh Church), and Mr. Jirayr Ghazarian (as field worker), photoshy.

The Beginning

While we’re thinking of a new church year – a new start – it is helpful to rethink, one more time, why we do what we do in our lives, and especially in our church lives. A beginning sets the tone of progress; the basics. Let’s start with a solid base. What’s our attitude? Why do we go to church? How do people choose which church to attend? In church development classes, we learn that there are four good reasons why people change/choose a certain church:
Theology: The doctrine of a church plays a great role, especially in terms of liberal vs. conservative doctrines and their applications, because this affects your whole spiritual life. Sound doctrine and Christ-centered Biblical teaching is crucial for us.

Fellowship: There are people who deliberately choose to attend churches that have strong social gatherings, community understanding, caring and helping members, and frequent socializing. As a matter of fact there are churches that are so good at fellowship that they attract many friends and introduce Jesus Christ to them.

Mission/Outreach: There are people who seriously commit themselves to a particular mission project and choose to be a part of it. They look for a church that initiates or supports these mission projects. When the church pastor or the lay leaders are gifted in evangelism, the whole church direction may be mission and outreach.

Pastor: Fortunately or unfortunately, people choose churches because of the pastor, too. They like or dislike the pastor, his sermons, his caring spirit, his leadership etc., and they make their decision on that basis.

As an ethnic church, I can add one more criteria, which is ethnicity. How much Armenian culture (in our case) do we have in this church? For many centuries the church has been a safe haven to keep the nationality and the culture of its people alive. For many Armenians this is extremely important. For others this is strange
thinking for church growth.

The world teaches us to make choices based on our feelings rather than looking for God’s will for us. The world teaches us to customize our orders according to our “needs.” You don’t need to buy a ready-to-go computer; Dell will make one just for you according to your order. You don’t need to buy the entire CD; you can go online and purchase only the songs you like for your iPod.

Sometimes, this mindset affects our church lives and consequently our spiritual lives. We start thinking, I like this part of the sermon (or the church), I dislike the other part, etc., instead of thinking, what is God teaching me? We do learn a lot from the business world on how to run the church and administer our ministries.
But we must always be careful to have the right spirit, the Holy Spirit, who will always be with us and in us to correct us, lead us and empower us to do the will of God. Let’s begin our new year with great Spirit.

Rev. Mgrdich Melkonian,
Senior Pastor, First Armenian Presbyterian Church
Fresno, CA, USA