Close to 40 laypersons, clergy and spouses, active in the life of the UAECNE, gathered in the auditorium of the Armenian Evangelical Secondary School in Nor Marash (Bourj Hammoud), situated next to the Nor Marash Armenian Evangelical Church, on June 2, 2021, for an informal evening of appreciation, in the presence of the Executive Director/CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), Mr. Zaven Khanjian, and his wife Sona.
The pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Nor Marash, Rev. Raffi Messerlian, welcomed the group to the schools newly-refurbished hall. A video presentation especially prepared for the occasion was also presented depicting the destruction caused to the UAECNE’s institutions following the August 2020 blast, and the same scenes following renovations. In this friendly atmosphere Rev. Dr. Paul Haidsotian, Central Committee Chair, Rev. Mgrdich Karagoezian, UAECNE President, and Mr. Khanjian himself offered their heartfelt words.
In his comments Mr. Khanjian emphasized faith in God as the basis for all of the AMAA’s activities for the moral, physical and spiritual upbuilding of the Armenian people scattered throughout the world.
A special memento was also presented to Mr. Khanjian and the AMAA, in gratitude for the consistent and particular care shown over the years. The gift was a miniature rendition of the cross in Beirut’s First Armenian Evangelical Church stained glass window, made out of pieces from that window’s shattered remnants.
Following the President’s prayer of dismissal, those present continued their fellowship around the refreshment table, enjoying being in each other’s physical presence after being denied that opportunity for a long time.
