The 28th Biennial Convention of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America

The 28th Biennial Convention of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA) was hosted by the First Armenian Evangelical Church (FAEC) of Montreal from June 25–28, 2026. Centered on the theme "Unshakeable," drawn from Psalm 16:8, the convention brought together the Armenian Evangelical family for four days of worship, fellowship, learning, and vision casting.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the host church and its members, to committee co-chairs Rev. Georges Dabbo and Raffi Shnorhokian, and to the many committee and subcommittee members whose dedication, expertise, and countless hours of service made this gathering both meaningful and successful.

More than 200 participants—including pastors, AEUNA Board members, church representatives, and youth from member churches across the United States and Canada—came together to worship, be nourished by God's Word, discuss matters vital to our shared ministry, review reports, and make important decisions that will shape the Union's ministry over the next two years.

Each of the four convention sessions opened with worship led by Henry Dabbo and the FAEC Montreal worship team. The main speaker was Rev. Mark Lecompte, President of the Institut de Théologie Pour la Francophonie and Vice President and Associate Pastor of Église Nouvelle Vie. The AEYF speaker was Rev. Mike Mekredijian, who has served AEUNA in various leadership capacities and is also co-owner of Mountain Direct Agency, where he helps nonprofit organizations with marketing and Fundraising.

Throughout his messages, Rev. Lecompte explored what it means to live with an unshakeable faith, emphasizing the strength, joy, and purpose believers find through Christ and the promise of the Holy Spirit. He reminded us that although our journey of faith often leads through spiritual deserts, God's abiding presence sustains us, fills us with joy, and enables us to remain faithful to our mission.

Rev. Mekredijian challenged the youth with the reality that life often becomes chaotic, drawing from his own experiences over the past year and a half. Yet, despite life's uncertainties, believers remain steady because of their identity in Christ. God's unfailing love and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit anchor us securely, regardless of life's circumstances.

Each session was preceded by worship and prayer led by Henry Dabbo and the FAEC worship team. During these times of worship, we also celebrated God's work among our youth. Sylvia Jizmejian and Rev. Razmig Minassian shared encouraging reports on AEUNA's camping and youth ministries. We also rejoiced in the launch of The Apricot Journal, a new online publication designed to address the challenges and perspectives of Armenian Evangelical young adults under the leadership of Catherine Momjian-Preuhs.

Friday's program featured four seminars that addressed a wide range of timely and practical ministry topics:

·         A Christian's Guide to Authenticity in an Artificial Intelligence World, led by Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian.

·         Searching for Treasure: A Guide to Studying Scripture Well, prepared by Rev. Aren Bahadourian and presented by Rev. Razmig Minassian.

·         Everyday Evangelism, led by Rev. Georges Dabbo and Rev. Dr. Heather Ohaneson.

·         History and Challenges of the Armenian Evangelical Church, presented by Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian and Catherine Momjian-Preuhs.

On Saturday morning, participants engaged in lively roundtable discussions on seven ministry-related topics:

·         Evangelism and Outreach, led by Rev. Georges Dabbo and Rev. Dr. Heather Ohaneson.

·         Developing Leaders, led by Rev. Razmig Minassian and Rev. Zohrab Sarkissian.

·         Cultural Assimilation, led by Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian and Henry Dabbo.

·         Stewardship and Finance, led by Gregory Sarian.

·         Church Participation, led by Rev. Dr. Ron Tovmassian and Christine Momjian.

·         Ministry Programming, led by Pastor Obed Bazikian and Elizabeth Manasserian.

·         The Use of Technology in the Church, led by Jack Brunelle and Matthew Hagopian.

These discussions generated thoughtful dialogue, practical ideas, and valuable recommendations for strengthening the ministries of our churches.

During the business sessions, officers, committee chairs, and ministry leaders highlighted key aspects of their written reports. Delegates reviewed and approved the proposed budget, elected a new Board of Directors, and addressed several significant constitutional and organizational matters.

One of the most important decisions was the formal establishment, through a bylaw amendment, of the position of Field Pastor as a second ministerial office alongside the Minister to the Union. Following the recommendation approved by the Board of Directors in March, the Biennial affirmed Rev. Ron Tovmassian to continue serving as AEUNA Field Pastor for another two-year term.

The delegates also unanimously reelected Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian to serve a second four-year term as Minister to the Union.

During the Biennial, the AEYF East and West also held their joint 24th Convention, featuring worship, fellowship, meetings, and recreational activities. The youth elected Alex Heghinian as their new National Representative.

Saturday evening concluded with a festive celebration banquet attended by approximately 275 people, including members of the wider Montreal Armenian community. As part of the commemoration of the 180th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church, Rev. Jack Avakian delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of discipleship and intentionally preparing the next generation of Christian leaders.

A specially produced video highlighting the history and contributions of the Armenian Evangelical Church over the past 180 years was presented, with special appreciation extended to Shoghik Sabbaghian for its preparation. The celebration also included the cutting of the anniversary cake by all pastors in attendance and the distribution of a special commemorative issue of Forum magazine.

The evening concluded with a lively presentation of traditional Armenian folk dances by youth from the host church, recognition of outgoing Board members by the newly elected Moderator, Rev. Greg Haroutunian, and Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, and a closing prayer offered by Rev. Georges Dabbo.

The Biennial concluded on Sunday with a worship service led by Henry Dabbo and the FAEC worship team. Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian and Rev. Greg Haroutunian shared messages on the convention theme, "Unshakeable," drawing from Psalms 62 and 15. Scripture readings were presented by members of FAEC of Montreal.

During the service, the newly elected Board members were formally installed and prayed over. Rev. Dr. Heather Ohaneson, Rev. Nerses Balabanian, and Sevan Balabanian also participated in the worship service.

A moving memorial prayer was offered by Rev. Avedis Boynerian, who thanked God for the lives and ministries of those who had entered the Lord's presence since the previous Biennial: Mr. Zaven Khanjian, Rev. John Melkonian, Mihran Jizmejian, Rev. Jirair Bizdigian, and Arie Orchanian and Anie Orchanian Manoushagian, who tragically lost their lives in an automobile accident last December.

The worship service concluded with the celebration of Holy Communion, administered by Rev. Georges Dabbo and Rev. Samuel Albarian. The congregation then joined together in singing the Hayr Mer, followed by the benediction pronounced by Rev. Ron Tovmassian and Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian.

As delegates departed Montreal, they did so encouraged and renewed, grateful for God's faithfulness and strengthened in their commitment to continue serving Christ and His Church with an unshakeable faith.