MTTU Recent Visit to New Jersey

During my recent visit to New Jersey, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Serge Buchakjian, the CEO/Executive Director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA). Our discussions focused on the future and several matters related to the ministry, mission, and ongoing work of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA), as well as recent developments within the AMAA’s mission efforts in different parts of the world. We also explored opportunities for cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen existing partnerships for the benefit of our churches and ministries.

During my visit to the AMAA headquarters, I was pleased to be introduced to several members of the organization’s new staff. In addition, I had the opportunity to spend meaningful time with Mr. Nerses Rastguelenian, Director of Finance of the AMAA, engaging in warm fellowship and constructive conversations regarding matters of mutual interest and ministry.

As part of this visit, Mr. Buchakjian and I met with His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, and His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern United States. These meetings provided an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange perspectives on matters of mutual concern, and explore avenues for greater collaboration within the broader Armenian Christian community.

with His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church

with His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian

Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of the Eastern United States

I also had the privilege of spending time with Rev. Joe Garabedian, pastor of the Armenian Presbyterian Church (APC) in Paramus, New Jersey, and his wife, Talin, as well as with Pastor Obed Bazikian, the licensed pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York City. Our conversations were warm, pastoral, and encouraging, focusing on the life and ministry of their congregations, the challenges and opportunities facing our churches, and ways in which the Union can continue to support and strengthen local ministry efforts. I also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the APC Session to discuss important matters pertaining to the church and its ministry.

with Rev. Joseph Garabedian (from archives)

with Pastor Obed Bazikian

Overall, this visit was fruitful and encouraging. It contributed to the continued strengthening of partnerships, fostered a spirit of cooperation among Armenian Christian institutions, and deepened relationships with pastors, church leaders, and ministry partners. These interactions reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing the mission of the Church and serving our communities faithfully and effectively.

Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian

MTTU