ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH - CHANITZ YOUTH

Rev. Hagop (Jacques) Tchoughadjian Is Leading the Evangelistic Gatherings in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:47:00 +0000

Rev. Tchoughandjian has arrived in Lebanon and is already leading the evangelistic gatherings that are held in the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, organized by the Evangelism Committee of the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church.

In the upcoming articles and posts we will be writing more about these important gatherings, where God touches the lives of many and refreshes those who are stagnating in their faith.

Հայապահպանումը՝ Ազգային Ամբողջական Առաքելութիւն

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Հայապահպանումը բարդ ու կնճռոտ խնդիր է: Խնդիր, որ մէջս սուր հարցադրումի վերածուեցաւ, երբ վերջերս, համայնքային առաքելութեամբ, այցելեցի Ամերիկայի Միացեալ Նահանգներ:

Գաղտնիք մը չէ, որ Մերձաւոր Արեւելեան երկիրներու մէջ անհամեմատ աւելի դիւրին ու կառավարելի է հայապահպանման գործընթացը, քան Ա.Մ.Ն.-ի եւ Եւրոպայի մէջ, նկատի առած արեւմուտքի մէջ տիրող բարոյահոգեբանական վիճակը, որ առաւել կլանող է ու դիւրամատչելի՝ երիտասարդ սերունդի ցանկութիւններուն հաճոյքներուն, քան արեւելքի խիստ ու պահպանողական բարքերը: Սակայն երկու պարագային ալ, թէ արեւելքի, թէ արեւմուտքի մէջ հայապահպանումը, հայեցի դաստիարակութիւն ջամբելը եւ տոհմիկ հայկական կենցաղով ու վարքով սերունդ դաստիարակելը կարծես թէ հանապազօրեայ պայքար է, յանուն գոյութեան եւ մեզմէ կը պահանջէ տքնաջան, անդուլ աշխատանք:

Կարեւոր գործօն է նաեւ սերունդներու յարատեւ բախումը, որ արդիւնքն է սերունդներու միջեւ գոյութիւն ունեցող աշխարհընկալման տարբերութիւններու: Յաճախ շատ բարդ խնդիր է հասկնալ, ըմբռնել այդ տարբերութիւնները եւ միմիանց կամրջել հակադիր կողմերը, քանի որ ցայսօր հինի ու նորի յստակ սահմանազատում գոյութիւն չունի: Ուստի բնական համարելով հանդերձ այդ բախումը, մենք պարտաւոր ենք ճիշդ ձեւով օգտագործել բախման հետեւանքով գոյացած հզօր կենսուժը, ապահովելու եւ պահպանելու համար ազգի կենսագրութիւնն ու շարունակականութիւնը:

Արեւմուտքի մէջ ապրող հայ երիտասարդը կը դիմագրաւէ երկու մեծ դժուարութիւն, նախ, որպէս քաղաքացի պարտաւոր է համարկուիլ ու ամբողջանալ տուեալ երկրի հասարակութեան հետ, ապահովելով ընկերային ու տնտեսական եւ թէ ոչ լաւագոյն, գոնէ բարեկեցիկ պայմաններ, հաւասար երկրի միւս քաղաքացիներուն: Իսկ երկրորդ, աւելի բարդ խնդիրը իր ինքնութեան պահպանումն է: Հայ մարդը խրուած ըլլալով առօրեայ մտահոգութիւններու մէջ, իր մէջ ուժ պէտք է գտնէ պայքարելու ուծանցման հզօր ալիքին դէմ:

Պատմութենէն գիտենք, որ օրհասական պահերուն, երբ հայը ենթարկուած է հալածանքներու՝ կրօնական, ազգային եւալյն, ապա ան միշտ իր մէջ գտած է ուժ, պատուով յաղթահարելու այդ փորձութիւնները: Սակայն, հիմա երբ չկան այդ հալածանքները եւ հայութիւնը կ՛ապրի բարեկեցիկ ու բարգաւաճ կեանք մը, արդեօ՞ք պիտի կարենայ ստեղծագործել եւ իր ազգային արժէքները անաղարտ պահել, եւ իր ինքնութիւնը, իր էութեան մէջ պահած անվախ շրջիլ արեւելքէ-արեւմուտք, հիւսիսէն-հարաւ:

Վեր. Յարութիւն Սելիմեան
Նախագահ՝ Հայ Աւետ. Եկեղեցիներու, Սուրիա

Church Sound Seminar Organized by the Strongholds Band

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:32:00 +0000

A very well organized seminar was held in Sept 19 in ABTS (Arab Baptist Theological School), by the Strongholds Band.

This seminar was a need for many of the churches and the Strongholds met our needs best. They were very well prepared and gave valuable information for 5 hours. Lucien, who is a professional in sound engineering shared his knowledge with us and he provided techniques and procedures for proper use and handling of the equipments and the cables. He talked about sound waves, different kinds of microphones and their use, cables, mixer, adjusting your voice, room...

There were around 60 youth and young-adults who were participating from Arab Baptist churches and various evangelical churches.

From the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church, Raffi Chilingirian and Mano Chilingirian participated.
From the Armenian Evangelical Church of Ashrafieh, Shahan Kilaghbian and Hagop Harfoushian participated. And Jirayr Ghazarian, a student of the Union.

We thank the Strongholds for meeting our needs, and presenting the seminar in the best way, and providing it for free, without asking anything in return.
We also thank the UAECNE for informing us about this most beneficial, unique and practical seminar.

ABTS premises

A fellow participant, Raffi, Lucien

(L to R): Hagop Harfoushian, Shahan Kilaghbian, Jiro Ghazarian, Raffi Chilingirian, Manoug Chilingirian

For Camera's Sake, by Shushan Artinian

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Chanaser (Ջանասէր) Jul-Aug 2009 Issue

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Բովանդակութիւն՝

Նոր Տարա՞զ, Թէ՝ Նոր Երազ... «Ջ.»
Ո՞վ Ենք Մենք... Վեր. Սողոմոն Քիլաղպեան
Ազատութիւն, Բայց Ի՞նչ Ընելու Համար... Հրայր Ճէպէճեան
Հայապահպանումը՝ Ազգային Ամբողջական Առաքելութիւն... Վեր. Յարութիւն Սելիմեան
Ուրֆան եւ Անոր Հայ Աւետարանական Պատմութիւնը... Վեր. Վաչէ Էքմէքճեան
Աւետարանչութիւն՝ Հոգեկեցոյց Մեր Պարտականութիւնը... Վեր. Մկրտիչ Գարակէօզեան
Ի՞նչ Է Աւետարանչութիւնը... Վեր. Յովսէփ Մաթոսեան
Օրհան Փամուք Նոպէլեան Մրցանակիրը... Ռոզէթ Ալեմեան-Մահսերեճեան
Ձիւներու Լռութիւնը... Օ.Փ.
Զրոյց Հայ Աւետ. Շամլեան-Թաթիկեան Երկրդ. Վրժ. Տնօրէն Պատ. Հրայր Չոլաքեանի Հետ
Սրտաշարժ Երեւոյթի Մը Դիմաց... Ռ.Ա.Մ.
«Չարչարուող» Եկեղեցին... Հրայր Ճէպէճեան
Տէր Զօր...Սեւդա Սեւան
Յուշ... Թարգ՝ Գէորք Էմին
Հայ Աւետարանական Կեանք
Հայ Աւետ. Կրթական Հունձք - 2008-2009 (Լիբանան)
Լուրեր Հայաշխարհ
Մահագրութիւն՝ Էլիզ Չիւրիւքեան-Սարմազեանի Յիշատակին (1930-2009)... Վեր. Յովհաննէս Սարմազեան, Անի Պոյմուշաքեան

Սեփականատէր՝ Մերձաւոր Արեւելքի Հայ Աւետ. Եկեղեցիներու Միութիւն
Հրատարակիչ՝ Մ.Ա.Հ.Ա.Ե. Միութեան Հրատարակչական Մարմին
Owner: Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East
Publisher: U.A.E.C.N.E. Publications Committee

The Armenian Bible: Identity, Religion and Challenges in a Post Modern Society

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Nicosia, October 2009: The Christianization of Armenia in 301AD has been a turning point in its national history. A new culture was started which was further rooted and implemented with the invention of the Armenian alphabet and the translation of the Bible into Armenian. Since then, the Bible has been the essence of the Christian faith for the Armenian nation and the preservation of its national identity and culture.

Dr. Ari Topouzkhanian’s visit to Cyprus from October 28 to November 2, 2009, was very significant in this respect. A prominent scientist and Bible scholar-translator, Dr. Topouzkhanian stimulated the Armenian audience with his two very inspiring lectures: “Hay Asdvadsashounchi Shaheganoutioune: Badmagan Agnarg yev nerga orerou hramayagane”. (The essence of the Armenian Bible: Historical reflections and the present day challenges); “Havadk yev kidoutioun: Hay Kristonia Yeridasartin penderdouke” (Faith and Science: The Christian Armenian youths’ search for identity). Dr. Topouzkhanian was also the speaker at the Armenian Evangelical Church’s service, celebrating Tarkmanchatz.

Dr. Ari Topouzkhanian’s visit and lectures in Cyprus were organized by the Armenian Evangelical Church. Dr. Topouzkhanian had the opportunity to meet with the leadership of the Armenian community in Cyprus and visit its institutions. He visited the Armenian Prelacy of Cyprus, met with the Armenian representative in the Cyprus Parliament, Mr. Vartkes Mahdessian, and visited Kalaydjian Home. He had an audience with the students of Nareg School in Nicosia, challenging them with issues related to Christian faith and science. Dr. Topouzkhanian gave an interview to the Armenian program of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.

The Armenian Bible is the fundamental source for the preservation of the national identity and the Christian faith of the Armenian nation, the two identities that the Armenian nation has maintained throughout the ages. The challenge today is to pass them on to the next generation.

A New Feature on the Chanitz Blog Greatly Appreciated

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:30:00 +0000

A new feature on the blog was added that shows related articles and posts. The added value of this feature is that it not only shows the titles, but also displays the related images. Anyone who is reading an article will find at the end of each article a "You might also like" section, showing 3 images linked to their corresponding articles, as shown in the above example.

Administrator

An Armenian Cross for your House

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:24:00 +0000

This is a brown-colored Armenian cross, with the Lord's Prayers in Armenian.

Price: 10,000 LBP (6.6 USD)

Note: For requests and questions, you can email us as a reply to this email. And in case the request is from abroad, we will consider shipping.

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

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:20:00 +0000

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

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:08:00 +0000

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

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:03:00 +0000

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

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

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.

Սուրիոյ եւ Լիբանանի Ջանից Միացեալ Համագումար

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

Աստուծոյ փառք կու տանք որ այս տարի եւս մեզի առիթը տուաւ մասնակցելու միացեալ Լիբանան եւ Սուրիա Ջանից համագումարին 24-30 Օգոստ. 2009, Քեսապ-Քջակի մէջ:

Համագումարի ընդհանուր առաջնորդներն էին՝ Վեր. Սերոբ Մկրտիչեան եւ Վեր. Ռաֆֆի Մսըրլեան, իրենց հետ ունենալով 10 օգնական առաջնորդներ:

95 երիտասարդ/ուհիներ հետեւեցան «Կ՝ուխտեմ» վերնագրով նիւթին, որը ներկայացուց Վեր. Գրիգոր Աղապալօղլու: Ան պատգամներուն մէջ անդրադարձաւ.

1- Աստուած յատուկ ծրագիր մը ունի մեր կեանքին համար, մեր պարտականութիւնն է հնազանդիլ Իրեն:

2- Աստուած անպայման իր խոստումը կը կատարէ, մեզի կը մնայ համբերել:

3- Աստուած առաջնակարգ տեղ դնել մեր կեանքին մէջ եւ կատարեալ վստահութիւն ունենալ Անոր վրայ:

4- Արթուն ըլլանք եւ Աստուծոյ օրհնութիւնները չփոխենք աշխարհի ժամանակաւոր վայելքներուն հետ:

5- Մեղքէն դուրս գանք եւ հաստատ մնանք հաւատքին մէջ:

Համագումարի հոգեւոր ծրագրին կողքին, նոյնքան շինիչ մթնոլորտ մը կը տիրէր ընկերային մարզին մէջ, որտեղ գործունէութիւնները, խմբային աշխատանքը, պտոյտը, հաւաքոյթները ամրապնդեցին միջ-ջանիցական կապերը եւ հաղորդակցութիւնը:

Ես ալ անձամբ Աստուծոյ փառք կու տամ որ առիթը տուաւ ինծի մասնակցելու այս համագումարին եւ նորոգելու ուխտս: Նախ կ՝ուզեմ շնորհակալութիւն յայտնել բոլոր առաջնորդ/ուհիներուն եւ պատգամաբերին որ ամէն ձեւով օգտակար դարձան համագումարի յաջողութեան համար:

Այս համագումարին սորվեցայ թէ Աստուած մեզի համար ծրագիր մը ունի չ՝ուզէր իր օրհնութիւնը կորսնցնենք, մեզի չի մոռնար որովհետեւ մենք մտածենք իր ուխտին մէջ, Յիսուս Քրիստոսի արիւնով նոր ուխտ տուաւ մեզի:

Աղօթքս է որ բոլորս մեր որոշումներուն մէջ հաստատ մնանք եւ միշտ Աստուծոյ կամքը փնտռենք, Ամէն:

Հուրի Հաճընլեան
Հայ Աւետ. Էմմանուէլ Եկեղեցի Ջանից, Սուրիա

Chanitz (Youth) Camp 2009 In Kessab

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:22:00 +0000

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

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:20:00 +0000

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

Ք. Ջ. Պատանեաց Միացեալ Ամառնային Համագումար 2009

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:15:00 +0000

Աստուծոյ փառք կու տանք որ այս տարի եւս առիթը ընծայեց որպէս զի ունենանք մեր տարեկան Ք.Ջ.Պատանեաց Միացեալ Ամարնային համագումարը։

Այս տարուայ պատանեաց համագումարի առաջնորդներն էին .—

Պրն. Մանուկ Իպիթեան՝ Ընդհանուր առաջնորդ
Տիկ. Սիլվա Սարգիսեան՝ Առաջնորդ
Տիկ. Անիթա Անտոնեան՝ Առաջնորդ
Օրդ. Սիլվա Չիլինկիրեան՝ Առաջնորդ
Պատուելի Իլիաս Ժապպուր՝ Առաջնորդ
Պրն. Յակոբ ԱքպաշԱրեան՝ Առաջնորդ
Պրն. Էլի Տօշ՝ Առաջնորդ
Պրն. Ժիրայր Ղազարեան՝ Առաջնորդ
Պրն. Յակոբ Կոճիկեան՝ Առաջնորդ

Այս տարուայ համագումարը տեղի ունեցաւ Օգոստոս 10—էն մինչեւ 16, Այնճարի Հայ Աւետ. Գիշերօթիկի կեդրոնին մէջ։ 75 պատանիներ եւ 9 առաջնորդներ ուղղուեցան դէպի Այնճար։ Ուր պատանիներ՝ իրենց առաջնորդներուն հետ ունեցան հաճելի պահեր։ Գործունէութիւններն էին՝ մենիկ պահեր,պաշտամունքներ,լողալ, տարբեր տեսակի խաղեր, ֆիլմ դիտել, պտոյտ բնութեան մէջ, եւ ուտել։

Համագումարին նիւթն էր Կեանքդ Ապրի՚ր ... Ուզածի՞դ Պէս՝ իսկ պատգամաբերը Տիկին Վերա Սվաճեան։ Պատգամաբերին խօսքէն ետք պատանիները բաժնուեցան 8 սերտողութեան խումերու եւ սրտբաց խօսեցան օրուան նիւթին մասին մանրամասնօրէն։ Համագումարի ընթացգին մօտաւորապէս 50 պատանիներ որոշում առին որպէսզի իրենց ուխտը նորոգէն եւ կեանքերնին յանձնեն Յիսուսի։

Աստուծոյ փառք կու տանք այս համագումարին իրագործուելուն համար։ Շնորհակալ ենք ձեզմէ որ մեզի համար աղօթեցիք որպէսզի այս համագումարին օրհնութիւնները մեր պատանեացը վալելէ։ Մնացէք միշտ աղօթող մեզի եւ մեր պատանիներուն համար։

Ի Դիմաց Ք.Ջ.
Պատանեաց Միացեալ Ամարնային Համագումարի Առաջնորդներ

Badaniatz (Juniors) Camp 2009

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:06:00 +0000

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.

Կը Վախնամ Ամուսնութենէն

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:50:00 +0000

Երբ կը խորհիմ ամուսնանալու մասին, եւ երբ կը մտածեմ, թէ՝ կ'ուզեմ անձ մը գտնել որ իրեն հետ շարունակեմ իմ կեանքիս մնացած օրերը, աչքիս առջեւ կու գան ներկայ օրերու ամուսնութիւնները:

Շուրջս կը նայիմ եւ կը տեսնեմ զոյգեր որ ամուսնացած են բայց ուրախ չեն, կամ զոյգեր՝ որոնք իրենց ամուսնութեանը վրայ անցած են մի քանի տարիներ եւ ձանձրացած են իրենց կողակիցէն. ուրիշներ կը տեսնեմ որ կ'ամուսնանան, որպէսզի ճամբորդեն. ուրիշներ կ'ամուսնանան՝ որ իրենց կեանքը նիւթապէս հանգիստ ապրին:

Անշուշտ կը տեսնեմ նաեւ զոյգեր որ շատ ուրախ են եւ զիրար կը յարգեն. բայց այս տեսակի զոյգերը փոքրամասնութիւն են այսօր:

Ես կը վախնամ ամուսնութենէն. բայց ի՞նչ պէտք է որ ընեմ, ես ալ բախտս փորձե՞մ կամ Եկեղեցի երթամ եւ մոմ մը վառեմ:

Ճիշդ է որ կը վախնամ ամուսնութենէն բայց չեմ կրնար լման կեանք մը առանձին անցընել:

Յակոբ Պ. Կոճիկեան

Pictures from Mrouj Sunday Service

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Mr. Antranig Messerlian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Marash Church), and Mr. John Sagherian (elder in the Armenian Evangelical Church of Ashrefieh)

Secondhand Smoke, the Invisible Killer

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:35:00 +0000

The Beginning

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:15:00 +0000

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

Interview with Rev. Joseph Matossian About AEUNA, the Armenian Evangelical Churches and the Armenian Community in USA

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:00:00 +0000

What is the role of the AEUNA and what are your responsibilities?
What is the language that is used in the Armenian Evangelical churches?
Why is America regarded as a very liberal and sort of a heavenly country by those living in the developing countries?
What is the stand of the Armenian Evangelical Churches towards gay marriage?
In which aspects do the Armenian Evangelical Churches lack in evangelism today?
What is the role of the youth in the church today?
What is your opinion about our Chanitz blog/newsletter (http://www.chanitz.org)?

You will listen to the answers to these question that Hagop raised with Rev. Joseph Matossian. The interview is in Armenian.

You can listen to the interview by clicking on the following link: http://www.divshare.com/flash/playlist?myId=9021767-a63 or at: http://www.divshare.com/download/9021767-a63

Also, you can listen to the many interviews about addiction, speaking in tongues, being a stumbling block, ... by going to http://www.chanitz.org/ and scrolling down the bottom of the page, where you will find the list of the interviews.

CHANAGHPOUYR Team

Emails and Messages

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:55:00 +0000

Ms. Zepure Berberian (Lebanon): "Dear Raffie
Thank you to your reply, I'm from Arm. Evangalical of brotherhood in lebanon,
i have recieved before many times your e-mails and was happy to see and read the reports.
god bless you
zepur
bye"

Mr. Hagop Gojigian (Lebanon) commenting on (Հայ Աւետարանական Համաշխարհային Խորհուրդի Նախագահին Հանդիպումը Հայաստանի Հանրապետութեան Նախագահին Հետ): "orinageli badveli me , yerani polore verabadveli Harout Selimian-en orinag arnen , ir ashkadasiroutyane . ov vor kideh Hay Avedaranagan petel yegetsin yev tebrotse inch er asgeh 10 dari arach yev hemag inch yegadz a , indzi bid hasgena.
Asdvadz Ortneh Ver. Harout . "

Tom and Annie Hoglind (Lebanon): "Just want to tell you over again that your emails, website and blogs are incredibly good. Thanks for making the effort!
Love,
Tom and Annie"

Ms. Rosangela Jarjour (Cyprus) commenting on (Beyond Borders and Beliefs): "I truly enjoyed reading your article. It is so well done, so tranperant and goes deep into the heart. The end is somehow sad but so full of hope for the future and the possibility of re connecting with that person. You did excellent job as if an expert dealing in conflict resoluation and pre concieved fears from the others! I pray that this experience you had would be given to many other youths from our churches and community.God bless you and we are proud of you! Rosangela jarjour"

Mrs. Ani Hovagimian (Arab Gulf country) commenting on (ՄԻ ՁԳԵՐ ՈՐ ՔԵԶ ԱՆԱՐԳԵՆ): "Rev. Hovhanes,
Thank you for your words, nice!! I miss church and everybody. I wish i can read or receive Sunday service. Send my greetings to all chanitzugun. Love u all , Ani"

A commenter (Syria): "To the Anonymous in Kuwait. It seems you are ignorant. Please read more in the History of the Armenian people. As for the souls you are worried about ask the the Apostolic church in Yerevan to do more for the people since Bourj Hammoud in Lebanon has more apostolic churches than Yerevan the Capital of Armenia. "

Mr. Vako Nicolian (Canada) commenting on (ԱՊՏՈՒԼ ՄԱՍԻՀ ԻՆԾԻ ՊԱՏՄԵՑ ԱՊՐԻԼ 24-Ի ՄԱՍԻՆ): "Very interesting, I am interested to know the author of this article. "
Administrator's response: "Unfortunately Vako, we still couldn't find or know the author of this article"

Mr. Sebouh Boyadjian (Lebanon): "Dear Evangelical chanitz blog
thank you very much for all the news that you are sending to me, i am so happy to hear about your work , God bless You."

Ms. Shushan Artinian (Lebanon) commenting on (ՀԱՅԵՐԷՆ ՏԱՌԵՐՈՎ ՆԱՄԱԿ ԳՐԷ‏): "Հայերէն բառերու իմաստը գիտնալու կամ ուղղագրութիւնը ստուգելու համար, կրնաք նաեւ հետեւեալ կայքէջը գործածել: http://www.nayiri.com/ "
Administrator's response: "Շատ շնորհակալ եմ Շուշան որ յիշեցուցիր ինծի այս կայքէջը: Նկատեցի որ վերափոխուած է եւ արդէն գործածութեան վիճակի մէջ է: Շատ կը նմանի yamli.com-ին, որ արաբերէնի լեզուին համար է:
Երանի թէ այս կայքէջը որդեգրուի google-ի կողմէ եւ Firefox/Explorer-ի կողմէ, որպէսզի հիմա մինչ կը գրեմ, եթէ սխալ բառեր գրեցի, ցոյց տայ սխալներս որ սրբագրեմ ու սորվիմ սխալներէս: "
Mr. Vako Nicolian's response: "nayiri.com կայքէջը շինած է Սերուծ Ուրիշեանը, յուսամ կրնայ Ռաֆֆիին առաջարկածը կատարել Google-ին հետ: "

Ms. Betty Ketchejian (Lebanon): "ur doing such a great job with d blog, vartsket gadar irav!"

Mrs. Alidz Aghbabian (USA): "lav kordz gu desnes"

Rev. Haroutune Selimian (Syria): "Dear Raffi, thank you for all the valuable work you are doing."

Mr. David Hagopian (USA): "Administrator Raffi,
Thank you for placing me on the list for the Chanitz Blog. It is a great service that you do for the evangelical community. I am writing to ask if there is anything that has been done differently in the last two weekly e-mails. When I receive them, my Outlook hangs up with a reference to having to communicate with googleblogs. Not sure if any of your other users are having the same problem. Please let me know.
Thank you,"
This problem was quickly resolved.

Mrs. Sona Khatcherian (Montreal, Canada): "I am writing to say thank you for allowing us the opportunity to keep up with the news from abroad. We are currently in Canada and it is a blessing to be able to hear about what is going on with Armenian Evangelical Christians from around the world. Thank you for your hard work and faithfulness.
God Bless,
Sona Mammigonian Khatcherian
Montreal, Canada"

Emmanuel Badaniatz (Juniors) Kicks Off with 50 Youth

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:49:00 +0000

In October Badaniatz kicked off with around fifty junior youth gathering in Emmanuel Church and Torosian School's playground.

This year's leadership team is comprised of:
Mrs. Jimmy Kozman Ohanian, chairman/secretary
Mr. Mike Hagopian, treasurer
Mr. Raffi Chilingirian, leader
Mr. Jean Baghboudarian, leader
Ms. Markrid Markarian, leader
Ms. Talar Marashlian, as a field worker of the union

We thank Mr. Manoug Ibitian, Mr. Hagop Gojigian, Ms. Maria Jertidian, Mr. Jiro Ghazarian for their leadership, service and sacrifice within the team. And we welcome Ms. Markrid Markarian and Ms. Talar Marashlian as part of the team.

During worship, Lucy reading a passage from the Bible.

Mike Hagopian leading the worship time

Mrs. Nancy Sagherian talking to the youth about decisions and the importance of taking the right ones.

The Bible: The Essence of Tarkmantchatz

emmanuelchanitz@yahoo.com (Raffi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:40:00 +0000

October is designated as Cultural Month in the Armenian calendar to celebrate the invention and impact of the Armenian alphabet by Saint Mesrob Mashdots. The Armenians read his name in the Canon of the Mass and celebrate his memory on February 19. The invention of the alphabet in 406AD proved a powerful factor in the building and preserving of the national spirit, strengthening the Armenian Church and ultimately the bond among all Armenians.
The first monument of the invention of the alphabet was the translation of the Bible from the original Greek into Armenian which was completed about 434. Many of the modern linguists consider the translation of the Bible into Armenian an almost perfect match and have coined it the "Queen of Translations".
The first verse that St. Mesrob translated was the opening line from Solomon’s Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament: “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding”.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia declared the year 2009 as the Year of the Youth. In line with the Cultural Month and the 2009 Year of the Youth, Mr. Hrayr and Dr. Arda Jebejian initiated the gift/donation of 100 Children and Youth Bibles to the Armenian Prelacy of Cyprus to be distributed to the Nareg schools in Cyprus and to the Sunday School in Nicosia run by the Prelacy. The two editions of the Bible stories are adapted into a simple language and enriched with drawings to make them accessible and attractive to children and youth. The Bibles were officially handed to His Eminence, Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian, Catholicosal Vicar in Cyprus.
On Monday, October 12, 2009, Mr. Hrayr Jebejian, accompanied by Father Momik Habeshian, the parish priest of Sourp Asdvatsatsin in Nicosia, presented the Children’s Bible to one of the elementary classes in Nareg, Nicosia. Through a brief, interactive time with the students, Mr. Jebejian highlighted the
significance of Tarkmanchats and then explained how the Children’s Bible was written, designed, and printed in such a way that it made God’s Word easily accessible and attractive to the young generation. As the Children’s Bible comprises of 365 stories, Mr. Jebejian encouraged the young children to read a
story a day and complete the reading of the whole Book in one year.
The Children and the Youth Bibles are both produced by the Bible Society in Lebanon in collaboration with the Armenian Catholicossate of Cilicia, Antelias, Lebanon. The Bible Societies are international Christian publishing organizations that have 145 offices worldwide and operate in more than 200 countries. The Bible Societies are interconfessional organizations that work with all the different churches and denominations, including the Armenian churches.
Mr. Hrayr Jebejian is the General Secretary of the Bible Society in the Arabian Gulf (BSG). Currently, the management office of the BSG is based in Nicosia, Cyprus. Dr. Arda Jebejian is a linguist and the author of 19 books. Currently, she lectures at the School of Humanities, Law and Social Sciences in the University of
Nicosia. Dr. Jebejian is the author of the Armenian Children’s Bible.