AMAA HOLDS 81st ANNUAL MEETING - OCTOBER 20-23, 2000

This year's annual meeting of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), unlike those of previous years, took place in a subdued atmosphere. The Association's growth and expansion during the past year were offset by the loss of its Executive Director, Rev. Movses B. Janbazian, whose sudden death a few weeks before the meeting shocked and saddened many people in the Armenian Evangelical community and beyond.

The Annual Meeting was held as planned except for the pastors and church workers retreat.

The two-day seminar which was to precede the meeting, was canceled. On Friday evening, October 20, the Board of Directors held the first of their two sessions. The Board members were augmented by AMAA church and chapter representatives and by delegates from abroad - about 70 participants altogether.

The annual meeting proper took place on Saturday morning. Reports were given by AMAA officers and committee chairmen, as well as by representatives of AMAA chapters and mission partners from many countries. The results of the election of nine new Board members for the class of 2003 which was done through mailed ballots, were announced. A moving moment in the course of the meeting occurred when The Very Reverend Father Anoushaven Tanielian, representing Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan (Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church - East Coast) presented "Saint Mesrob" medallion from Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia for Rev. Movses B. Janbazian; it was accepted by AMAA President, Andrew Torigian, on behalf of the Janbazian family and the AMAA. This was the first time that an Armenian Evangelical clergyman had received this honor.

On Saturday afternoon, the Board of Directors held the second of its two sessions to elect its officers. Mr. Andy Torigian was re-elected President for the fourth consecutive term. Later in the afternoon, there was a meeting of the Advisory Board of the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Armenia.

Saturday evening was devoted to a sit-down dinner at the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, NJ served by church members for the 250 patrons in attendance. This was followed by a concert by the "Little Virtuosos of Armenia", a group of six children, ages 9-14, with exceptional musical talent. These young prodigies astonished the capacity audience by their skill and versatility and drew a standing ovation.

On Sunday morning, the delegates attended AMAA's 81st Annual Meeting Worship Service at the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, NJ. The service included the installation of the AMAA's newly elected officers.

The installation ceremony for the newly elected Board Members and Officers was carried out by Rev. Dr. Giragos Chopourian, Executive Director Emeritus of the AMAA, who was visibly moved by the experience. The worship service was dedicated "in celebration and thanksgiving for the life of Rev. Movses B. Janbazian". This theme was a prominent of the sermons and the eulogies. Also remembered were those members and friends of the Association who made the transition from this life to Life Eternal during the past year. Their names were printed in special memorial folders.

Sunday afternoon and evening as well as Monday morning and afternoon were devoted to meetings of the Haigazian University Board of Trustees. This Beirut-based institution was established nearly 50 years ago largely through the AMAA's initiative and support. It has survived the prolonged civil war in Lebanon and is now in the process of regaining its former prominence.

This year all of the annual meeting's activities, as well as daily lunches and dinners for the delegates, took place at the AMAA's new headquarters in Paramus, NJ.

The only exceptions were the dinner and concert on Saturday evening and the worship service on Sunday morning, which took place at the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, NJ.

The Armenian Missionary Association of America praises God for the 82 years of its mission and service to Armenian communities around the world including our homeland, Armenia. We pray asking God for His guidance and wisdom so that this unique service is carried on in the new millennium, loving, caring and helping people in need and bringing praise to His name.

Rev. Hagop Manjelikian

AMAA'S "LITTLE VIRTUOSOS" OF ARMENIA A HUGE HIT By Charles DeMirjian

This is the story of a small miracle that rose out of a great tragedy. From the deafening rumble and rubble of the earthquake that ravaged Armenia in 1988 has evolved, by the grace of God, sweet music performed by even sweeter children.


On October 15, during the Sunday morning worship service at 11:00 a.m. the Armenian Euphrates Evangelical Church will hold a memorial service to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Movses B. Janbazian.

Fostered by the Armenian Missionary Association of America and now known as the "Little Virtuosos" of Armenia, the gifted children who comprise this group include a few who were infant survivors of the earthquake. Today's six "Little Virtuosos", ranging in age from 9 to 14, have been on a world tour presenting a delightful concert of chamber music. Audiences everywhere have responded with unbridled enthusiasm.

Thus it was that on Saturday evening, October 21, 2000, these precocious youngsters performed at the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, N.J. The concert provided, in fact, an entertaining and inspiring climax to two days of the AMAA's annual meetings convened at its Paramus headquarters.

It is essential to picture the players; six beautiful children with bright angelic faces and more than a bit of mischief in their eyes. The girls were neatly attired in black jumpers and white blouses, the boys in black trousers, vests and bow ties. All appeared quite at ease with a confidence that belied their youth.

The challenging two-part program was a potpourri of more than 20 well-loved classics especially transcribed for the ensemble of three violins, cello, flute and piano. While most of the selections were upbeat and lively, both sections of the program began with, respectively, the "Hayr Mer" and "Sourp, Sourp" for which the audience stood in quiet reverence. Played entirely from memory, the concert mainly featured the complete ensemble but also showcased trios, duets and soloists.

Selections ranged broadly by period and style from Dvorák and Khachaturian to Vivaldi and Ravel. Among several pieces by the master Komitas, perhaps the one that best expressed the Armenian ethos was the soulful "Krounk". In general, however, the program was designed to spotlight the virtuosity of the young players and included such crowd-pleasers as a Fantasy from Bizet's "Carmen". With each successive piece, the large, appreciative audience became more demonstrative. A final standing ovation, punctuated with lusty bravos, brought the "Little Virtuosos" out for a dazzling encore, Khachaturian's rhythmically famous "Sabre Dance".

The young players, faces flush with pride - and not a little relief - were pleasantly surprised and rewarded with bouquets and gifts brought to each of them by the lovely young women of the church. Immediately after, in the parish hall the same gracious ladies served a lavish aprés-concert treat of fruit, pastries and coffee to the attendees, yet abuzz with excitement.

All of the "Little Virtuosos" of Armenia attend the Tchaikovsky Intermediate School of Music in Yerevan. They are the musical progeny of their brilliant artistic director and arranger, Samvel Avanesyan and his wife, Araksi Avanesyan, who is also piano accompanist. The players are: Hrachia Avanesyan, violin, and, at 14, the most advanced and prominently featured member; Lusine Abaghyan, 13, violin; Sevak Avanesyan, 11, cello; Marina Manukyan, 12, piano; Susanna Vardanian, 12, violin, and Lusine-Melik Vartanesyan, 9, flute.