AMAA to Hold 107th Annual Meeting Banquet Honoring Two Distiguished Leaders
By Louisa Janbazian
Paramus, NJ –The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) will host its 107th Annual Meeting Banquet on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, NJ.
The evening’s theme, “Celebrating Our Lasting Impact on Generations,” reflects the AMAA’s enduring commitment to serving the Armenian community through Evangelism, Education, and Humanitarianism.
“Our theme, Celebrating Our Lasting Impact on Generations, reflects the mission of the AMAA and the lives of this year’s honorees,” said Serge D. Buchakjian, AMAA CEO/Executive Director. “Their dedication has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire future generations.”
The Banquet will be Co-Chaired by Lucienne Aynilian and Anita Buchakjian.
The Banquet will honor two distinguished individuals whose decades of dedicated and faithful service have significantly strengthened the Armenian community:
Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, former Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council.
Nurhan Helvacian Ph.D., former Treasurer of the Armenian Missionary Association of America.
“As we gather for our 107th Annual Meeting Banquet in October, we are honored to recognize two exceptional individuals whose faithful leadership and unwavering commitment have strengthened the Armenian Evangelical community for decades,” said Gary R. Phillips, Esq., President of the AMAA. “The honorees, Rev. Dr. Tootikian and Dr. Helvacian have each left an enduring legacy through their service, and we are privileged to celebrate their remarkable contributions.”
Honoree Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian of Royal Oak, MI, served as Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council for more than 25 years. A respected Armenian-American
Rev. Dr. Tootikian is a graduate of the Near East School of Theology and the American University of Beirut. He pursued advanced graduate studies at Hartford Seminary, Harvard Divinity School, and Andover Newton Theological Seminary, earning two master’s degrees and a Doctor of Ministry degree cum laude.
He served as Pastor of Armenian Evangelical churches in Syria and Egypt before continuing his pastoral ministry in several Armenian Evangelical churches throughout the United States. He is the author of over 50 books and currently is the Minister Emeritus of the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater Detroit.
Rev. Dr. Tootikian is married to Rosette Tootikian and has three married children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Honoree Nurhan Helvacian, Ph.D. of Englewood Cliffs, NJ, has served as Treasurer of the AMAA for the past 10 years. Throughout his distinguished professional career, he has combined expertise in economics, research, and financial management with dedicated service to the Armenian Evangelical community.
Dr. Helvacian earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from Bernard M. Baruch College of the City University of New York and a Ph.D. in Economics from The Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
His professional experience includes serving as Adjunct Professor of Economics at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Principal of MNH Consulting, Director of Research and Chief Economist for the National Council on Compensation Insurance, Manager of Economics at IBM Corporation, and leadership positions involving economic consulting and statistical analysis. He has authored numerous publications in economics and related professional fields.
In addition to his service as AMAA Treasurer, Dr. Helvacian has served the Association as Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee and as a member of the Investment, Personnel, and Scholarship Committees. He also served on the AMAA Board of Directors from 2006 to 2025. His broader church service includes serving as Treasurer of the Armenian Evangelical World Council and Treasurer of the Telfeyan Evangelical Fund. He is a member of the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, NJ.
Dr. Helvacian is married to Dr. Celeste Telfeyan Helvacian, and together they have two daughters and three grandchildren.
Adding to the evening’s celebration, guests will also enjoy a special performance by Zulal, the acclaimed New York-based Armenian-American a cappella trio featuring Teni Apelian, Yeraz Markarian, and Anaïs Tekerian.
“Planning this year’s Banquet has been both a privilege and a joy,” said Banquet Co-Chairs Lucienne Aynilian and Anita Buchakjian. “We look forward to welcoming members, friends, and supporters for an evening of fellowship as we honor two outstanding leaders whose faith, vision, and service have made a lasting difference in our community.”
