AMAA Holds 107th Annual Meeting in Paramus, NJ

By Louisa Janbazian, AMAA Public Relations / Communications Director

PARAMUS, NJ – The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) held its 107th Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Armenian Presbyterian Church (APC) in Paramus, New Jersey. The theme of this year’s gathering and related activities was “Celebrating Our Lasting Impact on Generations.”

AMAA President Gary R. Phillips, Esq., opened the meeting and welcomed the delegates. He then invited Rev. Joseph Garabedian, Pastor of APC, to lead the devotional and opening prayer. He said, “From our Movement’s birth, God has been our shepherd, leading us to growth, sustaining us through the Armenian Genocide, and granting us comfort and resources to serve His people today through the Armenian Evangelicals and the AMAA.”

During the meeting, AMAA President Gary R. Phillips, CEO/Executive Director Serge D. Buchakjian, and Vice President/Treasurer Dr. Michael Voskian presented reports highlighting the Association’s activities during the 2025–2026 fiscal year. Additional reports were presented by AMAA’s Armenia team, committee chairs, representatives of the Armenian Evangelical Unions, the Armenian Evangelical World Council, and affiliated organizations.

Nine members were elected to serve a three-year term on the AMAA Board of Directors, Class of 2029: Linda Kay Abdulian, Pamela Avedisian, Rafi Balabanian, D.D.S., Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian, Susan Adamian Covo, Phyllis Dohanian, Denise Gertmenian, Gary R. Phillips, Esq., and Michael Voskian, D.M.D.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks and prayer led by AMAA President Gary R. Phillips.

The weekend’s activities included a special dinner on the evening of Friday, October 16, at Sanzari’s New Bridge Inn in New Milford, New Jersey. The dinner brought together AMAA Board members, staff and guests from across the United States and abroad for an evening of fellowship and celebration.

During the dinner, Harout Nercessian, AMAA’s Global Field Director and Representative in Canada, was honored for 30 years of dedicated service to the Association, including 25 years in Armenia and five years serving in North America and globally. The recognition came as a complete surprise to Mr. Nercessian. AMAA CEO/Executive Director Serge D. Buchakjian, and AMAA President, Gary R. Phillips, reflected on his longstanding commitment and faithful service, while other attendees shared heartfelt remarks in appreciation of his contributions.

Deeply moved by the unexpected honor, Mr. Nercessian expressed his gratitude to the Association and reflected on the many blessings he has received through his years of service to the AMAA.

The Annual Meeting weekend continued with a worship service on Sunday, October 18, at the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus. Led by Rev. Garabedian, the service featured two sermons: Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria, delivered the Armenian sermon, titled “Unbind Him: Christ’s Call, Our Mission,” based on John 11:38–45. Reflecting on the story of Lazarus, he emphasized that the Church’s mission extends beyond welcoming a new generation; it must help them experience Christ’s freedom by listening, trusting, and making room for them to grow.

Rev. Serop Megerdtichian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of the Nazarene in Glendale, California, delivered the English sermon, titled “Igniting the Next Era: 180 Years of Living Faith and Frontier Spirit,” based on Isaiah 58:6–12 and Matthew 28:16–20. He challenged the Church to move beyond preserving its institutions and renew its commitment to evangelism, discipleship, education, and mission, reaching Armenian communities in Armenia and throughout the Diaspora with the message of Christ.

During the worship service, Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, offered a special prayer of remembrance honoring AMAA members and friends who had entered eternal life since the previous Annual Meeting.

The service continued with Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council, installing the officers of the AMAA Board of Directors. Rev. Dr. Vahan Tootikian, former Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council, offered the Benediction.

AMAA CEO/Executive Director Serge D. Buchakjian expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee for its dedication and efforts in making the weekend’s activities a success and to the Armenian Presbyterian Church for hosting the annual meeting. He stated, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee for another successful AMAA Annual Meeting and a memorable weekend of activities. May God continue to abundantly bless the AMAA and its ministry around the world.”