The AEUNA 27th Biennial Conference

The 27^th Biennial convention of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America was hosted by Calvary Armenian Congregational Church (CACC), in San Francisco, June 27-30, 2024. The convention theme was Unite and Ignite, with a focus on 1 Corinthians 12:12. The host church pastor was Rev. Calvin Sagherian and the committee co-chairs were Ari & Jenny Ekmekji and Joelle Angel.

More than 260 people –  Pastors, AEUNA Board members, church representatives, and youth from the member churches from all over the USA and Canada participated.

The four Sessions started with worship services led by Rev. Razmig Minassian and the participation of the First Armenian Presbyterian Church of Fresno worship band. The guest speaker was Pastor Rob Hall of New North Church, the next-door neighbor church to our host church.

The three seminars on Friday were on interpreting, understanding and applying the Word of God; everyday evangelism; and the issue of navigating modern dating as an Armenian Christian (for youth).

The seven topics for the roundtable discussion on Friday night were: Use of technology in ministry; outreach and evangelism; ways to cultivate ministries; raising up leaders; financial awareness and stewardship; stronger bonds between AEUNA leadership and local churches; and integration of Armenian culture and church ministries.

During the business meeting the officers, committee members and ministries highlighted a few points from their written reports, the budget was presented and approved, and a new Board of Directors slate was presented and approved. During the gathering, the AEYF EAST and West also had their joint 23rd Convention that included activities and meetings, and chose their new leadership.

After the tour on Saturday afternoon, a celebration dinner was held with around 300 people present, including some from the community who were not at the convention sessions and meetings. A group of youth from different churches presented musical pieces and songs. During the gathering, Ms. Jennifer Telfeyan La-Roe was recognized and awarded for her six years of voluntary and dedicated services as the clerk of AEUNA and for her active involvement in many committees.

The Convention concluded on Sunday with a worship service, during which Rev. Calving Sagherian and Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian preached on the issue of Unity, using passages from Ephesians Chapter 4. Scripture passages were read by Nanor Sadakian and Edward Arabian. During the worship service, the newly elected board members were installed and prayed upon.

Worship was led by Rev. Minassian and his team. Rev. Greg Haroutunian offered a prayer thanking God for the life and ministry of the pastors and pastors’ wives who had departed since last convention: Rev. Yesayi Sarmazian, Rev. Peter and Mrs. Marie Doghramji, Rev. Barkev Darakjian and Rev. Harutyun Khachatryan.

The service concluded with celebration of the Holy Communion, which was administered by Rev. Joseph Garabedian, and the singing of the Hayr Mer.