Titizian and Kendirjian Move Into SARF Leadership Roles

GLENDALE – The Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) Executive Committee elected new officers: John Titizian was elected Chairman and Raffi Kendirjian was elected Vice-Chairman.

Zaven Khanjian, the outgoing Chairman of the Executive Committee, presided over his last Executive Committee meeting on August 30, when new officers were elected.  Since its inception in August 2012, in response to deteriorating living conditions of Armenians in Syria, SARF, under the leadership of Khanjian, raised and transferred to Syria, more than $1million for use in humanitarian relief and to meet immediate needs of Syrian Armenians. Khanjian had submitted his resignation from SARF Executive Committee due to his appointment as the Executive Director/CEO of the Armenian Missionary Association of America. Although this position requires him to relocate to New Jersey, Khanjian pledged his continued support to SARF’s mission.

In his inaugural address to the Executive Committee, John Titizian expressed his appreciation for the work performed by SARF during the past two years, outlined his commitment to SARF’s mission and pledged to continue the vigorous fundraising work undertaken by the Executive Committee.

Raffi Kendirjian, in his part, stressed on the need to continue the assistance to Syrian Armenians since the conditions in Syria have not improved in the past two years.

The election of new officers of the Executive Committee was completed with the re-election of Sona Madarian as Secretary and Meher Der Ohanessian as Treasurer.

A reception to honor Zaven Khanjian was held at Kavar Restaurant on August 20, with the participation of about 30 executive and supporting committee members, and press representatives.

On behalf of the SARF Executive Committee, Ara Arayon, the Vice Chairman at the time, presented Khanjian with a memento, and Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Regional Executive Co-Chairperson Rebecca Berberian presented Khanjian with a plaque in appreciation of his efforts.

Many of those who were present made heartfelt remarks about their appreciation for Khanjian’s vision, dedication and leadership during which SARF persevered despite many challenges, bringing and focusing the efforts of various community organizations and the public and raising funds for the Armenians of Syria. Khanjian reciprocated their praise, and reaffirmed his desire to continue to help those in need.

SARF continues to accept contributions. One of the latest contributions was a $10,000 donation from the proceeds of the “Bashde LA 2014,” which was a concert held on July 12, 2014, the Christian Outreach for Armenians Center in Glendale, CA.

Please continue to make your contributions to SARF by mailing your check to:

P.O. Box 1948, Glendale, CA 91209-1948

Or donate on-line at:

www.SyrianArmenianReliefFund.org

The following churches, charities and organizations came together to form the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund in August 2012:

• Armenian Catholic Eparchy in North America
• Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
• Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
• Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
• Armenian General Benevolent Union
• Armenian Missionary Association of America
• Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A.
• Armenian Democratic Liberal Party
• Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western U.S.A.
• Social Democrat Hunchakian Party-Western U.S.A.