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From left, Serge & Anita Buchakjian, Gary & Arsine Phillips, Rev. Vahan & Rosette Tootikian, Drs. Nurhan & Celeste Helvacian, Jacqueline & Dr. Michael Voskian
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AMAA Celebrates 107th Annual Meeting Banquet, Honors Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian and Dr. Nurhan Helvacian

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The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
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By Louisa Janbazian

PARAMUS, N.J. (AMAA) — The Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) held its 107th Annual Meeting Banquet on Saturday, October 17, at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey. Bringing together friends of the AMAA and representatives of Armenian Evangelical churches and unions from around the world, the evening celebrated the theme “Our Lasting Impact on Generations” and honored two distinguished individuals whose decades of service have made lasting contributions to the organization and the Armenian Evangelical community: Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, former Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) and former AMAA and AEUNA Board member, and Dr. Nurhan Helvacian, former AMAA Board member and Treasurer.

The evening began with a warm welcome from event co-chairs Lucienne Aynilian and Anita Buchakjian. Dr. Michael Voskian served as master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s program with warmth and grace. Greg and Garen Loshkajian performed the national anthems, followed by an invocation offered by Rev. Joseph Garabedian, Pastor of the Armenian Presbyterian Church in Paramus, New Jersey.

Banquet MC Michael Voskian, DMD

Following a video presentation, “The Transforming Impact of the AMAA,” Serge D. Buchakjian, AMAA CEO/Executive Director, welcomed the guests and reflected on the organization’s enduring mission and the difference it continues to make in communities around the world. “Everything you just saw… Every child helped; Every student given an opportunity; Every church strengthened; Every life transformed… You are part of that story. This is your AMAA. Be proud of it. Help us tell its story. And together, with God’s guidance, let us write the next chapter,” Buchakjian said.

AMAA CEO/Executive Director Serge D. Buchakjian

Buchakjian then introduced Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan, who addressed the gathering. Mkrtchyan expressed his appreciation for the AMAA’s longstanding commitment to Armenia, highlighting its contributions to relief efforts and education in the aftermath of the devastating 1988 earthquake and its continued support for the rebuilding and development of the homeland.

Ambassador Narek Mkrtchyan

Honoring Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian

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The first honoree of the evening was Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian, whose decades of faithful leadership and dedicated service have left a profound mark on the Armenian Evangelical community.

Honoree Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian

Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, current Executive Director of the AEWC, presented a tribute on behalf of the Council, while Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA), offered a tribute on behalf of the Union.

From left, Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian and Rosette Tootikian

Reflecting on Rev. Dr. Tootikian’s 23 years of leadership with the AEWC, Rev. Dr. Youmshajekian said: “Twenty-three years is a long time to devote yourself to this ministry. During those years, Rev. Tootikian poured his heart into this Council. He served with diligence, commitment, and genuine passion. This was never just a position for him — it was a calling. He carried the responsibilities of leadership with wisdom, humility, and integrity, always seeking what would best serve the churches and advance the work of God’s Kingdom.”

Honoree Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is being recognized by AEWC, AMAA and AEUNA leadership

Rev. Shanazarian emphasized that the true measure of Rev. Dr. Tootikian’s legacy extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. “What we celebrate most tonight is not the impressive list of positions, degrees, publications, or honors. We celebrate a life of faithful service, a lifetime devoted to teaching and communicating the Christian faith and our Armenian heritage,” he said.

A special tribute video followed, featuring photographs of Rev. Dr. Tootikian throughout his life, from childhood to the present day. Representatives of the AEWC, AMAA, and AEUNA then presented him with special gifts in recognition of his many years of service and leadership.

In his heartfelt remarks, Rev. Dr. Tootikian expressed his sincere gratitude to the AMAA for organizing the celebration and recognizing his 67 years of service. He also gave thanks to God for the privilege of serving the Armenian Evangelical community and contributing to its spiritual growth and enduring mission.

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

Honoring Dr. Nurhan Helvacian

Following dinner, AMAA President Gary Phillips, Esq., introduced the evening’s second honoree, Dr. Nurhan Helvacian, in recognition of his dedicated service as an AMAA Board member and Treasurer.

AMAA President Gary R. Phillips Esq.

Phillips highlighted Helvacian’s commitment to the organization, his faithful stewardship of its resources, and his valuable contributions to advancing the AMAA’s mission. Quoting Saint Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, he said, “‘It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.’ Nurhan, you have proven more than faithful.”

Honoree Nurhan Helvacian, Ph.D.

Following a special video presentation celebrating Helvacian’s service and contributions to the AMAA, he was presented with a special gift in recognition of his many years of faithful service.

Honoree Nurhan Helvacian, Ph.D. (third from left) and his wife Dr. Celeste Helvacian with their family members on the left and Gary R. Phillips and Serge D. Buchakjian on their right

Accepting the honor, Helvacian expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the privilege of serving alongside so many dedicated individuals. “With heartfelt gratitude I accept this recognition of my service to the AMAA as its treasurer. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with so many devoted and faithful people. I thank the Lord for that opportunity. Indeed, it has been my honor and privilege to serve this wonderful organization that dedicates itself to doing God’s work on earth,” Dr. Helvacian said.

The tribute was followed by a musical presentation by Zulal, an a cappella trio known for its interpretations of Armenian folk music. The group delighted guests with three Armenian folk songs, adding a special musical touch to the evening’s celebration.

In his closing remarks, Buchakjian expressed his sincere appreciation to the event co-chairs Lucienne Aynilian and Anita Buchakjian for their outstanding leadership, as well as to all committee members for their hard work and dedication. He also recognized the AMAA staff in New Jersey, California, Montreal and Yerevan for their efforts in making the evening a success. “Above all, my heartfelt thanks go to each and every one of you for being here tonight, for your generosity, and for your continued support of the AMAA and its mission. It is your commitment and friendship that make evenings like this so meaningful,” Buchakjian said.

The banquet concluded with the singing of “Hayr Mer” (“The Lord’s Prayer”), led by Greg Loshkajian, followed by the benediction offered by Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of both the Armenian Evangelical World Council (AEWC) and Haigazian University.

The evening served as a meaningful reminder of the lasting impact that faithful service, Christian leadership, and a shared commitment to the Armenian Evangelical community can have across generations.

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