Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian: The Jubilee Celebrations Are an Opportunity to Glorify God, Be Humble Before the Lord, And Strengthen Hope in Times of Decadence

We Prayed for A New Beginning in the Life of the Church

The Armenian Evangelical Church starts a new bright era in its path, as it celebrates its 175th anniversary, crowned with faith and martyrdom, pursuing its mission with great hope and determination. For the occasion, the Armenian capital Yerevan witnessed many celebrations between 1st and 7 July 2022, during which the children of the Armenian Evangelical Church met together and intended to celebrate, coming from the United States of America, Europe, Australia, Canada and the East.

Participation of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East

Reverend Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, President of Haigazian University, and President of the Middle East Council of Churches for the Evangelical Family, participated in these Jubilee and historical celebrations.

In an exclusive statement for the MECC website, Rev. Dr. Haidostian said, “the Jubilee celebrations in the Armenian Evangelical Church this year is, firstly, an opportunity to glorify God for the sake of grace, and secondly, an opportunity to be humble before the Lord Jesus Christ, because He is the only Lord who protects us and blesses the Church at all times, whether happy Jubilee times or during tragedies. Thirdly, these celebrations constitute a call to strengthen love and hope in times and places of decadence in the world and in our region, especially the Middle East.”

As for the participation of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East in these celebrations, he declared that "it was effective in all these Jubilee activities, especially with issues related to the role of youth. Noting that these celebrations were delayed by a year due to the global circumstances we are witnessing. We were supposed to celebrate the Jubilee last year."

He added, "We took into account the tragedies that all the Middle Eastern countries are passing through. We also did not lose sight of the fact that less than two years ago, Armenia and Artsakh lost more than 5,000 young martyrs, in addition to the loss of many lands, due to the war that took place on the borders."

In his final words, Haidostian said with hope, “We humbled ourselves before God and prayed for a new beginning in the life of the Church, especially on the intention to remain faithful to Christ and the Head of the Church. Glory to Christ today and always."

Celebrations: Building Bridges and Consolidating the Legacy of the Armenian Evangelical Church

The celebrations culminated in a meeting of the Heads of the Unions of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the world with the President of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Vahagn Khachaturyan, at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan, who praised the efforts made by the Armenian Evangelical Church in the past 32 years, in various faith, humanitarian, service and social fields… The delegation thanked the President Vahagn Khachaturyan and presented ideas that aims at strengthening the life and service of the Church in the world. The two parties agreed on the importance of consolidating relations and developing the humanitarian work.

The activities included many activities, Prayers and meetings, that embodies the Armenian Evangelical Church's keenness to consolidate its Ecclesiastical heritage. The official celebration of the 175th Jubilee was held at the Opera Theatre in Yerevan, Armenia, and was characterized with a lot of hope, joy and insistence on preaching, giving and service despite all obstacles. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh Mr. Artur Grigoryan, His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, representing the Armenian Catholicosate in Etchmiadzin, Father Mashtots Zahtarian, Director of the Holy Archangels Seminary for the Armenian Catholics in Yerevan, Mr. Zareh Sinanyan, High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Heads of the Unions of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the world, alongside with priests, diplomats and participants from various fields, as well as the children of the Armenian Evangelical Church.

On the third day, a conference was held at the Armenian Evangelical Church in Yerevan, which included many sessions and workshops focusing on preparing reports on the five Unions of the Armenian Evangelical Church, the lives of parishes, and topics related to various educational, theological, service, youth and Ecumenical fields. The participants discussed about their challenges that may limit the communication with Churches around the world, calling for the necessity of activating priestly vocations, and accompanying youth spiritually...

During the activities of the 175th Jubilee, an Armenian Evangelical Church was also inaugurated in Stepanavan following many restoration works. This is in addition to the inauguration of a center for the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), that contributes to providing social, humanitarian, educational and living services to the children of the Church in Armenia and Artsakh.

The celebrations were also characterized by special segments for youth who were able to build bridges between them, especially since they are living in expansion countries. They participated in a tour in Yerevan and also in a camp including various spiritual, cultural and social activities. The youth also talked about their challenges, obsessions and aspirations, and some of them gave their testimonies that they had passed through.

Hence, after 175 years of witnessing in the Armenian Evangelical Church, the Jubilee celebrations constitute a new beginning for golden achievements full of hope and determination to build a better future far from passing glories. So we live the life of Christ with heavenly joy, in the spirit of the Church, the shore of safety and source of love.

Communication and Public Relations Department