AEUNA News - November 2025

November 2025

ADVENT MESSAGE

Week 1

Are You Woke?

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of he Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son.

And he gave him the name Jesus.

Matthew 1:24-25

The word "woke" became a big deal recently. This word has become synonymous, for some, with the ideal of being enlightened. In reality, it simply means you have adopted a world view that makes you part of the club, acceptable and approved. For centuries people have tried to undermine Christianity by saying there is a higher truth. You need to be enlightened. You need to be “woke!” My devotional today will focus on the story of Joseph and what it meant to him to be “woke.”

Our Advent theme this year is “Newness.” Today I want to look at the story of Joseph who fell asleep, but when he woke up, or became “woke,” he was a new person who had the courage to follow three powerful instructions God had given him through the angel.

1. He took Mary as his wife. The angel is telling to go forward with the marriage without fear because God has a plan. He went ahead with the marriage and took home as his wife.

2. He had no union with Mary until after the child was born. In that day, a man taking a woman home as his wife, marked the beginning of intimacy. The angel’s words meant this would not be the case. The child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, by God Himself.

3. He named the baby Jesus. Joseph understood that God was doing a great thing through his wife. The Name Jesus is given to represent this child’s purpose, to save His people from their sins.

“Waking up,” or becoming “woke,” is actually a big deal throughout the Bible.

1. Romans 13:11 - The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

2. Isaiah 52:1 - Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength!

3. Revelation 3:3 - If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

When Joseph woke up, he was a new man, with different thoughts and priorities.

The real question is simply this - Are you Woke? Not to a secular world view, but to God's divine purpose in your life? Actually, you don’t need to be "woke" you just need to “wake up.”

Advent is the time we contemplate Christ coming as a child in Bethlehem and also anticipate His coming again in glory. Joseph woke up to a new reality and was obedient to God’s Word as He prepared for the birth of Jesus. May this advent be a time for us to seek God as Joseph did and wake up renewed and committed to the realities of His will in our lives.

Rev. Ron Tovmassian

Field Pastor

Armenian Evangelical Women's Fellowship

Western Region

The Armenian Evangelical Women’s Fellowship weekend conference in San Luis Obispo was a truly blessed and spiritually enriching gathering. Throughout the weekend, women from all different Evangelical and other churches came together, to fellowship, worship, and most importantly get closer to God. The sessions were filled with powerful messages, by our guest speaker Jodi Ware. Jodi concentrated on the theme of our conference which was “Trusting God on the Ups and Downs of Life”. We had breakout sessions for more intimate conversations and self-reflection. God’s presence was evident and strongly felt. We are encouraged and grateful to God for the wonderful work He has done among us.

Lena Garabedian

Chair

Armenian Evangelical Church

New York, NY

The Fall kicked off well at AEC with a new series called the Story of God. In the great timeline of scripture, there is an overarching story and themes that its author and main character, God, wants to share. This includes areas such as Creation and the Fall, Covenant and disobedience, and God's rescue plan for humanity. A great study so far!

In October, our church hosted our annual Apple Picking Fall Social! We visited Dr. Davies Farm in Congers, NY. New for us, and it turned out to be a great spot for young families and young people of all ages! We also hosted our 2nd Worship & Dinner this year on Oct 31st, with Moses and Sona Borekjian leading us in worship, and church members Kamal Bartarseh and Karine Tonyan-Hernandez leading us in prayer. It was a beautiful evening bringing glory to Jesus, and fellowship afterwards.

Calvary Armenian Congregational Church

San Francisco, CA

On the weekend of November 15th, many CACC women registered and joined in on the AEWF Retreat in San Luis Obispo. The weather and coast setting were absolutely beautiful! The speaker Jodi Ware spoke on the topic of Trusting God in the ups and downs of life. Using the knowledge of God’s character, His word, His people and praying to build our trust and obedience in God.

Houri Panossian gave her powerful testimony in Armenian on how God delivered her from cancer and deepened her faith in the process. The Saturday evening banquet (themed Music through the Decades) was enjoyed with games, a walk down the AEUNA memory lane through the years and a delicious meal. Sunday morning the ladies had a worship service and communion.

The time was wonderful to deepen relationships, reconnect with old friends, and enjoyed by all!

Armenian Presbyterian Church

Paramus, NJ

APC Puts on a Joyful Thanksgiving Dinner

We love the Thanksgiving season and the month of December here at APC. We are so blessed to have the tradition of gathering as families for our annual Thanksgiving Sunday Luncheon, which happened this year on November 24^th. It was a beautiful time of camaraderie, fellowship and enjoying God’s and each other’s presence. In this busy season when everyone is focused on what to do for holiday events, it was a nice break to just be able to sit down with our own families and have a meal. We are grateful for all who served, and are looking forward to our Christmas Sunday Luncheon and other ministry gatherings in December.

Armenian Evangelical Church

Toronto, ON Canada

Celebrating God’s Faithfulness

The Installation and Ordination of Rev. Zohrab Sarkissian

and the 65th Anniversary of the

Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto

On the weekend of November 8–9, 2025, the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto convened in profound gratitude and joy to commemorate two significant milestones in the life of its church and community: the installation and ordination of Pastor Zohrab Sarkissian and the 65th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. These events served as compelling testimonies to God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout generations.

On Saturday, November 8, the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America (AEUNA) ordained Pastor Zohrab Sarkissian in a solemn ceremony held at The Armenian Evangelical Church in Toronto. The Union was represented by its minister, Rev. Hendrik Shahnazarian, its moderator, Rev. Calvin Sagherian and its Field Pastor, Rev. Ron Tovmassian. In attendance were Greg Bostajian, Honorary Counsel of Lebanon in Toronto and Aris Babikian, MPP – Scarborough-Agincourt. Alongside them were representatives from Tyndale University: President Dr. Marjory Kerr, Rev. Dr. Ashoor Yousif, Associate Professor of Christian History, and Rev. Dr. Fred Penney, Professor of Preaching. Other guest clergy included Rev. Georges Dabbo from the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal, Pastor Ara Balekjian from the Armenian Evangelical Church of Cambridge, and Pastor Hany Boghossian from the Armenian Emmanuel Church of the Nazarene. Community clergy included Rev. Archpriest Father Zareh Zargarian and Rev. Father Hayari Tanashian from the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Archpriest Rev. Father Datev Mikaelian from St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, and Father Haig Chahinian from St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church of Toronto. Harout Nercession, AMAA representative in Canada; Ruth Demirjian Duench, president of AMAC; and Levon Filian, former Executive Director of AMAA were also present at the ceremony.

The service was marked by prayer, worship, and the loving presence of clergy, family, and church members. The ceremony was deeply moving, characterized by an atmosphere of reverence and grace as pastors and leaders laid hands on Pastor Zohrab, affirming his calling and commissioning him for ministry. Words of encouragement resonated throughout the gathering, emphasizing that God continues to raise shepherds for His people. Following the service, the congregation warmly embraced Pastor Zohrab and his family during a reception, expressing gratitude, affection, and anticipation for the journey ahead.

The following evening, on Sunday, November 9, the church assembled once more for the 65th Anniversary Banquet of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. The event witnessed remarkable attendance, reflecting the unity and commitment of a community shaped by decades of faith, perseverance, and service. Attendees celebrated the rich history of their church—a legacy forged by devoted pastors, dedicated lay leaders, and generations of families committed to honoring Christ in both word and deed.

The program for the evening was deeply rooted in faith and inspiration. Guest speaker Rev. Calvin Sagherian, from San Fransico, delivered a heartfelt message, encouraging the congregation to remain faithful to God's calling and steadfast in their mission. The atmosphere was filled with worship, supported by prayer, folklore Armeian dance, and Scripture readings, all of which reminded the community of the steadfast love that has sustained the church for 65 years.

These two celebratory events—one reflecting on the church's past and the other blessing its future—reminded us that God’s story continues to unfold within the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. As the community looks ahead under the leadership of Pastor Zohrab Sarkissian, there is a sense of hope and readiness to serve, grow, and witness together to the Good News of Jesus.

With hearts filled with gratitude and a steadfast focus on God’s promises, the church enters its next chapter with faith, prayer, and joy, trusting that He who has sustained them for 65 years will continue to guide them for generations to come.

Sincere thanks are extended to all who contributed to the coordination of the ordination service, the subsequent reception, and the anniversary banquet. Thank you all for your dedication, prayers, and servant hearts, which made each moment profoundly meaningful.

Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal

Laval, QC Canada

Praise Night

On Saturday, 29^th of November 2025, the congregation of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal had a memorable evening.

Around 60 people of all generations came together for singing, worship and praise, preceded by a richly prepared table with a big variety of tasty food.

But it was the program afterwards, carefully prepared and executed by Mr. Dikran Aintablian, that gave the spiritual warmth to the hearts of all present, amidst a joyful atmosphere of fellowship and friendship. At the end, we all departed with grateful feelings and in the hope of repeating such projects in the near future; all for the glory of the Lord Almighty.

Restored by Grace: Couples Gather

to Strengthen Marriages

Belmont, MA – November 1, 2025

The New England Couple’s Ministry, with the support of the New England Armenian community, hosted its annual couples’ event, “Restored by Grace: Forgiveness That Renews Marriage,” on November 1 at the First Armenian Church in Belmont. More than 110 attendees representing 13 Armenian churches—Apostolic, Evangelical, and Catholic—came together for an evening of worship, fellowship, and biblical teaching.

The program opened with a warm welcome from Pastor Sevag Melkonian and a letter from Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, read by Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian. Rev. Aram Bedrossian offered the prayer before dinner. Guests enjoyed a beautifully prepared buffet accompanied by live music from John Baboian on guitar and Levon Hovsepian on piano.

Rev. Avedis Boynerian introduced the guest speaker, Rev. Kevin Sanders, Executive Director of the Boston Center for Biblical Counseling, who spoke on the theme “God’s Design for Marriage: A Covenant of Grace.” He emphasized that:

Marriage is God’s idea and displays His glory.
Marital struggles stem from human sin and self-centeredness.
Common unhealthy responses include withdrawal, control, blame, bitterness, and escapism.
Marriage reflects Christ’s covenant love and is designed not merely to make us happy but to make us holy.

Following dessert and coffee, Rev. Sanders led the second session, “The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Wounds, Renewing Love,” focusing on how forgiveness restores relationships. He reminded couples that forgiveness flows from God’s grace, is a decision of the heart, faces the truth, and differs from reconciliation, which takes time to rebuild trust.

Dr. Arpi Boynerian presented the ministry’s vision, encouraging couples to carry the mission forward:

“Our mission isn’t just to hold events—it’s to build a community where marriages are nurtured, relationships are restored, and love is continually renewed by God’s grace. We aim to create a movement of care—a place where couples can find encouragement, guidance, and hope.”

The evening concluded with closing remarks by Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, followed by the Lord’s Prayer and Bahbanich. Couples were also invited to share feedback through a QR code survey to help guide future gatherings.

Rev. Avedis & Dr. Arpi Boynerian