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On Wednesday, April 1st, Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Lakissian visited the headquarters of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in Paramus, New Jersey, where he met with CEO and Executive Director, Serge D. Buchakjian and delivered a donation dedicated to supporting students in Anjar, Lebanon. Accompanying Der Hayr was Liza Yessaian, a member of the Cathedral's Board of Trustees, and joining the meeting was Nerses Rastguelenian, the AMAA's finance director.
During a warm and nostalgic conversation, Der Mesrob and Mr. Buchakjian reminisced about their childhoods in Lebanon and early years in America. Der Hayr shared his deep personal ties to the Evangelical church and school in Anjar. Growing up in close proximity to the school, he and his four siblings all received their elementary education there.
Der Mesrob expressed his profound gratitude to the philanthropists whose support during his youth paved the way for families like his to access a high-quality education and a path to success. By making this donation, Der Hayr said the Cathedral seeks to repay that generosity by supporting the current generation of students in Anjar, so that they may persevere in their studies despite the significant challenges facing Lebanon today.
Der Hayr also had an opportunity to visit with Ms. Gilda Kupelian, a former colleague at the Armenian Prelacy who now oversees the AMAA’s extensive library. Ms. Kupelian provided a guided tour of the library, showcasing the impressive collection of Armenian literature and historical Bibles preserved in various languages.
The afternoon served as a beautiful reminder of the deep bonds of faith and heritage that unite the Armenian people, and the historical ties and ecumenical brotherhood between the Apostolic and Evangelical communities.
The AMAA was founded in 1918 in Worcester, Massachusetts to provide relief and hope to displaced Armenians in the wake of the Armenian Genocide. The Association continues its mission is to serve the physical and spiritual needs of Armenians in 24 countries worldwide. Mr. Buchakjian succeeded the late Zaven Khanjian, of blessed memory, who passed away in August 2024, after many decades of dedicated service to the AMAA, ten years as its leader.
