The Armenian Missionary Association of Canada (AMAC) was delighted to host Rev. Hagop Akbasharian, Principal of the Armenian Evangelical Secondary School of Anjar (AESSA) and the overseer of its historic Boarding School, for two inspiring events in Toronto and Montreal. During these events, Rev. Akbasharian presented the mission and the services provided by the Armenian Evangelical Secondary School and Boarding School of Anjar.
On Saturday, September 13, AMAC held the first event at the Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto. The program featured uplifting musical performances by Aline Topjian Buchakjian, Dr. Razmig Bebejian, and Talin Yeremian, with Zela Sarmazian-Kakousian serving as Emcee. Pastors Zohrab Sarkissian and Ara Balekjian offered prayers, asking for God’s blessings upon the ministry in Anjar.
On Sunday, September 14, the second event took place at the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Montreal. It was emceed by Salpi Nercessian. The atmosphere was enriched by the soulful sounds of the duduk played by Antranig Poshoghlian and the saxophone of Karno Simonian. Prayers were lifted by Rev. George Dabbo and Pastor Mardiros Eglenceyan uniting hearts in support of the mission in Anjar.
Rev. Hagop and Mrs. Nanor Akbasharian: A Ministry Partnership
Born in Beirut in 1986, Rev. Hagop Akbasharian serves as Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Anjar and Principal of AESSA. Though initially drawn to medicine, he responded to God’s call to ministry in 2004. He later earned a Psychology degree from Haigazian University and a Master of Theology from NEST. A gifted teacher and counselor, he has dedicated his life to holistic education, student empowerment, diversity, and interfaith dialogue.
Serving alongside him is his wife, Mrs. Nanor Akbasharian, a Registered Nurse and the devoted Director of the Boarding School. With tireless dedication, she provides a safe and nurturing space for the most vulnerable children—those who carry the scars of poverty, neglect, and war. Her work is central to the school’s mission of offering both care and dignity to every child entrusted to it.
The Armenian Evangelical Secondary School of Anjar
Since its founding in 1942, AESSA has stood as a pillar of faith and resilience in the Anjar community, offering quality education from preschool through high school. Known for its interactive programs—Robotics, Peace Education, Design for Change, WeNEEDle, and Seeds of Hope—the school fosters creativity, responsibility, and Christian values, equipping students to serve with wisdom and compassion.
The Boarding School: A Refuge of Love and Care
Established in 1947, the Boarding Department remains the only institution in the Near East diaspora that combines education with residential care. It continues to serve children from disadvantaged backgrounds—orphans, half-orphans, and those scarred by poverty, neglect, and war—providing not only shelter and nourishment, but also love, security, and hope.
Healing Harbor: Restoring Young Lives
Among AESSA’s most transformative initiatives is Healing Harbor, a safe space where vulnerable children receive emotional and mental healing. Through professional counseling, creative therapies, group support, and expressive arts, children find their voices, their smiles, and their strength. In this holistic environment, trauma gives way to healing, and despair is replaced by hope.
Every regained smile, every tear expressed in words, every drawing that speaks louder than fear bears witness to the life-changing power of this ministry. To sustain this mission, $35,000 annually is needed to cover salaries, therapy materials, operational costs, and program development.
A Call to Action
Both Montreal and Toronto audiences left inspired by the testimony of Rev. Akbasharian and the hope-giving ministries of AESSA and the Boarding School.
AMAC invites all Canadians to join in this sacred work. Together, we can provide destitute and abused children with the opportunity to heal, to learn, and to build a future shaped by God’s grace.
👉 Give hope today—your gift can change a child’s future:
