On Saturday, September 19 2026, members and friends of the Armenian Evangelical community gathered in Kingston, Ont., for a memorable Armenian Evangelical Day, organized by the Armenian Missionary Association of Canada (AMAC).
Held at the beautiful waterfront setting of Edith Rankin Memorial United Church, the day brought together representatives of all four Armenian Evangelical churches in Canada, along with members and friends from other Armenian churches. Participants travelled from Montreal, Toronto, Cambridge and other communities for a day that combined worship, remembrance, fellowship, mission, and the Annual Membership Meeting of AMAC.
Celebrating 180 Years of Faith and Witness
The morning worship service commemorated the 180th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church, offering an opportunity not only to remember a remarkable history, but also to give thanks to God for generations of faithful Christian witness and service.
The service included praise and worship, Scripture readings, congregational hymns, prayer, a confession of faith, and a special testimony.
One of the moving moments of the morning came when Pastor Ara Balekjian, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Cambridge, shared his personal testimony. He spoke openly about his conversion to the Christian faith and how an encounter with Christ transformed his life, rescuing him from the dangerous and risky path he was about to follow. His testimony was a reminder of the incredible power of Christ to change lives.
Rev. Raffi Messerlian, the keynote speaker for Armenian Evangelical Day, took participants on a journey through 180 years of Armenian Evangelical history, beginning with the movement’s birth in Constantinople in 1846. He explained how the Armenian Renaissance of the first half of the 19th century, particularly the growing number of young Armenians who studied in Europe and returned influenced by Renaissance and Reformation ideas, helped create a fertile ground for spiritual and intellectual renewal. Their exposure to critical thinking, education, reform and new approaches to understanding Scripture contributed to the awakening that eventually led to the Armenian Evangelical movement.
He highlighted the movement’s enduring legacy: personal faith in Christ, Christian education, the accessibility of Scripture, personal responsibility and, above all, evangelism. As he stated:
“Evangelism is the supreme calling of the Church.”
Rev. Messerlian emphasized the vital role of missionary associations, including AMAA and AMAC, in supporting the Church’s mission through education, social services, support for pastors and churches, and assistance during crises. Drawing on his firsthand experience in the Middle East, he underscored the tangible impact of this ministry.
Reflecting on AMAA’s contribution, he stated: “The role of the Missionary Association in supporting the Church’s various ministries in the Middle East, Armenia, Europe and other countries has been great.”
He concluded with a call to remain faithful to the Church’s mission through evangelism, education and service, and to continue building the body of Christ in challenging times.
Fellowship on the Shores of Lake Ontario
Following worship, participants enjoyed lunch, conversation and fellowship in the beautiful lakeside surroundings. The pleasant weather and waterfront setting added greatly to the atmosphere of the day, giving old friends an opportunity to reconnect and new friendships an opportunity to grow.
For many, another highlight was the trolley tour of historic Kingston. Accompanied by a professional tour guide, participants discovered some of the city’s most significant landmarks and heard stories about Kingston’s rich history. The tour added a relaxed and enjoyable dimension to a day already filled with meaningful experiences.
AMAC Annual Membership Meeting
In the afternoon, AMAC members gathered for the organization’s Annual Membership Meeting, chaired by AMAC President Ruth Demirdjian-Duench.
Following words of welcome and an opening prayer by Rev. George Dabbo, members received an overview of AMAC’s activities and ministry during the past year. The meeting included reports on the organization’s work and finances, as well as a presentation by Harout Nercessian highlighting AMAC’s ministry, programs and outreach and inviting members and friends to continue supporting its mission through their generosity.
An important part of the meeting was the election of three new members to the AMAC Board. Members elected Alex Kalemkerian, Garo Melikian, and Zela Sarmazian to serve on the Board, succeeding three members of the Class of 2026 who had completed their second and final terms.
AMAC extends its heartfelt appreciation to Khatchig Ohanessian, Harout Nercessian and Seta Zorayan for their dedicated service on the Board. Their time, commitment and contribution to AMAC’s ministry over the years are gratefully acknowledged.
As Alex Kalemkerian, Garo Melikian, and Zela Sarmazian begin their service, AMAC wishes each of them Divine guidance, wisdom and strength as they assume this responsibility and contribute their gifts to the continuing mission of the organization.
The Annual Meeting concluded with a prayer by Rev. Raffi Messerlian, who prayed for AMAC, its Board and ministry, and especially for the three newly elected Board members as they begin their service.
Remembering the Past, Serving Today, Looking Forward
Armenian Evangelical Day was much more than an anniversary celebration or annual meeting. It brought together history, faith, fellowship, and mission.
The 180th anniversary reminded participants of a rich spiritual heritage shaped by the transforming power of the Gospel, education and service. The testimonies and presentations affirmed that this mission continues today — in churches and schools, through humanitarian assistance, and wherever Armenian communities face hardship and need.
Against the peaceful backdrop of Lake Ontario, Armenian Evangelicals from across Canada celebrated their shared heritage while looking toward the future.
From Kingston, the vision extends far beyond: To continue serving God and the Armenian people with faith, compassion and commitment for generations to come.
