On September 27, 2026, 115 people gathered at Lara’s Restaurant in Toronto for the AMAC Benefit Banquet, an evening of fellowship, music, gratitude, and renewed commitment to supporting Armenian Evangelical schools in Lebanon.
The banquet highlighted the vital role these schools continue to play in providing children with quality education while nurturing their Christian faith and Armenian identity—especially at a time when many families in Lebanon face significant financial challenges.
Education That Changes Lives
The keynote speaker, Rev. Raffi Messerlian, co-principal of the Shamlian-Tatigian Armenian Evangelical School in Bourj Hammoud, Lebanon, and pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Nor Marash, spoke passionately about the school’s ministry and the difference that financial support from AMAA and AMAC donors in North America makes in the lives of its students.
Shamlian-Tatigian has been serving the Armenian community for more than 90 years. Located in the low-income district of Bourj Hammoud, the school welcomes children whose families often cannot afford the full cost of tuition. Through the generosity of AMAA and AMAC supporters, the school is able to provide these children with an opportunity to receive a valued education.
Rev. Messerlian shared several moving examples of children who have come from very difficult circumstances and are now doing well, against the odds. Their stories demonstrated what can happen when children are given not only an excellent education, but also the warmth, care, and Christian environment that the school provides.
For many in attendance, the message was especially meaningful. Former students and teachers of Shamlian-Tatigian were among the banquet guests, creating a tangible connection between the school’s longstanding ministry in Lebanon and the community gathered in Toronto.
An Evening of Music, Celebration, and Appreciation
The program was skillfully hosted by Mrs. Zela Sarmazian and Mr. Remy Guirguis, whose compelling performances, warmth, and engaging presence brought energy and enthusiasm to the evening. Their contributions helped create a memorable atmosphere and kept the program flowing throughout the night.
The evening also featured inspiring musical performances. Dr. Razmig Bebejian captivated the audience with his vocal performance, while the Rubato String Quartet, accompanied by keyboardist Sona Hovsepyan, added a beautiful musical dimension to the celebration. The evening’s final musical selection was a medley of Charles Aznavour songs, including “La Bohème” and “Deux Guitares.” The stirring performance brought the audience to its feet in a spontaneous and enthusiastic standing ovation, providing a memorable conclusion to the musical program.
Rev. Raffi Messerlian expressed his profound appreciation to three individuals for their remarkable contributions to the Shamlian-Tatigian School: Mr. Sarkis Marandjian, Mr. Hagop Janbazian, and Mr. Harout Adrouny. Personalized awards from the school were presented to the honorees by Rev. Messerlian, joined by Ruth Demirdjian Duench, AMAC President, and Harout Nercessian, AMAA Global Field Director.
Their recognition reflected the broader spirit of the evening—gratitude for those who have faithfully supported AMAC and its mission over the years.
The Work Continues
The banquet may have concluded, but the need remains. Armenian Evangelical schools in Lebanon continue to serve children and families who need educational opportunities, support, and hope.
Every contribution helps these schools remain strong and enables them to continue providing an environment where faith, learning, and Armenian identity are nurtured together.
AMAC extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the banquet, contributed financially, participated in the program, and helped make the evening possible. The AMAC Board also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Organizing Committee for its tireless dedication and efforts in making the event a success.
The evening was a celebration of what has been accomplished—and a reminder of what can still be accomplished when people come together to invest in the next generation.
The banquet may be over, but the mission continues. If you have not already done so, please consider making a gift to AMAC to support Armenian Evangelical schools in Lebanon. Your generosity helps provide children with quality education while nurturing their faith, Armenian identity, and hope for the future. Please click here to make your donation. Every gift, large or small, helps keep these schools strong and gives Armenian children the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a hopeful future.
