Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of the Near East commemorates centennial

by Middle East and Europe | published on Jul 16, 2024

The Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of the Near East (UAECNE) gathered for a celebratory service on 30 June at the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Beirut. The service, commemorating the centennial of the union, was attended by representatives of churches from different Middle Eastern and global churches, the ambassador of Armenia, Lebanese members of Parliament, representatives of Armenian political parties, pastors, and a large number of members of Armenian Evangelical congregations.

“The centennial season showed us once more that in spite of all the challenges we face today, the mission of the church can only be realized through self-giving, in the likeness of Christ,” said Rev. Dr Paul A. Haidostian, president of Haigazian University.

“Our focus was not on celebrating ‘ourselves’ or ‘our church,’ but on Christ, and the mission of the whole Body. Over four days, we deeply enjoyed our intra-UAECNE fellowship, as well as the encouragement of our ecumenical family.”

The service included a segment of welcoming speeches, the reading of Psalms, responsive prayers with the participation of the congregation, and the reading of the Bible in Armenian and Arabic.

The main focus of the service was the Lord’s Prayer, which was the central theme of the message delivered by Haidostian, titled “When You Enter Your Inner Room.” He asked, “Where is our inner room? It is where there is a spiritual encounter with the One who is Lord, Spirit, and Love; while we think that the real rich encounter is in the outer rooms, profitable meetings with large numbers, or with shining stars?”

Haidostian concluded his sermon affirming that “The celebration of this centennial is God’s peace amid the indescribable storms faced by the Armenian people and the countries of the Middle East. The celebration of the centennial is the example and path of church unity through Christ. The celebration of the centennial is once again the restoration of the Lord’s Prayer, the Lord’s atmosphere, and the renewal of the church.”

For the next three days, the UAECNE 77th General Assembly of the was held in the Armenian Evangelical churches of Ashrafieh, New Marash, and New Amanos, with the presence of 70 delegates and guests from Lebanon and other countries. The 77th General Assembly concluded with a Service of Communion and a candle lighting prayer ceremony, renewing a sense of calling and commitment as the delegates journeyed to their countries and churches.

[Note: The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, and Dr. Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe in Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, represented the UCC and Global Ministries at the Union’s General Assembly.]

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