Honoring role models

Following the end of the Assembly, the Primate, several members of the clergy, a number of delegates, and local parishioners came together for the annual banquet, during which three men were honored.

Ambassador John Evans was presented with the “Friend of the Armenians” award. John Amboian was named “Armenian of the Year.” Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian was presented with the “Spiritual Leadership Award.”

“We are expressing our sincere appreciation and honoring them each for service to our community and our church,” said Rosette Jacobson, the parish council chairperson of the host parish, the Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA.

In his closing remarks, the Primate thanked the three honorees and noted their role as role models.

“We become role models for our youth through our actions. We become the spark that ignites the flame of Christianity in their souls,” he said. “Each of these three men serve as a reminder of the power of our actions. Individuals can make a difference in the world, in society, in the church. Each of us must live as Christ describes and show our youth the power of Christ’s teachings.”

ARMENIAN OF THE YEAR

John Amboian was honored for his years of service to all levels of the Armenian Church, from serving in the parish, as a member of the Diocesan Council, and a leader of the international church.

“If I was to read a list of his accomplishment, such a long list, you would find it impossible to believe it was the dossier of one man,” said Diocesan Council Chairman Oscar Tatosian. “No list would do justice to detailing John’s service. No matter what capacity he has served in, he has brought dignity and honesty.”

In a surprise, Amboian was introduced by his son John Jr.

“This award is an acknowledgement that I know is important to him and equally important to the entire family. Over the years, the church has been a priority for my father,” said Amboian’s son. “He has a very deep commitment and dedication to serving the church. I’ve always seen him work hard his entire life, but never harder than when he is working on behalf of the church. I thank my father for being a fine role model for us all, demonstrating the qualities of dedication and commitment and a life of service.”

In accepting the award, Amboian said he knew his role models were proud.

“I have this feeling my later parents are looking down on this tonight and saying ‘Abrees,’” he said. “And I want to thank my wife Pat for her support, because without her support I couldn’t have been as dedicated.”

He noted that at times, such as when he was going to night school, he was unable to be involved in the life of the church. His non-Armenian wife, however, remained involved at those times he was stuck home doing homework. “Pat deserves a portion of this award as well,” he said.

Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, visiting pastor of the host parish, said he has enjoyed working with John Amboian in Chelmsford.

“John is a loyal member of the Sts. Vartanantz Church. He is a dedicated servant of the Armenian people,” he said. “He is a great leader. He has a unique dignity that you have to respect him.”

FRIEND OF THE ARMENIANS

Ambassador John Evans was America’s ambassador to Armenia when he dared to mention the Armenian Genocide and use the word “Genocide.” He was asked to retire and forced out of his post earlier than scheduled, because the use of “Genocide” went against American foreign policy.

“What you did was remarkable and courageous. And I can think of 1.5 million reasons why your conviction to the truth is important to us,” Tatosian said. “Ambassador Evans, you are not just a friend of the Armenian people, you are a friend of the innocent victims of the past.”

Ambassador Evans spoke about his decision to use the word “Genocide,” knowing full well the consequences.

“No one owes me any thanks for what I have done. You know what I did. It was not a simple blurting out of a word. I felt we needed to recognize the facts. Everybody knows the facts and if we were inhibited by taboo or denial we could never move forward,” he said.

He said when he was being criticized and eventually when he lost his job after 35 years in the Foreign Service he knew the Armenian community was standing with him.

“When we were going through what was a crisis in our lives because of what I had done, we felt your support. So I want to thank you for that,” he said. “And in a larger sense I want to thank you for what you have contributed to the United States. You may not realize what a huge contribution you and your community make and have made. We feel it. We see it. But you may take it for granted.”

“I want to live up to this award. I don’t think I deserve it, but I hope to in the future,” he said.

Fr Mampre Kouzouian, visiting pastor of the host parish, thanked the ambassador.

“One cannot help but love you and respect you as a human being, a diplomat, and a Christian,” he said. “There is a warm place for you in our hearts, homes, and churches.”

Fr. Kouzouian noted the importance of speaking about the Genocide and remembering the importance of faith in past generations.

“You are the sons and daughters of a church, of a nation, that has survived for so many years through the martyrdom of our forefathers,” he said. “And each of us must carry on the torch of the sacred faith of our fathers and mothers. We must be faithful to our Lord, Jesus Christ, no matter what the circumstances.”

SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian was born in Damascus, Syria, in 1926 and was ordained into the priesthood in 1947. He served in many parishes and as Primate of England, before retiring and returning to the United States, where he continues to serve in parishes.

“I am merely an instrument in the hand of God,” Archbishop Gizirian said as Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, presented him with a panage on behalf of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II. “Since 1935 I dedicated my life to the church as an acolyte in Damascus. Words are not capable of expressing my gratitude to your generous and thoughtful expression with this award.”

Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, the visiting pastor at the host parish and a former student of Archbishop Gizirian, said he was honored to have such a gifted teacher.

“As one of your students that love and admire your ministry to the Armenian Church, we congratulate you,” Fr. Kouzouian said.

Posted by Jake at May 5, 2007 11:39 PM