Author: Kalantarian Kevo

MANHATTAN, NY—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA is proud to announce the establishment of the ARS “Tsiran” Chapter of Manhattan, New York. This marks the 34th chapter under the leadership of the ARS of Eastern USA, which includes 14 states with active chapter(s) and the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

“We are so excited to welcome seven new members into our ranks during a pivotal time for the Armenian nation and diaspora,” said ARS Regional Executive Board chairperson Caroline Chamavonian. “The new members have vowed to extend their healing hands to advance our humanitarian mission and are dedicated to our organization’s motto, ‘With the People, For the People,’” she continued.

During two separate events, new members participated in an oath ceremony, where Regional Executive Board vice-chairperson Taline Daghlian and treasurer Margaret Babikian welcomed them to the organization. Daghlian administered the oath for the new members, and in her congratulatory remarks, she stressed the importance of diligently working to serve the humanitarian mission of the organization and assist those in our community, homeland and society.

The ARS “Tsiran” Chapter becomes the fifth chapter of the state of New York, working alongside the oldest chapter of this organization, the ARS “Mayr” Chapter (established in 1910) and the ARS Chapters of “Anahid,” “Erebouni” and “Lucia.”

Aren Deyirmenjian

The Armenian Missionary Association of America has announced the appointment of Aren Deyirmenjian as the new AMAA representative in Armenia, effective September 1, 2022.

Deyirmenjian moved from his hometown of Beirut to join Yerevan’s management team at Baghramyan Avenue as the AMAA’s deputy representative in Armenia three years ago. Deyirmenjian’s personal journey in faith took him through what he calls an “awakening process” during which he realized that he had to leave the comfort of his home and venture into the unknown to find true meaning and purpose.

Deyirmenjian had been part of his family’s manufacturing business in Lebanon, after graduating from the American University of Beirut in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture. He was also deeply involved with the Armenian Evangelical Church of Ashrafieh as the general director of the Youth Group and a Christian Endeavor Committee member. In 2016, he pursued an MBA degree in Montreux, Switzerland and graduated in 2018. When the position with the AMAA presented itself a year later, he thought it was a good time to step out of his role in the family business and bring his management experience and spiritual discourse into different uses in humanitarian missions and kingdom causes. 

As the AMAA’s deputy representative in Armenia, part of Deyirmenjian’s daily responsibilities included overlooking construction projects, liaison with the finance team, budget preparation and writing grant proposals. He also regularly visited various AMAA offices in Armenia and Artsakh to learn more about the needs of the communities in each region. He worked closely with Harout Nercessian, AMAA Armenia representative, to outline strategies, as well as evaluate current and past programs with concerned parties. 

Deyirmenjian is a musician, with degrees in classical and jazz piano studies, and plays in Nor Yerk’s worship band. In his free time, he plays the piano, enjoys Armenia’s rich musical scene, travels, exercises and reads.

“I am delighted with the appointment of Aren Deyirmenjian as AMAA’s representative in Armenia. Aren has demonstrated devotion and worked diligently for the advancement of AMAA’s mission in Armenia,” said AMAA executive director and CEO Zaven Khanjian. “We know that his management experience and spiritual maturity will help advance the work of the AMAA in the homeland and Artsakh.”