BY REV. DR. VAHAN H. TOOTIKIAN
Whenever death walks through our homes, it always leaves behind it a trail of tears and a sense of loss. We are left a bit poorer for it. That feeling is very strong when we lose someone we love very much, someone we desperately need. Such are our feelings at the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Zaven Khanjian.
My friendship with Zaven goes back 45 years. During this span of time we have fellowshipped together, prayed together, played together, and served the same organizations together, such as the AEUNA, AMAA and Armenian Evangelical World Council.
On a personal level, there are many memories that gather around our lives. But today, I will try to briefly share with you my impressions of Zaven on a professional level.
First, Zaven Khanjian was a man who possessed superb leadership qualities. He was endowed with executive talent. Undoubtedly, he was a great Armenian Evangelical leader. He was also a great Armenian community leader in his own right, who directed his talents toward all Armenians channeled through many Armenian organizations, including, primarily, the AMAA.
Zaven had worked in an administrative and organizational capacity. He had a unique mind in organizing methodically his entire work. Every detail was planned ahead of time. Almost every telephone call and every email was answered right away.
A passionate person, Zaven could always generate momentum for change and improvement, and inspired those around him to commit themselves totally to a collaborative project and work, and toward its successful implementation.
With Zaven’s passing, the Armenian Evangelical community loses an outstanding leader, and the Armenian community loses and extraordinary man with exceptional talent, love and dedication for the Armenian people.
Second, Zaven Khanjian was a man of sound judgment and a great heart. In him were combined two qualities that do not usually meet: the shrewdness of a businessman and the moral insight of a man of God. He was endowed with a sixth sense to quickly size up individuals and situations and act accordingly. (In Armenian, we call that “martoo sarraf”). He had the wisdom, vision and determination to envision new projects, new fields, and new trails to blaze by which the AMAA could be served more fully and efficiently. In short, God had endowed Zaven with rare gifts and remarkable talents which he shaped as instruments of Christian ministry.
Third, Zaven Khanjian was a man of sublime principles. He had the courage to take a stand he felt would be best overall, even if that stand was not politically popular. He never compromised his principles. He was a noble and fearless warrior who fought for justice and human dignity. He was gentle, caring and most understanding toward the underdogs and the unprivileged. But he thundered in prophetic cadences to protest social injustice, callousness and moral lethargy. In all walks of his life, Zaven showed no signs of weakness, uncertainty or negligence. On the contrary, as a good-hearted person he remained courageous, determined and convinced in what he did.
This list of Zaven’s remarkable qualities can go on but time does not allow us to cite all of them, except to say that here was a man endowed with numerous qualities of greatness, such as intelligence, industry, faith, imagination and an iron will.
Zaven Khanjian never ceased to fascinate all who knew him. His restless personality would permit no pause. He displayed a vast talent and boundless energy, which were reflected in his achievements that make up a rich legacy.
We thank God for giving us Zaven Khanjian for a period of time, to enrich our lives and the lives of those he touched through his ministry. Today with tearful eyes but grateful hearts, like Job of the Old Testament, we say, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21).
On behalf of the Armenian Evangelical World Council and myself, we extend our heartfelt sympathies: to his wife Sona; his children and grandchildren; to his sisters, brother and to his other immediate families, relatives and friends. May God comfort and strengthen them all, and may God bless Zaven’s Khanjian’s memory.
Rev. Dr. Vahan H. Tootikian is the Minister Emeritus of the Armenian Congregational Church of Greater Detroit and the Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical World Council.
