Artavazd Minaesian

MINAESIAN, ARTAVAZD The Reverend Artavazd Minaesian, a minister who attended to the needs of the Los Angeles Armenian community for more than 40 years died peacefully in his Sacramento home on Monday, August 23 surrounded by his wife and immediate family. He was 87. His wife of 51 years Sirpouhi or Sue, a son Daniel and his wife Anna, three daughters Maryann Hodgson and her husband John, Sonya Wilson and her husband Martin and Leonya Began and her husband Chris, survive the Rev. Minaesian. He leaves seven grandchildren, Jessica, J., Robby, Peter, David, Jack, and Jimmy. All family members reside in the Sacramento area. An active leader in the Greater Los Angeles Armenian community since 1951, Rev. Minaesian was the Pastor of the Armenian Immanuel Congregational Church for nine years; He completed his active ministry as the Pastor of Armenian Pentecostal Church of Montebello where he served for 28 years until his retirement in 1988. In addition to his ministry, the Rev. Minaesian was an adult education teacher in the Montebello School District teaching English as a second language to the region’s growing Armenian immigrant community. The Rev. Minaesian immigrated to the United States from Calcutta, India in 1947 at the age of 31 to attend the Central Bible Institute and Seminary in Springfield, MO where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and teaching credential. His early education was at the Armenian College Boarding School in India where he graduated in 1934 followed by two years at Calcutta University. It was while a student at the Armenian College that Rev. Minaesian said that “gave his heart to the Lord” and began a ministry marked by his tireless work in tending to the flock of his Brothers and Sisters in Christ. His was a preaching style reminiscent of an old-time revivalist, his voice thundered as he exhorted his parishioners to “trust in the Lord to fulfill their needs.” Modern-day approaches to problem solving were unnecessary, according to Rev. Minaesian, all one needed was an unswerving faith and belief in the power of prayer and petition to a God who loves us above all else. Indeed he sis more than talk the talk; truly, he walked the walk, sporting a lapel pin on his suit coat with the two words of advice that were at the core of his convictions, “Ask God.” Artavazd Minaesian was born on October 20, 1916 in Upper Kunark, Iran. As a young boy he lived with his family in the oil fields of Syria and Iraq before attending boarding school at the Armenian College in India. A standout student and accomplished athlete, young Artavazd was a championship swimmer, member of the Armenian all India Rugby team and a light heavy weight boxer. He was active in the Armenian nationalist movement and scouting, attaining the rank of Rover Scout. Services will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2004 at 2:00 PM at East Lawn Mortuary, 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento, CA. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Armenian Missionary Association of America, 31 West Century Road, Paramus, NJ 07652. Funeral Home: East Lawn Mortuary 5757 Greenback Lane Sacramento, CA US 95841