FAITH
Worship & Pastoral Care
Sustaining congregational worship, biblical teaching, and pastoral care with a clear Protestant theological identity.
About the Community
Armenian Evangelical Community in Syria
The Armenian Evangelical Community in Syria is a historic Protestant body rooted in the nineteenth-century Armenian Evangelical movement. Established within the broader tradition of the Armenian Evangelical Church, the community has served generations of Armenians in Syria through worship, education, healthcare, and social engagement.
Centered primarily in Aleppo, the community’s life is anchored in the ministry of the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church and its associated educational, medical, and humanitarian institutions. Together, these ministries strengthen spiritual life while contributing responsibly to the wider society.
Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church — Aleppo
OUR HISTORICAL ROOTS
A Protestant heritage with a long-term presence in Syria
The Armenian Evangelical movement formally emerged in 1846 as a reform movement within the Armenian ecclesial tradition, emphasizing the authority of Scripture, personal faith in Christ, congregational governance, and the integration of faith with education and social responsibility.
1846
Formation of the Armenian Evangelical movement
A renewal movement shaped by Scripture-centered faith, personal commitment to Christ, and congregational life.
20th Century
Establishment in Syria, centered in Aleppo
Following the upheavals of the early twentieth century, Armenian Evangelical communities became firmly established in Syria. Aleppo developed into a central hub of Armenian cultural and ecclesial life.
Across decades
Institutional development and community service
Over time, the community developed a structured network of worship, education, youth programs, healthcare services, and community initiatives.
Since 2011
Continuity through conflict and economic hardship
Despite regional instability and the prolonged impact of the Syrian conflict, the Armenian Evangelical Community in Syria has remained active and operational, continuing its mission with resilience and institutional responsibility.
OUR MISSION
Four integrated pillars of faith and service
Our mission is expressed through four integrated pillars that guide our church life and institutional work. These commitments shape our worship, programs, and long-term presence in Syria.
EDUCATION
Academic Excellence & Accessibility
Operating structured academic institutions committed to educational excellence, responsible governance, and accessibility.
HEALTHCARE
Affordable Medical Services
Providing accessible healthcare services and affordable medical support for families in need, delivered professionally and ethically.
SERVICE
Humanitarian & Social Programs
Implementing humanitarian and social initiatives that respond to community challenges with dignity, responsibility, and transparency.
Protestant Foundations
We affirm the authority of Holy Scripture, salvation through Jesus Christ, and congregational governance as central principles of our Protestant heritage.
Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian
Leadership
Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian
President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria
Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church, Aleppo
Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian has served as Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church in Aleppo since 1993. Over three decades of ministry, he has guided the congregation and its institutions through major historical transitions, including the prolonged Syrian conflict beginning in 2011 and the subsequent period of economic instability.
As President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria, he provides leadership across ecclesial, educational, healthcare, and humanitarian structures while coordinating the community’s institutions and international partnerships.
Academic Formation
Theological training at the Near East School of Theology and advanced studies at McCormick Theological Seminary. Ph.D. in Historical Sciences from Yerevan State University focused on Armenian Evangelical history and theology.
International Engagement
Serves as Moderator of the International Congregational Fellowship and participates in global Protestant dialogue, consultations, and strategic ecclesial coordination.
Leadership During Crisis
- Continuity of Bethel Secondary School
- Sustainability of Bethel Polyclinic
- Humanitarian programs for vulnerable families
- Institutional stabilization during economic collapse
Areas of Oversight
- Pastoral and theological leadership
- Educational governance
- Financial oversight with elected boards
- International partner relations
- Strategic sustainability planning