LEADERSHIP

Guiding the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria

The Armenian Protestant Community in Syria is served by clergy and elected boards committed to faithful ministry, responsible governance, and sustained public service. This page introduces the leadership entrusted with pastoral oversight and institutional direction.

Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian

President, Armenian Protestant Community in Syria
Pastor, Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church, Aleppo

Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian has served as Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church in Aleppo since 1993 and currently serves as President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria. For more than three decades, he has provided pastoral leadership, institutional oversight, and strategic direction to one of the historic Protestant communities of the Middle East.

Rooted in the Armenian Protestant tradition that emerged in the nineteenth century, his ministry integrates theological depth, historical awareness, and community-centered service. His work spans congregational leadership, educational governance, humanitarian coordination, and international ecclesial engagement.

Early Formation and Theological Education

Rev. Dr. Selimian received his theological formation at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, one of the region’s leading Protestant seminaries.

He later pursued advanced theological studies at McCormick Theological Seminary in the United States.

Committed to historical scholarship, he earned a Ph.D. in Historical Sciences from Yerevan State University, focusing on Armenian Evangelical history and theology.

Scholarly interests include

  • Armenian Protestant history
  • Ecclesiology and congregational governance
  • Church identity in minority contexts
  • Faith and community resilience in crisis environments

Pastoral Ministry in Aleppo

Since assuming pastoral leadership of the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church in 1993, Rev. Dr. Selimian has guided the congregation through profound regional changes.

Beginning in 2011, with the outbreak of the Syrian conflict, he led the congregation and its institutions through years of insecurity, displacement, and economic collapse, preserving institutional stability.

Institutional and Educational Leadership

As President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria, Rev. Dr. Selimian oversees a network of institutions including the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church, Bethel Secondary School, Bethel Polyclinic, and more.

His responsibilities include strategic planning, financial oversight in coordination with elected boards, institutional sustainability, and partner relations.

International Ecclesial Engagement

Rev. Dr. Selimian serves as Moderator of the International Congregational Fellowship, participating in international assemblies, theological dialogue, and cooperation among Congregational churches.

Scholarship and Public Voice

Beyond pastoral ministry, he is recognized for scholarly contributions to Armenian Evangelical studies and publications on Armenian Protestant identity and theological foundations.

Leadership Philosophy

His leadership is grounded in faithfulness to Scripture, responsible governance, transparent management, commitment to education, and service-oriented humanitarian engagement.

Continuing Commitment

Today, Rev. Dr. Haroutune Selimian continues to lead with a focus on sustainability, education, youth formation, community resilience, and international partnerships.