Month: June 2022

Alex Arzumanyan, 11, with his mother and sister in Sisian at a summer camp supported by UNICEF in partnership with UNDP’s Impact Aim Venture Accelerator Innovative Solutions and Technologies Center and Enterprise Incubator Foundation. Photographer: Biayna Mahari, August 8, 2021 (Photo used with permission)

It’s time to plan, it’s time to dream.
It’s time to tell tales in colors that lead home.
So:
Black for horse and mountain,
Brown for soil and trunk,
Green for leaf and valley,
Yellow for sun and stars,
Silver for armor and sword.

Alex mounts his horse and rides toward a secret forest.
Invisible to all others, they head to the fortress
In the place he calls Shushi
Where invader waits but victory lies.
Over river and plain with sword close by,
Alex signals and the horse takes flight.

They land by a mountain to rest as
Sky turns dark and stars shine in patterns only Alex can see.
Constellations of kind eyes cast light from above and Alex finds the pair
He knows from a picture in a frame on a wall of the home that
Stands no more.
He can’t remember the man or his touch,
Only the eyes that closed on the fourth day
And now glow from above with the others.

He is filled and restored.
It is time to move on.
Before fading with the rising sun,
The eyes watch Alex
Check his map,
Climb onto his horse,
And ride toward the fortress
Waiting in the distance,
Strong, immovable,
His, home.

Alex dismounts and ties the horse to a tree
As the enemy gathers at the fortress gates,
Uneasy and watchful,
Uncertain and afraid
Of the sudden shift in balance and breath.
Alex runs fast on a path to a hidden door,
Entering the fortress, undetected.

The enemy’s numbers grow at the gates
As Alex climbs the tallest tower
Where he will order the invader to
Leave his fortress forever.

Alex reaches the summit and looks down
On the crowd, startled by the boy
Standing high above, armored and trembling
Like a newly hatched phoenix of myth and legend.

With sword in hand, arm raised to the sky,
Alex orders the enemy out of the fortress,
Never to return.
The frightened throng shrinks back, then runs
From the vision that burns bright with virtue
And glory and resistance.

Night falls again.
Alex looks east, west, north, and south
From the fortress plateau,
The architecture of his tale strong,
The shining eyes from above proud,
The land around him his once more.
And it was good.

*Author’s note: This verse is dedicated to and inspired by 11-year-old Alex Arzumanyan who escaped to Armenia during the 2020 Artsakh War. Arzumanyan attended summer camp with children from Syunik last year, funded by UNICEF and UNDP. The summer camp included a “fairy tale therapy” component that encouraged the children to create a story that made them happy.

Arzumanyan, who was 10 years old at the time, described his fairy tale in a UNICEF Armenia press release: “It’s about the adventures of a strong horseman who is going to take back his royal palace and throw the evil out of it. When I grow up, I will defend my homeland too. I dream of returning to our house and our village.”

May our children know a day when a secure home in a free homeland is not a “fairy tale,” but rather a protected human right in a world run by governments and regimes that honor freedom and self-determination for all, not some.

(Photo: Kenneth Lu/Flickr)

Since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, discussions have been underway about the impact of the war on the evolving global order. The transformation of the world order is a very complicated and multi-layered process, and history tells us that it takes decades and is often accompanied by bloody conflicts between great powers. In the last decade, there were several prevailing predictions of the world order – a new bipolar world dominated by the US and China, a multipolar world with several equal players such as the US, China, Russia, India and the EU, and a nonpolar world characterized by constant conflicts and instability. Despite this plethora of diverging views and assessments, there was one scenario that united most experts and pundits. The unipolar world created in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union and characterized by the absolute hegemony of the US was slowly disappearing. 

In this context, the war in Ukraine may trigger several scenarios. The US consolidated its influence over the entire Euro-Atlantic community and established a broad partnership of European, North American and Asian allies to counter Russia – Canada, the UK, the EU, Japan, South Korea and Australia. It seemed that the possibility of creating two separate, albeit cooperating, power centers in the West – US/Canada/UK grouping led by the US and the EU led by Germany and France, has significantly decreased. The unprecedented economic sanctions imposed on Russia and efforts to decouple it from the Western-dominated financial and technological spheres may bring us to the conclusion that the unified West would like to bring back “the unipolar moment.” There is a widespread narrative that if the US-led West can destroy the Russian economy or even bring regime change, it will serve as a severe warning to China that if Beijing does not accept the Western rules, it may become the next victim. 

In this scenario, Russia will be thrown back to the early 1990s and, with active Western involvement, will be reconstructed as a liberal state, akin to the process that happened in Western Germany after 1945, while Euro-Atlantic institutions will solidify their presence in the  post-Soviet space, through further enlargement of the EU and NATO. Witnessing the staggering defeat of Russia, China will take a more cautious approach towards the US, while Washington will push further with its ideas of transforming QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) into “Asian NATO,” probably bringing Vietnam and South Korea into the grouping. In this scenario, the world will return to the situation of the early 1990s with the domination of the US-led liberal international order.

The second scenario envisages a military stalemate in Ukraine with no clear winners or losers. The active military hostilities may end in November–December 2022, with Russia controlling the entire Donbas region, most of Kherson and Zaporozhie oblasts, and part of the Kharkiv region with or without the city of Kharkiv. Neither a peace treaty nor a ceasefire agreement will be signed, and low-intensity skirmishes will continue along the more than 1,000-km. long line of contact while Russia and Ukraine will prepare for the next round of active hostilities. The Western sanctions will not ruin the Russian economy and will not trigger regime change but will result in a prolonged recession. 

As the West completely cuts Russia from its financial markets and technological innovations and significantly decreases imports of Russian oil and gas, Russia will be forced to rely more and more on China to survive economically. The Russia–China partnership will continue to intensify, and at the end of the day, China will emerge as the leading player, while Russia accepts its role as a junior partner. China and Russia will continue to synchronize the Belt and Road initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union. Within a decade, a new China-led pole will emerge, composed of China, Russia, some Central Asian, South Caucasian, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian states, with Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua as additional potential members. Simultaneously, the US will solidify a liberal bloc with Canada, the UK, the EU, Japan, South Korea and Australia. At the same time, some major and mid-size actors, such as India, Brazil, Argentina, Indonesia, Turkey and South Africa, will seek to revitalize the non-aligned movement to balance between China and the US-led poles. In this scenario, the world will return to bipolarity and the new cold war, but with much more economic interdependence than was the case during the original cold war in the second half of the 20th century. 

In another scenario, the Ukraine war again will end in a military stalemate and a new frozen conflict, but despite the crippling Western sanctions, Russia will be able to keep its economy relatively afloat and will not be forced to accept the status of Chinese junior partner. The Russia–China partnership will continue to grow, but as a relationship between relatively equal players. To resist Western pressure, Russia and China will seek to cultivate alternative platforms of cooperation, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and BRICS + formats bringing a concept of multipolarity into reality, where along with the US-led Western pole, Russia, China, India and Brazil, will form a plethora of global players. This world will not have fixed alliances, as every great power will compete or cooperate with others based on individual cases. India may cooperate with Russia while competing with China, and Brazil may seek to develop relations with the US, Russia and China. The only constant will be a lack of trust and cooperation between Russia, China and the US-led West. However, in the long–term perspective, the EU may seek to reach some normalization with Russia and China and regain some autonomy from the US in its foreign and security policy. The BRICS and BRICS+ summits held on June 23-24, 2022 and the discussions there to deepen cooperation between the Belt and Road Initiative, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union, tell us that even US partners, such as Brazil and India, are not ready to cut relations with Russia and enter the US–Russia fight. These developments prove that the possible emergence of the multipolar world is among the most likely scenarios, along with the creation of a bipolar – the US versus China order.   

Christian Yerelekian (second from right) with fellow 2022 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Interns Natali Matossian, Victoria Topalian, and Gregory Codilian just prior to a Congressional meeting advocating for pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities.

Since I was old enough to understand the immense historical and present-day struggles that Armenians face, I have stood for the Armenian Cause. This passion has been fostered by my parents, who have always encouraged me to use my skills to spread and share Armenia’s rich culture, history, and present-day realities with those around me.

I did not attend Armenian schools, and a vast majority of my fellow students were not even remotely familiar with Armenia, much less Artsakh. This only invigorated my passion for promoting the Armenian Cause.

When Azerbaijan and Turkey attacked Artsakh and Armenia in September 2020, I knew that educating fellow students about the situation and rallying their support for Artsakh’s just cause was more important than ever. The ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s indigenous Armenian population was happening before our eyes, and it was simply going unnoticed across the world.

This is when I took my parents’ advice to harness my writing and speaking skills to share Artsakh’s message. I had already been discussing global issues in a podcast I had started in early 2020, called “You’ll See Why with Christian Yerelekian.” That was my perfect platform to do a deep dive into the Artsakh. In early October, I published “A Conversation about Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Battle for Survival,” an episode that included an interview with Armenian National Committee of Armenia (ANCA) executive director Aram Hamparian.

I sent my podcast to my high school headmaster, as well as many of my teachers and fellow students, who all informed me that before listening to my episode, they had no idea that the Artsakh crisis existed, thanked me for sharing such a critical humanitarian issue and asked me how they can support and take action. This was just one episode, shared locally, but it was making a difference in relaying the Armenian story – one listener at a time. This left me inspired to take my pro-Armenian advocacy to the next level.

Fast forward to my freshman year at the University of Notre Dame. As much as I love my university and our South Bend community, the Armenian demographic is incredibly small. Our Armenian Students Association (ASA) consists of around eight active members. But, I am not discouraged. As I enter my second year of college, as ASA president, my goal is to create as much awareness about Armenian issues as possible – both on campus and beyond – to encourage strong and active support for the Armenian homeland. We’ll be bringing speakers to campus, promoting joint allyships with other minority student associations and seeking to get the university itself more active with Armenia and Artsakh.

Majoring in political science and Chinese language with a minor in business economics, I look to target my research on Armenia’s current economic situation with a special focus on the trade relationship between Armenia and China. This topic is extremely relevant, especially now, given the Ukrainian-Russian War and the implications that it will have and is already having on Armenia’s economy. I’m also interested in exploring the dynamics of Armenia’s growing IT sector leveraging that market to build partnerships in Europe and beyond.

At the same time, I am looking to strengthen my pro-Armenian advocacy skills through the ANCA’s Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship. Mr. Hamparian had mentioned the opportunity when preparing the Artsakh War podcast episode. I was thrilled to be chosen for the program. It’s only been only a few weeks, and I’ve noticed that participating in congressional meetings has taught me how to speak with confidence and clarity on pressing community concerns. It’s also sparked an interest in working on Capitol Hill and even seeking elected office—shaping sound domestic policies and a principled US foreign policy, including the expansion of US ties with Armenia and Artsakh.

I am confident that this summer’s experience with the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship will help me be a better campus leader in the short term, expand career options post-graduation, and give structure to my lifelong passion for advancing the Armenian Cause. Together with my studies — and the support of my family — I know I’m on the right path to achieve my career goals while helping secure justice for Artsakh and the Armenian nation.

Ani Jamgotchian (second from right) with ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan and fellow Leo Sarkisian, Maral Melkonian Avetisyan, and Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program interns and fellows on Capitol Hill, between Congressional meeting advocating for pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, my family did everything they could to instill in me a love of my Armenian heritage and culture and a thorough understanding of the Armenian language and history. I attended a weekly Armenian school where I was taught the Armenian language, culture and the importance of teaching others about Armenia. My grandparents taught me our family history and how their mothers and fathers survived the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. They remind me that still having family in Armenia makes me all the more connected to our homeland. This same love for my Armenian heritage and community has driven me to participate in the ANCA’s Leo Sarkisian Internship. My goal throughout this internship is to develop a deeper understanding of the government process that turns Armenian concerns into action, to develop a network of similar-minded youth with whose help I can advance the Armenian Cause, and to foster a new generation of dedicated Armenians.

Rev. Samuel Ajemian delivering his sermon at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church, January 30, 2022 (Photo: Tamar Kanarian)

As the cloud of the COVID pandemic slowly and stubbornly fades from our daily lives, our communities are returning to public events. It is similar to a community reappearing after a storm that drove everyone indoors and forced an unnatural state of isolation. The pandemic forced us to explore new ways of working, eating, socializing and communicating. The aftermath of COVID is analogous to a tide receding or a swamp draining and the discovery of what remains in the absence of the water. Humans have an instinct for survival that has been a hallmark for centuries. The threats to our survival, whether natural or man induced, have always given birth to new branches that adjust to these obstacles. It is called the continuum of our civilization. During this most recent viral challenge, we were forced to abandon many of our natural behaviors – socialization and communication. The advancement of technology played a major role in providing alternatives in order to continue some semblance of our economy and social relations. There is nothing that replaces the quality of face-to-face contact, but in its absence, tools were available that enabled much needed interfacing. New words were quickly added to our daily vocabulary such as “Zoom” and “streaming” that became important methods of maintaining some semblance of normalcy.

The Armenian community in the United States and elsewhere was, of course, severely hampered in its mission of providing spiritual, educational and social services to the general population. Almost overnight, traditional gatherings that we often took for granted, such as bazaars, badarak, Sunday School and cultural events were canceled for a period of time and slowly reappeared with significant constraints. Social distancing, vaccines, masks and other protocols, unheard of a year earlier, became a daily practice in order to restart what had been shuttered. Our communities have slowly returned to a likeness of the previous state as we learn to live with COVID in our society.

As the tide recedes, many of the protocols and alternatives have been retired as public buildings and cultural centers reopen. My wife and I have personally witnessed the cancellation of a Broadway show, attending with masks and vaccination cards, masks only and now a relatively unconstrained activity. In our communities, it has been challenging to find a protocol that the populace is comfortable with since our communities are diverse in age and views. Our institutions have done an admirable job of following local and state guidelines to return to public events and celebrate badarak. In a situation as complex as COVID, there will always be a variety of opinions as to whether our policies were overly restrictive or lenient. At the end of the day, individuals make their own decisions based on their comfort levels and the slow return of our infrastructure reflects that struggle. 

What has remained in our churches and many organizations is the ability to “livestream” the event on Facebook or some other platform. When the pandemic emerged in early spring 2020, the use of streaming technology was a lifesaver to provide programming to a community that had been suddenly cut off from a conditioned routine. I will offer two such examples. The ability to livestream badarak on a social platform allowed the church to engage the faithful, albeit virtually, and to minimize the number of live individuals (essentially the priest, altar servers and choir). As we learned more about how to contain the virus, certain protocols were introduced, such as distancing, masks and controlling Holy Communion, to allow the return of the faithful. In a relatively short period of time, virtually all parishes in the region began offering livestreaming of the badarak with in-person protocols. The use of this technology was tremendously beneficial, not only for the continuity of providing a spiritual outlet, but also for providing access to the badarak for those unable to participate. Imagine the joy for those who cannot get to a church to be able to hear the sweet hymns and participate in praising our Lord according to the traditions of the Armenian church. The one area that cannot be fulfilled with virtual attendance is the receiving of the Holy Eucharist. There have been opportunities, however, when the priest will subsequently visit to offer communion to the individuals. Of course, with the introduction of any technology, there is the risk that it will be used in unintended ways. During the peak of COVID, the majority of those attending badarak used the virtual method. As a return to in-person services began, many did not return either out of fear or general convenience. We have to keep in mind that everyone’s comfort level with this virus operates at different levels. Unfortunately during the pandemic, we got very used to being at home for everything. People who had hardly heard of Netflix became routine “binge watchers.” Using our computer to attend badarak was the only option and for many has become a habit that’s hard to break. The church has struggled with this in my view. On the one hand, a great service is being provided to those previously removed. In fact, on any given Sunday morning, you can pick a number of churches “to attend.” This week, I’ll “go” to the cathedral in New York and next week my home parish…all from my living room.

When the mobile phone was introduced, it began as a wonderful option for emergencies and other necessary communication. It has evolved into an extended appendage for most people who cannot function without instantaneous responses to the latest text. A valid question to ask is whether the livestreaming is also constraining in-person attendance while opening other doors. A paradox? This is a very serious question that requires the leadership of the church to analyze and perhaps introduce some adjustments to keep it focused on the benefit.

Another example in our community is live programming. When the pandemic hit, livestreaming was expanded by the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) as the singular method of providing programming on Armenian Studies. Prior to the virus, there had been limited use of the technology. Its application exploded during the most constrained days of COVID and revealed some interesting results. With live programming no longer held at NAASR’s Vartan Gregorian Building in Belmont, lecturers and panelists could participate from their homes, thus reducing expenses and simplifying the administrative process. Additionally, those attending could register from virtually anywhere in the world where internet access was available. As a result, the number of programs and participation significantly increased. As a result of feedback mechanisms, there seemed to be no appreciable reduction in quality or attendee satisfaction. This has been attributed to the improvement in internet quality, functionality of the Zoom platform (seminar format, Q&A function, etc.) and ability to literally maintain all the experiences of an in-person function except face-to-face contact. This process contributed to an explosion in the programming offering, new collaborative options and an exciting use of resources from around the globe (including Armenia, Artsakh and Europe). The new NAASR building remained closed while this programming expansion took place. In April, the center reopened to programming and other public activities. At this point, it is referred to as “hybrid,” in that both in-person and livestreaming are offered. The question remains as to what the impact is of livestreaming events for people who are able to attend at the center. There is no doubt that the expansive benefits are clear as new audiences are receiving the benefit of the technology. Will the in-person attendance return to pre-pandemic levels in addition to the geographically diverse audience? That would be a clear win for the technology and the incremental benefit for the mission of Armenian studies. We will see in the coming academic year as hybrid programming is fully implemented.

It is a tribute to the resilience of our communities that they responded and adapted in such a manner. Armenians are very traditional, and change is difficult. But, we are also survivalists who have an instinct for adapting when threatened. There is no playbook for the COVID or post-COVID period. We are feeling the effects of reaction as we see supply chain shortages and staffing issues across the board in our nation. Those who anticipate correctly emerge stronger from this debacle. It is critically important for our communities to return to a robust state with in-person participation. It is equally important to embrace the improvements we have discovered during these dark days. We have found ways to reach new audiences. It is up to us to maintain the gains while recovering what we have lost. We have discussed in this column new educational methods to link the home and Sundays with technology. Now would be an opportune time to take what we have learned into new programs that address our pre-COVID challenges (which are still there). If we choose to, we can almost view the post-COVID window as resetting the clock to address new ideas as our infrastructure was frozen for a period. This is not a time for us to breathe a sigh of relief that this is over, and we can return to the old ways. To varying degrees, the old ways are gone. The “new” normal is here. 

The challenge for our community leaders is to accept the new opportunities created by technology while retaining the traditional audiences. Difficult times always reveal silver linings if we look hard enough. Our alternative methods of functioning gave us the ability to reach new segments of our scattered nation. This is a blessing that should not be lost by simply returning to pre-COVID norms. These discoveries will strengthen our communities. It is a double edge dilemma, but incremental gains come with the need for creativity. Technology should not be used as a means to make us less interactive or less communal. It is a tool for improving communication where obstacles such as distance and physical limits have prevented access. This must be emphasized so we don’t become a community of remote participants. It should not be an “either or.” We should embrace this as a challenge and advocate for growth and prosperity.

Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian delivering his final sermon at Armenian Memorial Church, June 26, 2022

WATERTOWN, Mass.—Armenian Memorial Church marked the end of an era on Sunday morning as congregants and members of the community witnessed their beloved minister of almost 19 years lead his final worship service.

“May God bless you and keep you,” proclaimed Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian in Armenian following a singing of the “Hayr Mer” and a Liturgy of Farewell and Release. “May God shine his blessings upon you and bring you peace.”  

Rev. Alex Shea Will leading the congregation in a Liturgy of Farewell and Release, June 26, 2022

And with that final prayer, Reverend Boynerian made his way down from the pulpit of Armenian Memorial Church for the last time. He looked to his proud sons Antranig and Arek in the first pew and his tearful wife Dr. Arpi Boynerian, who followed her husband to the entrance of the church where they would await a lineup of parishioners and well-wishers, eager to embrace and shake hands with their longtime community leaders.  

“Let’s see where God will lead us,” said Reverend Boynerian during an interview with the Weekly in an empty sanctuary weeks ahead of this bittersweet ending. “It is only fair for the church, and it is only fair for us to hear a new voice, and as for me, seed a new congregation.”

While Reverend Boynerian remains undecided about his new field of ministry following his resignation from Armenian Memorial Church, he says this decision was not taken lightly. He and his family are prayerfully and patiently planning their next steps and awaiting God’s new purpose for their lives. During this time, they will be visiting family in Dubai and celebrating the once-postponed 175th anniversary of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Armenia. Reverend Boynerian says he is also exploring opportunities to preach in Armenian Evangelical communities in Beirut, Lebanon.

“Ministry is a calling,” said Reverend Boynerian. “We try to discern God’s calling, God’s voice through the Scriptures, through prayer, through colleagues, through friends and family.”  

Reverend Boynerian, who is 64 years old, was born in Aleppo, Syria and moved with his family to Beirut, Lebanon in 1966. A talented soccer player, Reverend Boynerian recalls racing from the pitch to the pew on Sunday mornings to hear the pastor’s message before heading home. When civil war broke out, Reverend Boynerian said he experienced a spiritual awakening during the shellings in October 1978. “I said to God, ‘If I come out of this mess alive, I will do two things: I will commit my life to Jesus, and I will become a minister.’” He said his mother Azniv, a devout Christian and loving mother of eight children who indeed lived up to her gentle and noble name, was the first person to understand her son’s earnest desires to live a life of service to God.

After graduating Beirut’s Near East School of Theology (1986) and Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey (1987), Reverend Boynerian returned to his home country of Syria where he became a notable figure in the Armenian Protestant community, pastoring the Armenian Evangelical Martyrs’ Church in Aleppo for 16 years. As newlyweds, he and his wife Arpi shared a love for the youth and spent quality time with young members and growing families within the Syrian Armenian community, organizing excursions and Christian camps, hosting dinners and soccer games, as well as leading a couples ministry.

Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian, Antranig Boynerian, Dr. Arpi Boynerian and Arek Boynerian

In 2003, the Boynerians, now a young family of four, took heed of God’s call and moved to the United States to shepherd the faithful of Watertown’s Armenian Memorial Church, incorporated in 1915 by a small group of Armenian Protestants from Marash.

“We left our family, and that was a sacrifice, and then we found another family here in this church,” recalled Reverend Boynerian. “We always felt they loved us from day one, and we loved them too.”

A soft-spoken, reserved and compassionate man of faith, Reverend Boynerian has always been a phone call away, offering his time and wisdom in nurturing prayerful relationships with members of this small and loving church. Faithfully serving by his side for almost 35 years has been his loving wife and his spirited counterpart Digin Arpi—the backbone of Reverend Boynerian’s ministry—whose steadfast faith and limitless and uplifting words of encouragement have always reminded congregants and community members alike about the goodness, the power and presence of God.

Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian and Dr. Arpi Boynerian

Together, they helped propel the church’s spiritually robust offerings, while continuously mentoring the youth and married couples, just as they did in Aleppo. “I feel it is the church’s responsibility to keep an eye on these families as they go along. Marriage is a commitment, and it is the church’s responsibility to help and teach couples to stand firm on their commitment,” explained Dr. Arpi Boynerian. “The love of Christ always brings people together.”

One of the many defining qualities of Armenian Memorial Church is the generations of families that have kept its legacy alive and supported the church wholeheartedly. Maral Orchanian and her family have been longtime members and dear friends of the Boynerians since their days in Aleppo. She was overjoyed when the young family moved from Syria to the United States 19 years ago. “Our children grew up together, and we grew closer over the years,” shared an emotional Orchanian in her comments to the Weekly. Digin Arpi’s fellowship ministry with the women in the church left a lasting impression on Orchanian. “Arpi led by example to show us what it means to have God’s love in our lives. And Badveli Boynerian kept the Armenian language alive in our church. He is a man of integrity and faith—a testament to our church, our people and our families.”

A transition plan is in place for Armenian Memorial Church. In July, its congregants will travel to neighboring Belmont, Massachusetts for Sunday services at their sister church First Armenian Church, where New Jersey’s Rev. Dikran Youmshakian has been serving as a visiting pastor since August 2019. “You served boldly and joyfully within many different ministries through your church, as well as in collaboration with us, to bring [the] glory and light of the Lord into the hearts of many,” read a social media statement from First Armenian Church, “You will be deeply missed.” 

Then beginning in August, the United Church of Christ and the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America arranged for guest preachers and worship team lay leaders to deliver Sunday sermons at Armenian Memorial Church until the end of the year. A search committee has also been tasked to secure a permanent replacement in Watertown.

“We loved our church. I loved them dearly. I loved them faithfully. I served them wholeheartedly,” expressed Dr. Arpi Boynerian. “But we know that as the Lord calls us to come, He calls us to leave.”

Reverend Boynerian says that while this transition may present its challenges, he believes he is leaving the church in capable hands. “The ministry is done by the members,” he explained. “Because the church is congregational, they already have the training. They have the experience. They have the zeal. I am confident that they will do their best to carry on.”

In helping close a significant chapter of his life on Sunday morning, Reverend Boynerian invited his congregants to share in the singing of his favorite hymn “Great is Thy faithfulness.” “Morning by morning, new mercies I see,” they sang. “All I have needed, thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.”

Erfan Falahi

A four-month stay in Armenia and experience life like the locals: this was the initial intention of Erfan Falahi when he came to Armenia. Similarities between Armenian and Iranian cultures, the war in Artsakh, kind-hearted locals and new ventures are some of the reasons that turned the four-month stay into an indefinite one.

Born to Persian parents in Iran, Falahi grew up in Isfahan where the juxtaposition of Persian and Armenian culture created a rich historical narrative. He made many Armenian friends growing up and became acquainted with Armenian culture. He studied graphic design in high school in his hometown and then industrial design at the University of Berlin, Germany. 

When the borders shut down with the outbreak of the global pandemic in 2020, Falahi’s friends compelled him to consider visiting Armenia. Armenia was one of the destinations that had open borders with Iran at that time. Falahi was amazed by the similarities between Armenians and Iranians at once. Their genuine hospitality, liveliness and love for life, which were so resonant in Armenia before the 44-day war in 2020, left a deep impression on him. “It was friendlier than what I had thought. There is an affectionate heart hidden behind their seriousness and cold appearance. Armenia feels like home yet without all the restrictions that we face in Iran,” he said.

The war broke out 10 days after his arrival—an incident that came as no surprise to him as he had always been aware of the geopolitical changes in the region. He joined his Armenian friends and helped in any way he could throughout the war. He followed the news, posted information on social media and wrote articles to raise awareness. Trained in first aid, he tried, and unfortunately failed, to obtain permission to treat the wounded. That setback did not stop him from collecting humanitarian aid. He donated blood for the very first time and built strong bonds with many families impacted by the war.

“One might be aware of the atrocities happening in different parts of the world and send humanitarian aid, but witnessing what war did was the reason that made me stay in Armenia,” he said.

Challenging at the start, he learned the language quickly and now he has satisfactory verbal and written skills in Armenian. The industrial designer has had different jobs since his first day in the country. He regrets that there is little demand for industrial designers in Armenia. However, he appreciates the opportunities to learn new skills. After working as a tour guide, a foreign language teacher and a dispatcher, he decided to join Armenian Volunteers Corps to focus more on charity work. Founded in 2000, Armenian Volunteer Corps offers volunteering and internship opportunities in a variety of sectors in Armenia. Moreover, it provides homestays and logistical support so that participants of different nationalities can have seamless integration into Armenian society. Since the start of his volunteering program, Falahi has designed logos for the Embassy of Artsakh, taught English at Armath and photographed for Birthright Armenia and the Armenian Volunteer Corps. He cherishes the time he has had to connect more with the Armenian culture as much as the chance to meet volunteers who join the program from different countries.  

During an excursion with Birthright Armenia while capturing random moments, his attention was drawn to an elderly local. The tatik was enjoying the presence of the visitors in her village when Falahi took a picture of her. Never missing a chance to have conversations with locals, he approached her. After a few minutes of small talk, the tatik’s son appeared with a wooden box for Falahi. He was overwhelmed with emotion when he noticed the original carvings by the young man. “It’s all about the people I meet. Locals are the strings that will forever attach me to Armenia,” he said. 

Falahi plans to stay in Armenia indefinitely. “I believe Armenia can be a potential country where you can build your future despite all the economic and geopolitical issues. I do not know where my life will take me in the future and where I will eventually settle someday. But I definitely know I want to do more in this country.” Surprised by how little Armenians and Iranians know about each other, he wishes to build a strong bridge between Iran and Armenia in the future. The locals’ image of Iran surprises him. “I would really like to… show them how beautiful my country is. They can experience the unexpected there: history, culture, modernity and more.”

Sign along the Lachin corridor welcoming travelers to Aghavno (Photo: Flickr/Gert-Jan Peddemors)

The town of Lachin and several nearby villages inhabited by Armenians will be ceded to Azerbaijan following the construction of a new route connecting Armenia and Artsakh, according to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 

Pashinyan confirmed during a three-and-a-half hour online press briefing on June 27 that several villages and towns in the Lachin district “will pass to Azerbaijan’s control.”

The Lachin district was ceded to Azerbaijan after the 2020 Artsakh War, except for the Lachin corridor, which was protected by the November 9 ceasefire agreement as the sole route connecting Armenia and Artsakh. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to construct an alternate route to the Lachin corridor within the following three years, to which Russian peacekeepers would be redeployed. 

The new route will bypass the Armenian communities that currently lie along the Lachin corridor, which will be ceded to Azerbaijan. The communities include the villages Aghavno, Nerkin Sus and Sus, as well as the town of Lachin. 

Pashinyan said that the change in route would “ensure a more reliable and quality connection for Armenia.” Problems arising from the handover of villages “will be solved with the help of the Artsakh government.” 

The new route will start in the Armenian village Kornidzor in Syunik, pass through the villages Hin Shen and Mets Shen in the Shushi district and reach Stepanakert. Construction of the portion of the road passing through Azerbaijani-controlled territory has been underway. The head of Azerbaijan’s state road agency said earlier this year that he expects the route to be ready by July. In contrast, construction on the part of the road that runs through Armenia has not commenced. 

Aghavno came under Armenian control during the first Artsakh War. The village was rebuilt largely through funding from humanitarian organizations in the diaspora. 

After Azerbaijan took control of Lachin in December 2020, the residents of communities like Aghavno were ordered to leave, yet many chose to stay. Of the 270 people who lived in Aghavno before the war, 185 have returned, according to Eurasianet. 

The mayor of Aghavno Andranik Chavushyan told Eurasianet that living in the village raises “constant obstacles.”

“We never had gas, so we use gas cylinders. We had power outages, so we brought generators. Water shortages? Fortunately, we have a river in the village. We believed in ourselves, not in the government, and refused to leave the village. We are living here today because we relied on ourselves,” Chavushyan said. 

“We are responsible for our future generation. We defended ourselves in the 90s, we did it in 2020, and we are ready to fight again. We only need will and faith in ourselves,” the mayor continued. 

During the question-and-answer session on Monday, Pashinyan also said that Azerbaijan is “trying to build up legitimacy for a new war against Armenia and Artsakh” by creating the impression that Armenia impedes progress on negotiations on border demarcation and a peace treaty. 

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan answers questions from the press (RA Prime Minister’s Office, June 27)

“Whether they plan the new war in three months, three years or 30 years is a different issue,” Pashinyan said. 

On the contrary, he said that Azerbaijan obstructs negotiations and hopes to continue the decades-long blockade of Armenia. 

He accused Azerbaijan of canceling a meeting scheduled for Monday in Brussels between Armenian Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan and foreign policy advisor to Azerbaijan’s president Hikmet Hajiyev. He also accused Azerbaijan of turning down a proposal to organize a face-to-face meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers.

Nonetheless, Pashinyan was insistent that Armenia must remain committed to a peace agenda.

“There is no alternative to the peace agenda, but it cannot be one-sided. Rather, there must be two-sided, constructive movement. We have done everything and do everything in our power to open an era of peaceful development in our region. The alternative to that is a new war,” Pashinyan said. 

Pashinyan also commented on ongoing negotiations to normalize relations with Turkey, stating that Armenia sees the opportunity to “move forward in small steps” toward this goal. 

“Turkey’s references to the ‘Zangezur corridor’ create a negative tone and are not helpful for the process, but that does not mean that we will halt dialogue,” he said. 

Most local media outlets boycotted the press conference in protest of its online format.

Pashinyan’s last three press conferences since November 2021 have been hosted online, with media outlets given the opportunity to submit questions in advance. The prime minister’s office has defended the ongoing use of the format, citing coronavirus precautions.

A group of 27 editors of primarily pro-opposition or opposition-leaning media outlets released a statement announcing their decision to boycott the press briefing. The outlets, including ARF-owned Yerkir Media, NEWS.am, Panorama.am and Aravot Daily, called on Pashinyan to return to an in-person format.

“The previous experience has proved that such ‘online contacts’ take place in a pre-planned scenario. Only the questions by the pro-government media, Telegram channels and bloggers are publicized during these events, who, apparently, agree in advance with the organizers of the event, and in the case of the questions by other media—they are either ignored, or edited, or distorted,” the statement reads. 

In a separate statement, eight media outlets, including Civilnet, RFE/RL, the Fact Investigation Platform and Aravot Daily, urged the prime minister to return to an in-person format, since virtually all other coronavirus-related restrictions have been lifted by the administration. 

“During these press conferences, the questions sent by the media are grouped and edited by the prime minister’s office, as a result of which often the content of the question is distorted or nuances of the question are lost. Sometimes some questions are not asked at all,” the statement reads. “Consequently the access of the public to proper information is effectively restricted.”

“We deem this form of interaction with the media by the country’s leader to be discriminatory, ineffective and in contradiction with the core principles of democracy, transparency and accountability,” the statement continues.