April 11, 2026
This morning, the police guard bus left for Lori on the same route as the bus full of police officers headed by Nikol Pashinyan to Lori, probably to ensure the safe movement of Nikol Pashinyan. And a car accident with a tragic outcome took place with the participation of that bus.
168.am was informed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs that the traffic accident took place on the Kuchak-Apara road.
“On April 11, around 7:50 a.m., a Honda bus of the MIA police guard and a Nissan car collided with each other on the Kuchak-Apara road.
According to preliminary data, 1 person died as a result of the traffic accident, and 12 people sought medical help.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also shared a photo from the accident site.
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President Khachaturyan receives Kazakh foreign minister
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has received a delegation led by Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev, who is on an official visit to Armenia.
According to the Armenian presidential office, Khachaturyan welcomed the visit and said it reflected the continued strengthening of friendly relations and mutual trust between Armenia and Kazakhstan.
He also underscored the steady and forward-looking nature of bilateral cooperation.
Both sides highlighted the importance of high-level visits in advancing political dialogue and deepening cooperation across various sectors.
Kosherbayev thanked the Armenian side for the warm reception and hospitality, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s readiness to expand and diversify cooperation with Armenia on the basis of mutual respect and shared benefit.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed key areas of the bilateral agenda, including investment in infrastructure projects, the expansion of business ties, and the growth of trade and economic cooperation.
They noted that there is still significant untapped potential in bilateral relations, and that fully utilizing it could give fresh momentum to cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides also discussed the prospects for restoring direct flights, saying such a step could help boost people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business activity.
They also exchanged views on regional developments, including the opening of transport routes, improving logistical connectivity, and expanding broader economic ties.
Both sides stressed the importance of greater regional connectivity as a foundation for sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Memorial service in memory of the deceased at Kozern cemetery and victims of O
On April 6, a memorial service dedicated to the memory of the deceased at Kozern cemetery and the victims of the October 27 crime is held in the National Assembly Park in the Park of the Armenian National Assembly, the press service of the National Assembly said in a readout.
The Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan, the NA Vice Presidents Ruben Rubinyan and Hakob Arshakyan, the Head of the NA Civil Contract Faction Hayk Konjoryan, the NA Chief of Staff, Secretary General Davit Arakelyan and representatives of the Staff laid flowers at the monument installed in the National Assembly Park.
Father Ararat Ordoyan, spiritual pastor of St. Sarkis Church performed the requiem service.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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The school is under the jurisdiction of the regional governor’s office. None of them related to the Artsakh flag
April 6, 2026
On April 3, the director of the Sardarapat community school in Armavir marz, Karine Smbatyan, wrote an application for dismissal, the reason being that she refused to remove the Artsakh flag from the “Corner of Glory” of the school.
“My removal or being deprived of my position is the smallest price for what I believe in and what I serve. I cannot remain silent when the spiritual and patriotic values of our students are under attack. Mr. Governor, you can remove me from office, but you cannot remove patriotism from my heart.
The flag was sent from the Hadrut region of Artsakh to the students of Sardarapat as a sign of gratitude that the students of the school sent sweets to the soldiers of Hadrut both during the April War and the 44-Day Day.” had written Karine Smbatyan.
Today 168.am from the administrative head of Sardarapat, Artur Khachatryan asked whether the administrative head also urged Karine Smbatyan to remove the Artsakh flag.
In response, Artur Khachatryan conveyed that the office of the administrative head has nothing to do with the school, it is under the jurisdiction of the Armavir regional administration.
“The school is entirely under the jurisdiction of the regional administration. In connection with what happened, the governor’s office has already issued an explanation, saying why it happened.
“Regarding the Artsakh flag, no one has ever given an order anywhere,” said the administrative head of Sardarapat.
We also asked Artur Khachatryan if there was ever an Artsakh flag in his office, to which he said:
“There was always the flag of Armenia in my office, neither before nor now I have put the flag of Artsakh in the office.”
The Armavir Regional Governor’s Office also clarified that the school director was fired for not fulfilling certain work duties, which was recorded by the Education Inspection Body.
Earlier, Karine Smbatyan told the media that the mayor of Armavir visited the school a few days before the incident and noticed the Artsakh flag, after which these processes started.
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Belarus Leader Warns CSTO Must be Very Careful in Dealing with Armenia
President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus at the CSTO Summit
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has called on the Collective Security Treaty Organization to be very careful and tactful in its engagement with Armenia.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov, Lukashenko acknowledged that while the organization has achieved certain results, it continues to face a number of unresolved issues. Among them, he singled were relations with Armenia as requiring particular attention, the Belta news agency reported.
According to the Belarus leader, Armenia’s position within the CSTO remains complicated. He noted that Yerevan appears reluctant to fully support the organization’s activities, yet continues to remain a member. In this context, Lukashenko stressed the importance of maintaining a careful and balanced approach.
He also pointed to Armenia’s domestic political environment, highlighting the upcoming parliamentary elections expected this summer. Describing the period as “very difficult,” Lukashenko said that the electoral context makes it especially important for the CSTO to proceed cautiously in its dealings with the country.
Lukashenko further emphasized the need for direct engagement between the CSTO leadership and Armenian authorities. He suggested that Masadykov visit Armenia to hold discussions with senior officials, including the prime minister, the president, and the secretary of the Security Council, in order to better understand their position on future cooperation within the CSTO framework.
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EASTER MESSAGE OF BISHOP MESROP PARSAMYAN (English and Armenian)
PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.us
April 2, 2026
___________________
ATTENTION EDITOR: Scroll down for the
Armenian text of Bishop Mesrop’s Easter Message.
Photo attached, with captions below.
HEADLINE:
The Easter MESSAGE of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
Primate of the
Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
Opposite the
Tomb
Years ago, while I
was serving as a parish pastor, one of my parishioners lost her husband. After
the funeral she would faithfully visit her beloved husband’s grave at the
cemetery. She would bring a small chair
with her, and sit by
the headstone for hours. It was my
privilege to accompany her on occasion, whenever she asked me to offer formal
blessings at his burial site. But in my
youth, I struggled to understand why she would remain there, just sitting, for
so long afterwards.
Over time,
however, I came to realize what kept her there. Not habit nor loneliness, but
Love. Love that refused to walk
away. Love that chose to stay present,
close at hand—even when the only response to that presence was silence.
That same love
appears in the Gospel, when we are shown Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of
Jesus sitting opposite the tomb of our Lord.
In front of them
was a massive stone, a dark silence, a place that appeared to hold only
loss. Everything they loved seemed
closed off behind that stone. They could
have turned away and departed, like everyone else. But they chose to stay, facing the sealed
grave—out of Love.
Earlier this year,
on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, I too sat where they sat, opposite the Holy
Sepulcher: the Tomb of Christ. I will
never forget the stillness of that place.
The quiet. The weight of
history. And I thought about those
women: the ones in the Gospel, and the one in my early ministry.
Many of us have
been to this place symbolically in our own lives. We believe; we pray; we trust in God. Yet we feel we are staring at something
closed. A relationship that seems
over. A prayer that seems
unanswered. A future that looks
blocked. We are doing all we know to
do—and still, the stone is there.
But like the women
at the tomb, we stay. Sometimes
that is exactly what faith asks of us: to stay in place. To stay near God, even when you don’t
understand. To stay in prayer, even when
you don’t yet see results. To stay
hopeful, even when everything in front of you says, “It’s over.”
The women
stayed—and because they stayed, they were among the first to witness God’s
victory: the fulfillment of Christ’s promise that “I am the Resurrection and
the Life.” They learned that waiting
with God is never wasted time. Love that
remains near God is always rewarded.
My friends, if you
are facing a stone in your life today, do not lose heart. Do not turn away—but stay. Stay in prayer. Stay in trust. Stay close to God, even when you cannot see
the outcome. Jesus showed us that
Resurrection follows faithful waiting.
Light follows the long night.
Life has the final word.
Jesus Christ is
truly risen. And because He lives, every
stone that stands before you is temporary.
But God’s promise is eternal.
May that promise
be alive in our hearts this Easter, as we proclaim:
Christ is raised
from the dead! Blessed is the
Resurrection of Christ!
Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Orhnyal eh haroutiunun Krisdosi!
Prayerfully,
Bishop
Mesrop Parsamyan
Primate
Easter
2026
* * *
PHOTO CAPTION:
Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America, sits before the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in
Jerusalem during the Diocese’s Holy Land Pilgrimage last January, in the place
outside Christ’s tomb once occupied by Mary the Mother of Jesus and Mary
Magdalene.
* * *
Claim: Leader of the Eastern Diocese of the Church of America
T. MESROP BISHOP PARSAMEANIS:․ EasterTHE RESULT
Opposite side to the Grave
Years ago, when I
I used to serve as a smoking pastor, and one of my parishioners had the misfortune of losing
իր ամուսինը։ After his death, this widow faithfully visited her husband’s grave.
She would bring a small chair with her and sit with her head on her husband’s gravestone for hours.
Befriending him on various occasions and whenever he asked, I would recite a prayer at the grave
on But when I was young, I tried to understand why this widow for hours
he used to sit there alone.
After some time I realized
what was it that kept him near the tombstone for a long time? It wasn’t the habit and it wasn’t
not the separateness, but the love. That love that refused to leave him. A love that he wanted
to stay in the present, close to him, even when the only answer he would get was silence
was.
This is the same love
is revealed in the Gospel. The Holy Book tells us that after the burial of the Lord Jesus.
“Maryam Magtaghenatsi and the other Maryam were sitting there, on the opposite side of the grave.”
(Matt. 27:61)
A huge stone is in front of them
It was a dark silence, it seemed that there was only a place of loss. All that
that they loved, I think they were blocked behind that stone. They could leave, but
moved by their love, they chose to stay, watching
the sealed tomb.
A few months ago when
We went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, I also sat where they sat – opposite
side to the Tomb of Christ. I will never forget the motionless and quiet state of that place.
The weight of history was significant. And I thought about those women – the women of the Gospel
and that too of a widow who was in my family.
Many symbolically
We have been to this place in our personal life. We believe, we pray, we trust
of God But at the same time we think that our eyes are fixed on something closed
a Think of a relationship that has ended. Consider it an unanswered prayer
is the rest. A future that is blocked. We will do the best we can
agree – but still the stone is still there.
But women near the grave
like this, we stay and wait. Sometimes our faith requires us to live
and wait. Stand close to God, even when you don’t understand. Stay in prayer, even
when you would not see any results. Stay hopeful when everything around you tells you,
“everything is over.”
Women remained – and how many?
who waited, they were the first witnesses of God’s victory, of Christ’s promise
to the implementation that “I am the Resurrection and the life.” They understood that waiting with God
It is never a waste of time. The love that remains with God is always rewarded.
Beloved, if you today
you will find a “stone” against rebuke, do not despair. Don’t panic and get out of here.
but stand firm, praying and trusting. Stay with God, even when the result
you wouldn’t have seen it. Jesus showed us that the Resurrection faithfully follows the expectation.
Light follows the long night. It is life that will have its last word.
Jesus Christ indeed
got older. Because He will live, every stone that stands before you is temporary.
God’s promise is eternal.
Keep that promise alive
remain in our hearts this Easter when we proclaim that:
Christ rose from the dead.
Blessed is the Resurrection
of Christ.
With prayer and blessing:
Bishop Mesrop Parsamean
Leader
S:․Easter 2026
* * *
PHOTO CAPTION:
Mesrop Bishop Parsamean,Leader
# # #
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One new postcard dedicated to the theme “Prominent Armenians: 75th Anniversar
HayPost press release
On March 31st, 2026, one-sided postcard with 1 stamp dedicated to the theme “Prominent Armenians. 75th Anniversary of Gegham Grigorian” has been put into circulation.
The postage stamp of the postcard depicts the prominent Armenian opera singer (tenor), People’s Artist of the Armenian SSR, Honored Artist of the Lithuanian SSR Gegham Grigorian (1951-2016).
The postcard also depicts the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan and the bottom left part of the postcard depicts the inscriptions “Gegham Grigorian” and “Armenian opera singer” in Armenian and English languages.
Date of issue: March 31, 2026
Designer: David Dovlatyan
Printing house: “Ktav” Ltd.
Stamp size: 35,0 x 25,0 mm
Postcard size: 150,0 x 110,0 mm
Print run: 1000 pcs
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Iranian FM: Armenia’s humanitarian support highly appreciated
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has lauded neighboring Armenia for its humanitarian support.
Araghchi posted a statement in Armenian on X.
“The support of the Armenian government and people to the Iranian people in the transfer of Iranian nationals and in providing humanitarian assistance deserves high appreciation. The centuries-old ties between Iran and Armenia have once again demonstrated their strength in difficult times, and these brotherly steps will remain in the memory of the Iranian people,” he said.
Armenia sent humanitarian aid, mainly in the form of medicines, to Iran last week.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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With no indication of danger, Yerevan-based AUA takes precautionary measures a
The American University of Armenia (AUA), a private higher education institution affiliated with the University of California, announced on Monday that all classes would be held online for the day as a precaution.
“Please note that, due to the threat made by Iran to target American universities in West Asia and the Middle East, all AUA classes on Monday, March 30, will be held fully online. The University administration is monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed of any changes to the schedule or modality of instruction. In taking this step, we emphasize that we have received no direct threats against our university, and no indication that we are in any kind of danger, so there is no cause for alarm. This is simply a precautionary measure, taken out of an abundance of caution, because the safety of our community is of paramount importance,” the AUA said in a press release.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it may retaliate against American university campuses in West Asia, claiming that recent U.S. and Israeli strikes have damaged two Iranian universities.
The group said U.S.-affiliated campuses in the region could become “legitimate targets” unless Washington formally condemns the attacks on Iranian schools by noon on Monday, POLITICO reported citing a statement carried by Fars news agency.
The statement urged staff, faculty, students and nearby residents to keep at least one kilometer away from these campuses.
Several American universities have branches in the Persian Gulf, including Texas A&M University in Qatar and New York University in the United Arab Emirates.
The American University of Beirut said it would move to remote learning for two days following the threats.
The U.S. Embassy in Iraq, in an updated security alert, said that Iran may intend to target the American Universities in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, along with other universities perceived to be associated with the United States. AP reported that the universities in the three cities have also shifted classes online.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Spring whims. rain, snow and warming in Armenia
April in Armenia will start with real spring whims. Meteorologists promise the residents of the republic a colorful picture. heavy rains in the valleys will be replaced by snowfalls in the mountainous regions, and windy weather will gradually give way to the expected spring warming.
According to “Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center” SNOC, residents of the capital should keep raincoats handy in the coming days. In the afternoon of March 30, 31, as well as from April 2 to 4, precipitation is expected in Yerevan from time to time. A short break from the rains is predicted only on the night of April 1 and 2, when the clouds will disperse over the city.
In the regions of the republic, the picture is similar, but with more pronounced climatic transitions. On the same days, precipitation will be recorded in a large part of the territory. Moreover, it will snow at night in the mountainous areas, and it will turn into wet snow during the day, while only rain is expected in the foothills and valleys.
Adding to this weather instability will be the south-westerly wind with a speed of 2-5 meters/second, which may increase to 14-17 meters/second in some areas during the afternoon of March 30. However, spring does its thing. from April 1 to 3, the air temperature will gradually increase by 2-4 degrees during the daytime hours, bringing with it a new wave of heat.
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