Category: News

The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity Through Armenia Hits a

Emil Lazarian
The Middle East Forum
April 11 2026

None of the Partners Professing to Seek Peace Is Sincere, and the TRIPP Serves No Economic Purpose

April 11, 2026
Michael Rubin

On August 8, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House, where the two foreign leaders signed a peace agreement. The White House released a statement that the agreement, initiated under the Biden administration, is “a landmark achievement for international diplomacy that only President Trump could deliver.”

On January 13, 2026, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan returned to Washington to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss implementation of the agreed corridor across southern Armenia, which Trump insisted be named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP).

Azerbaijan and Turkey could enjoy trade and transit across Armenia if they established diplomatic relations and ended their blockade.

If sincerity is the basis of peace, then the chances for a lasting solution are tiny. None of the partners professing to seek peace is sincere. Trump seeks a Nobel Prize and his name on signs. Rubio will play the loyal yes-man to keep his job, regardless of where his moral compass might point. The deeply unpopular Pashinyan—who increasingly seems like the Armenian version of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili—rushes concessions to position himself as the only candidate in forthcoming elections who can deliver peace, no matter that under his watch, Armenia fought two wars and lost both badly. Aliyev, meanwhile, hopes to use the corridor to bifurcate Armenia’s Syunik province. Azerbaijan’s hostage-taking and kangaroo courts appear designed to humiliate Armenians and undermine peace more than achieve it.

The basic problem with the TRIPP is that it serves no economic purpose. Azerbaijan and Turkey could enjoy trade and transit across Armenia if they established diplomatic relations and ended their blockade. That is a decision that only Ankara can make, as Turkey calls the broader strategic shots for Azerbaijan.

Indeed, while Azerbaijan and Turkey argue they need a corridor to enable trade, they play Trump and Rubio for fools. The entire time that Aliyev whined about Armenia’s blockaded border being an impediment to trade, Azerbaijan directed its trade through Iran, a country whose trade relations with Azerbaijan exceed Armenia’s. Indeed, in 2022, Azerbaijan and Iran signed an agreement for a new transit corridor through Iran.

While Aliyev struts at the White House, local dynamics that have nothing to do with the United States or even Armenia shape his actions. Just as Azerbaijan used military force to end Nagorno-Karabakh’s constitutional autonomy, so, too, did Aliyev last month do the same thing with the landlocked exclave of Nakhchivan, which also had been an autonomous republic. Aliyev will now rule Nakhchivan through an appointed representative, ending any semblance of local rule and continuing Aliyev’s transformation of Azerbaijan into the Eritrea or North Korea of the Caucasus.

Aliyev’s powerplay over Nakhchivan suggests dark clouds on the horizon, both for Azerbaijan and potentially for the region. Aliyev is the scion of a family dynasty founded by his father Heydar, a former KGB agent and Central Committee Member of the Soviet Union, but one whose son is rumored to be autistic and two daughters hampered by their own personal and social problems, so managing a future transition will be difficult.

What is looming in Azerbaijan is a three-way mafia war, the outcome of which will determine the fate of the Aliyev dynasty.

While Aliyev was born in Baku at a time when Heydar was the local KGB chief, the Aliyev family roots itself in Nakhchivan, where Heydar himself was born. Over years of Aliyev’s rule, Vasif Talibov, chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from 1995 until 2022, consolidated local control and transformed Nakhchivan into his own mafia fiefdom. A desire to kneecap competition best explains Aliyev’s decision to impose direct rule over Nakhchivan. It is the Azerbaijani equivalent of the New York Genovese crime family’s infiltration into the Patriarca family’s territory in Massachusetts. At the same time, tension grows between the powerful Pashayev family and Aliyev himself. His marriage was supposed to bring unity between the families but instead brought de facto divorce.

What is looming in Azerbaijan is a three-way mafia war, the outcome of which will determine the fate of the Aliyev dynasty. If the Aliyevs lose out, Ilham is likely to launch a new skirmish, if not war, against Armenia to restore an image of strength or use emergency provisions to imprison economic competitors or political threats.

The Nakhchivan mafia machinations also matter for TRIPP, as the Aliyevs, Talibovs, and others now battle over who will profit and receive protection from TRIPP trade. Trump’s love for triumphant ceremonies notwithstanding, if Trump and Rubio force TRIPP, they will bring not a peace about which the president and Pashinyan can brag, but rather, a spectacular collapse. There simply can be no lasting peace until Azerbaijan experiences real and lasting reform.

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Supervisors proclaim April as Armenian History Month

Emil Lazarian
Signal SCV
April 11 2026

News release 

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Supervisor Janice Hahn proclaiming April 2026 as Armenian History Month, honoring the cultural heritage, resilience, and contributions of the Armenian community. 

April holds deep significance for Armenians around the world: This year marks the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, as well as continued challenges facing Armenians globally – including the recent displacement of more than 100,000 people from Artsakh.  

The board’s proclamation recognizes both the importance of remembrance and the need to uplift the resilience of the Armenian community, said a news release from Barger’s office. 

“My district is home to the largest Armenian diaspora in the country, and thousands of my constituents are proud members of the Armenian community,” Barger, whose district includes the Santa Clarita Valley, said in the release. “I have seen firsthand how their culture, resilience and values enrich the diverse fabric of Los Angeles County. Proclaiming April as Armenian History Month is a meaningful way to celebrate their enduring contributions and honor their history.” 

“Los Angeles County is the proud home to the largest population of Armenians outside of Armenia,” Hahn said in the release. “It is important that we take this opportunity during Armenian History Month to recognize the Armenian Americans who have made a difference in our communities and celebrate the Armenian culture, while also joining our residents in commemorating and mourning the Armenian Genocide.” 

Later this month, Supervisor Barger will recognize outstanding members of the Armenian community during the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing meeting on April 28. 

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Explore Armenian arts and culture at Arts Society talk

Hambik Zargarian
Isle of Man Today
April 11 2026

‘The lecture reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to broadening cultural horizons in the island’

The arts and culture of Armenia will be the subject of The Arts Society Isle of Man’s latest talk on Tuesday, April 21.

The lecture at the Manx Museum will be undertaken by Andrew Spira.

Mr Spira studied at the Courtauld Institute and King’s College, London. For several years he worked at the Temple Gallery, London (specialists in Byzantine, Russian and Greek icons) and as a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum where he worked on the British Galleries and for the Silver, Metalwork and Jewellery Department. Subsequently he was programme director at Christie’s Education for 14 years.

A spokesperson for the society said: ‘This promises to be an engaging and visually evocative exploration of a nation whose creative heritage spans millennia yet remains comparatively little known in the British Isles.

‘Armenia, perched at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, boasts a cultural identity shaped by ancient traditions, resilient history, and a deep spiritual legacy.

‘The talk will guide attendees through the country’s artistic evolution – from its early Christian iconography and intricate manuscript illumination to its distinctive architecture and vibrant contemporary arts scene.

‘Audiences can expect to encounter the striking geometry of Armenian churches, the delicate craftsmanship of khachkars (carved stone crosses), and the enduring symbolism woven into textiles, music, and storytelling.

‘These artistic forms reflect wider historical currents that have influenced Armenia over centuries, including trade, migration, and periods of upheaval.

‘The lecture reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to broadening cultural horizons in the island.

‘In shining a light on Armenia, this talk opens a window onto a world of artistic richness that feels both distant and surprisingly resonant.

‘For those seeking inspiration, discovery, or simply a stimulating lecture this event promises to be a highlight of the spring cultural calendar.’

The lecture takes place from 11.30am until 12.30pm and is free to members and students. Tickets cost £10 for guests.

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“Peace Bridge” between Armenia and Azerbaijan takes next step

Nahapetian Zhanna
Commonspace.eu
April 11 2026

From 10 to 12 April 2026, within the framework of the “Peace Bridge” Initiative, another bilateral roundtable with the participation of representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society is taking place, this time in Azerbaijan.

“Peace Bridge” was launched in November 2025 with the support of the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan, to foster dialogue and direct engagement between civil society representatives from Azerbaijan and Armenia.

On Friday, 10 April, an Armenian group arrived in Azerbaijan via the land border, crossing through a formally delimited and demarcated section and undergoing all relevant border and passport control procedures. 

According to the website of the Armenian public broadcaster, 1lurer.am, this weekend’s meeting  includes discussions on the current state of the peace process; the activities undertaken by participants in the “Peace Bridge” Initiative in their respective countries and the results of those efforts; as well as the situation in the region. The meeting agenda also includes separate sessions devoted to efforts to advance peace at the societal level and to increase trust during the next stages of the peace process. 

read Monday Commentary on Peace Bridge here

The members of the Peace Bridge are, from Armenia: 

1.Areg Kochinyan – President of the Armenian Council; Coordinator  

2.Boris Navasardyan – Honorary President of the Yerevan Press Club 

3.Naira Sultanyan – Director of the Democracy Development Foundation 

4.Narek Minasyan – Associate Expert at the Armenian Council 

5.Samvel Meliksetyan – Expert at the Armenian Council 

6.Stepan Grigoryan – Chairman of the Board, Analytical Center on Globalization and Regional Cooperation 

7.Edgar Vardanyan – Associate Expert at the Armenian Council 

8.Robert Ghevondyan – Expert at the Armenian Council 

9.Lusine Kharatyan – Writer and Cultural Anthropologist 

10.Nelli Minasyan – PhD in History, Associate Professor, and Turkologist 

11.Davit Stepanyan – Political Commentator at 1in.am; Expert at the Armenian Institute of International Security and Relations 

12.Ruben Babayan – Artistic Director of the Yerevan Puppet Theater 

13.Eleonora Sargsyan – Peace and Gender Expert; Youth Worker 

14.Naira Martikyan – Editor and Country Director of JAMnews (Armenia) 

15.Vazgen Karapetyan – Associate Director, Eurasia Partnership Foundation 

16.Tatev Danielyan – Editor-in-Chief of Political Programs and Host at Public Television of Armenia 

17.Armen Petrosyan – Regional Policy Expert at the Orbeli Center 

18.Alen Amirkhanyan – Director of the AUA Acopian Center for the Environment 

19.Nelli Rafayelyan – Journalist at the Media Initiative Center 

20.Operator of the Public Television of Armenia

From Azerbaijan: 

1.Farhad Mammadov – Director of the Center for Studies of the South Caucasus; Coordinator 

2.Rusif Huseynov – Director of the Topchubashov Center 

3.Ramil Isgandarli – Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum 

4.Kamala Mammadova – Editor-in-Chief, First News Media (1news.az) 

5.Fuad Abdullayev – Leading Adviser at the Center of Analysis of International Relations 

6.Dilara Afandiyeva – Head of the Women’s Peace and Security Center at the Azerbaijan Women’s Rights Protection Society 

7.Konul Badalova – Research Fellow at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication 

8.Zaur Shiriyev – Nonresident Scholar at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center 

9.Rauf Aghamirzayev – Transport Expert and Member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport 

10.Gulbaniz Ganbarova – Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Rural Women’s Association Public Union 

11.Nazrin Aliyeva – Chairperson of the “Human Rights Support Center” Public Association 

12.Sanan Rzayev – Presenter, CBC Television 

13.Emin Aliyev – Editor-in-Chief, Trend News Agency 

14.Murad Muradov – Deputy Director of the Topchubashov Center 

15.Aytan Gahraman – Adviser at the Baku International Multiculturalism Center 

16.Ilyas Huseynov – Political Analyst 

17.Gulshan Akhundova – Chairperson of the “Women, Development, Future” Public Union 

18.Orkhan Babayev – Staff Member of the Center for Studies of the South Caucasus 

19.Orkhan Amashov – Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Presenter, AnewZ 

20.Yegana Hajiyeva – Member of the Board of the Press Council 

source: commonspace.eu with agencies

https://www.commonspace.eu/news/peace-bridge-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan-takes-next-step


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Armenia pushes semiconductor ambitions as part of high-tech growth strategy

Manouk Vasilian
Intellinews
April 11 2026
By bne IntelliNews April 11, 2026

Armenia is stepping up efforts to develop its semiconductor industry as part of a broader push to transform its economy through high technology, officials said following a government council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Draft state programmes presented at the meeting outlined plans to expand semiconductor research and development, strengthen engineering capacity and build a competitive ecosystem by the early 2030s. Officials said the initiative aims to position Armenia within a rapidly growing global industry increasingly driven by demand from artificial intelligence.

Deputy parliament speaker Hakob Arshakyan said the proposals build on a cooperation agreement signed with the United States last August, which includes support for semiconductors, robotics and AI development.

Presentations to the council highlighted Armenia’s existing base of R&D centres and outlined plans to boost talent development, infrastructure and industry partnerships. Officials said expanding human capital would be central to increasing the sector’s economic contribution.

Separate proposals focused on robotics and artificial intelligence, which policymakers described as key drivers of global technological competition. Plans include attracting specialists, setting research priorities and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Deputy High-Tech Industry Minister Ruben Simonyan said work was ongoing on a wider strategy for the tech sector, centred on advanced engineering and digital systems as core pillars of growth.

Council members called for closer alignment between the proposed programmes and existing government initiatives to ensure effective implementation.

Pashinyan instructed officials to refine the plans and develop institutional mechanisms to carry them forward, stressing the importance of high technology in reshaping Armenia’s economic future.


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Egyptian Armenian Committee Calls for Preserving Collective Memory Ahead of Ge

Toneyan Mark
Sada El-Balad, Egypt
April 11 2026
Rana Atef

As the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 in the Ottoman Empire approaches, the Egyptian Armenian National Committee has emphasized the importance of preserving national memory and safeguarding collective identity, while expressing deep concern over any attempts to obscure or distort historical truth.

In a statement marking the occasion, the committee stressed that national memory and collective identity constitute fundamental pillars for any society, particularly for smaller nations and communities that rely on them as sources of moral and strategic strength in the face of ongoing challenges.

According to the statement, memory is not merely a record of the past, but a framework that shapes how communities understand the present and envision their future, while reinforcing internal cohesion and shared belonging.

The committee further warned that attempts to erase, distort, or diminish historical memory do not only result in the loss of historical narrative, but also weaken the psychological and social fabric of societies. 

Such actions, it noted, can generate fragility that may affect political stability and long-term resilience.

It added that the erosion of collective identity deprives future generations of their historical heritage and reference points, leaving them more vulnerable to fragmentation or the influence of competing narratives. 

The committee described this as a profound harm that cannot easily be remedied through material means or short-term policies.

The statement comes ahead of commemorations related to the Armenian Genocide, a historical event widely marked by Armenian communities around the world.

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Armenia and Azerbaijan civil societies hold new round of broad talks to advanc

Nahapetian Zhanna
EuroNews
April 11 2026

Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives met for the fourth round of talks as part of the so-called Peace Bridge Initiative to advance the historic peace process between the two South Caucasus neighbours.

The picturesque town of Gabala in northwest Azerbaijan hosted the fourth round of civil societies talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan representatives as the two countries continue to build on their process of peaceful future together after decades of tragic conflicts.

Amernia and Azerbaijan established together the so-called Peace Initiative Bridge format shortly after the two former foes signed their historic peace agreement in Washington DC. The Peace Initiative Bridge includes multiple participants from the two countries’ civil society who visit each other to conduct the ongoing peace dialogue by addressing all common issues openly and in an atmosphere of trust.

Related
  • Baku sets peace agenda with Armenia for 2026, highlighting progress on the ground

In an answer to Euronews, Armenia’s Areg Kochinyan, president of the Armenian Council and the Armenian coordinator of the Peace Initiative Bridge, said the two countries have to deal with a “gigantic amount of trauma,” as both nations are making significant efforts to move on as part of their historic peace agreement.

However, he added that “the normalistion and the peace in South Caucuses is well-needed in the West, in Europe, in the United States and that’s partially the reason why we have seen this level of interest of the United States in the region.”

On Azerbaijan’s side, Farhad Mammadov, director of the Center for Studies of the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan’s coordinator of the Peace Initiative Bridge, said that “the conflicts in the region did not have a negative effect on the peace-building process.”

“This is a two-way peace-building process and it is autonomous,” he added.

The focus of Saturday’s meeting in Gabala was on building momentum for the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenia’s Lusine Kharatyan, writer and cultural anthropologist as well as member of the Peace Bridge Initiative, told Euronews that “it is extremely important to continue these talks in this world where violence and conflict grows around us, so it’s very important to keep the track of peace.”

“I think the talks went very well because we were able to discuss very important and sensitive issues for both societies and do it very deeply and very sensitively towards each other,” she added.

Eleonora Sargsyan from Armenia, a youth worker and member of the Peace Bridge Initiative said that “for 30 years, we’ve lived with closed borders and we haven’t had the chance of structured dialogue, which created a framework of mutual dehumanisation.”

“I believe that one of the primary objectives of peacebuilding initiatives and any civil society initiatives that untites Armenian and Azerbaijani experts is to start the process of rehumanisation.”

In its turn, Azerbaijan’s representatives underlined the importance to both countries to deepen the dialogue at civil society level.

Orkhan Amashov, Azerbaijan’s participant of the Peace Bridge Participant, described the discussions as being “incredibly comprehensive and wide-ranging.”

“The participants here are to prepare their respective societies for that ultimate eventuality – a peace agreement – and its consequences.” , he added.

Ramil Iskandarli, chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan’s National NGO Forum, and member of the Peace Bridge Initiative, described the symbolism of both sides crossing each other’s borders for peace talks.

“Both I and (the) other group members crossed the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia twice and our Armenian colleagues did the same to come to Gabala,” he said.

He added that “this particular meeting is important because it represents the fourth step actually. I am participating from the very first day of this process,” underlining that “there is also a certain symbolism in this process.”

Energy disruption has become a dominant challenge due to the global climate of instability also due to Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade crisis, which has shifted attention to the South Caucasus as a critical alternative route that Azerbaijan and Armenia are now working together to develop as a joint opportunity.

Hikmet Hajiyev, foreign policy advisor to the president of Azerbaijan, led Saturday’s peace talks and greeted each participant.

In a post on X after the talks, he announced that Azerbaijan is “fully committed to the Washington agenda” of the peace process and that “this commitment is not merely declarative or confined to paper; rather, concrete and pragmatic steps are being taken to strengthen the peace agenda,” in the context of both countries continuing the development of the major regional project of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, also known as the TRIPP corridor, which is a US-backed, 42-kilometre transit corridor through Armenia’s Syunik region which connects Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave.

Hajiyev underlined the fast developing economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia stating that “these include bilateral trade, transit shipments to Armenia via Azerbaijan, and people-to-people contacts, all of which reflect the concept of the economic dividends of peace.”

The participants concluded the Gabala talks agreeing that continued dialogue is an important step in maintaining communication between the two sides.

https://www.euronews.com/2026/04/11/armenia-and-azerbaijan-civil-societies-hold-new-round-of-broad-talks-to-advance-peace-proc

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❗ Important Update on Course 2026 ❗ Aggiornamento importante corso 2026

Khoyetsian Rose
Title: ❗ Important Update on Course 2026 ❗ Aggiornamento importante corso 2026

🔴 Please read carefully 🔴 Leggere con attenzione‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­‌   ­

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Easter at St. Vartan Cathedral: “Stay Close to God”–English and Armenian tex

Chalian Meline

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 10, 2026

___________________

 

ATTENTION EDITOR: A short Armenian version appears below; scroll down to the bottom.


Photos attached, with captions below. I’ve attached two photos that can carry the same
caption, to accommodate various layouts. Additional photos may be downloaded
here (please
credit Harout Barsoumian, Bars Images):

 

 

HEADLINE:

Easter at St. Vartan
Cathedral: “Stay Close to God”

 

By Stephan S.
Nigohosian

 

Through a veil of
overcast skies, the newly-gilded gold dome of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in
New York City shimmered with a radiant, transcendent brilliance. Beneath that
luminous crown, the Easter Sunday Divine Liturgy on April 5 unfolded with
solemn beauty and reverence, commemorating the awe-filled discovery of Christ’s
empty tomb and the triumphant revelation of His glorious Resurrection.

 

Known in Armenian as Sourp
Zadig, Easter is the major feast day of the Christian calendar and
represents the promise of salvation for all humanity. Bishop Mesrop
Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America, celebrated the Divine Liturgy before the faithful in the cathedral, as
well as to a global audience via the livestream broadcast.

 

Upon entering the
sanctuary to the ethereal hymns of the choir, Bishop Mesrop, accompanied by a
procession of clergy and altar servers holding colorful liturgical tapestries,
walked among the worshippers, bestowing his blessing and announcing the Good News
of Christ’s Resurrection with the words, “Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Christ
is raised from the dead!”

 

As he processed
through the sanctuary, Bishop Mesrop carried the gold hand-cross among the
faithful, young and old alike stepping forward to venerate it with a kiss. In
that gentle, deliberate movement, Bishop Merop’s presence recalled Christ
walking among His people, teaching and blessing during the days of His earthly
ministry.

 

The cathedral’s
stained-glass windows provided a radiance of luminous color to the sanctuary. White
lilies and slender, tapering candles cast a gentle glow upon the altar, evoking
the purity and unending light of Christ the Savior.

 

Throughout the
sanctuary, discreetly placed cameras offered those joining from home a sense of
reverent closeness, most poignantly in the intimate, front-facing view of
Bishop Mesrop in prayer before the holy altar during the service. These
thoughtful close-ups not only revealed the cathedral’s intricate beauty, but
also captured the serene expressions of faith, hope and devotion shared among
the clergy and the faithful. Furthermore, they provided a profound level of
closeness and a deep connection between clergy and lay people to Our Lord
through the holy badarak.

 

 

* One Body In Christ

 

After the reading of
Scripture in Armenian and English by the deacons, prayers and hymns were sung
together by the choir and congregation.

 

Holy Communion (Haghortoutiun
in Armenian), the climax of the badarak in which the faithful unite with
Christ and with each other, brought hundreds of worshippers forward to the
altar to receive the Sacrament from Bishop Mesrop, supported by Cathedral Vicar
Fr. Davit Karamyan, Fr. Bedros Kadehjian, and the large retinue of deacons.

 

The congregation also
played an important role in the badarak by giving and receiving the Kiss
of Peace (Voghchooyn), one of the oldest and most beautiful Christian
customs. Still practiced by the Armenian Church, members of the congregation ardently
declare, “Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetsav! Orhnyal eh haydnoutiunun
Krisdosee!” (Christ is revealed among us! Blessed is the revelation of
Christ!).

 

Throughout the
service, the soaring voices of the St. Vartan Cathedral Choir, directed by Hasmik
Mekanejian and accompanied on the organ by Kris Kalfayan, Director of the
Gomidas Choir, surrounded participants with an ethereal sense of peace and
redemption.

 

 

* Staying Close To
God

 

Following the
Eucharist, Bishop Mesrop delivered his Easter Sunday homily with passion and
certainty, stressing the importance of staying close to God no matter how
difficult or woeful the circumstances may appear.

 

“The very moment that
tempts us to leave God’s presence is often the moment we need Him most,” Bishop
Mesrop said. “That is what the women who waited at Christ’s tomb taught us on
Easter morning. They did not know what story would unfold and didn’t know what
Sunday would bring. All they knew was that they loved Jesus too much to walk
away. And because they stayed, they became the first witnesses to Christ’s
Resurrection, the greatest victory.”

 

Bishop Mesrop
expounded upon his theme of faith by emphasizing that waiting with God is never
‘wasted time.’ “Love that remains near God is always rewarded,” he said. “Sometimes
God doesn’t ask us to do anything; He simply asks us to stay close. The
greatest hope of all is that Christ Is Risen.”

 

The Primate
underscored the fact that because He lives, hope can rise again. “Wherever
you find yourself today, either in great joy or with a heart that still carries
pain, receive the message of Easter: the tomb is empty, Christ is Risen, Love
has won, life has triumphed, hope is alive. Stay close to Him.”

 

Staying hopeful in
prayer, even when everything in front of you says, ‘it’s over,’ is exactly what
faith asks us of us.

 

 

* Release of Doves on
the Plaza

 

At the conclusion of
the service, despite a gentle rain falling outside, a procession of clergy and
faithful made their way to the bronze entrance doors for the “Release of Doves”
ceremony. Though the weather softened the usual pageantry, it did not diminish
the meaning of the moment, which symbolizes Christ sending forth His apostles
into the world to preach the Gospel. This special ceremony remains a beloved,
decades-long Easter tradition at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, its spirit
enduring regardless of grey skies above.

 

The godparents of
this year’s ceremony were Sarkis and Maral Jebejian, parishioners of St. Thomas
Armenian Church in Tenafly, NJ. As members of an Armenian American family whose
roots trace back for generations in the life of the Armenian Church, they both carry
forward a distinguished legacy of leadership within the Armenian community.
Both have honored the foundations laid by those before them while actively
continuing that tradition through their own faithful service today.

 

The Easter Sunday
service marked the culmination of Holy Week—the sacred commemoration of the
events leading to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ—as well as the beginning of
Eastertide, the 50-day period known as Heenoonk in Armenian, that lasts
from Easter to Pentecost. The latter is dedicated to the mystery of our
Resurrected Savior and His encounters with His followers.

 

Holy Week services
took place at the cathedral in the days prior to Easter Sunday, with Bishop
Mesrop presiding over the Holy Thursday “Vodunluva” (Washing of Feet)
ceremony.

 

It is worth noting
that this year marked the 10th anniversary of the Easter Broadcast from St.
Vartan Cathedral. As in previous years, the viewing audience for St. Vartan
Cathedral’s Easter Sunday liturgy included thousands of people from across the
Diocese and around the world, sharing in the service as it was broadcast over
the Internet. The small, dedicated production team included Yervant Keshishian,
who directed the program, co-producer and cameraman Mano Baghjajian, and host
and narrator Christopher Zakian.

 

Click the following
links to:

 

* * *

 

PHOTO CAPTION:

 

On Easter Sunday,
April 5, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan stands before the bronze
entrance doors of New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, for the time-honored
“Release of Doves” ceremony that annually concludes the cathedral’s celebration
of the Divine Liturgy. Flanking the Primate are the godparents of this year’s
ceremony, Sarkis and Maral Jebejian. (Photo Credit: Harout Barsoumian, Bars Images)

 

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LINKS:

 

Photo gallery (credit
Harout Barsoumian, Bars Images):

 

Recorded broadcast of
the Easter Liturgy from St. Vartan Cathedral:

 

Recording of Bishop
Mesrop Parsamyan’s Easter sermon:

 

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ARMENIAN TEXT:


About:
Come to Lord Jesus


April 5
we celebrated Holy Easter, the glorious resurrection of Christ. Saint Vardan Cathedral
it was full of believers, and many were following on telecast to communicate
To the breath of spiritual life brought by the resurrection of Lord Jesus. Dear Leader of Temis, Mesrop
Saint Parsamea celebrated the mass and gave the wish full of joy to everyone: “Christ
He went to the dead”:


Holy Father
meditated on the faith of the Blessed Women who remained to cover the tomb of Jesus
with the strength of their love, despite the sufferings of the Lord, the crucifixion and the bitter
to have experienced the horror of death.


Their example
He said, it encourages us even today, because when we try to leave God’s presence,
We need to be close to Him at those exact moments when we are overwhelmed by difficulties. That
The women loved the Lord with all their hearts, and following that love they remained in the grave.
in front of the closing veil, and the witnesses became the resurrection of the Lord.


Constant
faith springs from supreme love, and “the love that keeps us in the bed of God is always rewarded.”
“Many times God expects us to stay with him, nothing else,” the Bishop reminded
The Father, and that faithfulness will be rewarded with the light of the resurrection.


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Estonia opens resident embassy in Armenia as Foreign Ministers highlight growi

Toneyan Mark
Politics10:26, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: ArabicՀայերենРусскийTurkçe

On April 9, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, attended the opening of Estonia’s resident embassy in Yerevan during Tsahkna’s official visit.

 

In his remarks, published by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted:

“Dear friends,

Ararat, my good friend, when I was last here, I promised that during my next visit I would open the Estonian embassy. Today, that is exactly what we are doing—we are opening the Estonian embassy in the heart of Yerevan. I can say that this year is truly historic: Estonia, as a small country, sees that a number of countries, especially in Europe, are closing their embassies, while we are opening five new ones. And among them, the first is the Embassy of Estonia in the Republic of Armenia.

This is our priority, because I see that you are guiding Armenia toward peace, toward European values, toward prosperity, and we want to be your friends. We truly are. We truly want to support you, and the highest level of support, the highest diplomatic commitment, is through an embassy here. It is permanent. We have our new ambassador, who has done a great job and will do even more in the future. Thank you very much for your support, because politically it is easy to decide to open an embassy, but in real life it takes time—diplomatic negotiations, practical arrangements, and building a team. I greatly appreciate all of this.

We are not alone here: Canada and Sweden are also with us, as well as several countries from the Nordic region. But Nordic nations are generally among the most reliable friends, so you can count on us. Estonians are friends of Armenians. This is something interesting—it comes from history—that we love you as a people, even though we are far away from each other. We want to be together with you. In these challenging times, you are making historic decisions not only for your nation, but also for the region and for all of Europe. I am pleased that soon our Prime Minister will also visit Armenia, as well as many leaders of the European community and heads of the European Union.

But now something very practical and of bilateral importance: today we launched practical cybersecurity exercises with the participation of more than 10 different teams, testing in real conditions how to respond to various attacks. In addition, a business program has been launched to help Armenian businesses find new markets. This is already a very practical level. I can assure you that we are already here—by your side—and there will be more. But first of all, I would like to thank you, my good friend Ararat, as well as the Armenian people, you have guts in making decisions and following your spirit. That spirit is freedom. We know that today’s world is a very, very crazy world, and unfortunately freedom is not granted; we must stand for freedom. However, history also shows that this can never be done alone.

Friends are always necessary, and I can assure you that Estonians will remain your best friends—at least in Europe, and perhaps in the entire world. Once again, I thank you, my good friend, for the opportunity to be here at this historic moment and to open an embassy. The roots of friendship between our nations go back decades, and I am confident they will deepen further in the future. We Estonians have lived in the region for about 10,000 years or even more, and we also have a plan for the next 10,000 years.

So let us join this shared plan for the future, stand for our future together, and enjoy freedom. Once again, thank you very much for this cooperation.

Thank you.”

Minister Mirzoyan stated:

“Mr. Minister, my good friend Margus, I am pleased to see you again in Yerevan on such an important occasion.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends,

It is truly a great pleasure for me to join you in marking this significant milestone in Armenia–Estonia relations—the opening of the resident Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Yerevan. Of course, we all understand that this decision was not an easy one, neither in terms of its adoption nor in terms of advancing it through all the relevant bodies of the Estonian government.

Believe me, I know very well how difficult this is. We also have our own special relations with our colleagues at the Ministry of Finance and all other partners, who, of course, welcome such decisions. Jokes aside, this is indeed a very important event.

It certainly reflects the commitment of Estonia, the Estonian government, and personally yours, dear friend, to developing Armenia–Estonia relations, as well as continuing support—providing strong backing to Armenia’s democracy and to the Armenian people on their path toward freedom, sovereignty, and, of course, territorial integrity and prosperity.

We feel this same support not only at the bilateral level but also fully within the framework of Armenia–EU relations. There has not been a single issue or concern raised by the Armenian delegation or the Republic of Armenia that has not received the support of the Estonian delegation.

Therefore, we highly appreciate your support, we value your position, and allow me to congratulate all of us—yourself, dear Minister, as well as you, Madam Ambassador, the first resident Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the Republic of Armenia.

Please be assured that a team of friends awaits you at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. You can always find understanding and support in that building, which, by the way, is very close, and whose address you know.

So, I congratulate all of us.

As you noted, dear friend, dear Margus, we have a very rich past, but let us focus on the future, which will undoubtedly be even brighter and stronger.

Congratulations.”

Published by Armenpress, original at 
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