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Dear Friends,
We would like to share with you the critical situation that our Intensive Summer Course of Armenian Language and Culture is currently facing due to a lack of funds.
In fact, since its first year, the course has been made feasible thanks to the generous contributions of benefactors and supporters.
Over the last two years (2024–2025), however, there has been an absence of decisive aid from Armenian sources, as had been the case in previous years. Thanks to what we might almost call a miraculous intervention of Divine Providence, it was a generous Italian friend who came to our aid. Unfortunately, we have recently learnt that he is no longer able to support us this year.
We are at a crossroads. News of the serious difficulties facing the course this year has already sparked a wave of regret and sadness.
After careful consideration of the current circumstances and our desire to avoid disappointment for those who have already enrolled, we made the decision to proceed with the course in a modified format. This will involve a reduction of the course to two levels – beginner and intermediate – instead of the usual four, and a limitation of the number of teachers. The aim is to keep expenses within our financial constraints and to ensure the survival of the Padus-Araxes association, which is the driving force behind the course and other Armenian initiatives.
Registration is still open for those wishing to join the beginner or intermediate level.
Contributions of any nature are welcomed to continue the course. To ensure sufficient security for the future, we kindly ask our friends to express their willingness to help at their earliest possible opportunity.
Padus-Araxes
Cultural association for Armenian studies
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Cari amici e sostenitori,
Vogliamo condividere con voi la situazione alquanto critica in cui si trova in questo momento il nostro Corso intensivo estivo di lingua e cultura armena per mancanza di fondi.
Infatti, fin dal suo primo anno il corso è stato possibile grazie al generoso contributo di benefattori e sostenitori.
In mancanza negli ultimi due anni (2024-2025) di aiuti decisivi da fonti armene, come era avvenuto in tutti gli anni trascorsi, per un intervento diremmo quasi miracoloso della Divina Provvidenza, è stato un generoso amico italiano ad aiutarci. Purtroppo, abbiamo appreso di recente che quest’anno egli non è più in grado di sostenerci.
Siamo al bivio. Già le prime voci diffuse delle serissime difficoltà cui va incontro il corso quest’anno hanno suscitato un’ondata unanime di rammarico e tristezza.
Nonostante la precaria situazione, dato che abbiamo già degli iscritti che non vorremmo deludere, dopo lunga e sofferta riflessione, abbiamo deciso di svolgere il corso in forma ridotta, cioè con due livelli, di principiante ed intermedio, invece dei consueti quattro, ed un numero ridotto di docenti, così da poter contenere le spese entro le nostre limitate possibilità attuali, senza rischiare di minacciare l’esistenza stessa dell’associazione Padus-Araxes, che è la forza motrice del corso, ma anche di altre iniziative armenistiche.
Per chi desiderasse partecipare al livello principiante o intermedio, le iscrizioni sono ancora aperte.
É bene inteso che chi volesse contribuire in modo fattivo e concreto al proseguimento del corso, potrà farcelo sapere in previsione di una sorte migliore per il corso dell’anno prossimo. Vi preghiamo di manifestare la volontà di aiutare possibilmente in tempi brevi prima per offrire una sicurezza sufficiente per il futuro.
Padus-Araxes
Associazione Culturale per gli studi armeni
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Associazione culturale Padus-Araxes
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Annulla iscrizione-Unsubscribe
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—
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)
* * *
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:
* * *
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.
# # #
—
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
—
External policy12:54, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançais中文Russian中文
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting on Friday in Yerevan with his Estonian counterpart Margus Tsahkna.
The one-on-one meeting was followed by talks in an expanded format.
A joint press conference is expected afterwards.
The meeting comes during Tsahkna’s official visit to Armenia and a day after the inauguration of the Estonian embassy in Yerevan.
Published by Armenpress, original at
—
External policy13:36, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: ArabicՀայերենRussian
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan praised on Friday the solid relationship with Estonia, both bilaterally and in the context of ties with the EU.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Yerevan, Mirzoyan said the relationship between the two countries is based on shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and peace.
“Our relations are built on our shared values—freedom, democracy, human rights, and peace. I must note that we have truly succeeded in building strong relations based on these values, and now it is indeed time to further expand them and raise our cooperation to a new level,” Mirzoyan said.
The Armenian foreign minister elaborated that during discussions with his Estonian counterpart, they also addressed the economic component of bilateral relations. “The numerical indicators reflecting these economic ties are growing, but we can confidently say that this is not the full potential, and we will make efforts to realize this potential to a greater extent. We have identified areas where cooperation is already taking shape and where we still see potential for further deepening. These include digitalization, information technologies, innovation, and cybersecurity. These are areas where we have much to learn from Estonia, and we also hope to contribute to enriching our shared experience.
“I expressed my gratitude to my colleague for the support provided by the Estonian government to the reforms being implemented in Armenia within the framework of development cooperation.
“Of course, we also discussed the positive cooperation in multilateral formats and emphasized the importance of ensuring its continuity. I would like to highlight the regular contacts within the Armenia–Nordic-Baltic Eight format, and we hope that, with Estonia’s leadership, we will be able to further advance this agenda and cooperation within this format,” the foreign minister said.
Mirzoyan stressed that, within the broader context of Armenia–Estonia cooperation, the Armenia–EU dimension holds particular importance.
“Here too, it should be noted that Estonia has demonstrated both willingness and leadership, and we have a very reliable and trustworthy partner in the EU in person of Estonia. You know that our commitment to the values underlying this cooperation is unwavering, and you can rely on us to the same extent,” Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized, addressing his Estonian counterpart.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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External policy13:46, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: العربيةفارسیHayerenGeorgian
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said he discussed regional matters with his Estonian counterpart, Margus Tsahkna, during a meeting on Friday in Yerevan, including details pertaining to Armenia’s normalization processes with Azerbaijan and Türkiye.
“We discussed regional issues. We expressed our gratitude to Estonia for the support provided to the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process,” Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with Tsahkna.
“We also discussed recent developments in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the challenges the world is facing today, while at the same time exchanging ideas on possible solutions,” the Armenian Foreign Minister added.
Mirzoyan briefed his Estonian counterpart on the Armenia–Azerbaijan normalization process, the Armenia–Türkiye normalization process, the unblocking of infrastructure, and the ongoing work related to the TRIPP project.
The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity project in Armenia, envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, create long-term benefits by promoting infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity. An Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to develop the route.
Published by Armenpress, original at
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External policy13:53, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: Armenian-GeorgianРусский中文:
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said his country is ready to provide support to Armenia and further develop practical cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan following their meeting in Yerevan on Friday, Tsahkna said that this is his second visit to Armenia as foreign minister and that it reflects Estonia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
“This is our commitment as the Estonian people: we love you, the Armenian people. You are very close to us, even though there is a great distance between us,” he said.
The Estonian foreign minister also highlighted the opening of Estonia’s embassy in Armenia, emphasizing its practical significance.
“We opened our embassy here, in Armenia. This is not just a symbolic step; it aims to develop practical cooperation between Armenia and Estonia,” Tsahkna said.
According to him, Armenia is at an important stage, and the policies being implemented could have a significant impact not only on the country but also on the entire region.
“The path to peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is extremely important as a prerequisite for the prosperity of the people, as well as the development of business and trade,” he emphasized.
Tsahkna also noted that Estonia is ready to support Armenia by sharing its experience and knowledge, while at the same time being interested in learning from Armenia’s experience.
“We want to support, share our experience, and learn from you,” he said.
The Estonian foreign minister added that the processes taking place in the region can be seen as part of broader geopolitical changes, and Estonia wants to be an active participant in these developments.
Read the article in: Armenian-GeorgianРусский中文:
Published by Armenpress, original at
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Politics14:13, 10 April 2026
Read the article in: Russian
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Friday that Armenia continues its “dialogue” with Azerbaijan to secure the release of the remaining captives held in Baku.
Asked to comment at a joint press conference with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Yerevan, he reiterated that Armenia and Azerbaijan have established peace, but understandably, some outstanding issues remain, with the matter of the captives and other detainees being the most sensitive.
“Our position on this matter has always been the same. Of course, we believe that the established peace needs further institutionalization. Peace exists, and we are enjoying its benefits, but at the same time, we understand that this peace is new and requires care and attention.
Many issues have been resolved—for example, the transit of goods to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory, as well as the bilateral trade that is already taking place and which we believe will continue to grow. Unfortunately, and understandably, not all issues have been resolved, and the matter of Armenian captives and detainees remains the most sensitive issue for our society.
Yes, unfortunately, there are still Armenian captives and detainees in Baku, and our position remains the same: these individuals must be released as soon as possible. We are confident that their release will further strengthen the established peace. We continue our dialogue with Azerbaijan on this topic, and, of course, it remains one of the highest-priority issues on our agenda. We also continue to raise this matter with our international partners.
The cessation of Red Cross activities in Azerbaijan has further complicated the situation. We acknowledge that there is a problem and continue our efforts in this direction. There is no new development on this issue yet; whenever there is news, the entire society immediately learns about it. The only possible new development would be the release of a new group [of captives],” the Armenian Foreign Minister said.
Read the article in: Russian
Published by Armenpress, original at
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