May 8, 2026
In recent days, the topic of discussion on the Internet has become the adventures of bloggers close to Nikol Pashinyan in one of the military units of the RA Defense Ministry, where filming was done, and those videos were published.
If we consider that them accompanied Nikol Pashinyan’s assistant Gagik Isakhanyan (who, by the way, once, as the brother of the victim, participated to the protests in front of the Ministry of Defense), then we can say that the visit of the tiktokers to the armed forces unit had a pre-election-propaganda nature, with the permission of Nikol Pashinyan himself.
So, once again we are dealing with a deliberate act of discrediting the armed forces and disrespecting the uniform, without mentioning the possible problems with the law.
By the way, from the published videos, it can be assumed that the events took place in the military unit under the 3rd Army Corps of the RA Armed Forces.
Temur Shahnazaryan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the General Staff of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the RA Armed Forces, and Simon Nazaryan, the current commander of the 3rd Army Corps, can very well say: could something like this have happened during the time of the former commanders of the 3rd Corps, Grigory Khachaturov, Onik Gasparyan, and other commanders, and Grigory Khachaturov also served under Pashinyan’s government. Moreover, in the very regiment where he had a leadership position, could what is happening today happen?
And this is when the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia has not organized a visit of journalists to military units for a long time, when from time to time prohibitions have been imposed on the visits of opposition MPs.
And RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan is either in fact at peace with such facts as the discrediting of the army, or, not being at peace and having sufficient leverage in office, he is politically constrained, perhaps unable, to face Pashinyan’s anti-army moves. Meanwhile, everything must have a limit, especially when it comes to the army and security, even if Nikol Pashinyan does not have “red lines” or, at least, “genetic” hatred towards the armed forces, in case of having complexes.
We wrote that for several years Pashinyan does not visit military units and combat bases on the eve of the New Year to congratulate soldiers and officers on their holidays.
On the other hand, the above is not at all surprising after Nikol Pashinyan, based on propaganda purposes, organized various civil groups accompanied fortified areas, displaying samples of weaponry acquired in recent years.
And on May 28 in Republic Square the upcoming arms show it will be exclusively a political report, and the Ministry of Defense, its leadership, the army will not be the hero of that day, but exclusively the person of Nikol Pashinyan.
When random people enter the army, the RA Defense Minister Suren Papikyan is the first to be targeted, because a natural question arises: does he have his permission? How is it that such people can visit military units at any time, and the doors are closed in front of oppositionists from time to time, and journalists are not allowed to go?
If there is no permission from the Minister of Defense, this already indicates another dangerous phenomenon, when difficult situations are created for one’s own and party minister, de facto limits his powers and rights, and in this case, it is not surprising when some MP from the CP can say that if they want to get acquainted with the weapons samples, they can contact him, he will organize…
And the bloggers close to Pashinyan were also in Kirantsi, filmed and showed in detail what was created in the fortified areas. conditions (probably on the example of the Ministry of Defense), as well as a school located meters away from the enemy the shelter
We remind you that “On State Secret” the law clearly defines that they are classified as state secrets “Information on the operational equipment (furnishing) of the territory of the Republic of Armenia, the preparation and conduct of operations, the deployment of troops (including conscription), their combat ability, the forms and methods of carrying out combat duty, the arrangement of the management system, the sequence of activities, the system’s availability, integrity, and comprehensive provision”.
The same law states that they are considered state secrets “location, purpose, degree of protection and preparedness, their design and construction of specially protected and special access and exit facilities” as well as “about civil defense forces and means, protection of administrative buildings and degree of security of the population” information.
This is exactly what we meant by noting that there are also problems related to the law, which the RA Ministry of Defense remembers only when responding to written media inquiries.
Nikol Pashinyan’s family also starts to remember the laws when any topic is related to their rights.
And Suren Papikyan, perhaps, has a lot to think about, as well as to realize that even though he is a party minister, he is first of all the head of the state security institute, the armed forces, and he should act based on those interests… after all, this is also a question of his own reputation.
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124th Diocesan Assembly Envisions a Church “Renewed in Hope”
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
May 8, 2026
___________________
ATTENTION EDITOR: Two photos attached, with captions below. Additional photos may be downloaded here:
HEADLINE:
124th Diocesan Assembly Envisions
a Church “Renewed in Hope”
The 124th Assembly of the Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America convened on Thursday, April 30, and continued
through adjournment on Saturday, May 2, 2026. It was the fourth Diocesan Assembly
to be presided over by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.
As such, it was the occasion
for the Eastern Diocese’s quadrennial election for the office of Primate, which
saw Bishop Mesrop re-elected to serve a second four-year term.
St. John the Baptist Armenian
Church of Milwaukee, WI, hosted the 124th Diocesan Assembly, with business and social
functions taking place at the city’s historic Pfister Hotel.
The inaugural session was called
to order on April 30. Delegates and guests were welcomed by host parish pastor Fr.
Guregh Hambardzumyan, parish council chair Lyle Dadian, and parish Assembly Executive
Committee members Harold Aghjian, Maritza Armagan, and Gary Seabrook.
A formal message from His Holiness
Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, was read to the
delegates, after which Bishop Mesrop set a warm-hearted tone for the meeting with
his welcoming words.
In all, 150 parish representatives—clergy,
parish council chairs, and Diocesan delegates—along with a substantial number of
observers, gathered in person for the proceedings. Among the guests were two visitors
from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: V. Rev. Fr. Zakaria Baghumyan and V. Rev.
Fr. Movses Sargsyan.
* “Renewed in Hope”
On the heels of his re-election to a second term as Diocesan
Primate, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offered gracious words of thanks before launching
into his yearly address to the delegates. Noting America’s upcoming 250th anniversary,
he paid tribute to the country that has welcomed Armenians and embraced their contributions
to society.
In a retrospective on the past four years, the Primate recalled
his travels throughout the Eastern Diocese, visiting every parish and meeting the
faithful in their home communities.
“Everywhere
I have gone,” he said, “I have seen the same truth: Our church is alive.
Yes, we face challenges. We live in a changing world. Our communities are diverse,
geographically dispersed, and shaped by different experiences. But beneath all of
that, there is a deep and abiding faith. There is resilience. There is love for
the church. And there is a desire—not simply to preserve what we have received—but
to grow, to renew, and to move forward.”
Bishop Mesrop fondly recalled some milestones of his visits:
ordaining more than 200 young altar servers; consecrating two new churches, and
a new priest for the Diocese; spending time at the Diocesan camps and youth gatherings.
He mentioned the resources created by the Diocesan Ministries departments that aim
to deepen worship experience, engage youth and young adults, and extend Christian
witness into the surrounding society.
And he spoke of the simple
habits of generosity and welcoming outreach that assure members and visitors alike
that the Armenian Church is their home.
A short video outlining these
accomplishments reflected the theme of the 124th Diocesan Assembly: “Renewed in
Hope.”
“These accomplishments tell
a story,” he said: “not only a story of what we have done, but of what God has done
for us.”
This theme animated the latter
part of the Primate’s address, in which he looked ahead to his concerns for the
coming term. Among these are increasing overall church attendance; more fully engaging
the younger generation; helping local parishes relieve financial burdens and identify
up-and-coming leaders; pursuing additional opportunities for women to serve their
churches; and making worship more accessible.
To close his address, the Primate
returned to the theme of Hope. “Christian Hope,” he said, “is never wishful thinking.
It is confidence grounded in the living presence of Christ. It is the assurance
that the Lord who guided His church yesterday, who sustained her through persecution
and uncertainty, is the same Lord who walks with her today—and will never abandon
her in the future.”
“Let us carry that Hope into
every parish, every ministry, every home, every heart,” he concluded. “Renewed in
Hope, let us go forward together.”
* Elections, Reports, and Proposals
Under the guidance of Diocesan
Assembly chair Herman Purutyan (of St. James Church, Watertown, MA), business moved
forward at a steady pace. Serving alongside him were vice chair Zaven Kalayjian
(St. Mary Church, Washington, DC) and secretary Laurie Bejoian (Holy Translators
Church, Framingham, MA).
On behalf of the Nominating
Committee, Gregory Saraydarian (Holy Martyrs Church, Bayside, NY) took to the podium
to explain the secure method of voting that would be employed throughout the proceedings.
All voting was conducted using a secure online balloting platform. (See below for
the table of election results.)
In a departure from the usual practice,
the report of the Diocesan Council and the Diocese’s Ministries Department was
conducted in a panel format, in which Diocesan Council vice chair Lisa Esayian
(St. James Church, Evanston, IL) directed interview questions to a panel
comprised of Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Diocesan Council chair Richard
Papalian (St. Gregory the Enlightener Church, White Plains, NY), and interim
Director of Ministries Fr. Hratch Sargsyan (St. Gregory of Narek Church,
Cleveland, OH).
Each speaker fielded questions on the current
operating strengths of the Diocese, strategies for accomplishing programs with
limited resources and personnel, and challenges that are being addressed. Topics
under discussion included the ongoing St. Vartan Cathedral Renovation Project, and
its connection to every parish; administrative reforms at the Diocesan Center that
have improved its operational and financial functioning; the wide array of ministry
programs that connect with youth and adults through new publications and interactive
online sessions; and directions for the future of the Eastern Diocese.
A short video gave delegates
an overview of the efforts and offerings of the Diocesan Ministries department,
which would also be the subject of “break-out” sessions later in the assembly.
Enhancing the presentation
was an impressive Annual Report with detailed information, that had been printed
for the delegates in advance of being distributed to the public.
Various Diocesan organizations
also reported to the assembly. Presenters included Sarah Andonian of the Women’s Guild
Central Council; Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan of the Sacred Music Council; Bree Carriglio
and Sarah Stites of the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) and its crowd-sourcing platform
“Ayo”; Marie Vanerian of the
Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF); and Fr. Mardiros Chevian of St. Nersess Seminary.
Delegates also heard from Archbishop
Vicken Aykazian, the Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director, who spoke forcefully
about his efforts to advance the causes of the Armenians of Artsakh and Jerusalem
among the world ecumenical community.
Speaking on behalf of the Diocesan Board of Trustees,
Sandra Shahinian and Melanie Dadourian outlined three priorities of the board,
involving oversight of the cathedral and Diocesan Complex projects;
understanding the valuation of parish properties; and assessment, utilization,
and insurance for artwork in the collection of the Diocese.
Informative reports from the
Diocesan Ministries departments were delivered during “breakout sessions,” in which
groups of delegates rotated among different rooms to engage in small-group presentations
and discussions, featuring staff from the Youth and Young Adult Ministry department
and Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA); the Diocesan summer camps;
the VEMKAR digital ministry platform; Armenian Language Ministry; and Children and
Family Ministry.
The St. Vartan Cathedral Renovation Project
and its Fundraising Committee received a prominent place in the assembly sessions.
Haig Buchakjian (St. Leon Church, Fair Lawn, NJ) reported on the successfully completed
exterior phase of the project, and looked ahead to the interior renovation slated
to begin later this year.
He was joined by Richard Papalian in a detailed
discussion of plans for the development of the Diocesan administration building,
which outlined the overall vision guiding the plans, identified the highly experienced
team of advisors, and addressed steps going forward. Both speakers underscored that
this year’s presentation was built on two prior years of coming before the
Diocesan Assembly delegates to explain and keep the assembled body fully
informed. The presentation outlined the next step of going forward, which will
involve issuing a public “request for proposal” to a vetted and curated list of
developers in the coming months.
In a presentation on the efforts of the Cathedral
Renovation Fundraising Committee, Melanie Dadourian and Laurie Onanian announced
that the campaign’s fundraising has surpassed $28 million (of a projected $36 million
budget). They urged the attending parish leaders to use the tools developed by the
campaign—including a new printed brochure, social media, parish social events, and
the project website—in their home settings.
(Learn about and support the St. Vartan Cathedral
Renovation campaign on its website: StVartan.org.)
Five proposals were considered during the
assembly. The first, presented by the Diocesan Council, sought to conform the
language of the Diocesan Bylaws to the “stewardship” funding system adopted by
many parishes during the course of a five-year pilot program. It passed in its
initial vote, and will be brought to a vote again next year, in accordance with
the Bylaws amendment procedure.
The second proposal, to allow remote
participation in parish assemblies under certain circumstances, was the subject
of extensive discussion, with the result of the Assembly passing a motion
asking the Diocesan Council to collaborate with the motion’s sponsoring parish
to conduct a multi-year pilot program.
Two related proposals, to add a precise
definition of “quorum,” for purposes of Diocesan Assemblies, in the Diocesan
Bylaws, were tabled.
A fifth proposal, amending the Diocesan
Bylaws by enlarging the definition of “official notification” for parish
assemblies to include electronic notification, was passed by the delegates, and
will be brought to a vote again next year.
* Final Blessings
Saturday’s assembly
session began with a requiem service for departed delegates, clergy, and Diocesan
leaders of the past year, followed by a reflection on the assembly theme by Fr.
Aren Jebejian (St. John Church, Southfield, MI).
Fr. Avedis Kalayjian (St. Mesrob
Church, Racine, WI) presented highlights of the Clergy Conference, which had met
in the days prior to the main gathering. The delegates also heard highlights of
the Parish Council Chairs Meeting, which had immediately preceded the inaugural
session. Arlen Haruthunian (St. Sarkis Church, Dallas, TX) delivered the report
on behalf of the assembled parish council chairs of the Eastern Diocese.
The final session also saw
the passage of a revised budget of $5.7 million for 2026, and a balanced budget
of $5.5 million for 2027—both introduced and explained in a detailed visual presentation
by Diocesan Council treasurer Alex Topakbashian. He noted the steady recent increase
in income from annual fundraising and rental of the Diocesan facilities, and introduced
a new online “Diocesan Leadership Hub” that will link parishes for the sharing of
resources and communication.
The 124th Diocesan Assembly
adjourned ahead of schedule, but not before Bishop Mesrop approached the podium
a final time to lead the participants in prayer, and to thank the host parish, delegates,
staff, and all the Diocesan leaders for their ongoing activity in the church. “I
look forward,” he said, “to seeing you in your respective parishes, to walking this
journey together, and to seeing you at next year’s assembly.”
The 124th Diocesan Assembly
was also the occasion for the Annual Awards Banquet, the Diocesan Clergy Conference,
and the 37th Women’s Guild Assembly. Look for
expansive treatment of these gatherings in the near future.
The 125th Diocesan Assembly,
meeting in May of 2027, will convene in Providence, RI, hosted by Sts. Sahag and
Mesrob Church, in a format that will condense the assembly sessions to two days.
Click the following links
to:
· VIEW
PHOTOS of
the Assembly sessions, by photographers Mano Baghjajian and Donald Rask.
· WATCH
A SHORT VIDEO on
the Assembly and its related events.
***
Election Results of the 124th Diocesan Assembly
124th Assembly Officers
Herman
Purutyan (Watertown, MA)—Chair
Zaven
Kalayjian (Washington, DC)—Vice Chair
Laurie
Bejoian (Framingham, MA)—Secretary
Diocesan Board of Trustees (10-year term)
Haig Buchakjian
(Fair Lawn, NJ)
Nominating Committee (1-year term)
Michelle Babikian (Chicago, IL)—Chair
Lori Dorian
(Cambridge, MA)
Fr. Vart
Gyozalyan (Haverhill, MA)
Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian (Cambridge, MA)
Steve Migridichian (Worcester, MA)
Alternate:
Fr. Voskan
Hovhannisyan (Livingston, NJ)
Proposals Committee (1-year term)
Fr. Armash
Bagdasarian (Wynnewood, PA)—Chair
Fr. Tadeos
Barseghyan (Worcester, MA)
Antranig
Garibian (Cheltenham, PA)
Dn. Ara Jeknavorian (Chelmsford, MA)
Fr. Avedis
Kalayjian (Racine, WI)
Alternate: Greg Saraydarian (Bayside,
NY)
Auditing Committee (3-year term)
Mark Kashgegian
(Framingham, MA)
* * *
PHOTO CAPTION 1:
The 124th Assembly of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America convened April 30 to May 2, 2026, in Milwaukee, WI, hosted by
the city’s St. John the Baptist Armenian Church. It was the fourth Assembly to
be presided over by Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan—and the occasion
for the Diocese’s quadrennial election for the office of Primate, which saw
Bishop Mesrop re-elected to serve a second four-year term.
PHOTO CAPTION 2:
In a
departure from the usual Diocesan Assembly practice, the report of the Diocesan
Council was conducted in a panel format, in which Diocesan Council vice chair
Lisa Esayian directed interview questions to a
panel comprised of Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Diocesan Council chair
Richard Papalian and
interim Director of Ministries Fr. Hratch Sargsyan (shown here seated left to right).
# # #
—
Press Release: NAASR and Belmont Public Library Team Up for Children’s Event
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Press Release National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) 395 Concord Ave. Belmont, MA 02478 Tel.: 617-489-1610 Email:
Photo: Deborah Borsuk, Coordinator of Children’s Services at Belmont Public Library, reading
NAASR and Belmont Public Library Team Up for Children’s Event
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and the Belmont Public Library held their first joint children’s
The two neighboring organizations—both are headquartered on Concord Avenue in Belmont—had previously partnered on other programs, but this marked the start
The inaugural joint event was led by Deborah Borsuk, the Coordinator of Children’s
The event was joyful and warmly received, marking a meaningful beginning to this collaboration. The next program, “Once There Was and Was Not,” will take
Founded in 1955, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research is an independent nonprofit organization and a leading academic center for Armenian
Since 2022, NAASR has offered the
For more information about NAASR’s — New report accuses Armenian government of targeting Apostolic ChurchChristian Today
May 6 2026
A new report accuses Armenia’s government of carrying out an escalating campaign against the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church (AAHC). The report, from Christian Solidarity International (CSI), was written by international lawyer and historian Dr Peter Flew following a fact-finding visit to Armenia. It raises concerns about religious freedom, judicial independence and the rule of law, and coincides with major European diplomatic meetings in Yerevan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government is accused of using arrests, criminal charges, travel bans and public attacks to pressure the country’s ancient national church and its leadership. In the foreword, CSI President Dr John Eibner says the government is using “the coercive power of the state” to try to impose political control over the Armenian Apostolic Church. He warns that Western leaders building ties with Yerevan should “judiciously consider the contents of this disturbing report”. Dr Flew writes that Armenia is “systematically violating the freedom of religion or belief” in its campaign against the Church. He says the prime minister has used hostile rhetoric to undermine the Church’s authority, while bishops, parishioners and supporters have faced detention or legal restrictions. At the centre of the dispute is Catholicos Karekin II, the spiritual leader of Armenians worldwide. The report says Pashinyan and his ruling Civil Contract party’s manifesto has sought to remove him and reshape the Church’s internal governance, bringing it under state influence. Dr Flew calls this “unconscionable”, comparing it to a secular leader attempting to overthrow the Pope. The report also argues that the ruling Civil Contract party’s election manifesto marks a significant escalation, and risks crossing legal and constitutional boundaries by turning internal religious matters into state policy. It further details what he describes as continued attacks on the Catholicos, including public statements questioning his legitimacy, government-backed efforts to encourage dissenting bishops, and pressure surrounding liturgical practices. The report says these actions are designed to undermine the Catholicos’ authority and weaken the Church from within. It also points to alleged state interference in Church affairs, including the civil court reinstatement of a bishop removed by the Mother See, criminal charges against senior clergy, and travel bans that prevented Church leaders from attending major ecclesiastical events abroad. Legally, the report grounds its criticism in Armenia’s Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights and European Court of Human Rights case law. It argues that the state must remain neutral toward religious communities and cannot dictate religious leadership, sponsor rival factions or interfere in ecclesiastical governance. The report also places the church-state conflict within Armenia’s wider geopolitical crisis following the wars over Nagorno-Karabakh. Dr Eibner argues that the Church remains a major defender of Armenian national memory and identity, writing that it has served as “the sturdiest bulwark of the Armenian nation since its founding 1,700 years ago”. He added: “This national church kept the Armenian nation united for centuries when it was stateless. It sustained the Armenian nation throughout the great Armenian Genocide and the chain of anti-Armenian massacres, pogroms, ethno-religious cleansings that proceeded and followed it.” CSI says the government has portrayed the Church as a national security threat, including by implying links to Russian influence. The report rejects those claims, saying the Armenian Apostolic Church is not part of the Russian Orthodox Church and that the government has not provided convincing evidence of foreign-directed activity. The report highlights several cases, including the continued detention of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, arrests or restrictions involving other clergy, the case of church benefactor Samvel Karapetyan, and incidents involving parishioners during church services. It also includes a list of people described as prisoners of conscience or individuals subject to travel bans, house arrest or supervision. A brief response from the British government, cited in the report, notes that it recognises the violations, is monitoring the situation and expects Armenia to act in line with its constitutional and legal obligations while ensuring fair and transparent judicial processes. However, the report suggests such statements fall short of directly addressing serious violations of religious freedom. In its conclusion, the report says the infractions are “not isolated incidents”. It continues: “Taken together, they constitute a coordinated campaign that undermines the separation of church and state, and violate the autonomy of a religious community in a manner incompatible with Armenia’s constitutional order and its international obligations.” It warns that the campaign has already produced a human cost, with clergy and laypeople facing intimidation, detention and criminal proceedings. “Now is the moment for principled and coordinated action,” the report concludes. It urges Armenian authorities to cease political attacks on the Church, calling on Western governments – including the US – to tie deeper relations with Armenia to respect for religious freedom, transparency, democracy and the rule of law by defending the Church’s independence, pushing for the release of detained individuals, and engaging more actively with civil society groups monitoring human rights in Armenia. — Visual Arts Review: Witness and Wonder — Winslow Martin’s Armenia in FragmentMay 6 2026
Visual Arts Review: Witness and Wonder — Winslow Martin’s Armenia in Fragments of Daily LifeBy Lauren Kaufmann At Project Save, thirty black-and-white photographs capture the tenderness, turmoil, and enduring spirit of the Armenian experience. Winslow Martin: My Armenia (1999-2008), Project Save Photograph Archive, 600 Pleasant Street Gallery, Watertown on view through May 30. Winslow Martin, Pavstos Buzand Street, Yerevan. Photo courtesy of Project Save Photograph Archive. Project Save Photograph Archive in Watertown is devoted to collecting and preserving photographs that record the Armenian experience. With more than 150,000 images, the archive documents the everyday lives of Armenians, in their home country and around the globe. Massachusetts is home to a sizeable Armenian population—about 30,000 according to the 2020 census—and Project Save Photograph Archive is one of several Boston-based organizations devoted to bringing the history and culture of the people into sharper relief. Founded in 1975, the organization recently doubled its space at its Watertown home. The additional room gives Project Save Photograph Archive the opportunity to mount exhibitions of contemporary photography and host public programs. The organization is celebrating the expansion with a stunning exhibition of photographs: Winslow Martin: My Armenia (1999-2008). Martin’s thirty black-and-white photographs are dreamy, humorous, unsettling, and poignant. Placed together, his stirring images evoke the warmth of the people, the rugged beauty of their land, and the heartache that has touched so many lives. Although he isn’t Armenian, Martin has immersed himself in the culture, taking more than seventeen trips since 1999. Using his camera to capture everyday rituals, pastoral settings, family gatherings, and unexpected violence, Martin has produced a body of work that carries the emotional weight and natural beauty of life in Armenia. Martin began his sojourns to Armenia with Father Dajad Davidian, the pastor from St. James Armenian Church in Watertown. Since then, Martin has made dozens of solo trips, returning with images that capture the interplay of religion, family life, and political uncertainty woven into everyday Armenian life. The tempestuous history of the country seems never-ending, and Martin’s photographs mirror the ups and downs of everyday life. In The Day After October 27, 1999, Martin captures a moment of uncertainty, as a crowd gathers to learn what has happened in the House of Parliament. An older man angrily points his finger while onlookers search his face for answers. That day, a group of armed men had stormed the Parliament, killing the Prime Minister and several government officials. The incident led to a state of emergency and increased political tension. On a much lighter note, Wedding Reception shows a celebratory gathering at a table piled high with food and drink. The label explains that Martin was on his way to Stepanavan one night when he noticed lights and muffled sounds from a building in the distance. When he arrived at the building, Martin was greeted by a man who invited him in, and introduced him to the crowd of 600 revelers. Martin took photographs of the event and partook in a series of vodka toasts. The photo and its description comprise a lovely snapshot of a chance encounter that reveals the warmth and openness of the Armenian people. In Chkalofka, two men sit together, chatting. Martin says that he had just returned from a wedding when he noticed the men. Martin notes that this image is another sign of the hospitality that is woven into the fabric of Armenian life. He says that the tradition is especially notable in small villages, where people gather together while sharing coffee, fresh fruit, and chocolate. WInslow Martin, Picnic in Tsaghadzor. Photo Courtesy of Project Save Photograph Archive. In Picnic in Tsaghadzor, Winslow has come upon two teenage boys dangling across two large tree limbs, one right above the other. The boy splayed across the top limb gazes out at Winslow, while the boy below stares off into the distance. The boys are in the countryside, and their expressions are inscrutable. Are they weary after completing a difficult chore? Where is the picnic? Who else is at the picnic, and where are they? The composition — the boys lying in a tree against a misty pastoral background — is strangely captivating. Shushi, Artsakh offers another image of contrasts. A young child with raised arms appears to be jumping in front of abandoned buildings. The text informs you that Shushi had been a place of “living hope” until its citizens were killed by ethnic cleansing in 2023. The caption reads: “A homeland was gone, a history was stolen by armed force and threats of extinction. A joy that cannot be is what now persists.” In a lovely photograph called Pavstos Buzand Street, Yerevan, a man stands in the back of a pick-up truck, turning to smile at the woman sitting in the cab. She smiles to herself without turning to meet his gaze. A young boy stands next to the man, perhaps their son. It’s a sweet slice-of-life shot, a passing moment in these people’s lives. There’s no label accompanying this image, but you feel a tenderness passing between the man and woman. Despite the lack of background context, the image speaks for itself. Winslow Martin, Tightrope Walker. Photo courtesy of Project Save Photograph Archive. Of the thirty photographs in the exhibition, ten are accompanied by interpretive text. In most cases, the title of the photograph provides you with the necessary information. And, even when you’re not sure of the back story, the images are so striking and artfully composed that you can appreciate them for their intrinsic beauty. That said, there are a few images that would benefit from some explanatory text. For example, a magical photo called Tightrope Walker has a surreal quality; a young boy walks a tightrope with a mountain looming in the background. But then I wondered: Is it really a mountain or is it a backdrop? It’s such a dreamy image that it’s hard to know exactly what you’re looking. While I thoroughly enjoyed the photograph, I left wanting to know more. Martin’s work is full of these fleeting moments. The appeal of his work lies in his gift for catching the ephemeral nature of life. Through his many trips to Armenia, Martin has used his camera to express the simple, yet profound, beauty of a people who cherish their country and culture. It’s a beauty that’s all the more precious knowing all that these people have endured over so many years. Lauren Kaufmann has worked in the museum field for the past 14 years and has curated a number of exhibitions. — Jerusalem: Armenian Quarter residents descend from genocide survivors, bishopThe Jerusalem post
May 6 2026
Dating back nearly two millennia, the Armenian Church’s presence in Jerusalem is widely considered the longest unbroken Christian presence in the Old City.BySAM HALPERNMAY 6, 2026 16:43Updated: MAY 6, 2026 18:36
The Armenian community living inside the largely closed monastic compound of the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City is largely comprised of the descendants of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, a senior cleric of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem told The Jerusalem Post. “Only clergymen and pilgrims used to live inside the compound,” said Bishop Koryun Baghdasaryan. “But after the Armenian Genocide, 10,000 refugees arrived in Jerusalem. And what you see now, the Armenians living inside the convent, they are, in fact, the descendants of those genocide survivors.” The Armenian Genocide was perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks in the early 20th century. It ultimately resulted in the murder of over a million Armenians. Monuments to the genocide dot various areas of the quarter. Baghdasaryan, who serves as Dean of the manor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, spoke to the Post ahead of a series of Jerusalem tours organized by educational non-profit Yad Ben Zvi. The community there is deeply connected to its Christian faithThe tours, set to take place this week, will include a visit to the Armenian Quarter itself, an area that is mainly private and off-limits to the general public. The community there, which lives under the auspices of the church, is deeply connected to its Christian faith. “Armenia was the first country that adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301,” Baghdasaryan said. “So right after 301, Armenian pilgrims started to come to Jerusalem, to the Holy Land, in search of the holy places. And some of them settled here in Jerusalem. And in this way, the Armenian presence in the Holy Land started.” According to Baghdasaryan, the Armenian Patriarchate was established a century and a half later. He said that since then, facilitating pilgrimage to the Holy Land has been central to the Armenian church’s mission. He explained that many pilgrims would initially arrive at the Jaffa Port. An Armenian Church abbot would collect them from the port and host them at a nearby monastery. Pilgrims would then make their way on foot, stopping at another monastery in Ramle along the way. After resting there, they would continue their journey to Jerusalem the next day, arriving late at night. Later, safeguarding the community that emerged inside the Old City after the Armenian Genocide became a critical piece of the church’s purpose, Baghdasaryan said. “We take them as a part of our church, and their existence is only encouraging us in carrying out our mission, which is to protect our rights in the holy places, to venerate all those holy places, and, of course, to organize pilgrimage to the Holy Land,” the bishop added. Dating back nearly two millennia, the Armenian Church’s presence in Jerusalem is widely considered the longest unbroken Christian presence in the Old City. The wives of different Crusader kings, including King Baldwin I and King Baldwin II, Arda of Armenia and Morphia of Melitene, respectively, were Armenian. Various mosaics that showcase Armenian history in the Land of Israel are featured throughout the Armenian Quarter. Those mosaics are set to be viewed by visitors touring the quarter this week. Yad Ben Zvi’s Jerusalem Marathon of Tours, which is being held for the 29th year, comes ahead of “Jerusalem Week.” Between May 6-9, around 120 guided tours will be held around the city at a flat rate of NIS 50 per tour. Advance registration and ticket purchase are available on the Yad Ben-Zvi website. https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-895317 — Armenian sports minister meets executives in charge of UEFA stadium developmenArmenia12:37, 6 May 2026
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The Armenian sports minister on Wednesday met with executives of a leading company in charge of UEFA Category 4 stadium construction and renovation projects in the country. Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Zhanna Andreasyan met on May 6 with representatives of VenueERA Holding, led by CEO Jan Jenca. According to a press release issued by the ministry, Andreasyan emphasized the importance of the stadium construction and reconstruction projects ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2029, noting that FIFA has approved the joint bid of Armenia and Georgia to host the event. Within the framework of the tournament, matches in Armenia will be held in Yerevan, Vanadzor, and Ijevan. The minister stressed that the project is of strategic importance not only for the development of sports infrastructure, but also for regional tourism and broader infrastructure improvements. She underlined the need to ensure timely implementation of the works in accordance with international standards. During the meeting, the main stages of project implementation were discussed, as well as issues related to compliance with FIFA and UEFA technical requirements. It was noted that, according to current regulations, stadiums must be completed and operational at least six months before the tournament. A number of infrastructure-related issues were also discussed, including road accessibility, logistics, water supply, fire safety systems, and the expansion of surrounding areas. It was noted that an interagency working group will be formed to ensure effective implementation of the project, involving all relevant bodies. The Armenian government had earlier allocated funding for the projects. Authorities in Armenia estimate that over 100,000 football fans will arrive in the country during the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2029. Read the article in: Armenian:
Published by Armenpress, original at Latvia welcomes Armenia’s EU pathPolitics12:46, 6 May 2026
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Latvia has welcomed Armenia’s decision to move towards the EU. “We praise the decision by Armenia to launch the pathway to the European Union,” Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said at a panel discussion during Yerevan Dialogue 2026. “And as your prime minister [Pashinyan] said, whether you join or not, that is a different decision by Armenians, but the road itself, the reforms itself is an excellent process, so I commend our Armenian friend and colleagues and partners for that road,” she added. She further added: “We did the same. When we decided to join the EU, we started the process that profoundly changed Latvia. We joined the EU in 2004, but it took quite a bit of time. And the reforms that we went through have made us stronger, more resilient, and of course also much more prosperous. The life expectancy, the health situation, the roads, the infrastructure—everything is better. I am not even mentioning security and the partnerships and friendships that we have within the EU.” FM Braže lauded the joint declaration adopted at the inaugural Armenia-EU Summit on May 5, emphasizing that it reflects significant support, including political, financial, economic, and other commitments. Read the article in: EspañolفارسیՀայերենRussian
Published by Armenpress, original at Armenian FM says ‘real peace’ has been established with AzerbaijanPolitics13:26, 6 May 2026
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Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan reiterated that peace has been established with Azerbaijan, even though the treaty initialed at a US-brokered summit in 2025 has not yet been signed. “We already have real peace,” Mirzoyan said at a panel discussion at the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 international forum. “We do not have unfortunate incidents on the border with Azerbaijan, and for more than a year there have been no casualties caused by shootings at the border. Moreover, Azerbaijan has lifted restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia through its territory. This is already a major step toward peace. We have also started bilateral trade with Azerbaijan; we are purchasing petroleum products from Azerbaijan, and we will also sell certain goods to Azerbaijani companies. This is truly proof of peace. I cannot say that all issues have been resolved. We have had a very bloody conflict; the wounds are still very fresh, and both peoples still need real reconciliation. There are unresolved issues, particularly of a humanitarian nature; there are detainees. But the path is very optimistic,” Mirzoyan said. Read the article in: English
Published by Armenpress, original at FM: Armenia–Türkiye dialogue ‘excellent,’ matured for positive outcomesPolitics13:35, 6 May 2026
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Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan believes that dialogue between Armenia and Türkiye has matured sufficiently to produce positive results. He described the dialogue between the two countries as “excellent.” “We have excellent dialogue with Türkiye,” Mirzoyan said at a panel discussion during the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 forum. “There have been many opportunities for cooperation. Just yesterday, our representatives [for normalization] signed a memorandum to jointly restore the historic Ani Bridge, which is on the Armenia–Türkiye border. A week ago, the third meeting of the working group took place, which is trying to restore the railway connection between Armenia and Türkiye via the Gyumri–Kars route. So, we have many cases of cooperation, but the [land] border remains generally closed. We have expressed mutual readiness to establish diplomatic relations, and we have expressed our mutual interest and willingness to fully open the border. There was an agreement in the first stage to open the border for third-country nationals and diplomats, but to this day the border remains closed. Some agreements are being implemented, some are still being developed, but I can say with confidence that this will happen, because Armenia–Türkiye dialogue has reached a sufficient level for positive results,” Mirzoyan said. Türkiye unilaterally closed its land border with Armenia in 1993. The two countries have intensified normalization efforts in recent years and reached an agreement that the first phase would envisage opening the border to citizens of third countries as well as diplomats. The parties are also exploring the relaunch of the Gyumri–Kars railway. On May 4, on the margins of the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia and Türkiye signed a memorandum of understanding on the restoration of the historic Ani Bridge. Read the article in: العربيةEspañolHayerenРусский中文
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