Due to the “Vardavar 2026” celebration to be celebrated in Republic Square on July 12, the entrance of vehicles to Republic Square and adjacent streets will be closed from 07:00 to 24:00 on July 12.
The one-way narrow street adjacent to the children’s zone to be located near the Shahumyan statue (between the Shahumyan statue and Shahumyan Square) will also be closed on July 11, from 18:00 to July 12, including 24:00.
Yerevan Municipality informs about this.
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The officers of the Jermuk community police department received operative information that illegal mining is being carried out in one of the sites of the area called “Eghniki Sar”.
According to the police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, when checking the information, it was found that a limited liability company has been extracting basalt ore for 20 days without a license and permission and transporting it to its leased processing workshop, where the finished stone is sold.
On July 8, while carrying out illegal mining, the driver of the crawler excavator and the truck driver were arrested in the given area and transferred to the Jermuk department.
The truck loaded with ore and the excavator were taken under surveillance at the scene.
The prepared documents were submitted to the preliminary investigation body.
The extent of the damage to the state and other circumstances are being clarified.
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The National Archives of Armenia informs visitors that from August 10 to 31, 2026 inclusive, the reading room of the National Archives of Armenia will not be open for visitors, due to the verification of the availability and completeness of archive files, assessment of the physical condition of documents, return of files to archives, recalculation and other organizational processes.
“The mentioned works are carried out in order to ensure the proper preservation and accounting of archival documents, as well as to improve the quality of user service. Please take this into account when planning your visit and activities.
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding,” the post on Facebook said.
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During today’s court session, the second president of Armenia, Robert Kocharian, explained the logic of the decisions he made in March 2008.
“If I had not introduced a state of emergency on March 1, today I would have been tried for inaction,” Kocharyan said. He called the proceeding a “theatre of the absurd”, stressing that all his steps were fully in line with the Constitution in force at that moment and were aimed exclusively at preserving statehood and preventing chaos.
“Until now, neither the investigative body nor the prosecutor’s office have been able to clearly formulate what specifically I exceeded my powers,” the ex-president said. Kocharyan paid special attention to the decision to declare a state of emergency on the evening of March 1.
According to him, at that time the situation was completely out of control. “When I signed the decree, about forty cars were already burning, several dozen servicemen were injured by shrapnel, one captain was in a serious condition. And now, 15 years later, the investigator declares that it was not enough,” said Kocharyan.
He reminded that very young boys, 18-19-year-old conscripts, served in the police forces at that time. “Today, years later, one can almost judge whether it was necessary and whether I did the right thing. But at that moment it was my constitutional right and direct duty. Let me repeat once more. if I didn’t make that decision then, I would be tried today for criminal negligence,” Robert Kocharyan concluded.
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The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia informs that the regulation of “parental hours” comes into force today.
“What does this mean?”
Working parents (including foster parents, adoptive parents and guardians) may be temporarily absent during the working day to participate in child care, upbringing, educational processes or other important matters arising from the interests of the child.
How will the new regulation work?
Parental time is provided in the following amount:
for a parent with 1 or 2 children under 12 years old, up to 30 minutes a day,
• up to 1 hour per day for parents with 3 or more children under 12 years old,
• to the parent of a child with a severe or profound limitation of functionality under the age of 18, up to 1 hour per day, regardless of the number of children.
How to use?
Parental time is provided based on the employee’s written application, and the employer cannot refuse it.
It is important to know.
During the application of parental time, the basic salary of the employee is preserved, and in the case of those who are paid on a commission basis, the average salary (except for bonus amounts).”
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GYUMRI — For the past decade, the Shirvanian Youth Center has been shaping the next generation of Gyumri youth through education, leadership development, volunteerism, and cultural preservation.
As the Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, the “We Are Gyumri” Committee proudly marks this milestone with the launch of the 2026 Amaras Summer Day Camp, the opening of applications for the 2026 to 2027 Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship Program, and a special anniversary celebration on July 13 honoring the visionaries, donors, volunteers, and partners whose commitment has helped transform thousands of young lives.
Since opening its doors in 2016, the Shirvanian Youth Center has become one of Gyumri’s premier educational and cultural institutions. Over the past ten years, it has served more than 5,000 children and young adults, organized more than 300 educational and cultural programs, hosted over 20 summer camps, welcomed more than 1,000 children from Artsakh, awarded more than 100 scholarships to university students across Shirak Province, mobilized 500 volunteers who have contributed over 15,000 hours of community service, established more than 100 partnerships, and launched over 50 educational, artistic, and skills-development initiatives.
What began as a vision to invest in Armenia’s youth has grown into a lasting movement that continues to strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations.
The anniversary celebration will also commemorate the naming of the Marguerite Youredjian Hall, made possible through the generous support of Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian in loving memory of Mr. Youredjian’s mother, Marguerite Youredjian. A woman whose life was defined by compassion and service, Marguerite devoted years to helping families in Gyumri recover from the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake by providing critical aid, housing, and hope to those who had lost everything.
She lived by the guiding philosophy of “Love in Action,” a principle that continues to inspire her family’s philanthropic efforts, including support for housing initiatives, university scholarships, rural development, and educational opportunities throughout Armenia. Longtime supporters of the We Are Gyumri initiative, the Youredjian family has played a significant role in advancing the Center’s mission and expanding opportunities for young Armenians.
The Shirvanian Youth Center stands today because of the extraordinary generosity of its many supporters, beginning with the late Hacob and Mina Shirvanian, whose lifelong commitment to education and cultural advancement inspired the creation of the Center. Named in their honor, the Center continues to carry forward their legacy through the steadfast dedication of their daughter, Alice Petrossian, and her husband, Vahik, whose continued leadership and support have been instrumental to the Center’s ongoing success. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Vahik and Alice Petrossian have remained unwavering champions of the Center, helping to expand its impact and ensure that the Shirvanian’s vision continues to enrich the lives of generations of young Armenians.
Founded on July 11, 2016, through the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S. Central Committee’s We Are Gyumri initiative, the Center was established on the belief that educated, engaged, and values-driven youth are the foundation of a strong Armenia. Housed in a restored historic building that was severely damaged during the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, the Center has become a vibrant symbol of renewal, resilience, and hope while serving as a meaningful bridge between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.
Continuing its investment in Armenia’s future, the Center is launching Amaras 2026, its annual summer day camp inspired by the historic Amaras Monastery in Artsakh, where Mesrop Mashtots established the first Armenian school. The program brings together hundreds of children and teenagers for an immersive experience centered on Armenian identity, history, leadership, community service, environmental stewardship, the arts, and teamwork.
Interviews are now taking place for the 2026 to 2027 Mina Shirvanian Nominal Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to university and vocational students while encouraging academic excellence, civic engagement, and volunteer service.
As the Shirvanian Youth Center enters its second decade, it remains steadfast in its mission to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of Armenian leaders. By investing in young people today, the Center continues to strengthen Armenia’s future while preserving the values, identity, and spirit that define the Armenian nation.
The Shirvanian Youth Center is one of Gyumri’s leading educational and cultural institutions, providing free educational programs, scholarships, youth leadership initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement programs that empower young Armenians and strengthen the bond between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.
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HOLLYWOOD — The Armenian Youth Federation Hollywood Soghomon Tehlirian Juniors Chapter announced the launch of the inaugural AYF Hollywood Juniors Scholarship Program for its chapter members. This new initiative is dedicated to recognizing and supporting student members who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service, active involvement in the AYF and Armenian community, leadership, and academic achievement.
The scholarship program seeks to encourage and reward dedicated AYF Hollywood Juniors members as they continue their educational journeys through high school. Selected recipients will receive financial assistance to help offset tuition and other school-related expenses.
Eligible applicants must have completed their sophomore year of high school and maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. They must also have been active members of the AYF Hollywood Juniors for at least one year and demonstrated meaningful involvement in community service. As part of the application process, a personal essay, an official transcript, and one letter of recommendation are required.
Applications will be reviewed by AYF Hollywood Musa Ler Senior Chapter members, who will serve as the scholarship selection committee. Recipients will be selected through an evaluation of academic achievement, community involvement, leadership, and personal reflection.
“The AYF has long been dedicated to developing future leaders within our community,” said Meghmik Babakhanian, AYF Hollywood Juniors Program Advisor. “Through this scholarship program we hope to recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their education and service to others while encouraging them to continue making a positive impact in their communities.”
“The launch of this scholarship program is an investment in the future of our community,” said Arda Tazian, Chairperson of the AYF Hollywood Musa Ler Chapter. “Our Juniors members dedicate countless hours to serving others, strengthening their Armenian identity, and developing as leaders. As the selection committee for this scholarship, the AYF Hollywood Musa Ler Chapter looks forward to recognizing and supporting students whose commitment to service, leadership, and community involvement reflects the values of our organization.”
Applications will open on July 15 and close on August 15, with scholarship recipients being notified by the end of August.
The AYF Hollywood Juniors Scholarship Program reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering Armenian youth, fostering academic success, and strengthening community engagement for future generations.
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RT.com
Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus were posing during a call as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who has mounted a massive crackdown on the Orthodox clergy
OSCE Secretary-General Feridun Sinirlioglu, who is Turkish, offered to help oust the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC), in a phone call with Russian pranksters posing as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
In recent years, Pashinyan has cracked down on the Orthodox clergy, with several senior bishops placed in custody on corruption and political interference charges. The feud between the Western-leaning prime minister and the AAC intensified after the clergy expressed support for the political opposition.
In a phone call earlier this week, Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus told Sinirlioglu, a Turkish national, that the Armenian government wants the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to help oust the AAC head, Catholicos Karekin II.
The pranksters told the OSCE secretary general that the organization’s “assistance would be the trump card and help oust the Armenian patriarch as well as change the religion” in the country, as quoted by Russian media.
Vovan and Lexus, posing as Pashinyan, specifically asked for the OSCE’s backing in case there was a backlash from the opposition.
“Alright, I will do all I can,” Sinirlioglu reportedly said in response.
Created at the height of the Cold War in 1975, the OSCE comprises 57 member states, including Russia, the US, Canada, and most European and Central Asian nations. While the organization professes to promote security and cooperation, Moscow has in recent years accused it of being hijacked by its NATO and EU members to advance Western agendas.
Last October, the Armenian authorities detained Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan, head of the Diocese of Aragatsotn and the nephew of Catholicos Karekin II. Five other clergymen were apprehended along with him.
The Armenian Investigative Committee stated at the time that the arrests had been made as part of an investigation into alleged abuse of power. Weeks earlier, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan was sentenced to two years in prison on charges of coup incitement – a case the AAC cleric characterized as politically motivated.
Last month, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleged that the EU was pressuring the Armenian government to expel the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) from the country as a prerequisite to potential EU integration.
Russia and Armenia have historically maintained close political, economic and cultural ties. However, under Pashinyan, the country has increasingly adopted a pro-Western stance. Yerevan has accused Moscow of failing to stop its neighbor Azerbaijan from reclaiming the Nagorno-Karabakh region through military force in September 2023.
Russian officials have, in turn, noted that it was Pashinyan himself who had recognized Baku’s sovereignty over the disputed territory. The Kremlin has also warned that by severing ties with the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) in favor of hypothetical EU integration, Armenia would have to forgo the “concrete dividends” afforded by the EEU.
The Armenian opposition has, in turn, pointed the finger squarely at Pashinyan over the defeat in the conflict with Azerbaijan.
Pashinyan’s government has responded by prosecuting a number of opposition figures and members of the clergy.
Last month, Pashinyan’s pro-EU ruling party, Civil Contract, came out on top in hotly contested parliamentary elections, securing 49% of the vote. The opposition petitioned the constitutional court to annul the results of the June 7 elections, citing alleged violations.
Regulars crowd around the bar at Mama Jan (Photo by author)
Just off of a major Yerevan street, there is a bar with a long-standing reputation as a center of the local Jewish community. It was, after all, founded by an Israeli who had cultivated a space there where Jews fleeing the Russia-Ukraine war could gather for Hanukkah celebrations and listen to lectures on the Jewish state’s history. But this past spring, the founder passed the keys to her beloved Mama Jan bar to a Palestinian refugee.
“I gave him a very cheap price, not the Jewish way,” Julia Kislev joked with a great laugh. “And he said ‘Yalla.’”
Khoren Nalbandian is the new face behind the counter, though calling him simply a Palestinian refugee only scratches the surface of his multi-faceted identity. Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, Nalbandian’s lineage traces back to Gaziantep in modern-day Turkey, from which his Armenian ancestors fled a century ago during the genocide. His great-grandparents took refuge in Jerusalem, but when catastrophe hit Palestine, they fled once again to Aleppo.
Inheriting Palestinian refugee status, he was restricted from traveling freely and consequently lived in Beirut illegally. While his friends growing up in the city were visiting Europe and participating in student exchange programs, Nalbandian was not allowed to, causing him to label himself “Bird without wings” on the then-popular MSN Messenger instant-messaging client.
“Everyone else around me was flying and seeing other cultures, but I couldn’t,” Nalbandian said. “So I felt like a bird just like them, only without wings.”
Julia Kislev with Khoren Nalbandian (Photo by author)After eventually moving to Macedonia and spending over a decade there, he managed to obtain citizenship in the Balkan country. From that point on, he lived all over the world, intentionally picking expat-friendly locations with booming economies like the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Switzerland and Kazakhstan.
“I always kept moving, maybe it’s because of a childhood trauma feeling that one day someone might cut my wings or take them back,” Nalbandian said. “Everywhere I went, I met different nationalities and different people with different backgrounds. The more people you meet, the more you learn about coexistence, how to understand and help each other.”
Though he cherished having the ability to see the world at long last, Nalbandian would ultimately come to realize he wanted to finally settle down. His opportunity came: in 2023, a major Armenia-based information technology company headhunted him for a new sales position. Hearing about how Yerevan had been developing into an international metropolis in recent years, he felt it was the right time to make the move.
One day soon after he settled in Armenia, Nalbandian visited Mama Jan with a friend, who introduced him to Kislev. The two clicked immediately, bonding over their shared love of Lebanese beer and the cosmopolitan culture of Yerevan.
Together, the two hosted themed nights at Mama Jan that merged Lebanese and Russian-Jewish culture. Out of that grew a close-knit friend group that would hang out at each other’s homes or travel outside the city. Such a connection forming may seem unusual, but Nalbandian was not surprised.
Julia Kislev with a Mama Jan regular (Photo by author)“The only thing as a person that I don’t accept is extremism or nationalism. I cannot be a nationalist because I have so many nationalities and identities within me,” said Nalbandian, who obtained his Armenian citizenship last month. “Imagine if I become a nationalist, I’d start having bipolar issues and I would become a danger to myself. So when I met Julia, I simply met an amazing human being, a lovely lady and a professional in her field.”
Since taking ownership of Mama Jan, Nalbandian has remodeled the interior and is planning a menu overhaul for later this month, pulling from global cuisines to reinforce his proclaimed ethos of “stories without borders.” He is also planning to rename the bar to Papa Jan after regulars joked that “Mama is gone and now Papa is here.”
Kislev, for her part, is excited to see Nalbandian’s take on a space she worked so hard to build. “One of the ideas of this place is that it’s personal,” she said. “It’s not unnamed, it needs a signature.”
Ultimately, both Nalbandian and Kislev share the same vision for what the bar should be all about.
“What I’m trying to do everyday with this business is to create a venue that is a safe space for everyone, from across the world, to come and share their stories,” Nalbandian said. “We can do that here, especially nowadays in Yerevan. It’s a peace crossroad.”
As part of the Library of Congress’ popular Live! at the Library summer series, visitors are invited to explore 250 years of Armenian American history through an evening of conversation and a special display of rare collection materials on Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room LJ-119 in the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Presented by the Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division, “Armenian American Heritage at 250: Reflections from the Library’s Collections” will feature Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, Armenian and Georgian specialist at the Library of Congress, who will examine the rich documentary record of Armenian life in the United States preserved in the national library.
Drawing on manuscripts, rare books, maps, photographs and other unique holdings, the program explores the lives, achievements and contributions of Armenian individuals and communities across the United States. The presentation offers a rare opportunity to discover how the Library’s collections illuminate more than two centuries of Armenian American history.
The evening will also include a curated display of selected collection items in Room LJ-113, allowing visitors to view original materials that complement the lecture. A reception will follow.
The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested at: https://www.loc.gov/item/event-421422/live-at-the-library-armenian-american-heritage-at-250-reflections-from-the-librarys-collections/2026-07-16/