20:36,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. The Tbilisi International Airport failed to receive several flights on January 11 due to fog.
According to Georgian media, the Georgian Airways airline operating a flight from Moscow landed in Kutaisi.
Flights from Yerevan, Tehran, and Baku were forced to return. The flight from Yerevan to Tbilisi was operated by the Air Dilijans airline.
21:09,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. The Finnish government has decided to keep the crossings on the border with Russia closed for one more month, Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah said, reports Tass.
A number of Finnish media reported earlier that checkpoints would be closed for a month.
"In this case, I can confirm information that has been made public," Essayah, who is a candidate for Finnish president, said in an interview with the Yle television channel.
In November 2023, Finland closed all eight of its motorway crossings on the eastern border, saying the move was motivated by Russia’s alleged campaign to let migrants from third countries reach the Finnish border.
Two crossings were opened on December 12 only to be closed again on December 14 for a period of one month "due to security considerations," according to the Finnish side.
On January 9, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that Helsinki would not reopen the border crossings after January 14. The cabinet was expected too make a decision on this matter on January 11.
21:38,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. On January 5, 2024, at the Palazzo di Città (headquarters of the Municipality of Bari), Prof. Carlo Coppola, the president of the “Hrand Nazariantz” Study Center—Italian by birth and Armenian by choice—was honored with the "pro manibus" Gratitude Medal. The award was presented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, Tsovinar Hambardzumyan, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Vahagn Khachaturyan.
The Armenian ambassador had a confidential meeting with Prof. Eugenio Di Sciascio, the deputy mayor (Rector Emeritus of the Polytechnic of Bari). The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Bari, Hon. Vito Leccese, Dr. Giuseppe Cascella, President of the Culture Commission. The Armenian side was represented by Dr. Dario Rupen Timurian, Head of the Armenian Community of Bari, Prof. Coppola, and Dr. Siranush Quaranta.
The meeting also served as an opportunity to further strengthen relations between Armenia and the City of Bari. Among the topics addressed were the intensification of cooperation in cultural and educational fields, high technology—which is highly developed in Puglia—tourism, and transportation.
The parties also discussed the significant opportunities arising from the increasing economic exchange between Armenia and Italy. Following the private meeting, the deputy mayor of Bari congratulated the ambassador and the representatives of the Armenian community of Bari for their courtesy and the high quality of the conversation, full of diverse and concrete ideas. The ceremony continued in the City Council Hall, welcoming the community, friends, and supporters of the Armenian Cause who filled the hall.
In her speech Ambassador Hambardzumyan underlined the strength of the bond between Armenia and the City of Bari, citing the village of “Nor Arax” near Bari (which one hundred years ago welcomed many Armenian refugees fleeing the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire), the life and work of the great Armenian poet from Bari Hrand Nazariantz and the presence, on the Emperor Augustus seafront, of the “khachkar” created by the Armenian architect Ashot Grigoryan and donated by the Armenian community to the city, symbolizing the historical bond between the two peoples dating back to the 9th century.
“I'm happy to be back in this city. The Armenian Khachkar, the Nor Arax village, the small but qualified community of my compatriots make me feel like a piece of Armenia in this wonderful and iconic city. This city captured my heart and I wanted to spend my holidays right here. I am very honored to have presented this medal of Gratitude to Carlo Coppola, 'Italian by birth and Armenian by adoption', on behalf of the President of the Republic. A man who was able to profoundly grasp the essence of our people and who allowed himself to be captured by the dreams of the Armenian poet Hrant Naziarants who, right here in Bari, together with the other refugees, founded the Village of Nor Arax. A historian who has always been able to deal with even the most painful aspects such as the genocide and ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan with professionalism and great sensitivity,'' said the Ambassador.
Carlo Coppola on the occasion of the awarding of the Medal of Gratitude described the technical, legislative and moral significance of the Medal received.
“I am honored to receive this Medal which on July 21st the President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan wanted to award me, in a completely unexpected and surprising way for me, a medal which is awarded for a great personal contribution, many years of dedication and fruitful work in the development of state, economic, social, scientific and technical spheres, public activities, healthcare, education and culture.
As many know, the work of the Armenian and Bari poet Hrand Nazariantz instilled in me the love for this people, apparently so distant.
This Love was increased by one of his noblest spiritual heirs, Rupen Timurian and finally by my wife Tamar and my children Nicholas and Armen whom we educate in Sacred Devotion to both languages and cultures and Homelands.
I thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Armenia for bestowing on me the honor of this Medal, His Excellency Tsovinar Hambardzumyan, Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia in Italy, who presented my name.
I thank the Mayor of my city, the municipal administration, councilor Giuseppe Cascella, organizer of this meeting, who has shown sympathy and closeness to the Republic of Armenia since its foundation in 1991.
I dedicate a thought to the Armenian Community of Puglia and Bari, the ancient one and the contemporary one, small, but strong in resilience, which welcomed me into its ranks, among them the prof. Arthur Timurian, Dean Rupen Timurian and Mrs. Nicoletta Timurian, their sister My friend Siranush Quaranta, mother Araxi and brother Tito, they are present today in this hall.
Allow me to give a special thank you to Dr. Dario Rupen Timurian, promoter of this today event. He combines Italian and Armenian skills as an honest and far-sighted entrepreneur.
I would like to dedicate a final thought to the Servant of God Father Francesco di Vittorio da Rutigliano, a fellow citizen of our metropolitan city, who on 23 January 1920 fell as a martyr in defense of 20 Armenian orphans, of the values of the Faith and of the universal ones of brotherhood, equality and freedom so strenuously professed by the Armenian and Italian people. In the 1920s, the Italian port city of Bari became an island of salvation for a few dozen survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian refugees founded the village of "Nor Arax" here. The surviving compatriots were brought to Italy by the writer, public figure Hrand Nazariantz, who left his native Istanbul in the spring of 1913 and with the help of the writer Yenovk Armen,’’ said Carlo Coppola.
During the ceremony, the Armenian community of Bari presented two plaques as a gift: one dedicated to Mayor Antonio Decaro, highlighting his commitment "to actions of peace and dialogue between the peoples who have always inhabited the city territory," while the other was presented to Giuseppe Cascella "for his sensitivity shown towards the Armenian people during his presidency of the Council Culture Commission."
An armed mob attacked the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem on Dec. 28
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has strongly condemned the recent brutal attack on the Armenian Quarter in East Jerusalem by armed mobs associated with an Israeli-Australian businessman Danny Rubenstein. It reiterates the call to protect the cultural heritage of the Armenian Quarter and respect the will of its residents, who continue to resist the forcible development of their land.
The most recent incidence of violence occurred on December 28, 2023, when an armed mob of about thirty people associated with Israeli-Australian businessman Danny Rubenstein attacked the historical area called Goveroun Bartez (the “Cows’ Garden”), injuring several Armenians, including a priest and students of the Theological Seminary. According to the local activists, two Armenian residents were arrested by Israeli police while none of the attackers were apprehended.
This incident, together with others, occurred after a controversial land development deal was canceled by the Armenian Patriarchate in November. The deal, originally signed by the Armenian Patriarchate in July 2021, would have granted Danny Rubenstein’s company, XANA, rights to build a luxury hotel on the property, destroying many historic buildings in the area. The deal was canceled after the Patriarchate faced pressure from the local Armenian community, the greater Armenian Diaspora, and Palestinian authorities. Since November, XANA has sought to claim the Cows’ Garden by use of force.
Prior to the attacks in the Armenian Quarter, there were other incidents in which Israeli extremists harassed Jerusalem Armenians. For instance, on January 29, 2023, an Armenian restaurant in the Christian Quarter of East Jerusalem was attacked. Continuing harassment and attacks on Jerusalemite Armenians together with coercive and possibly illegal construction in the Cows’ Garden pose an existential threat to the oldest Armenian Diaspora community in the world. This threat is very alarming, especially after the tragic fate of the 4000 year-old Armenian community in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), where, in September, Azerbaijan forcibly displaced more than 100,000 Artsakh Armenians – the entire Artsakh population – from their ancestral home to Armenia.
“In the context of the violent climate against Christians in Israel fueled by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s far-right government and the ongoing genocide against Palestinians unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank, attacks on the Armenian Quarter can be also viewed as another attempt by Israeli extremists to create a homogenized Jewish ethnostate in Palestinian territories. It is crucial for international organizations and the UN to keep an eye on the tense situation in the Armenian Quarter and protect the 1600-year-old neighborhood and its inhabitants from violence and elimination,” the Lemkin Institute said.
The Lemkin Insitute stressed that such events contribute to an environment conducive to mass atrocities and genocide; recognizing and responding to these warning signs promptly is essential for preventing further escalation against Armenians. Moreover, it expressed full support for the resistance of Jerusalemite Armenians and calls on relevant authorities to ensure the safety and territorial integrity of the Armenian Quarter and the rest of East Jerusalem by all necessary means.
ANCA-WR staff and activists with LA County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Holly Mitchell
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a motion introduced by ANCA Western Region-endorsed candidate for re-election, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and seconded by Supervisor Holly Mitchell on Tuesday.
The motion calls for a letter signed by the full Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to the Biden Administration urging for concrete action to address Azerbaijan’s ongoing illegal detention of Armenian hostages.
The motion also calls on the Biden Administration to impose sanctions against Azerbaijani leadership pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on the grounds of Azerbaijan’s illegal detention, torture, and extrajudicial killing of Armenian POWs and hostages, as well as suspending all United States military and economic assistance to Azerbaijan.
Additionally, the motion urges thee leadership of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to move forward on the passage of H. Res. 861 (introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff and supported by Reps. Valadao and Bilirakis), which calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all prisoners of war and captured civilians. ANCA Western Region staff and other Armenian community organizations attended the hearing to speak in support of the motion, urging for its passage.
This motion was introduced in light of growing concerns about inhumane treatment and conditions for the Armenian hostages held in Azerbaijani detention.
Azerbaijani authorities most recently have arrested and detained three of Artsakh’s former presidents, Artsakh’s former foreign minister David Babayn and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, along with Artsakh Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan.
The ANCA-WR honored Babayan with its Freedom Award in 2022 and hosted a downhill forum with Vardanyan at the start of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh.
Azerbaijan has also illegally detained civilians, among them the 68-year-old Vagif Khatchatryan, who was arrested at an unlawfully implemented Azerbaijani checkpoint as he was being transported for urgent medical care by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“This is about accountability,” said Supervisor Barger. “We need to hold Azerbaijan accountable for violations of humanitarian law. As leaders of a country that is home to the greatest number of Armenians outside of Armenia itself, we must do what is within our power and use our voice to condemn Azerbaijan’s violations of human rights and urge the return of all Armenian hostages and prisoners of war. We have a moral obligation to do so. I am proud to stand in solidarity with the Armenian community.”
“The conflict between Azerbaijan and the people of Armenia impacts our Armenian community in Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Mitchell. “ We must make it clear that these crimes against humanity will not be tolerated by our government. We support the Biden administration in urging the Azerbaijan government to immediately return all Armenian prisoners of war and work toward a solution for lasting peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”
“The ANCA Western Region welcomes this motion, which brings further attention to the suffering and hardships endured by the people of Artsakh, and Azerbaijan’s Armenian hostages,” said Nora Hovsepian, Esq., Chair of the ANCA Western Region Board of Directors. “Now, more than ever, it is vital that policymakers and community advocates work tirelessly to secure their release, and ensure accountability for Azerbaijan’s numerous violations of humanitarian and international law.”
The ANCA-WR urges the community to take action by urging members of Congress to take urgent and tangible action to end Azerbaijan’s illegal detention of Armenian hostages, and demand accountability for Azerbaijan’s crimes against humanity.
The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan was interviewed by reporters in Baku on Jan. 10
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on Wednesday said that without a land corridor connecting his country to Nakhichevan, he will not authorize the opening of any border with Armenia, a condition of the peace treaty, as well as the November 9, 2020 agreement.
Speaking to local reporters on Wednesday, Aliyev doubled down on Baku’s insistence to carve out the so-called corridor, warning that if Yerevan does not comply with his demands, Armenia will remain land locked.
“Otherwise, Armenia will remain an eternal deadlock, and if the route (Zangezur) I mentioned is not opened, we are not going to open our border with Armenia anywhere else. So they will do themselves more harm than good,” Aliyev emphasized.
“People and goods should pass from Azerbaijan to Azerbaijan without any checks,” Aliyev added.
Yerevan has opposed the creation of such a corridor, a move supported by Iran, whose foreign ministry reiterated Tehran’s opposition to border changes in the region, in response to Ankara’s insistence that such a “corridor” be opened.
Aliyev pointed to a clause of the November 9, 2020 agreement that calls for the opening of transport links — railway and roads — between Armenia and Azerbaijan, claiming that this provision of the document mandates the opening of the so-called “corridor.”
He called the adoption of the document “our great political success,” saying that Azerbaijan’s occupation of Shushi during the 2020 War paved the way for Baku to insist on these preconditions.
“If Shusha [Shushi] had not been liberated from occupation, we would not have been able to achieve the inclusion of these conditions in the statement,” said Aliyev.
“That is, our victory. The fact that we were strong, allowed us to include in it [Nov. 9, 2020 document] even those conditions that were not related to this issue, in particular those related to the Zangezur corridor,” Aliyev outlined.
The Azerbaijani president’s remarks come at a time when Baku has stepped up its insistence to include the “corridor” concept within the text of a proposed peace treaty. This position was also recently echoed by Turkish officials.
Aliyev’s top advisor, Hikmet Hajiyev, told Reuters last week that the “corridor” was a “main point” of the peace agreement. This followed remarks by Turkey’s defense minister, who said the road to Nakhichevan must open by 2029, prompting Tehran to reiterate its opposition to the plan.
In his responses to questions from reporters, Aliyev also brought up his claims that eight Azerbaijani villages are currently “under Armenia’s occupation,” saying that Baku is backpedaling in its most recent proposal for a peace treaty.
“This issue was discussed during my contacts with the prime minister of Armenia, including the last conversation in St. Petersburg. I raised this issue, and this issue is also on the agenda of commissions dealing with delimitation. I should also inform you that the next meeting of the commissions is scheduled for this month, and this issue is on the agenda,” Aliyev noted.
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Wednesday echoed remarks by Armenia’s National Security chief Armen Grigoryan, who told Armenia’s Public Television about the recent proposals by Azerbaijan regarding the peace treaty.
Yerevan has also insisted that international mediators act as guarantors for the peace treaty, a notion categorically rejected by Aliyev on Wednesday.
“This is a peace treaty to be signed between two sovereign states. We don’t need any guarantors here, and if it is going to be signed in a bilateral format, it should be signed. If someone wants to help, we don’t mind that either. However, this help should not be mandatory,” Aliyev added.
The Azerbaijani leader also took the opportunity to issue threats and warnings not only to Armenia, but also the international community, saying they underestimated his drive to advance his agenda.
“I openly told both the leadership of Armenia and international actors that I can press a button at any time and carry out this operation in one minute, and they would not be able to do anything,” Aliyev said, referring to Azerbaijan’s attack on Artsakh in September which resulted in the forced exodus of the Armenian population there.
“The course of these events showed — and I believe that this should serve as a lesson not only for Armenia, but also for those who stand behind it — that it is impossible to speak to us in the language of threats or behave arrogantly,” Aliyev warned, taking particular aim at France, which Baku has said is advancing a one-sided, pro-Armenia, policy.
He said negative attitudes toward Azerbaijan — from traditional targets — will not abate, saying that by providing military assistance to Armenia, France is aiming to put “constant” pressure on Azerbaijan.
“These are efforts to prevent us from living comfortably and, unfortunately, France is still in the forefront. France is the country that arms Armenia, gives them support, trains their soldiers and prepares them for another war. When I said that France’s policy is causing tensions in the Caucasus, this is exactly what I meant,” Aliyev emphasized.
The British House of Lords defense and international relations committee holds a hearing on Artsakh on Jan. 10
The International Relations and Defense Committee of the British House of Lords held a hearing on Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia-Azerbaijan relations on Wednesday.
During the hearing, Thomas de Waal and Marina Nagai were invited to give their independent opinions to questions raised by the House of Lords committee peers.
[see video]
The Armenian National Committee of UK participated in the hearing with the presence of its Chairperson Annette Moskofian.
Ahead of the hearing, the ANC-UK had sent briefings to be distributed to the committee members on war crimes, ethnic cleansing and genocide, destruction of cultural and religious heritage and POWs and illegal abductees.
The ANC-UK also asked Luis Moreno Ocampo, Lemkin Institute, the Tatoyan Foundation, the Etchmiadzin, HART and Global Witness to submit reports to the committee ahead of the session.
HACKENSACK, N.J.—Four youth members of the Armenian community of New Jersey joined the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) on December 23, 2023.
After successfully completing the ARF New Jersey novice program, the new members took their oaths, which were administered by their godfather Unger Vartivar Keshishian, underscoring their dedication to the ideals and mission of the ARF.
Unger Vartivar emphasized the pivotal role of these young individuals in advancing the Armenian cause. His speech not only commemorated Arshavir Shiragian’s pivotal role in Operation Nemesis but also highlighted his active participation in the New Jersey and New York Armenian communities. As a dedicated ARF member, Shiragian’s service extended beyond his historical actions to his significant contributions within the diaspora, exemplifying a lifetime commitment to the Armenian cause. This multifaceted legacy provided a profound backdrop for the ceremony.
Arshavir Shiragian’s gravesite in Hackensack, N.J.
The ceremony held profound significance, taking place at the Hackensack, N.J. cemetery—the final resting place of Arshavir Shiragian. Shiragian, an esteemed Armenian writer, made his mark in history through an act of retribution, assassinating Said Halim Pasha, Cemal Azmi and Behaeddin Shakir for their unforgivable roles in the Armenian Genocide. His gravestone bears a powerful inscription, “Through Him Justice Was Served.” This setting serves as a symbol of the unwavering dedication, passion and leadership embodied by the ARF youth and future generations in their relentless pursuit of a free and independent Armenian nation. In this union of past and present, the ARF youth’s commitment stands as a testament to the long-lasting determination driving the Armenian community forward.
The ARS at work following the earthquake in Syria
In a world marked by constant change, the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA (ARS EUSA) has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving our community and humanity with resilience and compassion. The Year in Review recap serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges we faced, the milestones we achieved and the transformative power of our united efforts. Throughout 2023, our organization worked tirelessly to address the evolving needs of our community, both locally and abroad. From humanitarian assistance to educational initiatives, healthcare programs to cultural preservation, every project reflects our dedication to fostering positive change. The collaborative efforts of our volunteers, donors and partners have played a crucial role in achieving a meaningful impact, and this recap details the projects and initiatives of 2023.
We began the year by providing crucial humanitarian aid in response to the earthquake that struck Syria. As rescue teams were searching through the rubble of the many buildings that were destroyed, the ARS EUSA was one of the first to begin an urgent fundraising campaign to assist the humanitarian relief work of the Armenian Relief Cross of Syria (ARCS). The funds raised were instrumental in addressing the pressing needs of the affected community.
ARS volunteers in Lebanon preparing meals
ARCS utilized these resources to ensure the sustained operation of the Tarmanadoon (Health) clinic, extending its hours late into the evening to meet urgent health needs. Funds were channeled to mobilize the “Petag” kitchen, which diligently prepared meals for both search and rescue teams and community members. The assistance extended further to provide winter essentials, hygiene supplies, nutrition and medication. We also supported the installation of solar panels on the Tarmanadoon clinic to ensure its continued functionality.
In the neighboring country of Lebanon, grappling with persistent economic instability, the ARS EUSA continued its commitment by contributing to the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL). These ongoing donations supported vital community programs aimed at assisting those in need in the country.
ARS members visit the Hekyat Kindergarten
In the homeland, we extended support to ARS programs and projects, including the ARS Akhourian Mother and Child Health and Birthing Center, the ARS Outstanding Student Program for those excelling in high school and the ARS Sponsor a Child and Student Programs. We offered financial assistance to the Hekyat Kindergarten in Armenia, facilitating the installation of a heating system to ensure a warm environment during the severe winter months, and assisted in the overall facility upgrades of the school. We also extended assistance to the Javakhk community, addressing the persistent needs in the region.
Throughout the year, despite our unwavering commitment to fundraising for Artsakh, the community still grappled with the blockade and violent assault by Azerbaijan, exacerbating challenges for our compatriots. The repercussions were significant, resulting in a mass exodus that displaced 100,000 individuals, causing them to lose homes and livelihoods. Confronting this crisis, our organization remained steadfast, acknowledging the pressing need to extend support to those affected. We promptly provided assistance to alleviate the burdens faced by the displaced families. Our ongoing efforts focus on assisting and standing by our compatriots and ensuring the provision of essential aid.
Here in the United States, in an effort to nurture the potential of our youth, we organized the Norian Youth Connect program at Columbia University under the leadership of Dr. Khatchig Mouradian. The daylong program for university students featured short talks, roundtables and discussions on a variety of topics ranging from art and culture to international affairs and Artificial Intelligence. This program continues to be a testament to our dedication to empowering the next generation and fostering leadership skills that will contribute to a brighter future of our community and homeland.
At the core of our mission is education, and this year, we persisted in fostering the academic endeavors of gifted individuals. Forty-two students were recipients of our undergraduate and graduate student scholarships. Our objective is to open doors of opportunity and empower scholars to make impactful contributions to their communities. The ARS EUSA actively backed the initiatives of the Armenian National Education Committee, facilitated an essay contest among day and one-day schools and organized Let’s Chat Armenian Classes, creating a space where community members could enhance their proficiency in the Armenian language.
Oath ceremony for members of the new ARS Sevan chapter in Tampa, Florida
Throughout the year, significant milestones were achieved with the establishment of two new chapters under the leadership of the ARS EUSA: The ARS “Tsiran” Chapter in Manhattan, New York, and the ARS “Sevan” Chapter in Tampa, Florida, marking the 34th and 35th chapters, respectively. These additions exemplify the organization’s ongoing dedication to expanding its reach and impact. The establishment of these chapters further underscores the ARS’s commitment to advancing humanitarian initiatives and nurturing a sense of unity and solidarity among Armenians in these regions and beyond. This commitment was reinforced during the 102nd Convention of the ARS EUSA held in Richmond, Virginia, affirming a promise to continue fostering positive change and community engagement.
102nd ARS EUSA Convention in Richmond, VA
During the holiday season, we launched our Spread Christmas Cheer Campaign once again to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, could experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season, and provided gifts for those in Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, Lebanon, Syria, Bulgaria and South America.
ARS spreading Christmas cheer
The ARS EUSA Regional Executive Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who have generously dedicated their time, unwavering support and steadfast commitment to advancing the vital programs of the ARS. In total, a remarkable $432,000 was allocated to these projects, a testament to the collective impact we can achieve as a community. Your generosity made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected, embodying the spirit of compassion that defines our organization. As we celebrate another year of humanitarian assistance, the weight of our philanthropic endeavors is juxtaposed against the sobering reality of 100,000 people displaced from their indigenous lands. Our commitment to supporting the displaced population remains unwavering, and our dedication to pursuing justice for our people has only strengthened. As we usher in a new year, may the spirit of giving thrive, and may compassion, unity and transformative change continue to shape our collective journey.
Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh experienced a deeply emotional Christmas Eve in Armenia on January 5, 2024 within the hallowed walls of St. Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin. Conducted by the Artsakh Diocese, this service marked an unprecedented moment for the Armenian community. For the very first time, the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh gathered to celebrate this sacred night on Armenian soil, away from their native lands.
The Chragaluyts, or Candlelight Divine Liturgy, holds a significant place in the heart of Armenian Christian practices. It’s a vivid embodiment of sacred light, mirroring the celestial glow of the Bethlehem Star, an important symbol in the Christian narrative. According to Christian texts, this star played a crucial role in guiding the Magi to the newborn Christ. The Chragaluyts service at St. Gayane Church is a pivotal cultural element, transcending the bounds of a mere religious rite. It weaves together faith and ancestral heritage, particularly resonating with Armenians displaced from Artsakh.
In this spiritually charged atmosphere, the act of taking lit candles and lamps back to their homes is a cherished tradition among the faithful. These candles are not only sources of physical light; they are laden with symbolism and considered carriers of blessings. The practice represents the transfer of the holy light from the church to the home, symbolizing the presence and protection of the divine in their personal lives.
The 2024 Christmas Eve celebration in Armenia for the people of Artsakh was not just a religious event; it was a poignant reminder of resilience, cultural identity and the enduring spirit of a community facing the challenges of displacement. It highlighted the deep-rooted traditions and the strong faith that continue to guide and comfort the Armenian people, especially those from Artsakh, in times of upheaval and change.
Armenians displaced from Artsakh wait outside the seventh century Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve, January 5, 2024 Armenians displaced from Artsakh wait outside the seventh century Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve, January 5, 2024 The Armenian Apostolic Church holds a Candlelight Divine Liturgy outside of Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians and the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church since 1999, outside of Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians and the supreme head of the Armenian Apostolic Church since 1999, outside of Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve Armenians displaced from Artsakh wait outside the seventh century Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve, January 5, 2024 Armenians displaced from Artsakh wait outside of Saint Gayane Church with candles in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve, January 5, 2024 Armenians displaced from Artsakh wait outside the seventh century Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on Christmas Eve, January 5, 2024 Armenians from Armenia and Artsakh light candles inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia during Christmas Eve mass on January 5, 2024 Armenians pray inside Saint Gayane Church located in Etchmiadzin, Armenia during Christmas Eve mass Armenians from Armenia and Artsakh light candles inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia during Christmas Eve mass on January 5, 2024 Armenians from Armenia and Artsakh light candles inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia during Christmas Eve mass on January 5, 2024 Armenians attending Christmas Eve mass inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on January 5, 2024 Armenians attending Christmas Eve mass inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia on January 5, 2024 Armenians from Armenia and Artsakh light candles inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia during Christmas Eve mass on January 5, 2024 Armenians from Armenia and Artsakh light candles inside Saint Gayane Church in Etchmiadzin, Armenia during Christmas Eve mass on January 5, 2024