A group of American Christian leaders is set to travel to Armenia later this month. This trip comes at a critical time for Armenia, known as the world’s first Christian nation, which adopted Christianity in AD 301, well before many other countries.
Armenia has a long history of maintaining its Christian faith despite facing numerous challenges, including invasions, forced conversions, and genocide. Today, it finds itself surrounded by authoritarian regimes and militant ideologies that threaten its survival.
In 2023, over 120,000 Armenian Christians were forcibly displaced from Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh. This region had been a self-governing entity within Azerbaijan’s borders. The displacement was a result of a brutal military campaign by Azerbaijan, supported by Turkey. The global response to this crisis has been largely muted, raising concerns about the future of religious freedom and self-determination in the region.
The upcoming delegation trip is organized by Save Armenia, a coalition of Christian and Jewish leaders based in the U.S. Their goal is to draw attention to the threats facing Armenia and to show solidarity with its people. The itinerary includes visits to displaced families, discussions with local officials, and prayers in ancient monasteries that hold significant historical importance for the Armenian Church.
The leaders believe it is crucial for Christians worldwide to support their persecuted brothers and sisters. They argue that religious freedom should not be selective and that Armenia’s plight deserves attention.
Since regaining independence after the Soviet Union’s collapse, Armenia has struggled to establish itself as a democracy. It faces immense pressure and lacks the military and financial backing enjoyed by many neighboring countries. However, it boasts a rich history and a strong legacy of faith.
The delegation encourages fellow Christians to learn more about Armenia’s situation and to advocate for its people. They suggest informing local churches and contacting federal representatives to raise awareness about the ethnic cleansing and the plight of Armenian political prisoners. The leaders also urge action to protect Armenia’s cultural and religious heritage from destruction.
The trip serves as a reminder that faith can endure even in challenging times. As the delegation prepares to embark on this journey, they hope to inspire others to take action and support the Armenian people in their quest for freedom and justice.