Three Days in Vanadzor

A small group of us from Epostle ventured out to Vanadzor right after the Reclaim Conference to expand on some programs we began last year. Through an arrangement with our Primate, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, we were received by the Primate of the Gougark Diocese, Bp. Hovnan Hakopian in Vanadzor.

Our team was greeted at the Diocesan headquarters by His Grace Bishop Hovnan along with several workers. Bp. Hovnan gave us a quick overview of the Diocesan activities and shared his vision for the near and distant future.

We were in Vanadzor to cultivate a program with the refugees from Artsakh. The Armenian Church serves as a hub for these families, where they receive spiritual and emotional care and support during their settlement process. A sewing center has been set up at the diocese, where sewing machine are provided for women to earn an income.

During our stay we had several opportunities to visit with refugees in groups. One group met in the basement of the Narekatsi Cathedral in Vanadzor. These women shared their tragic stories, of wars and loss of husbands, children and land. They were all exiled from their homes and family lands by the Azeris. Many of them were living with the hope that they would return one day. These were the truly “homeless” people because there is no home for them to return to. The ancient lands have been forcibly occupied, and yet, given the stark reality of the days and times, it was not for us to take away any glimmer of hope that might exist in them.

One of the members of our team, Dr. Talar Tejirian, as an accomplished physician and surgeon spoke to the women very candidly about the need to stay active and remain positive in their outlook. She did some mild-assessments of the women who had come to meet us, and she shared with them exercises to keep them active and motivated. Her messages were empowering as she spoke of the need for finding goodness in life and introduced gratitude-journaling.

Our efforts to assist the refugees began last year when we organize the Cars and Coffee at St. Leon Ghevontyants Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. Funds that were raised were earmarked for refugee relief efforts. While in Vanadzor we discussed funding the sewing center and developing the program so that families can earn a living to be self-reliant and self-sustaining.

The Church also maintains a children’s art center. Our visit there was truly a beautiful experience as we watched the after-school class of children paint, weave and create without inhibition. Our team member Gregory Beylerian who is creative director at Epostle shared thoughts on the drawings and designs by the young people. There we also had a chance to talk with the youth in an open-conversation about issues of faith and adolescence.

At the center of the courtyard at the Diocese was the tomb of the former Primate of the Diocese of Gougark, Abp. Sebu Chuljian, who passed in 2020. He was loved and well respected by the people of his diocese, as was evident by the placement of his grave. He was a personal friend of mine. Being at his grave I had an opportunity to reflect and remember his leadership. Several years back we set up an exchange program between youth in Pasadena and youth in Vanadzor. When I was running the Camp of our Diocese, we set up a sister-camp program, which I am pleased to hear continues to today with our support. And so, it was even more pleasing to see the Vanadzor camp, which was still under a blanket of snow. The entire facility is very impressive. We discussed the possibility of being out in Vanadzor during the summer months to bring our participation to the Camp program. Bishop Hovnan was very receptive to the idea and said the invitation was an open one.

Most importantly we set up a network by which we can work with the refugees. For me, it was an eye-opener to see how our Western Diocese is intricately involved in so much of the growth of the Gougark Diocese. Several structures and programs are the result of our Primate, Archbishop Hovnan’s immediate attention to the needs of this area.

Back in Yerevan we had a chance to check in with three projects which we support – The Arev Children’s Center for Down Syndrome children with Father Gregor Gregoryan, the Soldier’s Home and Rehab Center and the New Bird’s Next, providing for the resettlement of families from Artsakh.

Our stories are being shared at Epostle.net and on social media. Sitting with the refugees, I saw in them my grandparents who were forced out of their homes during the Genocide of 1915. I shared this image with the people we met. But I also asked them to look at us, and see their future grandchildren, who will have passed through these dark days and form their lives. In the Easter Season, this message of crucifixion and resurrection is the hope that keeps everyone moving forward.

We returned to a full plate of the activities to build on. Our thanks to our Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian for facilitating this meeting and to Bishop Hovnan Hakopian for his exceptional hospitality and assistance in reaching out to the people.