Cameraman Gevorg Avagyan

Human rights activists are sounding the alarm about dangerous processes that are actually leading to the loss of statehood under the guise of increasing sovereignty. One of its most obvious manifestations is the creation of the illusion of a Western security “umbrella,” which leads the country to Turkish and Azerbaijani dependence, as well as undermines food security and targets the Armenian Church. What is the only way to counter these global programs and what is actually happening? What geopolitical programs does today’s Armenia serve? Anna Sargsyan had an extensive conversation with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dzyunik Aghajanyan. 

 

Watch the first part of the conversation HERE: www.shoghakat.am/am/telecasts/38391

Human rights activists are sounding the alarm about the unprecedented scale of political persecution and persecution in Armenia. One of its most obvious manifestations is the anti-church campaign, which is being carried out in gross violations of international legal norms. However, there is an opinion that the response of international actors is not commensurate with the violations being committed. Who gave the green light to the Armenian authorities? What geopolitical programs does today's Armenia serve? Anna Sargsyan had an extensive conversation with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Dzyunik Aghajanyan. Watch the first part of the conversation.

How do issues of public importance enter the political agenda and emerge as cases of violation of rights? Is it possible to fight against the “state machine” without international support? What impact did the Amulsar struggle, the loss of Artsakh, and psychological depression have on public activism? When does civil society actually become active, and why is the use of state violence dangerous for the authorities themselves? Anna Sargsyan continued her conversation with human rights activist and political scientist Maya Barkhudaryan.

 

Watch the first part of the conversation HERE.

On July 26, the Catholicos of All Armenians received pilgrims from the Church of the Savior in Westry, Massachusetts, USA, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, led by Father Thaddeus Barseghian.

The community was formed back in the 1890s and founded the first Armenian church in the United States, which to this day is the main center of the spiritual and national life of the local Armenians.

During the trial resumed on July 23 at the "Shengavit" residence of the Yerevan Criminal Court of General Jurisdiction, the court decided to replace the house arrest of "Holy Struggle" participant Igor Sargsyan with administrative supervision, and to leave the detention of NA deputy Artur Sargsyan unchanged. 

The next court hearing has been scheduled for July 30.

On July 18, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrated the commemoration of St. Thaddeus the Apostle and St. Sandukht the Virgin, daughter of King Sanatruk, the first Armenian martyr.

In the St. Thaddeus Chapel of the Candlelight Prayer Hall of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where the sacred relics of the apostle are enshrined, Father Grigor Hovhannisyan celebrated a liturgy with the blessing of the Catholicos of All Armenians.

The clergy and the faithful prayed for the strengthening of faith and the peaceful life of the Armenian world.

How do issues of public importance enter the political agenda and emerge as cases of violation of rights? What distinguishes the last years of our lives from the point of view of protecting rights? Isn't the lack of information or its complete absence a serious violation of human rights, when under the enormous information noise there is very little information about essential issues? Anna Sargsyan spoke with human rights defender and political scientist Maya Barkhudaryan.

The "Narek" Dance School of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and AGBU Youth Center has returned victorious from the International Performing Arts Festival held in Pineto, Italy, winning the Grand Prix, the main prize.

Among the groups from 12 countries, only the "Narek" Dance School participated from Armenia, with a 20-member team, presenting the performances "Tsaghkadzor" and "Khio".

All these performances, tours and victories of the ensemble, which regularly performs in different countries and returns with victories, are preceded and followed by long, persistent work.

On July 12, on the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, a festive liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral of Etchmiadzin under the presiding authority of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. 

During his speech, the liturgist Karekin Vardapet Hambardzumyan referred to the commemoration of Christ appearing to the disciples in divine glory on Mount Tabor, noting that every day can provide an opportunity for transformation. 

At the end of the ceremony, the Armenian Patriarch blessed the people on the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration.

The end-of-year exhibition of students of the painting and decorative-applied arts classes of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the AGBU Nork Armenian Children's Home opened, where the achievements and joint creative efforts of gifted children were brought together.

Despite the temptations of modern technologies, thanks to the joint work of educators and parents, the young people create with great enthusiasm and connect with national art. 

At the opening of the exhibition, the director of the center, Aida Andriasyan, presented certificates to the graduates, and awards and certificates to the students who distinguished themselves in competitions during the year.