In a world where the plight of Christians often goes unnoticed, a recent trip to Armenia has shed light on the rich Christian heritage of this ancient nation and the ongoing struggles faced by its people. Chelsea Sobolik, a prominent advocate for international religious freedom and director of government relations at World Relief, recently returned from a fact-finding mission to Armenia, where she was part of a delegation that met with displaced Armenians and explored the deeply rooted Christian history of the region.
Armenia, recognized as the first Christian nation established in 301 A.D., has a rich cultural and spiritual legacy that many in the Western Christian community seem unaware of. This lack of awareness was echoed by Sobolik, who admitted, “I had no idea about the rich Christian heritage in Armenia.” Many Americans, even those who consider themselves informed, often struggle to locate Armenia on a map or understand its significance in Christian history.
The urgency of Sobolik’s mission was underscored by the recent military actions taken by Azerbaijan against the self-governing region of Artsakh, which has a predominantly Armenian population. Following a swift military offensive in September 2023, over 120,000 Armenians were forcibly displaced from their homes, fleeing what many describe as a campaign of ethnic cleansing. The situation has drawn international condemnation, yet the media’s attention has shifted, leaving the plight of these displaced families largely unheard.
The delegation, organized by Save Armenia and the Tufenkian Foundation, included visits to government leaders, ancient monasteries, and communities affected by the conflict. Sobolik emphasized the shocking stories of persecution faced by Armenian Christians, which often go unnoticed compared to the more widely reported crises in regions like Syria or Afghanistan. “You think of places like Syria or Afghanistan, not Armenia,” she reflected, highlighting a significant gap in awareness among American Christians regarding the realities faced by their Armenian brethren.
Matias Perttula, director of Save Armenia, noted that there is a pressing need to educate American Christians about Armenia’s historical significance and the ongoing struggles faced by its people. “There was just such a lack of knowledge about Armenia,” he stated, urging churches to mobilize and advocate for their Armenian counterparts. The historical ties between American Christians and Armenians, particularly during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, serve as a poignant reminder of the shared faith and responsibility to support those in need.
Pastor Bill Devlin, who has dedicated his life to standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians, echoed these sentiments. He described the situation in Artsakh as meeting the U.N. definition of genocide, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see the disintegration of a nation that declared itself a Christian nation 1,900 years ago.” The ongoing persecution and cultural erasure faced by Armenians are not just historical footnotes; they are pressing issues that demand attention and action from the global Christian community.
Compassion fatigue, driven by the overwhelming amount of information available through social media, has also contributed to the lack of awareness about the Armenian crisis. Sobolik pointed out that while American Christians may feel inundated with reports of global atrocities, the specific plight of Armenians often gets overshadowed by larger narratives surrounding Christian persecution in neighboring countries like Iran and Turkey.
As the delegation met with families affected by the conflict, stories emerged that were both heartbreaking and alarming. Reports of torture and brutality inflicted by Azerbaijani soldiers have surfaced, with some families learning about their loved ones’ fates through gruesome social media posts. Nadine Maenza, a former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, recounted the chilling experiences shared by those who have suffered under the Azerbaijani military.
Despite the grim realities, there is a flicker of hope on the horizon. Recent diplomatic efforts, including a summit hosted by former President Trump involving leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan, have sparked cautious optimism for a potential peace agreement. However, the need for continued advocacy and support for displaced Armenians remains critical.
As Christians, it is our duty to stand with our brothers and sisters in faith, regardless of geographical boundaries. The stories of Armenia are not just tales of the past; they are urgent calls to action for today. We are reminded that our faith compels us to respond to the suffering of others, to educate ourselves and our communities, and to advocate for justice and peace in a world that often turns a blind eye.
For those looking to support the Armenian people, organizations like Save Armenia and the Tufenkian Foundation offer avenues for involvement and assistance. By becoming informed and engaged, we can help ensure that the voices of Armenian Christians do not go unheard and that their rich heritage is preserved for generations to come.