April 24, 2024
They left their homeland in fear of persecution and ethnic cleansing …
A heartbreaking tragedy is unfolding in Armenia due to continuous greedy and barbaric invasions by Azerbaijan. More than 120,000 innocent people of Artsakh (the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic), who endured starvation for over nine months under severe blockade, have been forced to flee their homeland to save their lives. They left in fear of persecution and ethnic cleansing, abandoning an irreplaceable cultural and religious landscape that includes at least 300 Armenian heritage sites, ranging from exquisite medieval monasteries to historic cemeteries adorned with iconic Armenian engraved cross stones. Recent history, just over the past two years, demonstrates the inevitable risk of dismantling, destruction and falsification of these cultural and religious sites.
Their escape was perilous and fraught with danger. Numerous casualties and assaults occurred along the journey until they reached Armenia. Furthermore, young men crossing the border faced the risk of unlawful detention, with many destined to join the list of over 500 missing individuals.
As of Sept. 30, 2023, more than 120,000 forcibly displaced people are in Armenia, all in critical condition: their bodies exhausted from malnutrition and continuous flight, their hope shaken by injustice and betrayal, and their minds severely traumatized by war. Most require urgent medical attention. Once nourished and healed, they will need shelter and employment to care for their families. Later, they will face a range of psychological and physiological consequences from the trauma of relocation and adjusting to a new life they never chose. We can all empathize with their plight to some extent.
What can we do together now to assist in immediate relief?
- Provide medication and rehabilitation services to those severely harmed.
- Provide food and means to cover basic human needs.
- Provide free physical and psychological treatment to the injured at the Dr. Norayr Baboumian Sevan Rehabilitation Center.
What do we plan to do later as a development program for those who have already settled?
- Provide knowledge, skills and capital to start small businesses.
- Involve children and youth in our Education and Civil Society projects to speed up their integration into their new environment.
With approximately 120,000 people affected, including children and the elderly, additional resources will enable us to assist more individuals. We are grateful to be on this noble journey together with you, inspired by your trust and generosity.
We firmly believe that acts of kindness can change the world, motivating us to remain committed to a mission that supports countries facing dire circumstances. No gift is too small. Whether you contribute to covering daily or monthly basic human needs or support a long-term sustainability plan, we know it will be life-changing for these children and their families.
For details about the Jinishian Memorial Program, please visit: presbyterianmission.org/ministries/world-mission/jinishian.
May God bless and protect you and your loved ones.
Eliza Minasyan, Executive Director, Jinishian Memorial Program, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Daily Readings
Today’s Focus: Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Megan Genovese, Religious New Services Project Archivist, Presbyterian Historical Society
Alexander Germosen, Cook, Stony Point Center, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray
On the day I called, you answered me; you made me bold with strength in my soul (Psalm 138:3). In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.