I wish you a Bright New Year and Merry Armenian Christmas.
2024 was another year marked by deepening shadows. World leaders polarized further into two starkly opposing categories: the bullies and the spineless. The bullies multiplied, growing more ruthless and violent—jailing and murdering journalists, healthcare workers, and humanitarians, while bombing hospitals, schools, and homes. Meanwhile, many so-called “democratic” leaders, for some, supplied bombs to the perpetrators; others made shameful deals over gas, and “Pilates” washed their hands of responsibility, while abandoning their own soldiers with indifference and betrayal.
Listening to daily news, I invoke Siamanto’s century-old yet hauntingly relevant, bitter prayer:
“O, human justice, I spit on your face.”
Each passing day seems to dim the skies further. Humanity appears to have strayed from its moral compass, growing increasingly materialistic and self-absorbed. Division and intolerance permeate every nation, society, and group, with people “betraying and hating one another.”
Yet, as wickedness intensifies, I find renewed hope, and I see a vast ground for transformation. Indeed, the darker the world becomes, the brighter our lights shine. we are heirs to the profound legacy of Narekatsi and Shnorhali— one rooted in love, humility, and service. It is our mission to embody these values and create havens of peace and compassion in the spaces we inhabit.
And as I observe the frenetic rush of ladder-climbers striving for personal gain, I feel profoundly rewarded to be part of a meaningful mission. At DiasporArm, we contribute to initiatives like the ‘Mapping Project’ which identifies, mobilizes, and coordinates the resources of the Armenian Diaspora, ՛Strengthening Armenian Communities՛ to support their social, economic, educational, and cultural needs, and ՛Transmitting Values՛, to foster programs designed to elevate core value systems and transform societies.
On a personal level, I am committed to bridging divides—between Armenia and the Diaspora, between the Government, the Church and Armenians, strengthening the bonds among diverse Diaspora humanitarian organizations and among religious institutions, reminding all that “we are members of one body,” called to humility and service, to follow the teachings: “Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourselves with sober judgment. Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor for serving. As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
May our light shine even brighter in 2025. Together, let us uphold the values that unite us, illuminating the paths of others with hope and purpose.
Respectfully,
Hovel Chenorhokian
Le Raincy, January 6, 2025
