Armenia, located in the Near Eastern Caucasus region, has been in an armed conflict with Azerbaijan for decades over control in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In 2020, fighting broke out again. Thousands of soldiers have already died and over 90,000 peple have been forced to flee. ACN was able to support the local Church in 2021 with a large emergency aid project for suffering families.
Armenia was the world’s first Christian state. Most Armenians are proud of the fact that Christianity was declared the state religion of their country as early as 301. Almost 95% of the country’s nearly three million inhabitants belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church. It is one of the ancient Eastern Churches, like the Coptic Church. Additionally, there is the Armenian Catholic Church, which also holds its services according to the Armenian rite, but is subordinate to the Pope.
When the state does not help, the only option left for the needy is the Church.
The Church in Armenia often stands alone in helping the suffering population in the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Government aid is not forthcoming and many aid organisations have meanwhile withdrawn from the country. At the end of 2021, more than 20,000 people were still on the run. Most of the refugees are stranded in Armenia and are struggling to survive there.
Emergency aid for needy families
ACN helped the Church in Armenia in the year under review by covering the cost of an emergency aid package for 150 families in the town of Goris in Syunik Province, near the border to Nagorno-Karabakh. Our support will initially run for 15 months and includes aid for housing, securing livelihoods and psychological and pastoral care.