Leaders of the Armenian communities of Minsk and Saint Petersburg Georgi Yeghiazaryan and Karen Mkrtchyan were among the participants of the discussion meeting held with leaders and representatives of Armenian communities of the CIS countries and Georgia organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora on October 12. “Hayern Aysor”’s correspondent sat down for an interview with the leaders of the communities to discuss how their communities were established, the history of the communities, as well as daily issues and preservation of the national identity.

Georgi Yeghiazaryan:

“I represent the Armenian community of Minsk, which was established in 1990. After the earthquake in Spitak, we provide assistance to our compatriots. We came together and established our community in those years. I have been the leader of the community since 1995. Prior to the establishment of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, we had trouble working. There were no textbooks or teachers. The Ministry of Diaspora shared the burden. The Ministry of Diaspora is like a lighthouse for all Armenians around the world. Based on official statistics, there are 8,532 Armenians living in Belarus, and based on non-official data, there are nearly 15,000 Armenians, and nearly half of them are based in Minsk.

The community still doesn’t have a church, but we have a cross-stone around which we often gather on different occasions. We have an Armenian Sunday school that teaches nearly 100 schoolchildren the Armenian language and helps them get acquainted with Armenian history and culture. The community has the very famous Erebuni Dance Ensemble, which is famous outside of Minsk. Erebuni Dance Group has participated in all the events organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora, has given concerts in the Czech Republic, Great Britain and France. The ensemble has also participated in and has won competitions. We also have a children’s choir and dance group. The community has a daily electronic newspaper that features articles on the life, daily activities, memories and problems of the Armenian community. Our community has everything it needs. If we face a problem, we address the RA Ministry of Diaspora and solve all the problems.

I am here to join the celebration dedicated to the anniversary of the RA Ministry of Diaspora. On behalf of our community, I cordially congratulate the minister and the entire staff for their patriotic acts. The five years of their activities are the equivalent of ten years.

Georgi Yeghiazaryan

The assessment and preservation of our national values are very important for me, and the Ministry of Diaspora preserves them in the best way.

…I studied at the Institute of Aviation in Kiev. Currently, I live and work in Minsk. I have been head of the production service division of Belavia, have headed the Aviation Academy, have worked as deputy director for an aviation company and have become the general director of that company. It’s hard to be in the community and work for an aviation company at the same time, but both are important for me, and I love my job.

There is always something to do in the community. We have already started developing the programs, holding events and preparing for the Armenian Genocide Centennial. The world needs to recognize us with our best, and we have all the prerequisites for that. Unfortunately, an incident took place in Brest on August 17. The Armenians were beaten by fans of the so-called Dinamo Brest organization and nationalists, after which two of them escaped towards the forests and one drowned while escaping through the river…The Armenians started holding protests and created an unpleasant situation, but everything was done to put an end to the tension and establish peace. Thank God, both sides calmed down and we have no more problems. Armenians have always been respected and have the best relations with everyone. It’s important for all Armenians abroad to feel that the Homeland stands by their side.”

Karen Mkrtchyan:

“In 2010, our community celebrated its 300^th anniversary. We were also joined by the RA President, the President of the Russian Federation and RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan.

Our community was reborn when His Holiness Yezras visited Saint Petersburg (then Leningrad). In 1987, the Armenian community of Leningrad saw an unprecedented growth and the return of our churches. We have three churches, an Armenian Sunday school, a big city school and a large cultural center.

We have four dance groups, a Youth Union called “Nor Seround”, the “Hripsime” Women’s Union and a Veterans’ Union. This year we’ll be marking the 20^th anniversary of our “Havatamk” newspaper, which is edited by our brilliant writer, poet Armen Meruzhanyan. Throughout the past years, we have reprinted nearly 80 books devoted to Armenian arts, culture and science. Our community is special in every way. We all stand united as one for the protection of national assets. Two years ago, we established the Youth Symphony Orchestra of St. Petersburg, which includes Armenians and non-Armenians. The conductor is a young Armenian conductor who is only 21 years old. I don’t know any other Armenian community that has a symphony orchestra. The orchestra performs the works of Armenian and world classical composers. The Armenian community of St. Petersburg is a strong community, but there is one thing missing…Even though we have a school for 600 children, there are only 80 children. The parents say the reason is because of the distance, but we provide them with buses…Those 80 children are forced to study. We gathered the parents, talked to them and tried to clarify the reasons. I don’t understand why the children of Armenian families don’t want to go to an Armenian school where they are provided with all the conditions to receive the best education with professional teachers, textbooks and many activities…

Karen Mkrtchyan

I think the most important issue that was raised during this conference was the issue related to the Armenian language in the CIS countries where it’s clear that the new generation is forgetting the Armenian language…What should we do and how? This is the most troubling issue.

…In 1985, I went to Leningrad, studied and got married. I didn’t escape from the Homeland. I have always been in touch.

I’m a historian by profession and would really like for Armenian children and youth living abroad to have sound knowledge of Armenian history, as well as the major events and episodes in the history of our nation. Frankly, the new generation is not interested in the history and literature of its people, even though the community makes a lot of efforts in that direction. I think the family and the environment in the family are more important in this case.

The community works like a bee. We have a big plan of events to be held ahead of the Armenian Genocide Centennial, including the placement of a memorial, book releases, conferences and more. Our community is one of the first Armenian communities that established an Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of which I am also a member. God give us the strength and unity to implement our programs. It is our duty for and tribute to the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.”

Karine Avagyan