Cher Turns 80: Celebrating the Armenian-American Icon Who Never Forgot Her Roots and Became One of the World’s Most Recognizable Armenian Voices
Mediamax | Photo: Mkhitar Khachatryan As legendary Armenian-American icon Cher celebrates her 80th birthday, The Armenian Report is honoring not only her extraordinary career in music, film, and entertainment, but also her decades of advocacy, humanitarian work, and public support for Armenians around the world. Throughout her life, Cher has used her global platform to speak about the Armenian Genocide, defend Armenians during times of crisis, support humanitarian causes conn
Catholicos Aram I and Armenian Clergy Sing “Cilicia” in the Vatican With Pope Leo XIV Standing Alongside Them
On May 20, 2026, Pope Leo XIV presided over the regular Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, where he publicly welcomed Aram I during the Armenian Catholicos’ official visit to the Vatican. The meeting was on the ongoing efforts toward closer ties between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church while also focusing attention on growing concerns over violence and instability in the Middle East. Aram I attended the audience together with
Armenian Catholicos Aram I Meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican, Raises Artsakh Return, Armenian POWs and Christian Unity
On the morning of May 18, 2026, a private meeting took place at the Vatican between Aram I and Pope Leo XIV, where the two religious leaders discussed a wide range of issues concerning the global Christian community, regional conflicts, and humanitarian concerns. According to the Armenian Catholicosate, the meeting focused first on several major topics related to Christian unity and cooperation. Aram I raised the issue of establishing a unified date for Easter among Christian
Armenian Chef Ara Zada’s Khorovats Wins Challenge on Food Network, Helping Green Team Take Victory
Los Angeles-based Armenian chef Ara Zada is bringing Armenian flavors to a national audience through his appearance on the new season of Chopped: Castaways, where he competes as one of 12 elite chefs in an outdoor, open-flame cooking competition. During the show, Zada prepared khorovats, the traditional Armenian-style barbecue that holds deep cultural significance for many Armenians around the world. According to Zada, introducing Armenian cuisine to mainstream American telev
Armenian Church in Georgia Vandalized After Religious Icons Thrown Near Trash Bin
An act of vandalism has taken place at the Armenian Holy Sign Church in the city of Akhaltsikhe in Georgia after unknown individuals removed religious icons from the church and threw them near a trash bin. The incident was revealed in a video shared online by Father Hakob Abegha Sahakyan, the spiritual inspector of the Armenian communities of Akhaltsikhe and Borjomi. According to him, church representatives have already appealed to the relevant authorities in order to clarify
Christians in Jerusalem Facing Rising Harassment as Armenian Quarter Emerges as Hotspot
The Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), under the leadership of Yisca Harani, has released its 2025 annual summary documenting harassment against Christians in Israel, including incidents targeting Christian institutions, religious symbols, and worshippers across the country. According to the 2025 summary compiled using data from the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC), 181 incidents targeting Christians, Christian symbols, and Christian institutions were documented across
Armenian Language Added to Ukraine’s Historic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv
The historic Saint Sophia Cathedral in Ukraine’s capital has introduced a new Armenian-language audio tour, giving Armenian-speaking visitors and online users a new way to explore one of Eastern Europe’s most important Christian landmarks. According to reports by AnalitikaUA, the audio guide is now available in two formats. People can access the Armenian-language tour online through the official emuseum.ua platform from anywhere in the world, while visitors at the cathedral i
Khachkar Studios Unveils a New World-Class Template for U.S. Armenian Churches Annual Financial Transparency
A bold new chapter in Armenian church governance begins today as Khachkar Studios releases an innovative financial transparency template that establishes unprecedented standards for accountability and performance across the U.S. Armenian religious community. This landmark initiative, announced May 1, 2026, provides Armenian church leaders with systematic tools to achieve excellence through transparency, accountability, and performance (T•A•P), supporting Biblically inspired w
Khachkar Studios Unveils Historic Free Masterclass Series to Empower Faith Leaders
The landscape of Judeo-Christian leadership education changed forever on April 20, 2026, with Khachkar Studios' release of BREAKTHROUGHS for Judeo-Christian Leaders - a transformative free Masterclass series backed by $100 million that media outlets are calling a historic initiative distinguished by its unprecedented scale, visionary goals, and Biblical wisdom, built on a Biblically inspired world-class benchmarking and management excellence "Framework." The announcement intr
EXCLUSIVE: Dan Bilzerian to Randy Fine After Anti-Armenian Remarks: “He’s Scared”
EXCLUSIVE: Armenian American Dan Bilzerian, who is running against U.S. Representative Randy Fine, responded sharply after the Florida lawmaker made a controversial statement. In a comment provided to The Armenian Report, Bilzerian said, “the Jew is scared.” His response came after Fine faced growing criticism for remarks widely condemned as discriminatory. The Republican congressman said, "We don't want Armenians to be able to serve in Congress," triggering strong reactions
Pro-Azerbaijan Rep. Randy Fine Faces Backlash After Saying Armenians Should Not Serve in Congress
U.S. Representative Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, is facing strong criticism after making a statement widely condemned as discriminatory. He said, "We don't want Armenians to be able to serve in Congress." The comment has triggered strong reactions from Armenian American groups, civil rights advocates, and political observers across the United States. Critics argue that the statement directly challenges the principles of equality and representation that are central t
Thousands Gather in Forest Lawn to Honor Armenian Comedian, Actor, Musician Levon Ter Petrossian
A memorial service for the late Levon Ter Petrossian was held on April 29 at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where more than 1,500 mourners gathered to honor his life and legacy. His body was laid to rest the following day, April 30. In one of the most powerful moments of the evening, thousands in attendance rose to their feet in a standing ovation after a video tribute honoring Levon’s life and work finished playing — a moving expression of love, respect, a
Armenia Opens Embassy in Paris; Prominent Diaspora Leaders Excluded
Armenia officially opened its new embassy building in Paris on April 28, in a ceremony that showed off the growing ties with France but also raised questions about relations with the Armenian diaspora. The event brought together senior officials from both countries, including Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. During the ceremony, Mirzoyan raised the Armenian flag in front of the building, while th
“Genocide – No More”: Video Message Urges Armenians to Act Beyond Remembrance
Following the 111th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, a newly released video message is calling on Armenians worldwide to move from remembrance to action. Powered by Khachkar Studios, the message centers on a simple but urgent call: “Genocide – No More.” It urges Armenians to strengthen their identity through renewed commitment to faith and community, emphasizing the role of Christianity and connection to Jesus Christ. The video also raises concerns about declining chur
