Aram I Warns of “Deep Crisis” in Armenia–Diaspora Relations, Says Diaspora Must Reinvent Itself in Stark Warning

Catholicos Aram I has issued a strong warning about what he described as a deep and systemic crisis in relations between Armenia and its global Diaspora, calling for urgent changes in how Armenian communities abroad organize and define their role in national life.

In a message addressed to participants of a pan-Armenian conference, Aram I said that both the connection between Armenia and the Diaspora and the broader national value system are facing serious challenges. He stressed that these issues are not temporary but show deeper structural problems that require careful reassessment and long-term solutions.

According to the Catholicos, the Diaspora must rethink how its institutions operate. He called for the creation of a unified pan-Diaspora agenda that would not depend on the policies of any government but would remain focused on national interests. He argued that in today’s globalized world, preserving Armenian identity and making full use of the Diaspora’s potential require honest self-examination and a departure from outdated ways of thinking.

“We want to begin our remarks with a question that should become the starting point and driving force of the conference’s approaches and evaluations: ‘Where is the Diaspora today in relation to itself, Armenia, and the collective concerns and ideals of our nation?’ Realistic self-reflection and objective self-examination, free from emotional and one-sided judgments, are essential for correctly diagnosing the problems and challenges we face and determining the appropriate course of action,” Aram I said.

Looking back at history, Aram I noted that after the Armenian Genocide, Armenian institutions such as the Church, political parties, and community organizations played a central role in rebuilding national life in exile and advancing Armenian causes. However, he said that today’s situation is different, with new realities requiring new approaches.

He explained that the designation of 2023 and 2024 as years focused on Diaspora reorganization reflected growing concerns that traditional approaches no longer connect effectively with younger generations. He emphasized that the Diaspora has historically lacked its own clearly defined agenda, something he believes is now essential for strengthening pan-Armenian unity and direction.

“The Diaspora has never had its own distinct agenda, except for April 24 and collective consultations and joint statements among community leaders during critical moments. The formation of a pan-Diaspora agenda and the development of its mindset, while preserving their uniqueness, are necessary and should become an inseparable and complementary part of the pan-Armenian agenda and way of thinking,” Aram I said.

Addressing the relationship between Armenia and its Diaspora, Aram I criticized what he described as decades of limited and surface-level engagement. He said cooperation has often been reduced to charity efforts and tourism, rather than developing into meaningful political or economic partnerships. He also stated that the Armenian state has not fully recognized or used the political influence and capabilities of the Diaspora.

He added that in recent years these relations have worsened significantly. As the main cause, he pointed to the current policies of Armenia’s authorities, which he described in critical terms.

“In recent years, Armenia–Diaspora relations have been in deep decline. The reason? The policies adopted by Armenia’s authorities, both domestically and externally, which can be described without hesitation as anti-national, short-sighted, and dangerous. Today, in fact, the value system of the Armenian people has begun to erode, precisely by the state that is meant to protect it,” Aram I said.

The Catholicos also raised concerns about what he sees as challenges to national identity and historical memory. He pointed to policies that, in his view, attempt to diminish the importance of the Armenian Genocide, shift symbolic focus from Mount Ararat to Mount Aragats, and treat the issue of Artsakh as resolved. He warned that such approaches risk creating disappointment and disengagement among Diaspora communities.

He further expressed concern about attempts to view the Armenian Church only as a state institution and accused authorities of contributing to divisions within the Diaspora, drawing comparisons to practices from the Soviet era.

Looking ahead, Aram I outlined the need for a renewed strategy that brings together both long-established Diaspora communities and newer ones formed in recent decades. He highlighted the role of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in helping to guide this process.

He said Diaspora life should remain connected to the homeland while not being fully centered on Armenia’s internal affairs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between engagement and independence.

In conclusion, Aram I called for a broader reassessment of national priorities, including how Armenian demands and the issue of Artsakh are approached in a changing geopolitical environment. He stressed that Diaspora efforts must be aligned with a larger vision focused on strengthening the Armenian state and building a capable national defense.

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