On July 6, 2025, St. Apkar Armenian Church in Arizona hosted a thought-provoking lecture by Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, University Professor and Director of Institutional Innovation at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.

Titled Belonging Beyond Borders: Diaspora Identity in the 21st Century, he explored how Armenian identity is perceived and defined in diverse communities in the diaspora, and why preserving the Armenian language and culture remains vital for future generations.

Dr. Tchilingirian, invited to speak as part of the Summer Lecture Series of St. Akpar parish, drew on his extensive research and highlighted shifting notions of belonging, community engagement, and cultural connections in contemporary times.

The event offered valuable perspectives on sustaining a vibrant Armenian identity amid the challenges and opportunities of community life in the Diaspora.