As we have recently announced, at the direction of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and in collaboration with the Department of Social Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Western Diocese has launched a new humanitarian initiative aimed at supporting displaced families from Artsakh.

We are all well aware of the tense situation in post-war Armenia. The economic crisis, the devastation of the ongoing pandemic, thousands of wounded soldiers, bereaved families, and displaced refugees require major and long-term solutions in terms of financial, spiritual, medical, and psychological support.

The situation is very dynamic and hard to assess accurately at this time. After the signing of tripartite agreement on ceasefire on November 9, 2020, many displaced Artsakhtsis, who found refuge in Armenia during the days of the conflict, have already returned to their homes in Stepanakert and other regions that are under the control of the Republic of Artsakh. However, those who lost their homes and have no place to return are still struggling to find temporary housing. It is estimated that close to 40,000 people will remain in Armenia.

As the repatriation to Artsakh continues every day, officials try to finalize the actual number of families who will remain in Armenia for at least the foreseeable future. The Department of Social Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is working very closely with governmental and non-governmental agencies to assess the needs of the displaced and facilitate essential help through its soup kitchens, temporary housing projects and other buildings that have been converted into shelters. These buildings include campgrounds, cultural centers, and apartments for priesthood candidates in Etchmiadzin, Traghkadzor, Saghmosavan and Yeghegnadzor.

Our support, first and foremost, will be directed towards the displaced families. Through the established protocols of the Department of Social Services of Holy Etchmiadzin, the beneficiaries will be identified and evaluated. The allocated funds will go towards their housing (except for those who dwell in the church properties), utilities (gas, electricity, water), food, clothing, and other essentials. At a permissible time, the Department will facilitate their return to Artsakh and rehabilitation.

For those who reside in the church properties, the cost breakdown for food, essential hygiene supplies, and utilities is as follows:

It is important to note that the cost of utilities, especially gas and electricity will increase in the coming months as central heating systems consume considerable amount of energy during harsh winter months in Armenia.

Renting apartments is an extra cost, which may fluctuate from $100.00 USD to $250.00 USD a month depending on the size, conditions and location.

In some instances, warm clothing and bedding will need to be provided. For one person, the cost of winter clothing (coats, sweaters, sweats, hat, gloves, boots, etc.) and bedding is approximately 50,000.00 AMD or $100.00 USD.

The other target group comprises of repatriated families who, after returning to their towns, are faced with the harsh reality of rebuilding their homes and lives in the face of economic hardship.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Ministry of Labor and Social Services of Armenia and Artsakh provide some financial aid to the people of Artsakh:

1. Citizens who have been left homeless will receive a one-time financial aid in the amount of 300,000 AMD ($600 USD) per capita from the Republic of Artsakh. Additional 68,000 AMD ($137 USD) will be provided by the Armenian government.
2. In the coming year, all utilities (natural gas, electricity, water, etc.) and communication services in Artsakh (mobile and fixed connections, the Internet) will be provided to the population free of charge, within reasonable volumes.
3. The healthcare, rehabilitation and post-amputation prosthetics of the wounded soldiers will be fully covered by the governments of Artsakh and Armenia.
4. The Insurance Foundation for Servicemen (commonly known as 1000plus) will grant up to 82M AMD ($164,000 USD) to the families of fallen soldiers, those who have been declared as missing, and to the soldiers with the disability of 1^st group. The disabled soldiers who belong to the 2^nd group will receive up to 53M AMD ($106,000 USD).
5. Major infrastructure (roads, water pipes, natural gas lines, power plants, houses, hospitals, etc.) that have been demolished will be restored by the governments of Armenia and Artsakh through Armenia Fund, international humanitarian aids and government grants.

Despite the financial aid provided by the government, the repatriates sometimes need urgent help with food, winter clothing and wood stoves, as in some parts of Artsakh gas and electricity are not totally restored.

The cost breakdown of individual care packages, which includes food and hygiene supplies is as follows:

Hence, the humanitarian efforts of the Western Diocese will concentrate on the immediate needs of the most vulnerable groups.

In doing this, we also aim to centralize sporadic fundraising efforts and humanitarian initiatives organized by individuals or groups that spread our collective resources thin, thus making our endeavors less effective.

Considering the somberness of the situation, a new ad-hoc committee has been established at the Western Diocese, comprising of the following individuals:

His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate

Dr. Dn. Varoujan Altebarmakian (St. Paul, Fresno, CA)

Mr. Puzant O. Zorayan (St. Mary, Costa Mesa, CA)

Dr. Scott Asmar (St. Gregory, Fowler, CA)

Fr. Markos Mangasaryan (DPSS of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)

Ms. Diana Akopyan (Holy Resurrection, Seattle, WA)

Mr. Diran Avagyan (Western Diocese)

Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian (St. Gregory, Fowler, CA)

Fr. Mesrop Ash (St. John, San Francisco, CA)

Mr. Vartan Nazerian (Western Diocese)

Mrs. Berta Baghjajian (Western Diocese)

Fr. Vazgen Boyajian (Holy Resurrection, Seattle, WA)

Mrs. Alice Chakrian (Agape Circle of the Western Diocese)

Fr. Serovpe Alanjian (St. Mary, Costa Mesa, CA)

Mrs. Haikouhi Kavoukjian (Circle of Faith)

At the direction of the Diocesan Primate, all parish priests and parish council chairs, and chairs of Diocesan auxiliary bodies are ex-officio members of this committee. Together, we can make a huge difference in the lives of our displaced brothers in sisters.

Besides delivering much need financial aid, we intend to send groups of volunteers, who hand in hand with the Department of Social Service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, will pack goods, deliver food, and meet the families as representatives of the Western Diocese. We encourage volunteer groups of psychologists/psychiatrists, family therapists, counselors, life coaches, and medical specialists to join this mission and spend some time in Armenia, rendering their professional service.

Working together efficiently, promptly and in an organized manner is crucial, for time is of the essence. According to international statistics and sociological studies, displaced individuals and refugees tend to leave their host countries within six months, if they do not receive proper care.

It is our moral duty to ensure that our compatriots remain in Armenia and Artsakh, emerging stronger from the devastation of war and continue contributing to the prosperity of our county despite all odds.

HIGHLIGHTS

• $68 USD can feed 1 person for 1 month.
• 20$ USD can pay 1 person’s utility bills.
• $100 USD can buy winter clothing and bedding for 1 person.
• Monthly rent for an apartment may vary from $100 USD to $250USD.

NOTES

• We used $1USD=505.32AMD conversion rate (11/23/2020).
• Product prices may vary.
• Utility cost tend to increase during the winter.
• Care packages may be personalized as needed and vary in price.
• The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America is a tax-exempt religious organization under IRC Section 501(c) (3) and its tax-exempt EIN number is 95-6081942.

DONATE ONLINE

https://cutt.ly/ArtsakhRefugees