Introduction
1. A Unique Providential Role
2. The 1915 Genocide of the Armenians
3. The Unparalleled Role of the Family
4. Christian Spirituality [See Below]
5. Culture and Language
6. Creative Hard Work
7. Love of Education [See Below]
8. Striving for the Artistic Expression
9. The Yearning for Peace
10. Tradition
11. Hospitality
12. The Hope Embodied in History
Epilogue

Excerpts from the Book

4. Christian Spirituality
The sense of spirituality, of believing in a relationship with God is common to all people. Yet for Armenians, the spirituality that makes the most common sense is the Christian Spirituality – the belief in a relationship with God based on the beliefs of the Christian Faith as interpreted and taught by the Armenian Apostolic Church. We see the fulfillment of our ultimate beliefs in this Christian Faith - in the relationship with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. For instance, we believe that we have a special place in the history of humanity, and this is exactly what the Christian Faith teaches: Every person, family, community and nation has a special and unique place in God’s guiding plan for humanity. Further, there is no question that we have been disappointed repeatedly by the empty promises of the major powers of this world. At times of need, Armenians have been left alone and helpless. The Christian Faith recognizes this: As well intentioned as the human powers of this world may be, sooner or later they will fail to protect the small nations regardless of how just and true they may be. As another instance, the Christian Faith is embraced and lived through the human unit of the family. Consequently - valuing the importance of the family nurtures the Christian Faith, and simultaneously belief in the Christian Faith raises the importance of the family to an unprecedented height.

Interestingly, Armenian accomplished leaders who have maintained their belief and connection to the Armenian Apostolic Church have been able to leave an unshakable legacy. Leaders who have come from Armenian descent and Church but have abandoned their roots may appear to have accomplished great deeds, but their memory and legacy has soon disappeared. Armenian Christian Spirituality inherently encourages appreciating the accomplishments of earlier generations.

There is no doubt that Armenians and the Christian Faith are inseparable. We find our greatest potential by living the Christian Way of Life, while the Christian Faith finds one of its ultimate collective manifestations in this world in the struggles, accomplishments, joys, and the progress of the Armenian people.

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7. Love of Education

Education has always been valued in the Armenian community. Armenian leaders have always recognized that educating the people is a most effective way of assuring the community’s progress and well being.

It is interesting that numerous Armenian families display a Bible, a book, or an old writing as one of their most precious possessions. It is a fact that when we were forced out of our dwellings, often the only possession with which we left were the family Bible or prayer book. The implication here is that these families must have had these Bibles and books at home and must have treasured them. No one takes along an item they do not value. This reality implies two situations that must have existed. First, these Bibles and books must have been plentiful within the Armenian community for people to purchase them. One must understand that centuries ago books were not available in bookstores as they are today. Often they had to be especially prepared for a family. Thus, getting hold of a book by a family who is oppressed by foreign powers or is driven out of its land makes finding books all the more difficult, and signifies a keen appreciation of education. Second, we must have been so dedicated to education that people must have prepared some of these writings in the most severe and difficult conditions. When barbarian tribes were invading from Central Asia, Armenians were able to prepare manuscripts despite these barbarians’ cruel tortures and killings. When conditions were cold and forbidding, monks still produced these books. One even stated that he is writing with his own blood because of how cold it was and how limited were the resources.

Since we value education, it is no wonder that even by being a people with small numbers and being persecuted, massacred and even attempted to be annihilated, yet we have the Madénataran, the Book Depository in Armenia that holds one of the richest collections of manuscripts in the world. Education is a luxury for many people. But for Armenians, education is a necessity, a means of survival and progress … and the appreciation of Divine gifts!

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