Guardians of Memory: The Role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Post-Genocide Armenian Identity
Keywords:
Armenian Apostolic Church, Armenian Genocide, collective memory, diaspora, identity, religionAbstract
This article examines the Armenian Apostolic Church’s role in preserving post-genocidal Armenian identity and memory within Armenia and the diaspora. It argues that the Church acts as a vital link connecting past traumas to present identity and future aspirations through rituals, narratives, and community institutions.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines theoretical analysis with survey data from Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora. The theoretical framework draws from theories of collective identity, memory, and religion in post-conflict societies. The survey explores perceptions of the Church’s role in preserving identity and genocide memory, noting differences between Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora. In the diaspora, higher religiosity correlates with more frequent interaction with the Church, especially its communal activities. The Church is seen as a place to connect with Armenian identity, holding traditions and fostering a sense of Armenian Christian unity. This article also indicates that some believe a clear Armenian culture or identity might not exist today without the Church.
The article emphasises the Church’s enduring significance as a pillar of Armenian resilience, particularly against assimilation in the diaspora, where communities are in constant fear of it. The findings contribute to understanding religion’s role in post-traumatic identity and memory, suggesting future research areas like engaging younger generations and impacting genocide recognition advocacy.
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