Philadelphia-Armenian Community Comes Together to Provide for Spiritual Needs of Javakhk

Javakhk has been historically Armenian and its inhabitants have remained Armenian, though it is presently an autonomous region in Georgia. In July 1921, the Soviet Union’s Central Committee discussed apportioning several disputed regions between Armenia and Georgia. The Lori region was joined to Armenia but the question of what to do with the regions of Akhalkalak and Zalka was transferred to the Georgian Central Communist Bureau for their recommendation. Disregarding the demands of the Armenian side, both regions were subsequently given to Georgia.

Because of the Georgian government’s neglectful policy towards Javakhk and its Armenian population, this region has been seriously depopulated. Today, the number of those leaving has reached catastrophic proportions. There is a lack of modernization and jobs, severe deterioration of roads and an elderly population left in impossible conditions. The educational system is in a questionable state, with most of the Armenian schools under the threat of elimination. As in other Armenian-populated areas of the Caucasus, Armenian culture and spiritual values have been subject to persecution. Examples include the banning of the teaching of Armenian history and the destruction of Armenian khachkars and churches.

Under Salbiyan’s leadership, ruined churches have been renovated, a weekly sermon is broadcast to the region and junior choirs, Sunday Schools and a children’s religious theater troupe have been established, as well as a summer church camp for children and various sports activities. Thousands have been baptized into the church in these past 10 years.

Salbiyan’s task is a heavy and difficult one. There is no income, so the clergy do not receive a stipend. Assistance is provided to them through a special fund established by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) for the community’s spiritual needs. If the diaspora does not sustain the Javakhk community, the global Armenian community will suffer another loss similar to the loss of Nakhijevan.

During this gathering, a substantial sum of money was raised for the clergy to carry on with their work and sustain the local community for the coming year. The Philadelphia-Armenian community is determined and dedicated to continue sustaining this isolated group of Armenians in a very remote part of the Caucasus. Over the past six years, they have sent containers of clothing, shoes, computers, as well as Bibles and other goods through the Fund for Armenian Relief.

It takes but a few caring individuals to spark an entire community to come together in easing the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Armenia and other parts of the world. For those who wish to contribute to the spiritual needs of Javakhk, funds can be transmitted to the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, under the memo Javakhk Spiritual Fund.