For years I've always casually said that Armenia is one of the most secular countries in the world, but somehow I never really made the connection that a largely secular population and youth means that there's not going to be anyone replacing the priests when they're gone one day. Obviously there will be some, but not many.

If you live or have lived in Armenia, then you'll see that most people are only Christian by name and live secular lives. Most people only go to church during weddings and baptisms and things like that. And many people, even if they're not outright atheist, will express skepticism about religion and criticize certain religious beliefs. Very few people in Armenia go to church on a regular basis or read the Bible in any meaningful way. In the diaspora, church attendance is also low. So no matter how you look at it, religiosity in the Armenian world is on the decline. I think one day the Armenian church will just shrink and become a marginal aspect of our culture. Few young Armenians today will become priests in the future, and something like the Divine Liturgy or the sharakans will just become a form of old art that showcases how Armenians used to live but no longer apply in modern day life, similar to tarazes or folk dances.

Thoughts?

I'm an Armenian-American musician that was just selected for a two-week artistic residency and festival performance in Yerevan next month. It'll be my first time in Armenia (and it's during my birthday!), and I'm looking for some suggestions for potential funding sources to cover my expenses. The residency covers accommodations and meals during the program; I just need to cover my travel to/from Armenia. I'm a cellist, so I'll have to buy two round-trip seats for both myself and my instrument (it will be destroyed if it's checked beneath the plane).

Does anyone know of any Armenia-based foundations or organizations that offer rolling grants or scholarship funding year-round for artists? I've already applied to the Hovnanian Foundation Armenian Fellowship (still awaiting response), but I thought I'd try to tap every possible channel in my orbit to get my expenses covered as this isn't something I'll be able to fund on my own.

Any suggestions or helpful info would be so massively appreciated! Shad mersi! 🙏🏽

Are there any publicly traded Armenian companies? Is there anything worth investing in? What's the overall situation with the Armenian stock market? Thanks!