Stepan Piligian

Life in the Western Armenian diaspora has become increasingly complex, which represents a significant challenge for our communities. In the first 40 years of the post-genocide diaspora in the United States, an argument could be made that our communities were reasonably homogenous. Granted, there was competitive pride over origins, but the vast majority of Armenians …

I often ask myself why Armenians, both in the homeland and the diaspora, remain so passive regarding the extraordinary struggle we are witnessing between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the government of the Republic of Armenia. Media coverage can amplify — or muffle — the voice of the faithful, and while people freely …

Last week, this column focused on the divisive thinking that pervades our communal life. We can deny it because it is uncomfortable, but it has been a major factor throughout our long journey. When one considers our attraction to other Armenians in random encounters, it is ironic that we manage to generate so much negativity …

Most functioning societies are built like a pyramid. The vast majority of people reside at the base, and as you move upward, fewer individuals hold increasingly concentrated power. This is essentially true, regardless of the governing model. The fundamental difference between an autocratic system and a representative democracy is that, in the former, power is …

Music stirs incredible emotions in most of us. One of its universal joys is that it can be interpreted — and therefore made relevant — to countless people. It evokes heartfelt memories and sad moments along our personal journeys. In the 1970s, a dear friend of mine, Manoog Kaprielian, who passed away recently, created music …

Life in the American Armenian diaspora is built on, and dependent upon, the concept of community. Communities are often described as social units in which common interests, values and culture create a sense of belonging and cohesion. They can be geographic, such as the Armenian community in Fresno, Racine and Worcester. They also form communities …

Growing up in the American diaspora, there were countless “baby boomer” Armenians who longed for an independent Armenia. They grew up when the Armenian flag was not listed at the United Nations, and there were blank faces among their American friends when asked if they knew of Armenians. It was a dream from our grandparents, …

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared, while speaking before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, that the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict “has ended with the agreement I signed yesterday.” He was referencing the agreement signed on TRIPP, the Trump Route for International Peace, as conclusive evidence that the focus has shifted from conflict to opportunity. This is …

An elderly man holds the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia. (Photo: Photolure)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (left) with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (right) at the White House (Photo: RA Prime Minister's office, August 8, 2025)