In Sight
Leadership is not about control. It’s about enabling others.
As Armenians, we have a responsibility to ourselves and to our future to set the bar high. At times, we have succumbed to accepting mediocrity in our institutions. Some of this is attributed to a lack of resources or mental fatigue from our volunteer network. Other times we may be aware of lowering our standards, but are either unable or unwilling to confront the challenge. We must never compromise our vision because of current limitations. It is the vision that attracts community members and mo
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It’s a great concept if it were to actually be applied however I see no sign of any empowerment of anyone other than current leadership and mega donors to the current Armenian Orthodox Church organization – in fact living at my level within the church I see repression rather than encouragement I can supply details if needed
Stepan Piligian’s views about Leadership in the Armenian Church is very refreshing. Control, in any situation, is a loosing leadership approach accept in a battlefield theater. The issue of control within Echmiazin is a carryover from the past Soviet mentality. This phenomena of “control & rule” exists in all formal Sovet Repulics at all levels of Goverment and Institutions. The mindset needs to be reprogramed to see meaningful changes in leadership style. It will come over time, perhaps in a generation ot two. Church politics is a very complex matter, more than any other political situation.
Sebouh Tashjian
Former State Minister
Republic of Armenia
Thank you Stepan, for voicing this opinion. As an Armenian American woman, your points hit home.
The traditions of the Church liturgy are beautiful and beloved, but the cultural baggage dictated from an ‘old world’ mentality drives many American families away. We want to come to church to maintain connection to our Armenian community and to seek communion with God.
In generations past, the Church was a beacon to Armenians in diaspora. Yet time and time again over the past decade, I feel alienated in a church embroiled in regional politics and a strict definition of ‘Armenian Identity’. The many controversies around the role of language and of women in our churches are perfect examples. I am third generation American, a working professional with limited ability to speak/understand Armenian and married to a non-Armenian – is there a place for me in this Church?
Even the country of Armenia is embracing a new cultural world through policies that empower the vast talents of the Armenian population – with technology and business development, support of education and the arts, and equal rights for women. The Armenian Church cannot flourish unless it also moves forward in a similar way.
Your comments get right to the heart of the leadership crisis. A “strict definition of Armenian identity” and “ is there a place for me in this church”. If we can not answer these questions with a resounding yes… not just a patronizing response but through actions, behaviors and practices … then the future will be limited. We must demand more of our leaders at every level adjust to new realities. Thank you. Keep the faith.
Right!