Do we envision a prosperous and thriving Christ-centered church that overcomes the obstacles of the diaspora, or are we embracing the status quo while waiting for assimilation and secularism to engulf us? There is very little that is static about being an Armenian Christian in the Western Hemisphere. Change is a constant, and the question centers on adaptation. Adaptation is a term most Armenians fear because it suggests losing something. Ironically, Armenians throughout their history have survived through adaptation.
With a history of conquest by others, our nation would not have survived without adjustments. The critical factor is not resisting change but understanding how to survive and benefit from it. For example, the Armenian Church is an ethnic denomination. The question before us is: How can the church thrive in the diaspora when intermarriage is significant?
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As a reader of your posts, I may note the following, although money may not be viewed an appropriate term to use when it comes to church. But the reality is that the church needs money to adapt and change. There may be many reasons for poor church attendance, but money can reach a church, nonetheless. Maintaining dues paying membership is vital because not only it provides the church vital avenue to adapt and outreach; it also maintains an organic bond between a due paying member and the church, however geographically apart they may be.
I have always enjoyed Mr Piligian’s articles..he is my constant. Reminding me of who I am as an Armenian! Thank you Steven