The Issue of the Armenians of Artsakh Discussed at the Interfaith Harmony Breakfast Meeting

Every year, the first week of February is dedicated to the World Interfaith Harmony Week, during which numerous and diverse meetings take place between representatives of various religious traditions.

On the morning of February 4, 2025, as in previous years, a similar breakfast meeting was held at the luxurious “Versailles” Hall of the “Le Plaza” Hotel in Brussels, organized by the Belgian branch of the international organization Sint’Egidio. Among the many representatives of different religious communities, Rev. Fr. Zatik Avetikian, the Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchal Delegate in Belgium, participated on behalf of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The central theme of the discussions and exchange of thoughts for the day was “The Role of Religions in Addressing and Finding Solutions to the Challenges Facing Humanity.”

The event was opened with welcoming remarks by Baron Jean de Wouters, a member of the Central Board of Sint’Egidio, while the closing speech was delivered by Baroness Hilde de Kiboom, the President of the organization.

In his address, Rev. Fr. Zatik Avetikian reminded the audience that Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 AD. He emphasized that despite the current complex geopolitical situation, Armenia remains a beacon of faith, hope, love, and perseverance, illuminating the fragile region with the teachings of Christ.

Furthermore, Rev. Fr. Avetikian drew attention to the immense suffering of the Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) over the past years, underlining the devastating human, spiritual, cultural, and material losses they have endured—often under the indifference and silent complicity of many so-called civilized nations. As a token of gratitude to Sint’Egidio and in commemoration of this meeting, Rev. Fr. Avetikian presented Baroness Hilde de Kiboom with a scarf featuring the traditional carpet art of Artsakh.

It should be noted that this gathering served as an opportunity to build new bridges of brotherhood, friendship, hope, and light, thereby remaining faithful to our human calling to safeguard and nurture our common home, Planet Earth.