Think Armenian Journal

“To think Armenian is to consider how each action, decision, thought, or economic activity supports and advances the Armenian cause. We must as a community amplify and augment our collective efforts into actions with direct impact in Armenia and Armenian lives. Every choice is an opportunity to enable a better Armenia for us and our future generations.”

This Newsletter aims to start thoughts, conversations, and communities with the specific focus on advancing Armenia and Armenian people.

By Lora Karch

As couples around the world prepare their roses and chocolates for Valentine’s Day, Armenia and its diaspora prepare matches and bonfires for the eve of the 14th, Tiarnundaraj. Mainly held for couples, participants line up to hold hands and jump over fire, a joyful act blessing their relationship with love, strength, and harmony. The ritual is also believed to bring prosperity and fertility, now with additional religious significance in the community.  (Read More here)

Armenia has acquired U.S.-made V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), a deal Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan confirmed during a visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Feb. 9, 2026; the reported $11M purchase was conducted via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process and is framed as part of Armenia’s push to modernize surveillance and diversify defense partners while deepening security ties with Washington. The article highlights the V-BAT’s ability to operate from confined spaces using its ducted-fan VTOL design and notes that Armenia did not publicly disclose how many systems it received or the delivery timeline. (Source: The Defense Post)

Kaffa Coffee
Kaffa Coffee is a premium Armenian coffee brand based out of Los Angeles that ships coffee blends nationwide across the United States and Canada. Offering over a dozen specialty blends, Kaffa sources high‑quality Arabica and Robusta beans from around the world and crafts them with expertise rooted in Armenian coffee tradition. Whether you prefer a classic Armenian brew or a bold global blend, Kaffa’s selections bring rich aroma and flavor right to your doorstep — a perfect way for supporters of Armenian culture to enjoy heritage‑inspired coffee at home. (Source: Kaffa Coffee)

My Armenian Phantoms
My Armenian Phantoms is a 2025 documentary film co‑written, co‑produced, and directed by Tamara Stepanyan that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival’s Forum Special section. The film follows Stepanyan’s own life and upbringing in an artistic Armenian family, exploring her father Vigen Stepanyan’s legacy in Soviet Armenian cinema and the broader cultural echoes of Armenia’s film heritage. Celebrated for its personal depth and cinematic reflection on identity and artistic legacy, My Armenian Phantoms was selected as Armenia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards and has been showcased at festivals around the world, including in Yerevan and Australia. (Source: Saachti Art)

The Forty Days of Musa Dagh – Franz Werfel
The Forty Days of Musa Dagh is a historical novel by Franz Werfel that tells the powerful story of Armenian villagers who resisted deportation during the Armenian Genocide. First published in 1933, the book follows the true events in the mountains of Musa Dagh where local communities banded together to defend their lives and heritage against overwhelming odds. Celebrated for preserving historical memory and highlighting human resilience in the face of atrocity, this novel has been widely read internationally and remains an enduring testament to courage and collective resistance. (Source: Amazon)

Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR)
The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health, education, and social services in Armenia and Artsakh. Since 1994, FAR has implemented programs in healthcare access, early childhood development, vocational training, and community development, providing essential resources and opportunities to underserved populations while promoting long-term sustainable growth. (Source: Fund for Armenian Relief)

Տուն (Tun) — Home
From the Armenian word meaning “home,” tun represents more than a physical place—it reflects belonging, warmth, and connection. It is used to describe where one feels safe, grounded, and surrounded by care. In Armenian culture, tun can be a family table, a shared tradition, or a community that feels like home, no matter where in the world it’s found.

Jingalov Hats
Jingalov Hats is a traditional Armenian flatbread filled with a rich medley of seasonal greens and herbs, especially popular in Artsakh and the Zangezur and Syunik regions. The dish symbolizes Armenia’s deep connection to the land and resourcefulness, using as many as 17–26 different herbs folded into thin dough that’s cooked until lightly blistered and aromatic. Its simple ingredients and plant-forward nature reflect centuries-old culinary traditions that adapt to whatever greens the season provides. (Source: Saveur)

Are you making an impact in your Armenian community — locally or globally? Tell us how. Email us at [email protected] to be featured in the next edition.