Think Armenian Journal

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

As Armenians prepare to make decisions that will shape the nation's future, it is worth remembering a simple principle: Think Armenian. Beyond personalities, parties, and momentary disagreements lies something far greater—the security, prosperity, and long-term flourishing of Armenia and Armenians everywhere. Every choice should be guided by a single question: What best serves the future of our nation and our people? When we place that question at the center of our thinking, we honor both the sacrifices of those who came before us and our responsibility to those who will come after us.

How grape farmers are restoring Armenia’s wine heritage while safeguarding ecosystems

Armenia's winemakers are reviving a 6,000-year-old wine tradition while protecting the country's fragile mountain ecosystems. By cultivating native grape varieties, restoring soil health, and embracing sustainable farming practices, they are preserving both Armenia's rich cultural heritage and its biodiversity. The effort demonstrates how economic growth, environmental stewardship, and national identity can be strengthened together through thoughtful, locally rooted agriculture. (Read More here)

Henry’s House of Coffee
Henry’s House of Coffee is a family-owned Armenian coffee roastery in San Francisco that has been hand-roasting coffee since 1965. Founded by Armenian immigrant Henry Kalebjian, the business blends generations of Armenian coffee tradition with specialty coffee craftsmanship, offering signature dark roasts and authentic Armenian coffee prepared extra fine. Now led by the second and third generations of the Kalebjian family, Henry’s House of Coffee continues to celebrate Armenian heritage through community, culture, and a passion for quality coffee. (Source: Henry’s House of Coffee)

The Promise
The Promise is a 2016 historical drama directed by Terry George that follows an Armenian medical student caught in a love triangle during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. Set against the backdrop of the Armenian Genocide, the film highlights themes of love, survival, and resilience while bringing global attention to an important chapter of Armenian history. Through emotional storytelling and powerful performances, The Promise honors the strength of the Armenian people and the enduring importance of remembrance.(Source: IMDb)

My Name is Aram – William Saroyan
My Name Is Aram by William Saroyan is a classic collection of interconnected short stories that captures the humor, warmth, and resilience of Armenian immigrant life in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Told through the eyes of a young Armenian boy, the book explores themes of family, tradition, identity, and belonging with both charm and sincerity. Through vivid storytelling and memorable characters, Saroyan celebrates the everyday experiences that shape culture and community. (Source: Amazon)

Paros Foundation
Paros Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting communities in Armenia through humanitarian aid, education, infrastructure development, and social impact programs. Through volunteer initiatives and community partnerships, the organization helps fund projects that create long-term opportunities for families and children across Armenia. (Source: Paros)

Կարոտ (Karot) — Longing / Deep Missing
Karot is an Armenian word used to describe a deep sense of longing or missing someone, someplace, or a moment in time. Often tied to family, homeland, and memory, the word carries an emotional depth that goes beyond simple nostalgia. In Armenian culture, karot reflects the enduring connections people hold to loved ones, heritage, and home—no matter how near or far they may be.

Zhingyalov Hats
Zhingyalov hats is a traditional flatbread from Artsakh filled with a finely chopped blend of 10–20 different fresh herbs and greens, including parsley, cilantro, dill, spinach, scallions, and wild mountain greens depending on the season. Cooked on a hot griddle without oil or meat, it reflects Armenia’s deep connection to foraged ingredients, simplicity, and plant-based cooking rooted in the land. Light, fresh, and deeply aromatic, zhingyalov hats is a communal dish often prepared by hand in large batches, celebrating togetherness and seasonal abundance. (Source: Hermann)

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.