«Tree of Life» Initiative: PILGRIMAGE TO TATEV MONASTERY

Goal

21.3% $50 000

The Pilgrimage to Tatev Monastery initiative aims to unite Armenians and friends of Armenia around a spiritual and cultural journey. The event will focus on the idea of reviving Tatev as a spiritual, scientific, cultural, and social center, and on uniting around spiritual-national values. It is being implemented with the blessing of the Armenian Apostolic Church and in cooperation with several Armenian charitable organizations.

The pilgrimage program includes:

Joint Prayer at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul – praying for the return of Armenian prisoners.
Baptism Ceremony of Artsakh children born during the blockade of Artsakh.
Exhibition “The Golden Chain of Patrons: Guardians of Tatev Through the Centuries“
Spiritual Talks and Unity Ceremony Gathering around the Tree of Life for reflection and blessing.
Community Development Presentations Introduction of initiatives aimed at strengthening the Tatev community.
Cultural program (musical performances, dance performances, master classes)
Harissa preparation and traditional hospitality
Local produce and crafts fair
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Establishing the tradition of pilgrimage and reaffirming Tatev Monastery’s role as a center of spiritual and cultural interaction
Drawing public attention to the issue of Armenian prisoners and urgently calling for their release
Implementing regional development programs
Supporting families displaced from Artsakh and ensuring spiritual unity
Ensuring continuity and encouraging Armenian philantropy traditions

Participate in the pilgrimage

Partners

Wings of Tatev Ropeway

“Tatev Revival” Foundation

Co-organizers

Tatev Community

AGBU

Aznavour Foundation

Support Artsakh Union

DAR Foundation for Regional Development and Competitiveness

IDEA Charitable Foundation

Armenian Relief Society

Hovnanian Family Foundation

Armenian branch of the Near East Foundation

Orran Benevolent NGO

Educational Foundation Teach For Armenia

Tufenkian Foundation

Geography

Syunik Region, Tatev, Halidzor

Implementation dates

31 May, 2025

Beneficiaries:

Direct beneficiaries:

Pilgrimage participants (more than 1,000 people)
Residents of the Tatev community, including families forcibly displaced from Artsakh residing in Tatev community
Local producers and artisans
Representatives of partner organizations

Indirect beneficiaries:
Population of Syunik province
Armenian cultural heritage preservation initiatives
Regional tourism infrastructure

Sustainability:

Annual nature of the pilgrimage, which was established in 2024 and will continue in subsequent years
Unity around spiritual values
Presentation and implementation of long-term programs aimed at developing the Tatev community
Encouraging patronage traditions and ensuring continuity
Long-term cooperation between the Armenian Apostolic Church and reputable charitable organizations
Involvement of local communities and contribution to sustainable socio-economic development