Khachkar Studios’ decision to direct $10 million to go directly to the “Faithful” of the Armenian Eastern Diocese may prove to be one of the most consequential moves in the modern era of the Armenian-American church.
For years, declining attendance has threatened the vitality of Armenian parishes. The assumption that roughly 30% of Armenians attend church regularly has masked the more sobering reality: only 3% do. That gap has prevented communities from grasping the scale of the crisis and taking meaningful action.
Khachkar Studios is pushing for a different approach—one grounded in transparency, measurement, and direct community engagement. The organization plans to distribute up to $500,000 to parishes or individuals who adopt its Biblically rooted management “Framework,” which emphasizes financial discipline and data-driven planning.
Critics may say that change should come from leadership,not individuals. But the truth is that parish life is sustained by the people who attend services, support programs, volunteer their time, and raise the next generation within the church. Investing directly in them acknowledges where renewal truly begins.
The goal is ambitious: double participation to 6% and significantly raise Social Return on Investment (SROI). Yet the approach is grounded in practical steps—strengthening parish operations, improving financial reporting, and empowering communities to make informed decisions about their future.
Some may resist this shift, especially those accustomed to traditional structures. But the Armenian church in America stands at a crossroads. Without bold action, assimilation and demographic decline will continue to erode community life.
Khachkar Studios’ investment represents a rare opportunity—a chance to rebuild from the ground up by supporting the individuals who keep the faith alive. Whether the community embraces this moment may determine the trajectory of Armenian spiritual life for the next generation.
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