Diaspora Rallies Behind National Front Movement in Glendale

Hundreds of Armenians gathered on Sunday afternoon outside the Consulate General of Armenia in Glendale to stand in solidarity with the National Front Movement and to denounce the ongoing political repression unfolding in Armenia. The demonstration, organized by Azgayin.org, served as a bold expression of diaspora resolve in the face of what many see as the Pashinyan regime’s betrayal of national and spiritual values.

The rally began with an opening address by Laura Hakobyan, who framed the event within the broader struggle for faith, freedom, and the future of the Armenian nation. In a speech that drew applause and emotional responses from the crowd, Hakobyan condemned the Civil Contract regime as a force that no longer represents the will of the Armenian people, accusing it of undermining the Church, the diaspora, and Armenia’sTigran Abovyan Tashir GroupVery Reverend Father Muron Aznikian Leads in Prayer

Photos courtesy of @tibernugs via Instagram.Her remarks were followed by a powerful invocation and speech from Very Reverend Father Muron Aznikian, who began and ended his address with solemn prayers. In between, he offered a scathing rebuke of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, calling him a danger to the spiritual and political fabric of the nation. Fr. Aznikian urged attendees to uphold truth and justice, and not to remain passive in the face of national decline, drawing historical parallels to moments when faith and courage turned the tide for Armenians.

A representative from Congressman Brad Sherman’s office then took the stage, relaying the Congressman’s regrets that he could not attend in person. The rep read aloud Sherman’s July 9th public statement, which expressed concern over the arrests of prominent Armenian figures:

“As Vice Chair of the Armenia Caucus, I am deeply concerned about recent arrests of Armenian dissidents, including Mr. Samvel Karapetyan and clergy of the Armenian Church. Our relationship with Armenia is built on our shared dedication to democracy. I expressed these concerns earlier today to Armenia’s Ambassador Lilit Makunts.”

In a July 9 statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Congressman Brad Sherman wrote:

The event continued with remarks from Mike Sarian and Vahe Karapetyan, two well-known philanthropists and longtime supporters of Armenian institutions in California. Both emphasized the importance of standing united—across borders and political affiliations—to resist foreign manipulation and domestic tyranny. Their speeches underscored the moral obligation of the diaspora to speak out while others are silenced.

The mood shifted briefly as beloved singer Samvel Yeranyan took the stage, performing a short but emotional set of patriotic and spiritual songs that moved many in the audience. Singer Samvel Yeranyan. Photo courtesy of @tibernugs via Instagram.

Following the performance, Tigran Abovyan, representing the Tashir Group, delivered a message on behalf of Samvel Karapetyan, who remains under pressure in Armenia. Karapetyan’s message, though not quoted in full, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Armenian nation, the Apostolic Church, and the cause of national sovereignty.

The event concluded with speeches from two of its lead organizers, Armen Shahbazyan and Sarkis Zelveyan, who thanked the crowd for their turnout and called for continued action. They emphasized that this was only the beginning, and that Azgayin.org would remain at the forefront of organizing the diaspora in the struggle to restore justice and dignity in Armenia.