Pope’s visit to Armenia has a special meaning for Syrian Armenians who fled war, Avet Demourian says in an article for the Associated Press.
The words of peace are especially important for Angela Agemyan and her three children.
“Peace for us is the most important thing,” Agemyan, 35, told AP correspondent in Yerevan. “The peace that we had in my family is lost.”
Angela’s husband was killed by ISIS militants for not renouncing his Christian faith and she does not plan to come back to Syria, although she has a house in Aleppo and her parents still live there.
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The author says Armenian has many economic challenges, but “refugees say what they appreciate most is the warm welcome they have received.”
Despite high unemployment rate in the country, Demourian admits that those who fled Syria managed to find jobs as doctors, jewelers, mechanics, hair stylists and cooks.
Angela says she bakes cakes and pastries to make end meet, and feels safe and adapted in Armenia.