Newmag Publishing Presents Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan’s Book “Defeating Ourselves” (Photos)

The editor of the book is Arsen Gasparyan, President of the Ex Oriente Union Armenian Orientalists. At the presentation, he reflected on the meaning of the title:

“Even before our era, Greek philosophers taught that the greatest victory is the one over oneself. When we think of victory, we picture competitions, applause, or triumph over others. But the deepest, most lasting victories happen quietly, within. We must confront the version of ourselves that complains but does nothing. Victory over ourselves is the path to true freedom.”

The event continued in a conversation format, moderated by theologian and blogger Tovmas Arakelyan. He emphasized that the book is about building a value system, and asked how such a system can be formed. Archbishop Bagrat responded that values must be set by the state:

“The state shapes the nation and the values we carry. In many languages, ‘nation’ and ‘state’ mean the same. When the state is weakened, the ideological and interpersonal foundations of society collapse. Today, we have no organic value system. Even when it comes to the Armenian Genocide, we speak in terms of emotion, not reasoning, and we have not integrated it into a broader state framework.”

Referencing Plato, who named courage, balance, justice, and wisdom as the four pillars of a strong state, Arakelyan asked what Armenia needs today. Archbishop Bagrat responded:

“We need reconciliation, truth, justice, and above all, morality. Without morality, there is no wisdom. Our real problem is moral behavior. We don’t just need a civil society, we need a moral society. What we call civil society has revealed its limitations.”

His Holiness also took questions from the audience. When asked whether the Holy Struggle will resume, he responded:

“The long period of preparation is over. Only two questions remain: when and how. We no longer have the right to fail. The stakes are too high. I do not want to fall short of the responsibility we’ve already assumed.”

The presentation took place on May 24, which is also the birthday of Ruben Vardanyan, currently imprisoned in Baku. Archbishop Bagrat extended birthday wishes to Vardanyan, expressing hope for his and other Armenian detainees’ swift release. He concluded with a powerful message:

“We need a state that will stand up for all its citizens, and for all Armenians.”