The 29th UN Climate Conference (COP29) started today in Baku, Azerbaijan. Over the weekend a worldwide fellowship of over 350 Christian denominations co-ordinated Ecumenical Prayer Services to call for global unity against the unlawful detention of political prisoners like Ruben Vardanyan in Baku.
One of the many global services was held at the Saint Yeghishe Armenian Church in London and was led by Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the leader of the Armenian Diocese of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Messages were also sent on behalf of Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. Diplomats, activists and representatives of the Armenian community also participated.
Seats were reserved for the names of the prisoners of war, including Ruben Vardanyan. At the end of the ceremony, the participants sent letters to the Armenian hostages and candles were lit in support. The event heard from Ruben Vardanyan’s niece, Seda Ambartsumian and an extract from her speech is below:
‘‘Today, I have the privilege of sharing not only a story but a deeply personal reflection on my uncle, Ruben Vardanyan – a man who has dedicated his life to principles that transcend borders, comfort, and even his own safety. To me, he is not just a philanthropist or humanitarian but a man of unwavering conviction, one who has shown me through his actions what it truly means to live for something greater than oneself.
‘‘Ruben’s story, in many ways, embodies this truth. His decision to stand with the people of Artsakh in a time of profound uncertainty was not driven by politics but by a deeply human impulse. Witnessing the suffering, resilience, and courage of those who have endured hardship for generations, he felt an unwavering responsibility to be among them. This was no easy choice—enduring a ten-month blockade, missing the birth of his first grandchild, and sacrificing countless other milestones. Yet it was a commitment he could not turn away from, a calling he felt deeply within. Even now, from confinement in one of the world’s most repressive countries, his thoughts dwell less on his own fate than on the future of his people.
‘‘Ruben has shown that freedom sometimes demands more than words or sentiment; it demands action, often at great personal cost. For many Armenians, this spirit of resilience and sacrifice is a familiar legacy—a reminder of our shared history and the strength that has carried us forward.
‘‘One of Ruben’s most meaningful projects, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, was born from this spirit. In 2015, on the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, my uncle, along with Noubar Afeyan and the late Vartan Gregorian, sought to do more than just honor our past; they sought to transform it into a call for compassion. They envisioned the Aurora Prize as a way to recognize today’s heroes—people like Marguerite Barankitse, who saved thousands of children during Burundi’s civil war, and Dr. Tom Catena, who has provided critical medical care in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains amid unimaginable hardship. These people put their lives on the line not for personal gain but because they believe in a better future for others. Through the Aurora Prize, my uncle and his co-founders sought to amplify the courage and resilience that define both Armenian history and the spirit of humanitarianism.
‘‘I remember, too, how deeply I was moved one Sunday morning after Ruben’s imprisonment. Attending church that day, I found myself asking how something so unjust could happen—to my family, to my nation, and to those brave souls who sacrificed themselves in 2020 to defend our homeland. Father Nshan’s sermon from that day still resonates. He reminded us that history has rarely been shaped by large numbers, but by a few who believed deeply, who acted from a place of conviction and sacrifice. We don’t need masses, he said; we need a handful who care deeply and honestly.
‘‘For Ruben, every act of integrity and kindness brings us closer to justice.
For him, peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it’s the presence of compassion, shared responsibility, and an unbreakable resolve.
‘‘This belief—the principle of giving more than one expects to receive—lies at the heart of the Aurora Initiative and has always been a guiding value for my uncle. Even now, in detention, he lives by this conviction. His dedication reminds us that service is not always grand or heroic in appearance. Sometimes, it is as simple—and as profound—as being present for those who need us most.
‘‘As we gather here today, let us remember Ruben’s quiet courage.
‘‘His ordeal is painful to witness, yet it only underscores the dignity with which he has always carried himself. Let us honor him not simply by admiring his strength, but by embracing the call he has carried for us: that in a world so often focused on personal success, there is still a place for compassion, resilience, and service. Let us remember that sometimes, all it takes to make a difference is the belief that our actions, however small, can light the way forward.’’
