Two Armenians, One Journey Through Birthright Armenia

Whether you were born in Armenia or anywhere in the world, being Armenian means much more than you think.

Some have the opportunity to return to their country for vacation, while others can only imagine what it is like thanks to what their loved ones tell them.

But no matter where you are, this desire to understand your history, to reconnect with your roots, and to feel part of a community where others are like us, immersed since childhood between two cultures, grows.

I had the chance to listen to two Armenians, with very different but at the same time very touching stories, who both decided to join the Birthright program.

On one side, Lusin — born and raised in Russia, a former BR alumnus; on the other, Hovik — born in Yerevan and raised in Los Angeles, who joined the program this year.

At the end of this article, you will realize that they are not so different after all.

Lusin: Rediscovering Armenia, One Step at a Time

Born and raised in Moscow, Lusin Safaryan had always felt a pull toward Armenia, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2023, during an AGBU internship in Boston, that she discovered the Birthright Armenia program. Inspired and curious, she knew she had to give it a try. The timing felt right — her grandmother had recently moved back to Armenia, and Lusin was looking for something more than just a visit. She wanted a connection.

In the summer of 2024, Lusin spent three months volunteering at the National History Museum in Yerevan, where she led Russian-speaking tours. Though fulfilling, the job became physically demanding, prompting her to transition to a language center, where she assisted in English and Russian language classes. This shift allowed her to contribute in a different way — one that aligned more with her passion for culture and education.

Throughout her time in Armenia, Lusin experienced what she described as “a healing feeling.” The stress of law school back in Moscow faded as she began to feel truly present and useful in a place that once felt distant.

From hiking with fellow volunteers at Sevan in the peak of July heat to dancing at concerts by Artsakh-born artists, Lusin began to see Armenia not just as a place, but as something deeper — something stored in her very genetic code.

One of her most emotional moments came during a concert with artists from Artsakh just like her — a night filled with music, dialects she hadn’t heard in years, and people who felt like family.

“I was overstimulated, overwhelmed, but also incredibly inspired,” she recalls.

Birthright gave Lusin something no vacation could: a deep, immersive experience that made her consider moving to Armenia for graduate studies.

“You realize you’re not alone,” she says. “Even if local Armenians can be difficult at times, there’s always someone to help. That’s the beauty of this shared journey — it pushes you to grow.”

Hovik: A Californian’s First Real Taste of Home

Lusin and Hovik began their journeys from opposite corners of the world — Moscow and Los Angeles — yet they were both searching for the same thing: a sense of belonging. In Armenia, they found more than a country. They found a heartbeat that matched their own. A land that challenges you to confront your past, that embraces you even when you feel like a stranger, and that quietly transforms you in ways you never expected.

Through shared laughs on dusty excursions, through language stumbles that turned into moments of connection, and through still, soul-searching nights, they discovered that being Armenian isn’t just about blood or birthplace.

It’s aboutchoice.

It’s aboutcoming back, not just to a place, but to a part of yourself you didn’t know was missing.

Whether you speak the language fluently or are just learning your first letters, whether your ancestors built their lives under Soviet skies or escaped in search of safety — Birthright Armenia isn’t just a trip. It’s a homecoming to your roots, to your people, and to the version of you that’s been waiting to be found.

And who knows — maybe it’s not just a return.

Maybe it’s the beginning of something beautiful.

Visiting places like Etchmiadzin and Geghard helped Hovik understand the psychological depth of Armenia’s ancient builders and thinkers.

“It’s different when you see it with your own eyes.”

While he admits that the visible wealth disparity and remnants of corruption were difficult to witness, they didn’t overshadow the warmth of the people or the sense of belonging he discovered.

“It was the little things — someone saying, ‘Let’s go fishing,’ or taking a detour to show me fresh bread — that made me feel at home.”

Today, Hovik is more convinced than ever that Armenia will play a part in his future.

“Ideally, I’d come back with a pro-Armenian wife,” he jokes,

but it’s clear he’s serious about maintaining this connection.

His advice to other diasporans?

“Think of it like Mecca for Muslims. Armenians have to visit Armenia. If you can afford to travel somewhere else, why not here?”

One Nation, Many Roads Back Home

On the other side of the world, Hovik's story begins in Yerevan, where he was born in 1999. Just two and a half years later, he moved with his mother to California to join his father.

Though physically distant from Armenia, its presence lingered in the background of his upbringing — through the language, music, and family traditions.

Now based in Arizona, Hovik works in healthcare and holds a degree in English Literature from UC Berkeley. But something was missing.

“I kept hearing about Birthright everywhere,” he says,

“and I knew I had to see for myself if Armenia was a place I could one day call home.”

Hovik joined the program and was placed in Gyumri, where he taught English and worked on translation projects at the Narek charitable foundation.

His first impression?

Pure joy.

“The first night I arrived, I met my uncle for the first time in our homeland. It was 1am, and I already felt a deep connection.”

One of the most touching moments for Hovik happened during a simple conversation with Ara, the Birthright Armenia driver. While chatting, Hovik mentioned that he had never tasted freshly baked lavash. Without hesitation, Ara made an unexpected detour to Aparan, just so Hovik could experience his first bite of warm, fresh lavash straight from the tonir.

That small, spontaneous gesture left a lasting impression on him — not only because of the taste, but because of the kindness and thoughtfulness behind it.

“The country is much bigger than I thought — not in size, but in soul,” he says.