FROM THE HISTORY OF THE ACTIVITY FOR THE CARE OF ORPHANS OF THE ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE OF CONSTANTINOPLE (1890s)

Abstract

The issue of salvation and Armenian education of about 50.000 children orphaned by the
Hamidian pogrom policy on the basis of the Time Press and archival materials is elucidated in the article. During the massacre and especially after it ended, charitable and social
organizations from a number of countries hastened to help carrying out donations aimed at
helping the survivors but the need was so great that the help was negligible. It is worth
mentioning that help from foreigners sometimes changed the religion of Armenians, especially orphans. Since the first days of his tenure, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople M. Ormanyan took measures for the salvation and protection of orphans. In 1898, there were 22 orphanages in Western Armenia. After the Hamidian massacres, various missionary institutions were involved in the works of the salvation of Armenian orphans. M. Ormanyan appreciating their efforts, at the same time warned them not to change the religion of Armenians under the name of charity. He also appealed to the Armenians from abroad with appropriate notes urging them to contribute to the upbringing of Armenian orphans. In 1901, thanks to his efforts, under the patronage of the Patriarch there were 37 orphanages with 1813 orphans, of which 1680 boys and 133 girls. In the meantime, workshops had been opened in the diocesan centers since 1902, where orphans were taught different crafts. Thus, the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople using all possible means of the time did some work to save Armenian orphans, which unfortunately could not be performed more efficiently in the difficult political conditions.