In the rich fabric of Armenian culture, woven with threads of faith, tradition, and community, lies a profound understanding of boundaries. From the moment Christianity was embraced as the state religion, Armenian households became bastions of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. Within these sacred spaces, parents imparted invaluable lessons, echoing the teachings of Christ himself: to set boundaries that safeguard our values while embracing compassion and love for others. As we navigate the delicate balance between preserving our heritage and embracing the world around us, the essence of Christian faith illuminates our path, reminding us that in setting boundaries, we fortify not only our homes but also our souls. Christian faith is deeply intertwined with having boundaries, both in our community as well as personal lives. At its core, Christianity teaches us the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in relationships, behaviors, and beliefs, guided by the principles found in the Bible.
There was a new set of standards set in all Armenian households, when we became the first nation to adapt Christianity as its state religion. One of the foundational teachings parents taught their children was that the home is a sacred space where the virtues of faith, tradition, and community need to be eternally cherished. An Armenian Christian home, stands as a beacon of spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. My parents taught me the boundaries of our home, they made it clear that our home will always be a haven for nurturing a legacy of faith, traditions, selflessness and love. Jesus Christ exemplified this in the Bible, by setting clear boundaries in his interactions while also demonstrating compassion and empathy. He was the epitome of selfless by prioritizing the needs of others without compromising his own values and principles. He served as a model for us Christians to establish boundaries that protect our well-being while also serving and loving others.
Boundaries within our faith serve as a guide for moral and ethical behavior, while emphasizing virtues such as compassion, humility, and respect for others. These boundaries help instill a sense of responsibility and accountability, guiding our children in their interactions with family, community, and society at large.
Setting boundaries for my children provides a sense of continuity and connection to both their Armenian and Black ancestral heritage. In a world where cultural assimilation and identity erasure are prevalent challenges, maintaining boundaries rooted in faith and tradition becomes a powerful means of preserving cultural identity and promoting intergenerational continuity.
