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Yerevan, October 2, 2026 – The second Republic of Armenia Prayer Breakfast (RAPB) is scheduled to take place in Yerevan on October 2-3, 2026. This event is envisioned by its organizers as a platform for dialogue on faith, public life, international cooperation, and regional issues, drawing participants from across the globe.
International Participation and High-Profile Attendees
According to information released by the organizers, approximately 300 individuals are expected to attend, representing governmental, diplomatic, business, civil society, media, and religious communities from Armenia and 32 other countries. The list of attendees includes high-ranking officials such as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Vahagn Khachaturyan. Prime Minister Pashinyan is slated to deliver the keynote address, followed by discussions, reflections, and prayers involving political and religious leaders.
Prominent international speakers will include Paula White, Senior Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and Riley Barnes, Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, and Special Envoy for International Religious Freedom at the U.S. Department of State. Asif Mahmood, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for 2026-2027, is also confirmed to attend.
Other notable participants include Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Head of Postgraduate Studies at Gevorkian Theological Seminary; Archbishop Mesrop Sarkissian, Leader of the U.S. and Qatar Diocese; Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria; Robert Rzehak, Special Envoy for Religious Freedom and Interreligious Dialogue for the Czech Republic; Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenian Ambassador to the U.S.; and David Allen, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia. Argishti Mekhakyan, Mayor of Etchmiadzin, is also on the list of additional participants.
The participation list underscores the event’s broad international appeal, with representatives from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Asia expected to be present. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has confirmed that representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church will also attend the prayer breakfast, having received an invitation.
Key Discussion Topics for the 2026 Prayer Breakfast
While the agenda for the 2026 Prayer Breakfast is still being finalized, organizers have outlined several preliminary discussion themes:
- Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB): Discussions will focus on Armenia’s experiences, its regional position, and international processes related to religious freedom. Policy-makers, researchers, human rights advocates, and other field representatives are invited to participate.
- Christian Finance and Ethical Economics: This topic will address investments based on Christian values, faith-based banking and capital formation approaches, and responsible business governance.
- Stability of Faith Communities in the Middle East: Discussions will cover the preservation of religious communities under pressure, demographic and societal resilience, the protection of spiritual and cultural heritage, and cooperation within Eastern Christian traditions.
- Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem and Common Christian Heritage: The historical role and current challenges of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the preservation of Christian heritage and holy sites in the Holy Land, and relations with Israel will be explored.
- Christian Tourism and Pilgrimage Opportunities in Armenia: This session will delve into the development of pilgrimage routes, regional tourism cooperation, and Armenia’s international representation in this sector.
- Faith and Spirituality in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Organizers plan to discuss AI’s impact on religion, the role of faith and moral traditions in technological development, and spiritual preparedness in the context of rapidly evolving technologies.
The Origin of the Prayer Breakfast Format
The prayer breakfast format is not new, with the most well-known example being the National Prayer Breakfast held in the United States. According to archival materials from the U.S. Congress, prayer groups for members of the House of Representatives and the Senate were formed during World War II. In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended the first joint National Prayer Breakfast, establishing a long-standing tradition of presidential participation.
Beyond the U.S. experience, prayer breakfasts are also held by other organizations and in various countries. For instance, different units of the U.S. Army organize similar events, featuring breakfast, prayer, speeches, and participation from representatives of various religious communities.
The key characteristic of this format is to bring together representatives from political, public, and religious spheres to discuss faith, values, public service, and societal issues. However, the content and scope of participation in prayer breakfasts can vary significantly between different countries and organizations.
This upcoming gathering in Yerevan will mark Armenia’s second prayer breakfast, with an agenda that, according to organizers, will encompass not only religious themes but also international religious freedom, the future of Middle Eastern communities, Armenian heritage in Jerusalem, Christian tourism, ethical economics, and the moral and spiritual questions arising from the development of artificial intelligence.
