Little Bridge - Nothilfe in Armenien

For more than forty years, the Church of Graubünden has been launching a collection during Pentecost in favor of an ecumenical project: the Pentecost Project. The Pentecost project was initiated in 1987 by various Graubünden colloquia. The idea behind it is to share responsibility for minority churches around the world that need support.

As a current Pentecost project, the regional church "Commission for the Worldwide Church" proposed the project "Emergency Aid in Armenia" of the Little Bridge association. Kathrin Ritzi, President of the Little Bridge Association, in cooperation with the Migration and World Church Office, created a programme with three focal points for the three-year Pentecost project phase.

The Pentecost Project 2026 – 2028.
As the mountain canton of Graubünden, we have a lot in common with the Armenian mountains. One example is sheep farming. In Armenia, six sheep of a family ensure sustainable survival. The opening event on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026, will take place in the mountain village of Präz as part of the Pentecost festival of the Heinzenberg-Domleschg church region.

Pentecost 2026: Agriculture.
Introduction to the "Sheep gifts" project of the Little Bridge association as part of the Pentecost festival in Präz, joint lunch, sale of products from the projects.

Pentecost 2027: Culture.
Armenia's churches and monasteries are witnesses to ancient Armenian architecture. Armenia, once a great kingdom, has made a great contribution to the World Heritage Site. The Pentecost service will take place in the Reformed Church of Chur in the Comanderzentrum. Armenian barbecue, music and dance.

Pentecost 2028: Exchange. At the end of the Pentecost project, the project trip to Armenia will take place. We get to know the country and its people and see how projects are implemented. Armenian project leaders come to Graubünden on a working visit, visiting farms. Armenian concert and Pentecost service in Ilanz.

Religious and Confirmation Education/Adult Education:
Circle dances are an important part of Armenian culture. They symbolize community and strength. Circle dance workshop with roundabout for young and old.
- Teaching unit for confirmands on the topic of war and peace.
- Film or literature evening with discussion and guests. Film and literature list is available from the Migration and Worldwide Church Office.
- Guest lectures and storytelling afternoons with experts.
- Presentation of Little Bridge's work at church events in the parishes, from senior citizens' afternoons to soup lunches. Inquiries directly to www.little -bridge-schweiz.ch, Little Bridge Association, Kathrin Ritzi-Schaufelberger, President, k.ritzi@bluewin.ch, 071 642 13 17
- Conf trip to Armenia with a visit to the "Next to You" therapy centre for young people with disabilities. Participation in children's programs.

Divine service:
Divine service with representatives of the Armenian diaspora in Switzerland.
- Worship together with board members of Little Bridge.

Travelling exhibition:
There are twelve pictures with relays available to set up. Information boards
document the life and work of the Armenian mountain population.

Congregational trip:
At the end of the three-year Pentecost project, a project and encounter trip to Armenia is planned in 2028. Are you interested in taking part in this trip? The Migration and Worldwide Church Office will be happy to advise you. The travel program will be available from summer 2027.