Armenian war-bereaved mother gives birth on Army Day

A 45-year-old Armenian woman who lost her twin sons in the 2020 war has given birth to a baby boy on the country’s Army Day.

Paytsar Torosyan delivered her son on 28 January at the St Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center in Yerevan, marking the anniversary of the formation of the Armenian armed forces.

Hospital officials described the birth as symbolic. Torosyan is the mother of twin brothers Armen and Ruben Shahinyan, who were killed while fighting on the Artsakh frontline in October 2020. The brothers, who had enlisted in 2019 and held the rank of sergeant, were posthumously awarded Armenia’s Medal for Bravery and the Second Class Order of the Combat Cross.

After losing their sons, the woman and her husband spent years trying to have another child. Following two unsuccessful IVF attempts, the pregnancy occurred naturally, which she has described as “a miracle”.

The newborn, named Raffi, was delivered by caesarean section, weighing 3.28kg and measuring 50cm. His name was chosen using the initial letters of his fallen brothers’ names.

The hospital said the birth was a reminder that life continues, while the memory of those lost in war endures.