Children of the Alexandropol orphanage at prayer

The photograph was taken in Alexandropol and bears witness to one of the largest orphanages in the world. About 25,000 Armenian orphans found shelter here after the genocide, famine and wars. Thousands of children stand in rows in an open area during prayer, with buildings visible behind them.

The English caption below reads: “Largest orphanage in the world. Church service for children at Alexandropol. There can be no other sight like it in the world. More than 25,000 orphaned Armenian children were under Dr. Elliott’s care in the three posts at Alexandropol.”

Throughout Armenia there were orphanages under American sponsorship that saved hundreds of thousands of lives. They operated until 1928–1929, and some until 1931, when they were closed by decision of the Soviet government.