The symposium organized by the initiative of “Protection service” NCSO was devoted to the establishment of Mkhitaryan Congregation in St. Lazarus island. Mkhitaryan congregation’s representative Serob Chamurlyan and Armenia’s Mkhitaryan college’s responsible Eghia Qilaghpyan honored it with their presence.
Greeting the participants of the symposium, the head of NCSO Ara Tarverdyan mentioned that except having scientific-cultural significance, it is worth first of all our admiration for Mkhitaryans’ zealous work, hardships, as a result of which “little Armenia” was born.
“St. Lazarus” is an island with not only geographical formulation in Adriatic sea, but is also a cultural, spiritual, ethnic islet in the colorful civilization of ancient world. If during years the geographical territory of Mkhitaryans expanded more than four times, the spiritual, scientific-cultural territory has expanded to infinity both in time and space, attracting the hearts of both Armenians and foreigners. The picturesque island of Adriatic, enchanted the greatest representatives of science and culture”, mentioned Ara Tarverdyan in his speech.
Eghia Qilaghpyan, the responsible of Mkhitaryan Congregation in Armenia mentioned that young Mkhitar who didn’t even know the location of Venice could not imagine that one day he would reach to this place and stay there for the rest of his life.
“He just dreamed of coming to Armenia, but historical events made Mkhitar’s efforts of going to Constantinople impossible. He understood clearly that, Armenian who had lost his identity in Ottoman empire first of all needed spiritual support. It was possible only through getting to the sources of culture and history. It was here that Mkhitar Abbot made the historical decision. Alone he was sentenced to death and the establishment of congregation was a must. Today, 300 years later, the fact that the priests do exist and Armenians can be proud of the immortal heritage of their sons, is thanks to Mkhitar Abbot’s idea of founding a congregation that came into reality”, added Eghia Qilaghpyan in his speech.
Yerevan state university’s history faculty’s chair Hayk Avetisyan, the same faculty’s lecturer Ruzanna Mkrtchyan, Secretary scientist Armen Abgaryan also delivered speeches.
In the afternoon “Islet that gave us the Sun” exhibition was opened in Zvartnoc museum-reserve.
“Symposium was efficient and useful for all of us. I’m sure that new ways of cooperation with Mkhitaryan Congregation will be outlined in the future”, mentioned Ara Tarverdyan in his speech.
NCSO’s scientific researcher, professor Ashot Piliposyan is sure that the heritage created by the congregation is edifying even today and we must preserve those values.
15 books published by Mkhitaryans were presented in the exhibition, the autograph of Ghevond Alishan, Arsen Bagratuni’s photo and diary, photos given by Mkhitaryan Congregation. Honored singer of Armenia Magda Mkrtchyan performed M. Sebastaci’s sharakans.
