MASHTOTS READINGS IN OSHAKAN
Azg/am
23 Oct 04
The 6th readings of creator of the Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots
took place October 21 in the village of Oshakan. Mashtots readings
used to have a profound meaning in the course of Armenian history.
Academicians, literary critics, armenologists and others were present
at the event. A procession visited Mashtots’ tomb and laid flowers and
wreaths. This year’s readings were dedicated to 5 years of
enthronement of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. About 25
lectures and reports presented the creation of the Armenian alphabet,
an overview of Armenian national clothes, sharakans (Armenian sacred
music) of Mashtots and Sahak Partev (Armenian Catholicos) and many
other interesting issues. Palaces and churches laid in ruin during
centuries but the 36 letters created by Mesrop Mashtots stood still
through storms and calamities giving the Armenian nation immortality.
The aim of the traditional Mashtots readings is to revive the mighty
legacy of the Golden Century and to hand it over to coming generation
and to develop Armenology.
By Mariata Makarian