WORLD PREMIERE OF ‘THE SPEAR OF CHRIST’

AZG Armenian Daily
20/12/2006

Documentary – History Channel Tracks The 2000 Year Journey Of The
Spear That Pierced The Side Of Christ.

For the first time, a US film crew has traveled to Armenia to
investigate the Holy Lance in Etchmiadzin.

Producer Ken Winikur and Boston-based Northern Light Productions have
recently completed "The Spear of Christ", a one-hour documentary for
the History Channel’s, "Decoding the Past" series.

Filmed in over 4 countries, including Armenia and Turkey, the program
follows the legend of one of history’s most powerful relics on its
2000-year journey. The spear that pierced the side of Jesus Christ
while he was on the cross is believed to hold miraculous powers. It
has been linked to some of history’s most powerful rulers and said
to have been present at some of the greatest battles ever waged.

Constantine and Charlemagne have waved the spear. The ruthless Adolf
Hitler coveted it. Today, four artifacts exist which claim to be
this holy spear: one in Vienna , one in Poland, one in the Vatican ,
and the mysterious lance of Armenia . The program examines each in an
effort to determine which, if any, is the authentic Spear of Christ,
and what powers each may hold.

Tufts Professor, Ina Baghdiantz McCabe, Darakjian Ja farian Chair of
Armenian History at Tufts University provides a historical analysis
of Armenia and the Spear. Unprecedented access to the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin and exclusive footage of the Holy Lance being used in
religious ceremonies will be seen.

For producer Ken Winikur his trip to Armenia is central to the success
of the documentary. Armenia is a beautiful country with a rich history,
says Winikur.

The story of its Holy Lance is virtually unknown to an American
audience and we are excited to feature it in our program.

Winikur’s previous film, Bet Herut, the end of the beginning, a
one-hour documentary investigating the rise and fall of a communal
farming village in Israel made its world premier to a packed house
at the 2003 Philadelphia Film Festival. It has since gone on to show
around the world, most recently on a three city tour in Israel.

The information was rendered by Lola Koundakjian at the Armenian
Poetry Project on the web or
in iTunes/Podcasting.