PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

ARTIST HAROUTIOUN TOROSSIAN IS AWARDED THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA’S
"ST. MESRBO MASHDOTS" MEDAL

His Holiness Aram I awarded the "Saint Mesrob Mashdots" Medal to Lebanese
Armenian artist and painted Haroutioun Torossian during a ceremony in the
Saint Asdvadzadzine Monastery in Bikfaya on July 18. The event also
celebrated the launch of Torossian’s "Tuidanguines" ("From my Perspective")
book.

Father Sahag Yemishian delivered the opening remarks of the conference,
highlighting the importance of art and its influence on the lives of people.
Well known pedagogue Krikor Shahinian, an old friend of the artist, then
spoke about Torossian and his paintings. "The lines of his paintings are
clear and firm, his shapes are impressive but not severe." Due to his
long-standing friendship with Torossian, Shahinian had come to know the man
beyond the artist. "He’s a good man and a passionate Armenian. It is a true
pleasure to see artistic skills and moral values on one person", Shahinian
observed.

Speaking in French, Mrs. Mary Therese Tabet portrayed in detail the artist’s
personality. "The art of Haroutioun Torossian is an experience that enriches
the soul, specially when produced by an artist who has such a sensitive
spirit," she said.

A student of Torosian, Hanna Bou Soujwan, expressed his gratitude towards
her teacher. "An artist in every sense of the word, he never knew hatred,
nor rest. He breathed with the colors, having Lebanon as his source of
inspiration," he said in his Arabic speech.

In his concluding remarks, His Holiness Aram I upheld the characteristics of
Torossian the man and the artist. "Haroutioun Torossian is the combination
of simplicity, love and spiritual values. As an artist, he has been one that
has remained peaceful at times like the calm sea and restless at others like
the stormy sea." His Holiness highlighted three unique characteristics in
Torossian: the artist of letters, colours and lines; the artist of dialogue
between east and west; the artist who clearly articulates the spirit of what
does it mean to be Armenian. His Holiness observed that Torossian had
produced his art with faith and a firm dedication to our nation’s values.
"We come and go, but we remain in the life of people by what we give to
humanity" added the Pontiff.

His Holiness then placed the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s "Saint Mesrob
Mashdots" Medal on the artist’s chest as a symbol of appreciation for his
valuable work. The event also featured a cultural entertainment program
including a performance by Father Torkom Donoyan on the piano. The ceremony
ended with the collective singing of "Cilicia".

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View the photos here:
tos/Photos288.htm#2
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the conferences
held in Antelias, you may refer to the web page of the Catholicosate,
The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.