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PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Argentinean Armenian Community Unveils Khatchkar in Buenos Aires, Thanks
to AGBU & Local Politicians
On December 2, 2009, an Armenian khatchkar (cross-stone) was unveiled on
a prominent square in the Argentinean capital of Buenos Aires. Made
possible by a donation from the AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter, and through
the initiative of Sergio Nahabedian, advisor to the province of Buenos
Aires and Honorary Member of AGBU, the unveiling and blessing of the
khatchkar was conducted on the square next to the Cathedral of La Plata,
the capital of Buenos Aires Province.
The work of Armenian sculptor Ruben Nalpantyan, the khatchkar was carved
out of the traditional Armenian stone known as tufa, and it measures
2.30 meters [8′] high, 80 centimeters [32 inches] wide, 30 centimeters
[12 inches] deep, and weighs 800 kg [over 362 lbs.].
The major public event was organized by the Municipality of La Plata and
AGBU. The day’s program began with an Armenian religious ceremony in the
cathedral involving the participation of His Eminence Kissag Mouradian,
Primate of the Diocese of Argentina and Chile of the Armenian Apostolic
Church; Archbishop Hector Aguer of the Archdiocese of La Plata; and
Archbishop Mor Nicholovos Matti Abd Alahad, Patriarchal Vicar of the
Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.
After the religious ceremony, a series of speeches were made in the
cathedral by Ruben Kechichian, chairman of AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter and
member of AGBU Central Board of Directors; Sergio Nahabedian; His
Excellency Vladimir Karmirshalian, Armenian Ambassador to Argentina; and
Oscar Pablo Bruera, Mayor of La Plata.
After the speeches, the procession, which was comprised of the clergymen
and the laymen in attendance, headed for the square, where the unveiling
and blessing of the khatchkar was conducted by Archbishops Mouradian and
Aguer.
After the consecration of the khatchkar, Archbishop Auger addressed the
attendees as follows: "It is with great joy that today I am receiving
the members of the Armenian community, as well as my brother, Archbishop
Mouradian, and his retinue. I also express my satisfaction and gratitude
for this symbolic cross installed near the cathedral and the diocesan
palace. I hope that this cross will be honored and worshiped, and be our
– the Christians of La Plata – symbolic witness, to get a little closer
to God and live in peace and happiness."
The Gomidas Choir of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral performed
under the direction of AGBU Honor Member Makrouhi Olmesekian and offered
a unique background to the religious ceremony that took place in the
cathedral. Following the ceremony, which marked the unveiling and
blessing of the khatchkar, an artistic program took place with the
Armenian Cultural Association’s Gayane Dance Ensemble, which performed
under the direction of AGBU Honor Member Alicia Antreassian.
Present at the ceremonies were members of the executive committee of
AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter, Ladies Auxiliary, Youth League and members of
the General Antranig scout troop, as well as teachers, pupils, school
board, mothers’ committee of, and others associated with, the AGBU Marie
Manoogian School. Representatives of other institutions in the Armenian
community of Buenos Aires, the press and members of the general public
were also in attendance for the unveiling and dedication.
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress