EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO THE LIFE AND WORK OF CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS VAZGEN I OPENS IN THE ARMENIAN NATIONAL ARCHIVES
ARMENPRESS
Oct 10, 2008
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 10, ARMENPRESS: The opening ceremony of the exhibition
dedicated to the 100th anniversary of a well known intellectual
and church figure, Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I (1908-1995)
took place today in the Armenian National Archives.
Head of the National Archives Amatuni Virabian noted that Vazgen I
was not only one of the most famous figures of our church, but also a
well known figure of peace movement of the 20th century, an authority
beloved by the people and who became the first clergyman to deserve
state medal during the soviet years.
Life of the Holly Father was also remarked in conditions of independent
Armenia. He became the first Armenian National Hero and had a great
contribution to the consolidation of our new homeland.
Member of ecclesiastic council of the Holly See Vladimir Barkhudarian
described Vazgen I as an educator of the nation, the Catholicos of
all Armenians was also highly assessed by senior priest Yeghishe
Sargsian, clergyman Asoghik Karapetian, Doctor of historical science
Emma Kostandian. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II blessed the
organizers and participants of the exhibition.
The exhibition is rich with numerous documents and photos, the
photos of Vazgen I with Gohar Gasparian, William Saroian, Avetik
Isahakian, Paruyr Sevak, Aram Khachatrian, Mstislav Rostropovich,
Charles Aznavour, head of the soviet government Nikolay Rizhkov and
with others.
There are a number of interesting documents including the October 24,
1964 letter of Vazgen I to the head of council of Armenian Church
affairs K. Dallakian in which he asked to permit the construction
of memorial on the memory of victims of the Genocide in Holly
Etchmiadzin. There is the inscription of K. Dallakian on the letter:
"Comrade Kochinian permitted" (the latter was the first secretary of
central committee of the Armenian Communist Party during those times).
Armenian Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosian, other officials,
representatives of the Armenian Church were present at the
exhibition. It is organized by the Armenian National Archives and
Holly See.