News

Construction Underway for New Manuscript Depository

Construction Underway for New Manuscript Depository

  • 22 Sep 2009
  • On September 22, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians offered the Service of Blessing the Foundation, for the new Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Manuscript Depository (Matenadaran) at the Mother See. The new Matenadaran is being built through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Vatchй and Tamar Manoukian of London, England. Present for the ceremony were Mr. Tigran Sargsian, Prime-Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the benefactor Mr. Vatche Manoukian. The architect is Mr. Artak Ghulian and the building is being constructed by the Spitak Toun company of Armenia. During the ceremony, His Holiness blessed the foundation stones of the building, asking that the Matenadaran persevere through time and serve for the benefit of the Armenian nation. Following the blessing service, His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Grant Sacristan of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin read a Pontifical message.

    The message of His Holiness stated: "The Matenadaran and Research Center endeavors to contribute to the advancement of theology and Armenian studies within the ecclesiastical and national life, focusing on new achievements and successes. With this Pontifical message we express our appreciation to the benefactors who are generously sponsoring the construction of the new center. With its well stocked library and professional services, the center will make significant contributions to the faculties of theology and Armenology through new works and studies. May the Lord keep strong and vibrant our Homeland and Church, and guard my Armenian nation with His all-caring Right hand. May he bless the faithful Manoukian family, granting them success in the accomplishment of their good and virtuous works, which are all for the welfare of the Armenian nation and Church. Amen"

    Following the reading, the Pontifical message along with a personal note from Mr. and Mrs. Manoukian, were sealed in a tube and encased in the base of one of the columns of the building.

    At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Holiness, Prime-Minister Sargsian, Mr. Manoukian and guests toured the construction site. Attending the service were Mrs. Hranoush Hakobian, RA Diaspora Minister, Mr. Armen Ashotian, RA Education and Science Minister, Mr. Radik Martirosian, President of the National Academy of Sciences, Mr. Ashot Ghahramanian, Governor of the Armavir Region, as well as Members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, Members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, benefactors of the Mother See, scholars and artists. The matenadaran will house the manuscript collection of the Mother See and serve as a research library for clergy, as well as international scholars and academicians.

    shape
    book-shape