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UNESCO Organization of World Heritage Cities meets in Echmiadzin
tert.am
18:06 - 07.10.12
The UNESCO Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) opened on
Sunday its general assembly and board of directors meeting in the city
of Echmiadzin.
The event is being held as part of the celebrations dedicated to the
city's 2,697th anniversary. Earlier in the day, the Echmiadzin City
hall hosted a festive concert attended by the organization's
president, Harry Brinkman, vice president, Jorge Castro, and 17 other
members.
Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II blessed the participants in an
opening speech. He was pleased to note that the organization's board
of directors is meeting in Echmiadzin to discuss plans for the
preservations of historical cities.
`This is a day of joy for all of us as it is the anniversary of our
blessed city. Our lord, Jesus Christ, has descended here. And our
nation welcomed St. Mesrop Mashtots here. Over centuries, this place
has been visited by numerous descendents of Armenians, as well as
foreign pilgrims. St. Echmiadzin is the religious center of the
Armenian nation,' he said, appealing to the participants to love the
city.
The patriarch noted that it is a big honor to a resident of
Echmiadzin, adding that the local population has always demonstrated
its love for the holy temple.
In her speech, Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan highlighted the
Echmiadzin's unique role in the life of the Armenians. She spoke about
the city's history, noting that its has been home to the first
Mesropian school, the first repository of manuscripts, the first paper
factory and the first seminary.
`Echmiadzin became a religious center not only for those who live in
Armenia but also for the sons of many Armenians who had found
themselves outside their homeland,' she said.
`Several Armenian churches have been included in the UNESCO list of
monuments, while others are waiting for their turn. There are a number
of monuments beyond the borders of Armenia, which need protection.
Lots of Armenian khachkars [cross-stones] were destroyed in Julfa a
couple of years ago,' the minister added.
Congratulating everybody on the city's anniversary, Echmiadzin Mayor
Karen Grigoryan welcomed the guests on behalf of their residents and
said it is a ig honor for them to join such a highly reputable
organizations.
`Our city became more recognizable after that. It is very symbolic
that the assembly is being held on the city's anniversary day,' he
said, wishing the participants an effective work.
The mayor awarded the catholicos as an honorable resident of the
Echmiadzin and bestowed the title of the city's friend upon the OWHC
president. Brikman highly praised the opportunity to be in Echmiadzin
on the remarkable occasion.
The OWHC general assembly and board of directors' meeting will run
through October 9.
Since 2009m Echmiadzin has been celebrating its anniversary every year
on October 8.
tert.am
18:06 - 07.10.12
The UNESCO Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) opened on
Sunday its general assembly and board of directors meeting in the city
of Echmiadzin.
The event is being held as part of the celebrations dedicated to the
city's 2,697th anniversary. Earlier in the day, the Echmiadzin City
hall hosted a festive concert attended by the organization's
president, Harry Brinkman, vice president, Jorge Castro, and 17 other
members.
Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II blessed the participants in an
opening speech. He was pleased to note that the organization's board
of directors is meeting in Echmiadzin to discuss plans for the
preservations of historical cities.
`This is a day of joy for all of us as it is the anniversary of our
blessed city. Our lord, Jesus Christ, has descended here. And our
nation welcomed St. Mesrop Mashtots here. Over centuries, this place
has been visited by numerous descendents of Armenians, as well as
foreign pilgrims. St. Echmiadzin is the religious center of the
Armenian nation,' he said, appealing to the participants to love the
city.
The patriarch noted that it is a big honor to a resident of
Echmiadzin, adding that the local population has always demonstrated
its love for the holy temple.
In her speech, Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan highlighted the
Echmiadzin's unique role in the life of the Armenians. She spoke about
the city's history, noting that its has been home to the first
Mesropian school, the first repository of manuscripts, the first paper
factory and the first seminary.
`Echmiadzin became a religious center not only for those who live in
Armenia but also for the sons of many Armenians who had found
themselves outside their homeland,' she said.
`Several Armenian churches have been included in the UNESCO list of
monuments, while others are waiting for their turn. There are a number
of monuments beyond the borders of Armenia, which need protection.
Lots of Armenian khachkars [cross-stones] were destroyed in Julfa a
couple of years ago,' the minister added.
Congratulating everybody on the city's anniversary, Echmiadzin Mayor
Karen Grigoryan welcomed the guests on behalf of their residents and
said it is a ig honor for them to join such a highly reputable
organizations.
`Our city became more recognizable after that. It is very symbolic
that the assembly is being held on the city's anniversary day,' he
said, wishing the participants an effective work.
The mayor awarded the catholicos as an honorable resident of the
Echmiadzin and bestowed the title of the city's friend upon the OWHC
president. Brikman highly praised the opportunity to be in Echmiadzin
on the remarkable occasion.
The OWHC general assembly and board of directors' meeting will run
through October 9.
Since 2009m Echmiadzin has been celebrating its anniversary every year
on October 8.