Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Barlow Der Mugrdechian was the guest speaker at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Daron Lodge of the Knights of Vartan. The Banquet took place on Sunday, February 15 in the St. John Armenian Church Paul Fellowship Hall.
Special guest at the Banquet was Haig K. Deranian, Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan. Master of Ceremonies for the event was John Dahlberg, Esq., who opened the afternoon with his introductory comments, and introduced the various speakers.
Keynote speaker Der Mugrdechian spoke on “Masterpieces of Armenian Architecture and Art,” illustrated with slides. He presented two examples from Armenian Architecture and two examples from Armenian Manuscript painting, to illustrate how Christianity had played an essential role in the development of Armenian art.
The Mother Cathedral of Ani was completed in the early eleventh century in the reign of King Gagik (the Great) Bagratuni. The Armenian Catholicossate had earlier moved to Ani, the capital of the kingdom, and was instrumental in the building of the new church, now recognized as one of the best examples of Armenian architecture. With its polychromatic tufa stone exterior and delicate arcades, the church is a reminder of the skill of Armenian builders.
The Church of the Holy Cross on the island ofAghtamar is a unique architectural monument, constructed in the early 10th century by order of King Gagik Artsruni. The outside of the Church is decorated with reliefs whose inspiration is from the Old Testament of the Bible. Frescoes with themes from the New Testament decorate the interior of the church. There are no other churches quite like Aghtamar, which has been internationally recognized for its beauty.