Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On June 28, with the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; Very Rev. Fr. Zakaria Baghumian, a member of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, conveyed the blessing remarks of His Holiness Karekin II to participants of the International Conference on Armenian Studies, organized on the occasion of the marking of the 100th birthday of Academician Levon Khachikyan.

The blessing remarks states in part: “From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we welcome the organization of the International Conference on Armenian Studies dedicated to the history and culture of the medieval Armenia and Armenian manuscript heritage.and being held on the occasion of 100th birthday Anniversary of Academician Levon Khachikyan,

Armenologist and Academician Levon Khachikyan contributed much to the life of our country and people. As Director of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran, he devoted his entire life to the efficient activities of the Matenadaran, where during the soviet years our centuries-old manuscripts were moved. Under the leadership of the prominent academician, the Matenadaran soon became a powerful scientific center, that also gained great recognition outside of Armenia. Many devotees of science united under the roof of the Matenadaran, who through their hard work offered new developments to Armenology with all its branches and spheres.

Through preserved spiritual treasures, the Matenadaran has been and continues to be closely related to the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, and today with special appreciation we reflect that since the years of Levon Khachikyan's leadership, close cooperation has been established between the Matenadaran and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Levon Khachikyan's scientific heritage is also great and valuable. His books and studies are widely known in the Homeland and beyond, which shed light on the history pages of our people. He played an important part in the creation of the Armenian Encyclopedia and the multivolume ‘History of the Armenian People’, and in the editing and publishing of a large number of bibliographies. His works are highly valued with the highest titles and rewards.

From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we convey our Pontifical blessings to the conference organizers and participants, wishing new creative achievements and successes for the development and advancement of Armenian scientific thought.

Good progress and success to the conference activities”.