YEREVAN — On November 8, under the auspices of Tekeyan Centre Fund (Armenia), Creative Union of Artists of Russia, PhotoPodium.com and other organizations, an international photographic art exhibition titled “Blessed Way, Moscow-Yerevan” opened at Tekeyan Centre in Yerevan. The photo collection was first exhibited in Moscow.
The exhibition, which has as its motto “Art for Peace,” features 70 pictures by 37 photographers from eight countries: Armenia, Russia, Georgia, the Ukraine, Israel, Germany, the Czech Republic and the US. The works reflect main religions in the world that inspire a culture of peace and hope and educate for non-violent alternatives to create a sustainable, equitable and harmonious earth society.
The official opening of the exhibition started with the TCF’s Director A. Tsulikyan’s welcoming speech who also stressed the spiritual and cultural importance of the event. In his mind, art and religion have always promoted love, peace and harmony.
Present at the ceremony were also representatives of the Armenian Apostolic Church: Archives and Museum Director of Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin Father Asoghik Karapetyan and the priest of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich Church Father Shmavon Ghevondyan. The members of the clergy added that Armenian Church and society have never faced religious problems and have always treated other religions with indulgence, love and respect. In his turn, Father Asoghik thanked all the nations that protect and preserve Armenian cultural heritage, and he condemned vehemently those who ruthlessly destroy them.
Among the guests present was Mohammad Raiesi, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia. He highly praised the exhibition, which serves to uniting nations by building intercultural understanding. The Ambassador was delighted to see photos depicting his own religion.
The President of the National Association of Armenian Photographers Sergey Hakobyan concluded welcoming speeches. The exhibition was important to him as he saw many challenges to religion. Various religious sects strive to pervert the very religion and the national identity, and the photographers of different nationalities at the exhibition declare and appreciate their religion and culture at their true value.
