TBILISI (Armenpress) — The solemn opening ceremony of the Hovhannes Tumanyan’s House Scientific, Cultural Center of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Georgia was held on August 5.
The blessing ceremony of the last apartment of great Armenian poet was conducted by Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, vicar of SamtskheJavakhk and Rev. Babgen Salbiyan of Tsalka and spiritual shepherd at the Cathedral of Saint George in Tbilisi, Rev. Samuel Torosyan. The Armenian Diocese of Georgia plans to give new impetus to the Tumanyan’s House in Tbilisi in accordance with contemporary standards, hold literary talks, readings, press conferences, discussions on published and unpublished works, create links for ethnography studies and development, cultural ties between the Armenian and Georgian art figures, open a branch of AGBU virtual university branch, spiritual, cultural heritage museum of Georgian-Armenians, as well as a library.
The Hovhannes Tumanyan Puppet Theater and the guest house of former president of the Writers’ Union of Armenia, late Levon Ananyan will operate at the center.
Within the course of time, the center will become a platform of cultural dialogue and solidarity for national minorities in Tbilisi and will contribute to boosting the activity of the Armenian community of Georgia. After the opening ceremony, Primate of Tavush Diocese Bishop Bagrat Galstyan read the congratulatory message of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II where he said the Holy Echmiadzin was informed with satisfaction about the opening of the Hovhannes Tumanyan’s House scientific and cultural center in Tbilisi.
“Tumanyan’s name is cherished for our people. He lived his entire life by sadness and happiness of the Armenian people, and fought for the welfare of the Armenian people and the homeland. This house of Hovhannes Tumanyan is a tribute to the memory of the Armenian genius. We are happy that thanks to the efforts of our Armenian sons this historical cradle was saved from alienation and was returned to the Armenian people”, reads the congratulatory message. Armenia’s Ambassador to Georgia Yuri Vardanyan also addressed congratulatory message expressing deep gratitude to all who had their contribution to the implementation of this important work. “First of all, we should remember former President of the Writers’ Union of Armenia, late Levon Ananyan since this process was launched by his initiative. I want to express my special gratitude to my compatriot, Member of Parliament Vardan Ghukasyan who was first to respond to the settlement of the issue,” the ambassador’s message said.
According to Vardanyan, the Armenian people’s love and respect to Hovhannes Tumanyan is seen by the title given to him – poet of All Armenians. “The maintenance of even a small part in connection with Tumanyan’s memory is important as a strong factor of Armenian upbringing. That’s why the handing over of his House to the Armenian community is a significant contribution in maintaining the Armenian identity. Our country is greatly interested in maintaining material wealth relating to Armenia’s cultural activity regardless of where they are across the world. However, we have to admit that we haven’t still reached the level of financial strength so that we could implement our all patriotic wishes.”
