On October 28-29, the 2nd International Conference of “Narekatsiological Readings” took place in Yerevan. This conference that held in Ancient Manuscripts Museum-Institute after Mesrop Mashtots (known as Matenadaran) was dedicated to the commemoration of the renowned scholar, Narekatsiologist and NAS RA corresponding member, Hrachya Tamrazyan.     

The two-day conference implemented by the efforts of the “Union of the Young Researches of Matenadaran” NGO.

The acting director of Matenadaran, Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan highlighted the participation of the prestigious Armenologists in the conference, which is considered a commemorational tribute for Gregory of Narek. 

Speeches were made by prominent specialists of Narekatsiology, including the Papal Delegate of Mechitarist Congregation, Father Levon Archbishop Zekiyan, the Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Claudio Gugerotti of Ukraine, the French Armenologist, philologist and historian, Jean-Pierre Mahé, as well as professor of the Armenology Chair of Oxford University after Calouste Gulbenkian, Theo Maarten van Lint. And from Armenia, there were the Reverend Bishop Shahé Supreme Archimandrite Ananyan, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Hrachik Mirzoyan and Candidate of Arts, Arusyak Tamrazyan.     

It is noteworthy that during the event the Italian and French translations of the “Book of Lamentations” were presented. We should mention that the Italian translation of this work was done by the Papal Delegate of Mechitarist Congregation, Father Levon Archbishop Zekiyan, thanks to his efforts, Pop Francis of Rome proclaimed Gregor of Narek as an Ecumenical Church Archimandrite. Whereas the French version of the work has come to life, within 6 years, through the initiative of the notable Armenologist, philologist and historian, Jean-Pierre Mahé.

In addition to the abovementioned works, we should also emphasize that during the conference a number of book presentations was held, amongst them were Hrachya Tamrazyan’s book “Gregor of Narek and the Narekian School” volume I and II, as well as Seyranush Manukyan’s album-review “David Ghazaryan: “Gregor of Narek in the Armenian Manuscript Art””.