Nikol Pashinyan Visits Haigazian University, Bzommar Patriarchal Congregation in Lebanon (photos)

• 10.22.2018, 11:11
•  Near East,  World,  Armenia

In the frame of his working visit to Lebanon, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Armenian educational and spiritual-cultural centers in Beirut. Nikol Pashinyan first called at Haigazian University, where he met with members of the Council of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, professors at Haigazian University, and representatives of Beirut’s Armenian schools.

Issues related to Armenian-Lebanese cooperation, deepening of educational ties, preservation of the Armenian identity and, in particular, the Armenian language, were discussed during a question and answer session. Nikol Pashinyan attached importance to the work carried out by Armenian educational institutions in Lebanon toward preserving the national identity and cooperating with relevant departments. The Acting Premier toured the University with a view to getting acquainted with its ongoing activities and programs. Nikol Pashinyan took the opportunity to talk to the students.

Haigazian University Rector Paul Haydostyan presented the Armenian Genocide Centenary Memorial and the rocket monument, erected in the University’s courtyard by a sculptor of Armenian descent. Nikol Pashinyan highly valued Haigazian University’s efforts in the field of Armenian studies. In conclusion, the Acting Prime Minister of Armenia signed the Book of Honorary Guests.

Nikol Pashinyan’s next port of call was the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate of Bzommar, where he was met by Auxiliary Bishop at the Beirut Patriarchal Diocese Gevorg Asaturian, Archpriest Patriarchal Vicar Superior, Bishop Gabriel Mouradian and his deputy Andon Vardapet Noratunkian.

Nikol Pashinyan and Anna Hakobyan attended the chapel’s welcome prayer served by representatives of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate and the Bzommarvank Congregation members. They lit candles in the church at the Monastic Complex, visited the local museum, the Matenadaran, and the wine cellar. During the tour, they were briefed on the Congregation’s running activities.

Patriarchal Vicar Superior, Bishop Gabriel Mouradian said he was honored and proud to host Armenia’s Acting Prime Minister and his delegation at the Bzommar Congregation. He noted that all Armenians were happy to see the strengthening of Armenia and supported the changes taking place in the homeland. The Acting Prime Minister was briefed on the mission of the over 270-years-old Bzommar Congregation, its role and ongoing activities.

On behalf of Bzommar’s Patriarchal Congregation, Patriarchal Vicar Superior, Bishop Gabriel Mouradian presented Nikol Pashinyan with a picture featuring the Holy Virgin.

Thankful for the warm welcome shown to his delegation, Nikol Pashinyan said: “I am having quite an exciting occasion as this is the first time I have been to the Armenian Catholic Church. This is a memorable visit that will go with me forever. A fundamental issue in Armenia and the Diaspora is that we should not allow for any divides between us. We are one nation, we come from the same venue and are heading for the same place; we have common dreams focused on the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Artsakh and the Armenian people.”

The Acting Prime Minister hailed the activities of one of the most important Armenian cultural and spiritual centers in terms of preserving our historical and cultural heritage, national identity, and strengthening Armenia-Diaspora ties.