Etchmiadzin
My entire life I have heard and learned about Holy Etchmiadzin; Holy Etchmiadzin this, Holy Etchmiadzin that–The Vatican of Hayastan. So naturally, upon my arrival to Armenia I was awaiting my chance to finally visit the holy landmark. When the day finally arrived, it surpassed all of my expectations. Though She sits modestly in front of her grand Mount Ararat backdrop, the intricate detail-oriented stone architecture on the outside and the breathtaking frescoes effortlessly draped on the ceilings on the inside, blew my mind. Not to mention, the seven altars and all of the historical holy artifacts retained in the back room…piece of Noah’s Ark anyone?? Our group visit however, was not as rewarding as the Sunday after when we attended Badarak and got to witness the ordination of seven new Der Hayrs, one of which was named Moushegh (YEA ST. MARY’S!). Once we entered the church, we joined a swarm of people also there to witness the event. Perhaps the most riveting moment, for me at least, was when the Sargavags, Der Hayrs, Vartabeds, and Surpazans entered one after the other as a grand entrance for Vehapar. At this moment, I felt a rush of emotion come over me and realized why I am so proud to be Armenian and to be a Christian. Everyone in the church no longer was Beirutzi, Hayastanci or Bolsahye but ARMENIAN. All one in the same coming together to share in our culture’s religion and history. After visiting Etchmiadzin, now I know why it was so heavily talked about by my parents and grandparents…There’s just something about singing the Hayr Mer in a 1704 year old church.
June 27th, 2007 at 9:03 am
I hope you are all having a great time! Say hi to Hayastan from me, I miss it SO MUCH!
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Hi Sara
You brought tears to my eyes honey! Makes me want to jump on plane right now and come see Etchmiadzin. I hope you are having an awesome time. Enjoy every minute!
Love Ya,
Seta Eyvazian
July 4th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Hi Sarah, my beautiful daughter,
What a beautiful presentation of Etchmiadzin,. You brought tears in my eyes
twice. once the fantastic presentation of the Mother Church and second that
I MISS YOU very much.
I hope you are having a great time in motherland and I found out that your
armenian is great. What can I say when we have talent everything is easy
Enjoy your stay in Armenia and try to see everything which is interesting
and also see the positive side of a country in transformation.
LOVE you and MISS you
Dad
July 5th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Darling Sarah-I read yours over and over and it was just on time to print and circulate around the table at your aunt’s house yesterday (the 4th). It brings immense joy and inspiration to us all what is reflected through your experiences in our motherland. Keep it on eem meg-hadig aghchiges - bachiger, mom
July 5th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Awwwww Sarah,
What a beautiful was to describe such a sacred place.
Have fun in Armenia and come back safely …
July 12th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Sara my dear,
I wish you were Romanian so you can write about my country.
I love it, really love it.
Enjoy your stay.
We miss you,
Ion (for the clan)
July 19th, 2007 at 7:03 am
Sara,
I am proud of you and the words you echoe about the experience you are having while in Armenia, this only proves the passion and spirit that your parents have passed on to you about your Armenian heritage and I am sure you will pass on to your future generations.
Luv Ya
Keri
July 24th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
[…] “The last problem that I found particularly disturbing was the apathy expressed by most villagers in regards to the betterment of their respective villages. Most wanted change, they asked and beseeched us for a variety of things, but some seemed hesitant or even opposed to undertaking remedies for the problems they had outlined. It was almost as if they had lost hope, as if they had forgotten the strength in themselves.” Alex Giragozian - “Reflections on a Trip to Tavoush” “At this moment, I felt a rush of emotion come over me and realized why I am so proud to be Armenian and to be a Christian. Everyone in the church no longer was Beirutzi, Hayastanci or Bolsahye but ARMENIAN. All one in the same coming together to share in our culture’s religion and history.” Sarah Mergeanian - Etchmiadzin […]
July 30th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Sara Jan,
I loved reading your articles, I wish you could write more about your whole stay in Armenia, you’re a great writer, didn’t want it to end, very touching.
Hope you’re having a great time, Anthony’s leaving for Shushi on August 4, will be in Yerevan on August 14 thru 20th, hope you guys can hook-up.
Take care hokis.
Luv u,
Maria Morkour
July 30th, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Sara Jan,
So wonderfully described, didn’t want it to end, I wish you could write about your whole stay in Armenia, you’re a great writer. Hope you’re having a wonderful time, as it sounds like you are. Anthony’s leaving on August 4th to Shushi, then around August 14th he’s going to Yerevan for 5-6 days, hope you guys can meet up.
Miss u & luv u.
Maria Morkour