The Armenian Studies Program web page is sponsored by a grant from
The Bertha and John Garabedian Charitable
Foundation, Fresno.
Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Barlow Der Mugrdechian was the guest speaker at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Daron
Lodge of the Knights of Vartan. The Banquet took place on Sunday, February 15 in the St. John Armenian Church Paul Fellowship Hall.
Special guest at the Banquet was Haig K. Deranian, Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan. Master of Ceremonies for the event was
John Dahlberg, Esq., who opened the afternoon with his introductory comments, and introduced the various speakers.
Keynote speaker
Der Mugrdechian spoke on “Masterpieces of Armenian Architecture and Art,” illustrated with slides. He presented two examples from
Armenian Architecture and two examples from Armenian Manuscript painting, to illustrate how Christianity had played an essential role
in the development of Armenian art.
The Mother Cathedral of Ani was completed in the early eleventh century in the reign of King Gagik
(the Great) Bagratuni. The Armenian Catholicossate had earlier moved to Ani, the capital of the kingdom, and was instrumental in the
building of the new church, now recognized as one of the best examples of Armenian architecture. With its polychromatic tufa stone
exterior and delicate arcades, the church is a reminder of the skill of Armenian builders.
The Church of the Holy Cross on the
Armenian miniature painting was the focus of the second part of Der Mugrdechian’s
presentation. The earliest examples of Armenian miniature painting come from the famous Etchmiadzin Gospel. Although the Gospel itself
is dated to the ninth century, the final four paintings in the Gospel have been dated to the late 6th century or early 7th century:
The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Zacharias, The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, The Adoration of the Magi, and
the Baptism of Christ. Together they form a cycle of deep theological importance to the understanding of Armenian orthodoxy. In their
classicizing style they represent a glimpse at what must have been a wonderful age of painting.
The final examples of Armenian art
presented by Der Mugrdechian came from the work of the thirteenth century artist Toros Roslin. His paintings represent the flourishing
of Armenian art in the period of the
Together these
examples provided an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Armenian people, and provided a fitting note to the celebration
of the day.