Organized by the book distribution section of Vahe Setian Publishing House of Hamazkayin, and on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the first book published in Armenian and the Year of Armenian Books, an exhibition-sale of children’s books and educational games opened on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 6:00 PM, at the Punig Hall of “Aztag Daily.” The event was sponsored by Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, the Prelate of the Armenian Diocese in Lebanon, and was organized with the cooperation of “Aztag Daily” and Radio Voice of Van. Armenian, Lebanese, and international publishing houses took part in the exhibition.
Suzy Derderian delivered the opening speech and said the exhibition launches a series of three-week long cultural events, such as art events, and reading and book writing contests, to mention some.
Afterwards, Ashot Kocharyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to Lebanon, took the stage and said that for centuries Armenian books, church, culture, family, and organizations have been the assurance for the preservation of Armenian identity. He appreciated this initiative of Vahe Setian Publishing and Printing House, especially in the year 2012, declared the year of Armenian books by Catholicos Aram I, and when in April 2012 Yerevan will be announced as the International Capital of Books.
Ambassador Kocharyan described Armenian books as the central pole of the new generation and mentioned that in this era of technology, books have not lost their value.
Among the speakers was Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, who said the Armenian nation has always loved the Armenian book. “Resting upon the glory and the altar of the Armenian people, St. Mesrob Mashdots and Hagop Meghabard have climbed to our hearts,” he said.
The Archbishop also spoke about Hagop Meghabard, who attempted to establish an Armenian printing house and print out an Armenian book in Venice. This was a very difficult task and the first-ever book published in Armenian was a book of prayers, so that it might bless the path of Armenian printing. He added that this exhibition pays a deserved homage to the memory of Hagop Meghabard.
On this occasion, the Archbishop appreciated the work done by Hamazkayin in the spreading of Armenian books and culture.
In his turn, Hagop Havatian, the director of the Vahe Setian Publishing and Book Distribution of Hamazkayin said that in the past two years this initiative has benefited from the support and the encouragement of Armenian parents and schools. He considered this year’s exhibition unique since 2012 is the 500th anniversary of he Armenian printing, the year that Yerevan becomes the International Capital of Books and the Year of Armenian Books as announced by the Catholicos.
On this occasion, Mr. Havatian also mentioned that the Vahe Setian Publishing House of Hamazkayin will play its part in the initiatives that will take place in Yerevan.
Towards the end of his speech, Mr. Havatian thanked Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, the Prelate of the Armenian Diocese in Lebanon, for his sponsorship of this event, and Mr. and Mrs. Hallajian, for presiding over the event. He also thanked all the donors and the group that supported the organization of this exhibition.
Arek Youth Theater of Hamazkayin performed a rhymed performance of the poem “Shounn ou gadoun” (“The dog and the cat”) by Hovhannes Toumanian. The performance was staged by Robert Arakelian. Afterwards, Gargach Children’s Choir performed “Karoun Yerevan” (“Spring of Yerevan”) and “Im ousoutsich” (“My teacher,”) conducted by Zakar Keshishian and accompanied on the piano by Camilla Keshishian.