A literary event dedicated to the 150th anniversary of Avetik Isahakian’s birth took place at the Edgar Hall of St. Resurrection Church on October 12, 2025. The event was organized by the Hamazkayin Literary-Artistic Committee and held under the patronage of Bishop Vardan Navasardyan, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia and New Zealand.
Following opening remarks by Lilig Godoyan, chair of the committee, Zaruhi Manoogian reflected on Isahakian’s biography. Varteni Khudetsian recited Isahakian’s poem “I Long for My Homeland.” Nora Bastajian spoke about Isahakian’s political activities. Manug Godoyan read, “The Wise Men of Nugim City.” Sako Kaprielian, with his commanding voice, performed a solo of the well-known song “On Deserted Foreign Roads.” Silva Nazarian spoke about Isahakian’s great love.
With the assistance of the bishop, the committee was able to establish a live connection with Karine Virapyan, director of the Isahakian House-Museum in Gyumri, who provided an overview of the museum’s general activities. Silvia Iskenderian spoke about the great patriot Isahakian’s activities for the benefit of the Homeland.
The church’s vocal quartet, under the artistic direction of Deacon Boghos Keleshian and featuring Ari and Alin Yapujian and Kathy Proudian, performed the songs “The Sun Set on the Mountain Top,” “Weep for My Sorrow,” “My Mother” (accompanied by Kathy Proudian on the flute), and “Zaro,” greatly impressing the attendees.
Viken Kaloghlian, a member of the Hamazkayin Central Executive Board, reflected on Isahakian’s activities as a political and party figure and his life after returning to the homeland. He also read from the correspondence exchanged between Isahakian and Simon Vratzian, which serves as historical testimony.
Nanor Ashikian recited the poem “The Knight’s Love,” while Azniv Inglizian spoke about Isahakian’s literary career and recited poetry. Shoushan Boghosian recited the famous poem “The Testament,” and Keghanoush Mardoyan performed a solo of the well-known song “On the Stream.” The program included group singing of “Night Came” and “The Tender Lily Dust of the Moon.”
The bishop was invited to the stage for the closing remarks. After welcoming this unprecedented event, he reminded the audience that we all have a duty to value our national-cultural wealth and pass it on to future generations. Reflecting on Isahakian’s talent, the cleric stated that he expressed our aspirations and that his pen and words know no time. Within Isahakian’s character, the bishop saw a blend of love for humanity, patriotism, and love for God.
Referring to the day’s event, the bishop said, “Today we celebrated the patrimony we inherited, and we returned to the roots of our identity so that we do not become detached from them and can be the transmitters of light to the new generation. If we cannot value our heritage, we cannot pass it on to our heirs. Hamazkayin is dedicated to this mission.”
The bishop commended the essential work carried out by the Literary-Artistic Committee and wished them wisdom and strength to continue their mission. He expressed gratitude to the participants of the artistic program and especially to the audience of approximately 70 book lovers, whose presence and encouragement serve as the lifeblood for the individuals and associations organizing such initiatives.
The evening concluded with prayers.
