"How can one stand before Baruyr Sevag's grave disbelieving the immortality of soul. Baruyr Sevag's birth became a real "Let there be light" for us, our culture, our present and future. He is the one that will live in the hearts of the people as long as the Armenian people exists, and the Armenian people is one of the immortals in the world." (Vazgen the First Catholicos of All Armenians).
To this profound idea of the Catholicos we can only add that blessed is our homeland that has given birth to such genius sons and appreciates them. The Armenian Community having a half-century history on the distant shores of Australia worthily venerated Baruyr Sevag as a poet on the 45th anniversary of his death. It was a wonderful and unique event, during which the small number of readers praised the great Armenian poet Baruyr Sevag and stated that the great poets do not die. They emerge into the people's souls, penetrate into their hearts and live in them from generation to generation.
The Literary Committee of the Regional Executive Board of Hamazkayin could really pay tribute to Baruyr Sevag on Friday, 20 May 2016 at 7pm at the Armenian Cultural Hall, where the society of book lovers gathered around the round tables to venerate the greatest poet and philosopher.
The event was attended by His Grace Bishop Najarian Haykazun, Benevolent Board Chairman Sargis Manoogian, the Hamazkayin Regional Executive Board members and book lovers. Holy Father opened the event with blessings, after which Comrade Lilik delivered the opening speech in the name of the Committee. She briefly presented the description of the event, after which the program started.
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, each participant, either standing or sitting, presented his favorite piece from Baruyr Sevag. First, Viken Galloghlian read his "Hello" conveying the message that loyalty and warmth should be inseminated in humanity. Comrade Kortian read his favorite article about Baruyr Sevag and his birth. Holy Father shared his memories, spoke about the poet and remembered how the book "The Incessant Bell Tower" was sold quickly, how it impressed the readers and how the Kevorkian seminary students read it by heart. Sevag was the younger generation’s pure soul and heartthrob, protest, struggle, faith, and finally, the truth. The accident took him away in the period when his creative forces flourished. He became the singer of the national pain and joy and escorted his nation to immortality. Archbishop concluded his speech reading Sevag’s poem "To live ... live ...".
The program continued by Comrade Shukayan that presented analysis on the stages of the Armenian literature, such as Revival, Realistic, Esthetic and the period of younger generation, the representative of which is Sevag. He spoke also about the writer’s life and works, as well as his last masterpiece "Let there be light", which is the heir of the past and the messenger of future.
After Comrade Anush’s recitation of "Testament", the audience sang the song "Sardarapat", the lyrics of which was written by Sevag. The recitations, speeches and toasts refreshed the feelings of the audience.
"Frankly speaking," "At once," "Under burden", "Go crazy", "My Armenian people," "The Life of Greats", "Armenian language", "I regret for a moment," "Excerpt from Triple Voiced Liturgy” and "We grow old, Baruyr Sevag".
Of course all of these poems have immortalized Baruyr Sevag and he has become a real idol for the members of this book-club. Sevag sympathized the whole world with his word and the word became his mission and tragic fate.
Anna Chorekchian had prepared a very interesting corner of Sevag’s letters, which had been collected and published in the book entitled "Shulammita, great love of Sevag". This two-volume book is the story of Sevag’s endless, deep and immense love.
At the end, Comrade Lilik made a brief speech about Sevag’s heroic participation in Artsakh movements. There are very few poets, which could open new tracks in the Armenian literature.
The evening ended with Holy Father’s protecting prayer. "We enjoyed it a lot and will be looking forward to the next one", said Holy Father in his farewell speech.
It was a superb evening, and the audience left the hall with high mood, appreciation and best wishes.
Good job, literary committee.
Zaruhi Manoogian 25-06-2016