TOURINFO-December 16, 2023-Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in a ceremony marking the donation of a valuable 15th-century Gospel by the Armenian Government to Matenadaran, the Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. The Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, as well as the President of Matenadaran’s Board of Trustees, Zhanna Andreasyan, formally presented the manuscript to the institute.
During the event, Prime Minister Pashinyan extended congratulations, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. He highlighted that the return of this 15th-century book to Matenadaran, as noted by the institute’s director, marks a homecoming. Pashinyan expressed gratitude to the law-abiding taxpayers of Armenia, emphasizing that their contributions to the state budget facilitate endeavors to preserve and protect cultural treasures.
Acknowledging the swift response of the government to Matenadaran’s appeal, the Prime Minister stressed that such actions exemplify the commitment to safeguarding and returning cultural and spiritual values. He underlined that this donation is not an isolated effort and announced the allocation of funds in the upcoming state budget for similar acquisitions, demonstrating a sustained commitment to preserving heritage.
The donated manuscript, with its origins traced back to the Arberd St. Astvastatsin Monastery of Vaspurakan, carries profound significance as the solitary surviving testament to the cultural and writing traditions of the Armenian people within that monastery. Manuscript written in 1405 by Izit, this exceptional piece stands out for its remarkable adornment with intricate illustrations.
This manuscript, now reunited with the Zeytun Gospel (returned to Armenia in 2015), another work by the same writer, is an invaluable cultural artifact. The Zeytun Gospel, distinguished by its elaborate illustrations and religious texts, not only holds immense cultural importance but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Armenian nation. The reunion of these two manuscripts enriches the institute’s collection, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Armenia’s cultural heritage.
TOURINFO-Juanita Mouradian
