President visited the Haghartsin monastery compound: For me, Haghartsin is also a state symbol

At the conclusion of his working visit to Tavush marz, President Armen Sarkissian visited today the Haghartsin monastery compound. Accompanied by the Primate of Tavush marz Diocese Bagrat Bishop Galstian, the President toured the 10th century cloister, lit a candle, and listened to sharakan spiritual music.

In the yard of the compound, Armen Sarkissian conversed with the visitors and tourists, students of the Arevik social and educational center of the Tavush Diocese.

In his conversation with the journalists, President Sarkissian said that since young age his first teacher and guide in learning about the country was his father who was an architect, an expert of the ancient Armenian architecture.

“I visited this place for the first time when I was 4 or 5 years old. Each time I rediscover the same thing in a different way,” he said. Armen Sarkissian added that for him the compound was also a state symbol.

“This wonder has a special message for me, it’s a state symbol because it was not only a spiritual but also a state center,” the President said. “I believe it is significant for our young people not just memorize mechanically our history but feel and appreciate it. We need to understand that statehood was not created yesterday, or 30, or 100 years ago. We had statehood hundreds, thousand years ago, and it was a strong statehood. We all need to appreciate deeply our Church and our state. Our task is to carry on with that statehood in the 21st century.”

Responding to the question on what message he would like to convey to the young people of Tavush marz, Armen Sarkissian said in particular that his message is very simple, “Yerevan is certainly our capital but our Fatherland is greater than Yerevan, and each corner has its beauty, charm, value and importance.”

Bagrat Bishop Galstian welcomed President Sarkissian’s visit to Tavush marz and monastery compound and noted that each visit, especially of a high-ranking state official, is very inspiring because Tavush has a special role and significance in our country’s life. “These are the gates of our Fatherland that is why every soldier or civilian constantly needs inspiration and assistance. It is not about helping; it is about involvement. I believe this visit is yet another chance for our people to reassess and understand that they play a very important role in strengthening our statehood, in ensuring our security,” the Primate of Tavush marz underscored.

Later, at the reception center of the Haghartsin compound, President Sarkissian met with young people of the marz and had a warm and candid conversation with them. Armen Sarkissian responded to their questions, spoke in particular about the role of the Armenian Apostolic Church in our life, national unity and national identity and shared his advice with the young people.