“Glory to the Armenian Alphabet and Schooling” fresco at the Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church is being restored through the assistance of President Armen Sarkissian

The works on the restoration of the “Glory to the Armenian Alphabet and Schooling” fresco at the Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan have commenced through the assistance of President Armen Sarkissian.

The Aragatsotn Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church asked the President of Armenia to assist in the restoration of the fresco. One of the best samples of the Armenian monumental art of the 20th century, the fresco made as a triptych was created in 1964-66 by the artists Hovhannes Minassian and Henrik Mamian. Dampness caused the fresco considerable damage. The examination revealed that there are parts where the paint had disintegrated and fell out, the layer of dust darkened and bleached the colors of the fresco. The restoration works are conducted by the Fresco Restoration scientific and research center under the leadership of Arzhanik Hovhannissian. “The fresco was mainly damaged by the rainwater which eroded its upper layer. At the initial stage, we will carry out cleaning works of the paint, later it will be fortified and then we will clean it once again,” Arzhanik Hovhannissian said and stressed the importance of preserving the fresco because it is unique and valuable.

The spiritual leader of the St. Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan Ter Vigen Qahana Manukian said that the “Glory to the Armenian Alphabet and Schooling” fresco is a precious treasure which should be passed on to future generations in all its splendor. “The task of preservation of the fresco and its passing to the future generations is becoming urgent because it is losing its beauty daily. We voiced the problem and it was heard by President Armen Sarkissian who has taken it upon himself to assist in preserving this gem,” Ter Vigen note.

The heirs of the authors of the fresco Martin Minassian and Lusin Mamian said that they follow the restoration works with great interest. “We are grateful to President Armen Sarkissian, to the diocese, and experts. It’s a miracle that the works have kicked off already,” Martin Minassian said. “Our parents did this work with dedication and love. Currently, a wonderful work is being done, that through the good will of the President of Armenia the fresco, which is one of the best, is being restored,” Henirk Mimian’s daughter said.

The St. Mesrop Mashtots Church in Oshakan was built in the 19th century on the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots. The “Glory to the Armenian Alphabet and Schooling” fresco is reminiscent of Armenian miniatures, Medieval traditions of sculpture and portrait painting. At the western wall the fresco Mesrop Mashtots is depicted with the newly created alphabet in his hand. The arch-shaped window divides the fresco in two part with Mesrop Mashtots on the left side, surrounded by his disciples, and Sahak Partev sitting on the patriarchal throne on the right side. Next to him are King Vramshapuh and the Queen, Prince Vahan Amatuni and notables, above them is the snow-covered pick of Ararat and the Hripsime Cathedral.

The Armenian Alphabet is presented at the window glass. In the framework of the restoration works, the illumination will also be installed to ensure the complete visibility of the fresco.