Within the framework of his state visit to Greece, President Vahagn Khachaturyan and his counterpart, President Konstantinos Tasoulas, visited the Museum of Byzantine and Christian Culture.
The Presidents participated in the exhibition “Prayer for Peace” by Armenian photographer and designer Tatev Mnatsakanyan, organized by the Embassy of Armenia in Greece.
The exhibition is dedicated to popularizing and disseminating the culture of peace through the fusion of photographs of prominent figures with the prayers of Gregory of Narek.
At the start of the exhibition’s opening ceremony, President Khachaturyan delivered a welcoming speech.
“It is a great honor for me to be in Athens today, this exceptional center of world civilization, and to participate in the opening ceremony of the exhibition ‘Prayer for Peace’ dedicated to Gregory of Narek at the Byzantine and Christian Museum. This event is not only an important cultural initiative but also a deeply symbolic meeting around spiritual heritage and the pursuit of peace.
The relations between Armenia and Greece are based on centuries-old friendship, mutual respect, and common civilizational values. Our people are united not only by a common historical destiny but also by the rich layer of Christian faith, humanity, and culture that continues to shape our identity today. The presentation of Grigor Narekatsi’s legacy in Athens is another testament to this friendship, a bridge between the past and the present, between Armenia and Greece.
Theologian, poet, musician, and philosopher Grigor Narekatsi is one of the most profound and universal figures of Armenian spiritual thought. His works have long transcended national borders and have become an integral part of world culture. Narekatsi’s masterpiece, “The Tragedy of the Book,” is not only a prayer but also a confession born from the depths of the human soul, where pain, sin, hope, and love merge into a single aspiration: the search for peace and inner harmony. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Narekatsi was canonized, being proclaimed a priest of the universal church.
The title “Prayer for Peace” aligns with the challenges of our times. Today, as the world faces uncertainties, conflicts, and value crises, Narekatsi’s words are more relevant than ever. He reminds us that peace is not just a political agreement: it is first and foremost a spiritual state, the result of trust and mutual understanding between people and nations.
Armenia consistently advances the peace agenda, believing that stable and lasting peace in the region has no alternative. This path is not easy, but it is the only one that can ensure a secure future for our citizens and the entire region. The peace agenda is based on the same values Narekatsi spoke about: human dignity, forgiveness, responsibility, and faith in the future.
Culture and art have a special role in this process. They can do what politics sometimes fails to do: create dialogue and restore trust. This exhibition invites us to reflect not only on the past, but also on our current commitments and future commitments.
Dear friends,
I want to emphasize the important role of Greece in cultural dialogue and the dissemination of ideas of peace. The historical friendship between the Armenian and Greek peoples obliges us to continue this cooperation in education, culture, and humanitarian initiatives. Such programs not only strengthen bilateral relations but also contribute to a more peaceful, united international environment.
Allow me to thank the organizers of this exhibition, the museum management, and all those who have invested their dedication and effort in implementing this important initiative. Your work proves once again that culture is a living bridge between people.
May Grigor Narekatsi’s prayer for peace resound not only in this hall, but also in the hearts of all of us. “Let it be a reminder that peace begins with each of us – with our thoughts, our words, and our actions.”
