Exhibition of Armenian church relics opened in Hermitage

Exhibition of relics of Armenian apostolic church in Hermitage opens Year of Armenia in Russia.

"We decided to start in St. Petersburg because we consider this town the center of spirituality. I am assured that in 2006 we will represent Armenia in Russia with dignity. Many interesting events are planned. The closure of the year will be held in St. Petersburg", - said Armenian Ambassador Armen Sambatyan during opening ceremony of the exhibition.

25 relics of Echmiadzin - historic center of Armenian church, residence of patriarch-Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II - are exhibited in Hermitage halls.

"Exhibition from Echmiadzin is very important and symbolic. It helps to understand such aspects of Armenian culture as sanctity, spirit, church, art", - said director of Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky.

Among presented in Petersburg relics are details of priest clothes, embroideries, manuscripts and relics from silver and gold decorated with precious stones.

Masterpieces of Echmiadzin collection are diptych-reliquary with particle of genuine Christ and one of most worshiped relic of Armenian church - diptych with particle of Noah`s Ark.

sections: Culture, Region News
regions: North-West region