On Friday evening, November 22, 2024, at 6:30 PM, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a lecture at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino dedicated to the 850th anniversary of St. Nerses Shnorhali’s passing. Dr. Seta Dadoyan, a versatile intellectual, delivered the lecture, which was attended by clergy and members of the community.
The evening commenced with the Lord’s Prayer led by H.E. Archbishop Khacherian, followed by an introductory message by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Glendale. Very Rev. Fr. Sarkissian outlined the purpose of the lecture, provided information about Dr. Seta Dadoyan’s background and areas of expertise, listed her historical, research, and scientific works and publications, and then invited Dr. Dadoyan to deliver her lecture on the gracious Saint and esteemed diplomat of the Armenian Church.
Dr. Seta Dadoyan discussed and presented the complex persona of St. Nerses Shnorhali and his roles as a Saint and a diplomat. Dr. Dadoyan expressed that her goal is to provide a comprehensive and analytical perspective to reassess not only St. Nerses Shnorhali’s legacy but also the significant historical contributions and work of the Armenian church from the fourth century to the present day.
Dr. Dodoyan shared that while some events and people are acknowledged to some extent in the church’s history, there has been a lack of in-depth analysis regarding the actual role of the church in historical contexts, which has not received sufficient attention from historians and their theoretical frameworks. Dr. Dodoyan then offered insightful perspectives and information based on historical and political circumstances.
According to Dr. Dadoyan, the existing literature dedicated to the Armenian Church lacks in providing in-depth detailed information on the history of the church’s political and diplomatic activities and initiatives. Dr. Dadoyan pointed out that there are limited works focusing on the history of the Armenian Church, resulting in a lack of comprehensive information on its political and diplomatic involvement. Dr. Dadoyan added, “This means that we are facing serious deficiency in this field, both in historical philosophy and relevant approaches.”
Dr. Dadoyan utilized St. Nerses Shnorhali as an illustration of incorporating the spiritual and diplomatic aspects of the Armenian Church and concluded her lecture by proposing the need to reevaluate and rewrite the entire history of the Armenian Church with a new approach, encompassing the diverse experiences, realities, and perspectives of Armenians throughout history, and moving away from traditional and semi-mythical narratives and stereotypes.
At the end of the informative lecture, H.E. Archbishop Khacherian delivered his message of blessing, expressing his appreciation for Dr. Dadoyan’s scholarly background, preparation, and analytical approach in examining the role of Patriarchs of the Armenian Church throughout the centuries-long course of Armenian history, with a focus on St. Nerses Shnorhali. H.E. Archbishop Khacherian highlighted St. Nerses Shnorhali’s immense role as a saint and diplomat during the 11th and 12th centuries, emphasizing the challenges faced by Armenians and the need to adapt to the changing political and diplomatic landscape.
In his message, Archbishop Khacherian expressed that Armenian Patriarchs, similar to St. Nerses Shnorhali, have prioritized safeguarding and protecting both segments of the Armenian nation, particularly the Western segment, from enemies, especially when Armenia faced political division and loss of independence.
The evening also consisted of a cultural program. The first portion of the program highlighted the works of St. Nerses Shnorhali, including the rendition of ecclesiastical hymns such as “Light,” “Uncreated,” and “Morning Light” performed by Deacon Yervant Keshishian, Choir Director at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena, with piano accompaniment by Mrs. Maria Hovsepian-Keshishian. The second part of the program showcased performances by guitarist Mr. Megerdich Mikayelian, who performed St. Nerses Shnorhali’s “New Flower,” Parsegh Ganatchian’s “Armenian Lullaby,” and Nahapet Roussinian’s “Cilicia.”
