By the blessing of His Holiness Aram I., Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, and under the auspices of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, and by the supervision of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Joint Assembly of the Western Prelacy, on the occasion of the 850th anniversary of St. Nerses Shnorhali’s passing, has decided to initiate the recording of the entire Armenian Church hymnal, which will most likely be the first complete professional recording of its kind. Mr. Berj Kirazian will conduct the recordings, which will pursue the following goals:
A. To make the treasury of Armenian hymns available to the Armenian and foreign public.
B. Delivering the Armenian Church hymns, to perpetuate the tradition of the Holy See of Cilicia.
C. Using modern means (internet, CD, apps…) to make the hymns accessible to the masses and utilize it as a guide for Armenian clergy and church choirs.
D. To immortalize the merits of St. Nerses Shnorhali, and commemorate the 850th anniversary of his passing, through proper portrayal of Armenian sacred music in the history and lives of the Armenian people.
Bishop Donoyan highly commends Mr. Kirazian’s efforts and service to the Western Prelacy, whom in recent years has become a dominant presence in the life of the Prelacy; as the artistic director of cultural programs and initiatives organized by the Bishop. The Prelate mentioned, “Through the various concerts organized by the Western Prelacy, Mr. Kirazian is a unique interpreter of the hymns of the Armenian Church, a singer and musician whose contribution to this work, we are sure, will exceed our expectations.”
