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December 29, 2009
Argentinean Armenian Community Unveils Khatchkar in Province of Buenos Aires, Thanks to AGBU and Local Politicians
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(L to R) Archbishop Kissag Mouradian, Primate of the Diocese of Argentina and Chile; Sergio Nahabedian; Republic of Armenia's Ambassador to Argentina Vladimir Karmirshalian; La Plata mayor Oscar Pablo Bruera; AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter chairman and AGBU Central Board Member Ruben Kechichian. -
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Inscription at the base of the Buenos Aires khatchkar is a permanent record of the dedication ceremony on December 5, 2009. -
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Prominent members of the Buenos Aires Armenian community, including Nahabed Nahabedian (fourth from left, in front), Armenia's Ambassador to Argentina Vladimir Karmirshalian (fourth from right) and Sergio Nahabedian (far right). -
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The Gayane Dance Ensemble of the Armenian Cultural Association performing on the courtyard of the Cathedral of La Plata. -
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Members of the General Antranig scout troop at the unveiling and blessing of the khatchkar. -
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A view of the audience listening to the Gomidas Choir of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral during its performance at the Cathedral of La Plata.
On December 2, 2009, an Armenian khatchkar (cross-stone) was unveiled on a prominent square in La Plata, the capital of the province of Buenos Aires. Made possible by a donation from the AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter, and through the initiative of Sergio Nahabedian, advisor to the province of Buenos Aires and Honorary Member of AGBU, the unveiling and blessing of the khatchkar was conducted on the square next to the Cathedral of La Plata.
The work of Armenian sculptor Ruben Nalpantyan, the khatchkar was carved out of the traditional Armenian stone known as tufa, and it measures 2.30 meters [8'] high, 80 centimeters [32 inches] wide, 30 centimeters [12 inches] deep, and weighs 800 kg [over 362 lbs.].
The major public event was organized by the Municipality of La Plata and AGBU. The day's program began with an Armenian religious ceremony in the cathedral involving the participation of His Eminence Kissag Mouradian, Primate of the Diocese of Argentina and Chile of the Armenian Apostolic Church; Archbishop Hector Aguer of the Archdiocese of La Plata; and Archbishop Mor Nicholovos Matti Abd Alahad, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch.
After the religious ceremony, a series of speeches were made in the cathedral by Ruben Kechichian, chairman of AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter and member of AGBU Central Board of Directors; Sergio Nahabedian; His Excellency Vladimir Karmirshalian, Armenian Ambassador to Argentina; and Oscar Pablo Bruera, Mayor of La Plata.
After the speeches, the procession, which was comprised of the clergymen and the laymen in attendance, headed for the square, where the unveiling and blessing of the khatchkar was conducted by Archbishops Mouradian and Aguer.
After the consecration of the khatchkar, Archbishop Auger addressed the attendees as follows: "It is with great joy that today I am receiving the members of the Armenian community, as well as my brother, Archbishop Mouradian, and his retinue. I also express my satisfaction and gratitude for this symbolic cross installed near the cathedral and the diocesan palace. I hope that this cross will be honored and worshiped, and be our – the Christians of La Plata – symbolic witness, to get a little closer to God and live in peace and happiness."
The Gomidas Choir of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral performed under the direction of AGBU Honor Member Makrouhi Olmesekian and offered a unique background to the religious ceremony that took place in the cathedral. Following the ceremony, which marked the unveiling and blessing of the khatchkar, an artistic program took place with the Armenian Cultural Association's Gayane Dance Ensemble, which performed under the direction of AGBU Honor Member Alicia Antreassian.
Present at the ceremonies were members of the executive committee of AGBU Buenos Aires Chapter, Ladies Auxiliary, Youth League and members of the General Antranig scout troop, as well as teachers, pupils, school board, mothers' committee of, and others associated with, the AGBU Marie Manoogian School. Representatives of other institutions in the Armenian community of Buenos Aires, the press and members of the general public were also in attendance for the unveiling and dedication.
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