Invocation delivered by
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Metropolitan Museum of Art
April 30, 2008

Dedication of 12th century Khatchkar

Almighty and ever living God, creator of the world, Father of all creatures, we render thanks to you for all the goodness that you have given us. Make us worthy of your bountiful mercy.

We stand here before you today in this most magnificent edifice—one of the wonders of the world—that is home to the exquisite artistic output of your children. We ask that you bless all those who perpetuate the legacy of this great repository of more than two millions works of art.

We are gathered to witness the installation of a 12th century khatchkar—the first Armenian stone cross to be exhibited in a major museum in the United States. Stone crosses have been created by Armenians for centuries—the first significant example dating back to the 9th century. They can be found throughout the landscape wherever Armenians lived. They were carved with love—love for you, the God of our deliverance, and love for the beauty and creativity of life.

We are saddened by the destruction of thousands of these beautifully crafted stone crosses, throughout the historic homeland of the Armenians. Just within the last few years more than 10,000 stone crosses have been deliberately obliterated in order to erase any vestige of Armenian habitation.

We are thankful today for the installation of this khatchkar in this place where it will remain as a proud representative of the rich and splendid creativity of the Armenian people. We ask you to bless all those who, through various tasks, perpetuate the legacy of this great repository of imagination and inspiration.

Please remember your faithful servants who glorified you with their hands and made your voice heard through stones. May their memory be ever blessed.

Grant your children everywhere the freedom of artistic expression that they may bring dignity to our life and glory to you forever.

Let us pray in the language of the khatchkar…
Hayr mer… (the Lord’s prayer)
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.