Khachatur Stepanyan, Associate Professor of the Chair of Armenian History at the Faculty of History and Jurisprudence, was the only representative from Armenia to attend an
international conference held from September 28 to 30 in the University of Zadar, one of the oldest universities in Europe built in the 1390s.
In the Croatia-hosted conference on “Pilgrimage and Sanctuaries in Central and Eastern Europe,” the lecturer of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) presented a report on “Armenian Sanctuaries in Jerusalem.”
The international conference brought together scientists and professors from different countries of the world.
In his report, the young scientist referred to the Old City of Jerusalem, the Cathedral of Jerusalem - St. James (or Saint Jacob) Monastery – built in the 4th century, the main Christian sanctuary of Jerusalem - Surp Harutyun (Resurrection) Church, as well as the collection of some 4000 manuscripts kept in St. Toros Church and compiled by Het'umid dynasty of Cilicia. The collection is the second-largest in the world.
Khachatur Stepanyan also dwelt on the current policy towards sanctuaries, citing the example of tumbledown Surb Prkich (Saint Saviour) Church.
“Many Armenians settled in Jerusalem after Armenia adopted Christianity. Devout Armenians have their sanctuaries here that attract the pilgrims visiting the holy city,” said the scientist.
The ASPU lecturer highlighted his participation in the conference, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance in the political and economic process.
