Armenians mark 1,700 years of faith

"We're expecting a full house," said Sylvia Kutchukian, festival director. "The conversion to Christianity is a cherished moment for us."

The celebration, titled "Glory Festival 2001," will include the premiere of "Children of the Morning," a dramatization of the country's conversion. Youth from three local Armenian churches -- St. Peter's Armenian Orthodox Church in Watervliet, Holy Cross Armenian Orthodox Church in Troy, and the United Armenian Congregational Church in Troy -- will enact the play. Artur Papazian, a highly acclaimed pianist from Armenia, will perform, as will the David's Tabernacle Dancers and the Armenian School Children's Choir.

Rich history

"Armenian national history is rich in information about the acceptance of Christianity into the country," Miss Kutchukian said. "History books show that it was through the missionary journey to Armenia by the apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus that the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ was first introduced to Armenia, then a zealous nation of idol worshipers.

"By the second and third centuries after Christ, the Christian religion was certainly making great headway in regions bordering on Armenia, being widespread there prior to Armenia's official conversion by St. Gregory the Illuminator in 301. The story of this conversion is one of the most cherished traditions of the Armenian nation."

Tradition

When prominent doctors from Armenia and Asia Minor failed to cure him, Gregory was summoned. After the saint prayed for King Drtad, he was restored. The king then accepted Christianity, which became the state religion.

Nation of faith

The faith of the Armenian people sustained them through difficult times, including genocide and earthquakes, she said, adding that she hopes "Glory Festival 2001" will be a learning experience.

"I would like our non-Armenian friends to come and learn," she noted.

("Glory Festival 2001" will be held June 3, 4 p.m., at The Egg in Albany. Admission is $5. Proceeds will benefit orphaned children victimized by earthquakes in Armenia. For information or reservations, call 459-3152.)

(05-24-01) [[In-content Ad]]