“Book of Lamentations” by Gregory of Narek already available in Latvian
The presentation of Latvian version of “Book of Lamentations” by Armenian monk, poet, mystical philosopher, theologian Gregory of Narek was held in Riga, Latvia on April 4.
The book was translated by Latvian expert on Armenian studies Valda Salmiņa. The presentation was attended by Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Culture Nerses Ter-Vardanyan, Armenian Ambassadot to Latvia Tigran Mkrtchyan, Director of Armenpress news agency Aram Ananyan, translator Valda Salmiņa, researcher at Matenadaran Arusyak Tamrazyan, Latvian public figures.
“Gregory of Narek believed that the “Book of Lamentations” would be a universal work, the book would have a common audience and he hoped that it would be translated and accepted by various people at different eras,” Deputy Culture Minister Ter-Vardanyan said in his welcoming speech.
He awarded Valda Salmiņa with the Ministry’s “Gregory of Narek” Memorial Medal for the contribution in spreading Armenian cultural values in the Baltic countries. “The Book of Lamentations” by monk and poet of the 10th century, Gregory of Narek, is kept in all Armenian families together with the Bible. People not only read and kissed “Narek”, as Armenians call the book, but also they felt, appreciated and worshiped it.
“Narek” seems to be a source to the extent the reader can reach it, understand its meaning and message. Due to efforts of Latvian expert on Armenian studies Valda Salmiņa, Latvian readers can read the book, interact with real literary masterpiece. It is one of the treasures of Armenian and world literature,” Ambassador Tigran Mkrtchyan said.
A conference kicked off in the University of Latvia on April 5 which is entitled: “Readings of St. Gregory of Narek in Riga: St. Gregory of Narek: A universal key between East and West”.
The conference will last until April 6. A concert will be held in Riga on April 6 dedicated to St. Gregory of Narek. Works of Komitas will be performed during the concert. The events are organized within the frames of Armenian Culture Days in Latvia.
On April 4 the photo exhibition of Armenpress was opened in the library of the University of Riga. Over three dozen of exclusive photos of monuments of medieval Armenian Church architecture were presented.
