His Eminence Joins Community for Unveiling of Komitas’ Bust

His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada, joined the Armenian community in Quebec City for the official unveiling of Komitas Vartabed’s bust on the afternoon of July 6, 2008.

The special ceremony was under the auspices of Mr. Jacques Langlois, president of the Commission of the National Capital of Quebec and Quebec City’s Mayor Régis Labeaume. On behalf of the Commission, Mr. Denis Angers presented the biography of Komitas Vartabed and his significance as a cultural titan and a proud representative of the Armenian people.

Mr. Angers then invited Mr. Viken Afarian, president of Montreal’s Armenian Community Centre, to speak on behalf of the Armenian people, and was followed by Archbishop Hagopian’s blessing of the bust. His Eminence was accompanied by Archbishop Souren Kataroyan and the Prelacy’s Executive Council chairperson Dr. Jean Arakelian.

The statue, a gift from the Armenian National Committee of Quebec to Quebec City, is located on l’Allée des poètes, rue D’Auteuil, and its erection made possible thanks to the Agreement for the enhancement of the National Capital (commemorative projects) between Quebec City and the Commission of the National Capital of Quebec.

More than 300 Armenian community members, as well as representatives of sister organizations, were present for this milestone, organized as part of the summer-long events celebrating the 400^th anniversary of Quebec City.

*Photo Credit: Armen Alemian

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