Re-installation of Cross-Stone at UN Headquarters

16 April, 2015

On April 15, 2015, the official reopening and re-installation of the Khachkar (Armenian Cross-Stone), the gift of the Government of Armenia to the United Nations, was held at the UN Headquarters in New York.

During the renovation of the UN building, this 12^th-13^th century spectacular piece of art was hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where thousands of tourists from all over the world could witness its ancient beauty. Now that the renovation works are over, the Khachkar has returned to its initial location.

At the official part of Khachkar’s re-installation, Ambassador Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, thanked the guests for joining for the celebration of the return of that magnificent symbol of medieval history and culture back to the UN Headquarters, which represents the Armenian people in the legendary building that unites nations. Stating that since the medieval era when this work was carved, Khachkars have been the most compelling commemorative marker for Armenians representing individuals and places of significance, Ambassador Mnatsakanyan further noted in 2010 UNESCO declared the Armenian Khatchkar as tangible world cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. He also reminded that in 2005, hundreds of Khachkars were barbarically destroyed in a 15 hundred years old Armenian cemetery of Jugha, presently located in Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan. Reflecting on the history of his nation overwhelmed with phases of destruction and annihilation, and a devastating calamity 100 years ago in the Ottoman Empire, he concluded that like those stones, however, Armenians bare resilience, faith and eternal love for life and no genocide could break his people.

Dr. Helen Evans, Metropolitan Museum Curator for Byzantine Art at the Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters, who was overseeing the Khachkar’s presence at the Metropolitan Museum, made remarks about the value and symbolism of the Khachkar. She elaborated on the origins of this graceful work from the Monastery of Geghard, which dates back to the 13th century and is famed for its possession of the lance that pierced the side of Christ at his crucifixion.

Followed by a reception the event was attended by representatives from UN member states, UN Secretariat and mass media, and by other distinguished guests and Armenian-American community members. The re-installation ceremony was blessed by the Primates of the Eastern Diocese and Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.

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