Դավիթ Մուրադյան

Listen to the interview with Ashot Bleyan related to Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex, watch the video, and answer the questions.

• What kind of city is Venice?

Venice is a small city on the water in Italy. It is a tourist town built in ancient times.

• What is Venice famous for?

Venice is famous for itself. It is famous for gondolas, which are a special means of transport for the canals of the city. It is a tourist city, it has become loved by many because of its comfort, beautiful architecture, narrow streets, most of which are water-filled.

• Why is it noteworthy city for Armenians?

For Armenians, I would say that the island of St. Lazar is important, where the center of the Mkhitaryan Congregation is located.

• How was the first published book called?

The first printed book is called “Urbatagirk”, it was printed in 1512 by Hakob Meghapart, the first Armenian printer.

• Speak about the Island of San Lazzaro?

Saint Lazarus Island is one of the smallest islands of the Venetian Archipelago. As I already mentioned, the center of the Mkhitaryan Congregation is located there. As a result of the conscientious approach of the local management bodies, today we have a wonderful monument outside of Armenia, in our friendly Italy. St. Lazarus Island has no common ties. The islet lies 2 km (1.2 mi) to the southeast of Venice proper and west of the Lido and covers an area of 3 hectares (7.4 acres). Settled in the 9th century, it was a leper colony during the Middle Ages, but fell into disuse by the early 18th century. In 1717 San Lazzaro was ceded by the Republic of Venice to Mkhitar Sebastatsi, an Armenian Catholic monk, who established a monastery with his followers.

• What can you see at the bay?

The first thing that you can see at the bay is the «Armenia» ship.

• Who was the founder of the monastery church?

The founder was a clergyman named Mkhitar who had arrived from Sebastia.

• Who was Mkhitar Sebastatsi?

Mkhitar Sebastatsi was an Armenian Catholic monk, as well as prominent scholar and theologian who founded the Mekhitarist Order.

• Where did Mkhitar Sebastatsi arrive from?

Mkhitar Sebastatsi arrived from Sebastia.

• Thanks to whom could he found the  Congregation?

Thanks to the goodwill local government he founded the congregation in Venice. But before establishing a monastery there, that island belonged to the native authorities.

• What can you see in the museum?

We can see a large collection of books, journals, artifacts, the gallery filled with pictures of famous artists, as Ayvazovsky, Martiros Saryan, Garzon’s art pieces, also the tomes of Mkhitar Sebastatsi, the third largest collection of Armenian manuscripts and the sword of Levon 5th, the king of Kilikia, which was made in Sis in 1366.

• What mission does the Congregation carry out up to this day?

The Congregation carry out up to this day the mission of Mkhitar Sebastatsi, the mission which was given to him by the divine power.

Write your attitude and approach towards the school you study.

Always when I write similar essays, I am not afraid to use the word “free”, something that I would not have been able to use elsewhere or in my old school. I have been studying at school for about 3-4 years now, and I am only proud. In addition to giving me reliable friends, this school also guided me on the right path with its best teachers who understand me well. The school gave me the opportunity to talk, relate and debate, which I would not be able to do in other schools, where the form of governance is not freedom, it is hierarchy. Here I can calmly talk, discuss, even argue with the teachers, of course, within limits. I appreciate this and “Mkhitar Sebastatsi” is probably the only school in Armenia with a similar management style. At the moment of attitude, I have already shown it and I will show it.