On January 22, 2017, the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall of the Hayartun Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia hosted the next slideshow from “The Unknowns about the Known…” lecture series. Famous miniature painter Gohar Hakobyan was a slideshow presenter. Before the lecture, a minute of silence was observed in memory of recently deceased Anahit Bostanjyan.

Gohar Hakobyan, who is studying sanctuaries, fortresses and historical sites, called the Armenian Highlands and Mount Aragats a beacon which attracts the Armenian, no matter which corner of the world he lives in. The slideshow presenter spoke about the sanctuaries and historical sites of the region, their history, role and current state. Gohar Hakobyan lectured on Aragatsotn, Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces of the Republic of Armenia. The speaker mentioned the 10th -13th century historical monuments, which have reached us.

The lecturer revealed interesting facts about Amberd fortress and the Church of Surb Astvatsatsin built by Prince Vahram Pahlavuni (11th century); Teger Monastery built for Princess Khatun (also known as Mamakhatun) (13th century); Hovhannavank Monastery (5th -13th century); Kecharis monastic complex (11th- 13th century); Haghartsin Monastery Complex (10th-13th century); Goshavank monastery rebuilt by Mkhitar Gosh (12th century); Gndevank monastery built by Princess Sophia of Syunik (10th century).

Gohar Hakobyan told about spiritual, educational and defensive role of the historical sites, reported on Vachutyan, Pahlavuni, and other Armenian noble families from Syunik province, briefed on churches and monasteries, their architectural style, historical fate, location and strategic role, explained the origin of the names of the monuments.

Gohar Hakobyan entertained questions from the audience.

At the end of the event, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, made closing remarks and offered his blessings. The Diocesan Primate highly appreciated Gohar Hakobyan’s love and interest in the history of the Motherland, religious and cultural sites, highlighted her wish to share her research with the attendees, and encouraged her to continue with the same enthusiasm telling about the unknown pages of the known, however to limit the amount of presented material to get the audience to remember it better.

The slide-show presentation left a deep impression upon the people present.