On February 19, 2017, the Calouste Gulbenkian Hall of the Hayartun Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia hosted an event entitled “I am present…”. The event was dedicated to the memory of Anahit Bostanjyan, who recently passed away unexpectedly.

The hall was very crowded. It was an emotional and moving event. Experiencing pining, the Armenian community of Tbilisi had gathered to feel the living presence of the talented poet, translator, professional journalist, and active literary and social figure. Forty days ago, she had a front row seat in the hall… and today, with eyes full of tears her family members: daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and relatives occupied the first row of seats. The memorial program was attended by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan.

The event began with a minute’s silence. Following opening remarks, the attendees could hear Anahit’s vibrant, audacious and meaningful voice…but, alas, not alive. A video presentation was shown, which carried the audience away to those happy days when the famous poet, speaking perfect Armenian, reflected on the Motherland, nation, love and kindness, victory of good and justice, grand ideas of dream and faith, once again with her prudent speeches enriching everyday life, making it interesting and meaningful.

Anahit Bostanjyan’s career was prolific, she wrote in multiple genres: poems, prose, journalistic articles, essays, deep meaningful quotes, unforgettable quatrains – simply meditation, excitement, response to beauty and kindness, disrespect for lies and injustice…

The recitation of Anahit Bostanjyan’s poetry by Levon Chidilyan, Liza Torosyan, Mariam Badalyan, Dmitry Mkrtchyan, Georgian and Russian translations of her poems by Artyom Kirakozov, Gary Kalamkarov, Michael Ananov, Marina Kirakosyan-Mosesova; songs, based on her works, performed by Ann Badalian, Ani Hovhannisyan, Ani Torosyan, Genrikh Petrosyan, Saint Nerses Shnorhali Youth Choir, accompanied by musician Anri Merabov, Karen Mirzoyan on piano, Ivane Mkrtchyan on duduk, Robert Kashavanidze on dhol, and led by choirmaster Maria Abulyan, were presented.

The Primate of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan delivered the closing message and offered his blessings. Anahit and her works, translations, journalistic activities belonged to two nations, she loved boundlessly both Armenia and Georgia, tried to strengthen their friendship, creative ties. The Primate highlighted the response to her untimely death, which reflected the pain of the world of literature in Armenia and Georgia. Anahit didn’t live only in present, she cared about the future generation of poets and writers, united them around her, directed them to true literature and creative work. The Bishop urged the daughters of Bostanjyan family to get involved with Anahit Bostanjyan’s creative and social, publishing and translation activities, to continue their mother’s legacy, particularly the publishing of “Kamurj” almanac and the activities of the “Kamurj” NGO.

The memorial evening was a real way to feel Anahit Bostanjyan’s heavenly presence and vibrant life.