“Let There Be Light” Award Ceremony Held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin -July 2016

On July 13, in the Gevorkian Seminary Events Auditorium of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with the blessings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; the “Let There Be Light” Awards Ceremony, part of the Golden Apricot Annual International Film Festival was held. The award, which was established by the Catholicos of All Armenians, was awarded to renowned filmmaker Mr. Roman Balayan.

The ceremony opened with the Lord’s prayer. His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, Dean of the spiritual and higher education institutions of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, welcomed the visit of the Golden Apricot participants and guests to Holy Etchmiadzin. He informed that this award was established with the blessing of His Holiness Karekin II and by the decision of the members of the Ecumenical Jury, this year it will be awarded to the prominent Armenian film director, screenwriter and producer, Mr. Roman Balayan. Bishop Gevorg noted that this award was started in 2012, making Mr. Balayan the fifth “Let There Be Light” award recipient.

Mr. Harutyun Khachatryan, Director of the “Golden Apricot” International Film Festival made remarks. Presenting the works of Mr. Roman Balayan, he stated that it is very hard to be a great artist and a great Armenian and a great man as Mr. Balayan is. Reflecting on his films, Mr. Khachatryan stated that generations have been educated and brought up under their influence. Expressing his filial gratitude to His Holiness, Mr. Khachatryan emphasized the important support provided to the Festival.

His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan, Director of the External Relations and Protocol Department, in turn reflected on the life and activites of Mr. Balayan. Addressing the attendees and Mr. Balayan, Archbishop Nathan stated that it was a great honor for him to welcome everyone in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and share in the joy that the “Let There Be Light” award of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church had found its next recipient. Speaking on the relationship between the Armenian Church and Mr. Balayan, Archbishop Nathan stated that the high moral light that emanates from his art, is already worthy of the prize.

Rev. Fr. Karekin Hambardzumyan, Dean of the Gevorkian Theological Semianry read the Pontifical Encylical, to the film director Mr. Roman Balayan, for his significant contributions in the promotion of spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian values and to global cinematographic art. Following the reading of the Encyclical, His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan awarded the “Let There Be Light” to Mr. Balayan.

After receiving the award, Mr. Balyan expressed his gratitude and stated in part: “It’s a great honor for me to receive this award in this sacred place. Before arriving here, I did not feel the emotions so deeply. I am grateful and pleased”.

At the conclusion, the Etchmiadzin Student Choir led by Dn. Arthur Vardanyan performed several songs. The event was concluded with the “Protector” prayer.

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