Armenian Culture Celebration
Join Museum of the Bible on January 29, 2022, for a special day celebrating Armenia, the world's first Christian nation. The Armenian people have one of the richest biblical histories and cultures in the world. Their historic lands include the traditional resting place of Noah’s ark and the garden of Eden. Join us as we explore the sacred traditions, Christian culture, and stories of the Armenian people! And it’s all free with a general museum admission ticket.
Please note: Guests do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to visit the museum. However, to attend this event or enjoy seated dining, unvaccinated guests must have a medical or religious exemption and show a negative test within the last 24 hours. Please see our updated safety protocols here.
Events
Local Armenian Artisan Market
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6
Products that will be featured include Armenian silk scarves, jewelry, art, hand-made soap, edibles, and souvenirs.
Digital Exhibition — Ancient Faith: The Churches of Nagorno-Karabakh
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6
Take a virtual exploration of the sacred spaces, Christian culture, and stories of the people who live and worship in Artsakh, known internationally as Nagorno-Karabakh.
Education Station
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Floor 4
With special activities related to Armenia such as an activity on the khachkar and Armenian alphabet.
Christmas Traditions in Armenia: A Special Lunch and Learn with Dr. Christina Maranci
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6 and via Zoom (see below for Zoom info)
Hear from Christina Maranci, Arthur H. Dadian and Ara T. Oztemel Professor of Armenian Art and Architectural History and chair of the Department of the History of Art and Architecture at Tufts University, who will speak about Christmas traditions in Armenia.
Taste of Armenia
12:00–1:00 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6
Join us to sample several traditional Armenian dishes in this celebration of Armenian cuisine.
Artistic Presentations
1:00–1:30 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6
Enjoy a selection of dances and poetry from students at the St. Mary Shnorhali School.
Armenian Hymns and Folk Songs
1:45–2:45 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6
Join the Hye Choral Group to enjoy Armenian songs in Armenian, with a short presentation of their meaning afterward.
The History of the Armenian Bible
3:00–4:00 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6 and via Zoom (see below for Zoom info)
For Armenians, the development of the Armenian Bible is imbued with sacred importance, since it enabled the spread of Christianity, the development of Armenian theology, and the survival of a distinct, unified cultural community.
The presentation will be given by Dr. Jesse S. Arlen, director of the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, and postdoctoral research fellow in Armenian Christian Studies at the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University.
Closing Remarks
4:00 p.m., Gathering Room, Floor 6
H. E. Lilit Makunts, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States of America
Price: Free to all museum guests
Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Join us on Zoom for two webinars
Below is the Zoom information for the Armenian Culture Celebration on January 29, 2022.
Notice there are two events that will be broadcast that day.
Lunch & Learn: Christmas Traditions in Armenia
Click the link to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83820349313
Webinar ID: 838 2034 9313
The History of the Armenian Bible
Please click the link to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83545912455
Webinar ID: 835 4591 2455
For Telephone Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833. International numbers available: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kmxt1Segt