Culture And Arts

The newspaper archives of the Samuelian Bookstore in the heart of Paris, a vital landmark of Armenian cultural heritage, are being transformed into a digital map through AI technology. Calfa and its partners have entered a new phase to uncover Armenian shops, associations, and social life in 20th-century Paris.

The Feast of Epiphany, symbolizing the baptism of Jesus Christ, was celebrated in Istanbul with the "Cross Retrieval Ceremony from the Sea" led by the Fener Greek Patriarchate. As part of a tradition maintained for centuries, Vasilios Konstantinidis retrieved the cross thrown into the Golden Horn by Patriarch Bartholomew among 40 participants. The ceremony witnessed colorful moments with the release of white doves into the sky.

The Maral Music and Dance Ensemble, operating under the Esayan Alumni Association, organized the final event of its 45th-anniversary celebrations.

This year’s grant covered literary works written in Western Armenian from any period and across all literary genres. Among the submissions received, two works were found equally successful by the judges.

Arto Tunçboyacıyan has concluded his quarter-century journey with his legendary group, the Armenian Navy Band, through the album “Cold Mountain - The End.” The master musician spoke about the 'rhythm' of life, ranging from artificial intelligence to identity politics, and from memories of Charles Aznavour to advice for the new generation.

Lebanese-Armenian virtuoso Ara Malikian, considered one of the world's best violinists, is preparing to return to Yerevan for a highly anticipated concert as part of his "Intruso World Tour." The concert will take place on February 15 at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan. The world-famous artist's Turkey concert, scheduled for 2022, was canceled due to security reasons.

Pope Leo XIV's "prayer meeting" at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit - Saint Esprit became a shared expression of enthusiasm that overflowed the cathedral and centuries-old faith. Hundreds of people witnessed the historic ceremony that transformed the Pope's "First Apostolic Journey" into a divine moment, as the spirit of "unity" from the First Council of Nicaea prevailed.

Saint Joseph University of Beirut inaugurated the Ara Hrechdakian Chair of Armenian Studies on October 27, 2025, made possible through a generous donation from the Hrechdakian family. The Chair, operating within the university's Bibliothèque Orientale, will focus on research activities while organizing academic conferences, cultural workshops, and exhibitions, as well as offering courses in Armenian Studies. Actress Arsinée Khanjian has been appointed as Chairholder, and Dr. Vahe Tachjian will serve as Executive Director. The Chair plans to create a website devoted to Armenian communities in Lebanon and the Middle East, aiming to preserve family materials and reconstruct the memory of community life while engaging both Armenian and non-Armenian audiences.