ETCHMIADIN, a MUSICAL

Mona Selyan

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, under the auspices of His Grace Bagrat Galstanian, Primate, presented ETCHMIADIN, a MUSICAL, celebrating the cultural wealth of the Armenian Church and The Birth of the Christian Nation. This huge undertaking was entirely conceived by Bishop Galstanian.

The performance was dedicated to the 110th Anniversary of the Armenian Church in North America and The 25th Anniversary of the Canadian Diocese and organized by the Ontario apostolic churches:

• Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Toronto;
• St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church of Mississauga;
• St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Hamilton;
• St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Catharine’s;
• Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church of Windsor; and

CAAPA - Canadian Armenian Association for the Performing Arts.

The performance featured Komitas Choir under the direction of Maestro Varujan Margaryan, of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of Montreal, Quebec, and Garni Dance Ensemble, under the Artistic direction of Ludvig Boulghadaryan,

The show took place on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at The Global Kingdom Ministry Church onMarkham Road.

Mr. Saro Khatchadourian presented Armenian opening remarks before the performance, and Ms.Sally Sahagian presented English-language remarks.

At the close of the show, Bishop Galstanian presented his remarks and thanked the performers, organizing committee and audience before offering his benediction.

After the performance, dinner and reception were held in Magaros Artinian hall for the performers and committee members. Mrs. Apet Alpay, member of the Diocesan Council and Chairman of the Organizing committee, thanked the performers and her committee for a successful evening and a job well done.

Etchmiadzin Musical is entertaining, exhilarating and aesthetically pleasing, and unique to Armenian experience. The production, entirely sung and recited in Armenian, traces the Christian history of our nation, from St. Gregory the Illuminator through to the current day.

The adult choir, youth dancers, soloists, costumes and light and sound effects combined to make a powerful statement. Etchmiadzin left the audience members inspired and exhilarated, and proud of the rich Armenian Christian heritage.