The celebrations for 150th anniversary of Vartabed Gomidas’ birth was held at Getronagan High School.
On the evening of Friday, October 18, a memorial night was held at Getronagan Armenian High School to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Vartabed Gomidas. The Armenian Patriarchal Locum Tenens (Değabah) Bishop Sahak Mashalyan, Rev. Harutyun Damatyan, Archpriest Rev. Kirkor Damatyan, Rev. Shirvan Murzyn, the school principals, teachers, students and fans of Vartabed Gomidas attended the event.
The organizers of the night were the school principal Silva Kuyumcuyan and music teacher Hagop Mamigonyan. After the opening speeches, the new and old students of the school performed succesfully the works of Vartabed Gomidas. A piano which Gomidas had personally used was placed in the same hall and many of the attendees learned this out there. The use of that piano gave the night a special meaning. Every sound emitted from it reminded the participants that Gomidas was spiritually among them.
On this meaningful night, the students of the Mihitar Sepasdatsi School, who came to Istanbul from Yerevan just to attend this ceremony, also performed Gomidas’ works. In short, Gomidas spoke at Getronagan that night.
At the end of the night, Bishop Mashalyan said:
“I would like to thank the Getronagan Family for organizing this meaningful night in the person of Principal Silva Kuyumcuyan. I would also like to thank Hagop Mamigonyan, the music director of the night, the school’s music teacher and the maestro of the Lusavoric Choir. A big thanks to all the young people who have colored the night through their voice and instruments.”
After the applause, Bishop Mashalian and the delegation who was accompanying him attended the “Gomidas photo exhibition” on the upper floor of the school with all the guests. Here, refreshments prepared by the school and family unity were presented to the guests.
Bishop Mashalyan who visited the exhibition with interest, got information about the works and met with students, parents and art lovers. He also delivered gifts to many students and participants. Lastly, Bishop Mashalyan met with the school principal and expressed his pleasure from the night.
