STORY BEHIND THE MEDIEVAL ARMENIAN CROSS THAT’S NOW IN THE VATICAN MUSEUMS
16:45 * 30.03.15
It’s hard to imagine a time when St. Peter’s Square didn’t exist. But
long before Bernini’s columns stood high and long before the Vatican’s
dome became a hallmark of Rome, pilgrims still visited the area, to
pray before the remains of St. Peter, Rome Reports says in a broadcast.
Among the pilgrims were thousands of Armenians who traveled to the
Eternal City to pay their respects. In fact, there was even a welcoming
home for Armenian visitors.
MIKAYEL MINASYAN Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See
“The priest who was responsible for managing this home, placed a cross
made out of stone at the entrance. It was a cross with a traditional
Armenian design.”
Now the Vatican Museums has that very cross as part of its permanent
exhibit. Even though the welcoming home closed its doors and
everything seemed to disappear, that cross re-emerged hundreds of
years later. Armenian’s president Serzh Sargsyan was there for its
unveiling, back in September 2014.
MIKAYEL MINASYAN
“In addition to the writing in Armenian, there was also a phrase in
Latin that read, ‘This cross has been consecrated.”
Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official
religion. Often its people were persecuted because of it. So, this
piece is about much more than mere devotion. It’s about Christianity,
history, faith and perseverance.
On April 12th, when Pope Francis celebrates a Mass to mark 100 years
since the Armenian genocide, part of the journey will come full circle.
MIKAYEL MINASYAN
“This cross was placed in an area where Armenians would stop and
pray before the tomb of St. Peter. Now, the Cross is back in Rome,
in the Vatican Museums. On April 12th, Armenians will be here again,
to honor the martydrom of victims from the Armenian genocide.”
The stone dates back to 1246 and its displayed in the Pope Urban VII
Gallery, just a short distance from the Sistine Chapel.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
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