More than 150 people were in attendance for a unique event organized by the “Zvartnots” Cultural Committee of the Western Diocese on Wednesday, September 4, 2013. Held at the Zorayan Museum, guests heard lectures from renowned historians and linguists including Dr. Armen Yurneshilian, Mr. Garo Bedrossian, Dr. Minas Kojayan panel discussion focused on the preservation of the Armenian language in the Diaspora. Hratch Sepetjian, Chair of the Armenian Department at AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

Among the topics discussed were the roles of the immediate family and private Armenian Schools in the preservation of the Armenian language; the impact of weekly Saturday and Sunday Schools; the effectiveness of Armenian television, press and media; the expectations from the Ministry of Diaspora and Ministry of Education; and short-term and long-term solutions.

“Language, along with faith, captures the essence and defines the identity of a nation. Personally, for me, the Armenian language is the reflection of our history, culture and lifestyle,” said His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, in his remarks. “The Church has a unique role and mission in preserving our language and culture,” he added.

Guests took an active part in the panel discussion as their raised relevant questions and addressed their concerns pertaining to the matter.