Tatevik Melkonyan is not only going on pilgrimage, but also contributing to pious actions: she takes pictures of ancient Armenian churches and creates a database of centers of our spiritual heritage. Unfortunately, over 5,000 pictures (some of them are available in the NEWs.am picture spread) are not yet available to the readers: Tatevik has no money to publish the collection or arrange a photo exhibition. The author tells about the troubles, spiritual purification, mental anguish at seeing the ruins of Armenian churches and monasteries.
Setting out
I am a physicist and worked as engineer at the Central TV for many years. Ten years ago I had a car accident, fell serious ill and left work. I had much free time and began going to church. I went on my first pilgrimage in the year 2000. Every year, a 35-40-member group, we visit Armenian churches, cathedrals and monasteries not only in Armenia, but also in Western Armenia, Cilicia, Iran and Jerusalem. I have visited about 1,000 centers of Christianity, mostly Armenian ancient churches and monasteries. They are a great number of them in Armenia, to say nothing of those outside the country. In some cases, only fragments of walls and of khachkars (cross-stones) can be found. I was shocked by the remains of the Narekavank monastery, where Narekatsi lived and worked for some time. Its location is not far away from Lake Van, and a mosque is standing there now – only one stone can be found. A similar fate overtook the Church of Mother of God (the 10th century) as well as many other monasteries in Western Armenia. During our pilgrimage we clean the churches and the adjacent territory from refuse, the clergyman says prayers and sometimes holds services. I always take pictures of once glorious churches and monasteries. My pictures are my cry for help to churches. You look at an ancient church and hear its cry for help and restoration.
Christian mission
I want my pictures to become national heritage for people to see them and know about the churches that did and do exist in any place populated by Armenians. But I am embarrassed: I do not work, but we go on pilgrimages on our own funds, the Church does not sponsor us. My expenses double because I buy films, digital chips and have the films developed. I have to sell something valuable to be able go on pilgrimages and take pictures. I have a large archive, over 5,000 pictures. Last year, my only personal exhibition was held in Echmiadzin. I have applied to the Mother See, but, unfortunately, have not received any help so far. In 2003, I managed to publish a calendar with my pictures of ancient churches. Two years later the first fruits of my labor were borne: restoration work at the Astvatsnkal church got under way. My mission is to urge well-to-do people to sponsor the restoration of sacred places of Christondom. Every Christian must not only go to church, but also be of real help.
Journey to sacred places
The Surb Tadeivank monastery is located in Iran. Armenians from all over the world go on a great pilgrimage to that sacred place. The sepulcher of the apostle Thaddaeus is there. I was there a few years ago. In 2006 I visited the Armenian churches in Jerusalem. Last year, we visited Western Armenia, namely, Adan, Karin, Kars and Van. The Surb Tovmas monastery is located high in the mountains there. It has partly been preserved due to its being difficult to approach. I also went on a pilgrimage to the Surb Khach (Holy Cross) church on Akhtamar Island. When we entered the church, the clergyman told us it was forbidden to light candles, pray, burn incense and take pictures there. But we lit candles, burned incense prayed, and I began to take pictures. The Turkish policemen, who were seeing that, did not interfere. Only after they saw me taking pictures, they tried to forbid me. Of course, I did not obey them and took as many pictures as I could. This year I have returned from Cilicia with a pilgrimage group. I will continue going on pilgrimages and taking pictures of churches in the hope that kind people, true Christians, will extend a helping hand.
