Forced to take the path of exile from the historical Catholicosate in Sis, the parishioners had to abandon centuries-old cultural treasures, carrying only what they could salvage from the Sultan’s looting, as they undertook the road of exile from their homeland. This detailed account of exile is chronicled in the memoirs of Catholicos Sahag II Khabayan.
On September 13th, 1915, Armenian churchmen, in the limited time they had, took with them various relics, manuscripts, the cauldron of holy Myron, church attire, veils, and ceremonial dishes. However, the journey of exile is seldom smooth, and misfortunes occurred. The cart was separated from the raft by the current of the Ceyhan River, causing the heavy chest to submerge in deep waters. Yet, fortified by their faith, the clergy and the faithful worked tirelessly to retrieve the treasures from the water. This effort was crucial. Beginning the fourth century, the Armenian Apostolic Church had observed the blessing of the Holy Muron, representing the mystical presence of the Holy Spirit.
Sadly, numerous cultural and religious artifacts have disappeared due to the Armenian Genocide, but we are fortunate to house in the Cilicia Museum many surviving artifacts, some dating all the way back to the third century.
The construction of the Cilicia Museum began in 1994 under the guidance of Catholicos Karekin II, later becoming Catholicos Karekin I of all Armenians, and was completed in December 1997 during the reign of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The museum, drawn and executed by Silvya Adjemian, has undergone several renovations, especially by architect Hagop Ateshian.
The Cilicia Museum is divided into sections, featuring relics, jewelry, embroidery and ritual dresses, manuscripts, printed books, khachkars, coins, archaeological exhibits, carpets, tapestries, and fine art. It includes a special hall for events.
Adjacent to the museum is the Cilicia Library, housing around 80,000 volumes, including 2,000 ancient manuscripts.
The museum is a member of the International Committee of Museums (ICOM).
The museum is open every Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and in the summer, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visitors can explore the museum thoroughly in two to three hours.
The Cilicia Museum committee members include V. Rev. Fr. Ardavazt Sharoyan, Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Mr. Raffi Tokatlian, Mrs. Maro Nersessian, Mrs. Huri Karajerjian, Mrs. Rita Kalinjian-Dagher, Ms. Maral Panossian, and Mrs. Ani Magarian.
The construction of the Cilicia Museum was made possible by the generosity of benefactors such as Mr. and Mrs. Hrant Pambagian (Italy), Mr. and Mrs. Vazken Pambagian (Italy), Mrs. Anahit Pambagian-Gulbengian (Italy), Mrs. Helen Yenikomishian (United States), Mr. and Mrs. Adom Tnjukian (England), Mrs. Sona Ibishian (Italy), Caloust Gulbenkian Foundation (Portugal), Mr. and Mrs. Vayche Manougian (England), Mr. Khatchig Babigian (Lebanon), Mr. and Mrs. Krikor Bzdigian (United States), brothers Melkon, Sarkis and Harout Bulghurjian (Lebanon), Brothers Suren, Hrayr and Kourken Sarkissian (France), Mr. and Mrs. Karl and Emma Soghoyan (United States), Mr. Ago Demirjian (Lebanon), Mr. and Mrs. Hagop Ateshian (Lebanon), Ord. Silvya Adjemian (Lebanon), Mr. and Mrs. Albert Khanamirian (Lebanon), Mr. and Mrs. Bedro Vanlian (Lebanon), Brothers Sarkis, Avedis and Hagop Demirjian (Lebanon), Mr. and Mrs. Dikran Sasounian (Syria) and MR. and Mrs. Garo and Sossi Eshgeian (USA).
Deputy director:
Rev. Fr. Ardavazt Sharoyan
Secretary:
Nare Saghdejian
Contact:
Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
P.O.Box: 70 317
Antelias – Lebanon
Phone: +961 4 410 001 – +961 4 410 003
Email: [email protected]
