“Hayern Aysor”: Could you tell us about yourself?

Vahan Hovakimian: I came from Vienna, but I am originally from Syria. I have been a student of the Mekhitarist School in Lebanon since childhood. I studied there for three years and moved to Vienna to study at the Zharangavorats School in 1972. After graduation, I got accepted to a university and obtained my Master’s degree in Philosophy and Theology. During my 6-year study, I passed the rankings of clergymen, including new calling, temporary covenant (3 years), semi-deacon, deacon, friar and archimandrite. In 1984, I was ordained Archimandrite of the Mekhitarist Congregation. I stayed in Vienna, Lebanon and Syria for a long time, and then I finally returned to Vienna.

“Hayern Aysor”: How often do you visit Armenia? Are you invited here?

V. H.: I visit once a year, but I don’t need an invitation, Armenia is my home.l

“Hayern Aysor”: Do you have ties with the Ministry of Diaspora?

V. H.: Yes, I have very warm ties with the Ministry of Diaspora. My post in Vienna also makes me have warm ties, and I myself am a part of the Armenian Diaspora. I place high importance on the relationship between Armenia and the Diaspora. All Armenians in the Diaspora who still haven’t visited Armenia come to the Congregation’s monastery. I show them Armenians’ treasures, the scholars, Armenian manuscripts so that they don’t forget the homeland. They see a small Armenia at the Congregation. Foreigners are also interested in the monastery, but not the youth. Armenian youth express the desire to receive information about Armenia, and I call on them to visit Armenia.

“Hayern Aysor”: Do you lecture at the university?

V. H.: No, I don’t. The Armenology Department was closed down several years ago, but the Indo-European Languages Department includes an institute for Armenian and grabar, and the professor is His Holiness Mesrob Grigorian.

“Hayern Aysor”: Are the students Armenian?

V. H.: No, they are foreigners who are interested in that branch.

“Hayern Aysor”: What is your opinion of the conference?

V. H.: I place high importance on this conference, I would like foreigners to know us better. That will encourage Armenians and the new generation and will serve as an impetus for them to always believe that the Mekhitarist continue.

“Hayern Aysor”: How did the Mekhitarist Congregation celebrate its 200th anniversary in Vienna?

V. H.: The Austrian government held a grand celebration in Vienna on May 12 with several events and the printing of stamps.

“Hayern Aysor”: How close are Vienna-Armenians to the community and do they participate in community life and events?

V. H.: There are more than 6,000 Armenians in Vienna, of which 4,500 live in Vienna. The Armenians always try to stay in the capital and have good jobs. Those 4,500 can’t attend the same church. There are two churches, including the Armenian Apostolic (located in the 3rd district) and the Armenian Catholic, that is, the Mekhitarists’ Church. The Armenians attend both churches, celebrate Armenian holidays, mark April 24th, conduct rituals and listen to lectures in churches.

“Hayern Aysor”: It can be said that the Armenians in Vienna know how to unite as one.

V. H.: Yes, that is the case. They are connected to the homeland and long for it.

Interview by Karine Avagyan