The Armenian community of Nancy, under Artur Avetyan’s leadership, in association with the RA Ministry of Diaspora and Etchmiadzin Municipality, placed the cross-stone called “Let There Be Light” (Yeghitsi Luys) at the French Colline de Sion church on April 11.

High-ranking representatives of the ARF-D of Paris participated in the unveiling of the cross-stone, which was placed with great contributions from French clergymen Jean Paul Clan, as well as pastors Alexander and Pano.

In his welcoming remarks, Artur Avetyan mentioned: “I would like for this cross-stone to become the symbol of our first Christian state, the cross-stone that eternalizes the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and the cross-stone that will help bring the Armenians together.” In his welcoming remarks addressed to the Armenian community of Nancy, Mayor of Etchmiadzin Karen Grigoryan mentioned: “In a couple of days, we will be commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and on the background of this, what’s more important is the significance of your patriotic act. It serves as further evidence of the eternity of the Armenia-Diaspora relations that will certainly continue.”

In her message, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan emphasized the following: “It is noteworthy that the cross-stone is dedicated to not only the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, but also the creation of the Armenian alphabet, symbolizing two major symbols of the Armenian nation-to have an exceptional memory of history and to carry out goal-oriented activities in all parts of the world.”

During the ceremony, member of the ARF-D Jirair Karapetyan also welcomed the initiative of the Armenian community of Nancy and noted: “It was our duty to come here and participate in this commendable initiative undertaken by this newly established community.”

Let us mention that the Armenians attending the ceremony were not only from Nancy, but also Paris, Bezanson, Epinal and Longvi. The cross-stone was consecrated by Father Dirair Kelejian.

The Armenian community of Nancy was established through the efforts of Artur Avetyan in 2011. In spite of the lack of an Armenian Apostolic Church in Nancy, the community participates in Holy Masses and other church ceremonies at the local Catholic Church. Artur Avetyan has created a Cultural Center that is involved in organizing education and cultural life within the community and has an Armenian Sunday School with 60 students. It should be mentioned that there are merited teachers who have made great contributions, including Elena Shahinyan, Ruzanna Adamyan, Shushanik Gevorgyan, Angela Meroyan and Teresa Gevorgyan. In 2012, the community established the Pan-National Department. It was a joy for the Armenians of Nancy that the Department has a school that is the fourth in France after the schools of Marseilles, Paris, Lyon and Valence.

Since 2013, the voice of the community is literally being heard more. Artur Avetyan has created a radio program at Radio Faget, which is one of the radio stations of Nancy. The “Hayasa.FM” bilingual (Armenian and French) program is broadcast on Sundays and is hosted and prepared by Merine Tadevosyan and Lusine Terteryan.

Lusine Terteryan