MESROB MASHTOTS MEDAL BESTOWED UPON ARMENIAN ITALIAN WRITER ANTONIA ARSLAN

In an intimate ceremony held on Wednesday, October 30, at the Eastern Prelacy’s Hall, renowned Armenian Italian writer, literary scholar, and translator Antonia Arslan was honored with the prestigious “St. Mesrob Mashdots” Medal. The event gathered Armenian and Italian guests, along with representatives from the Armenian UN Mission and the Italian Consulate in New York.   

The opening remarks were given by Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Executive Director of the Eastern Prelacy. Following his introduction, Professor Siobhan Nash-Marshall,  the Mary T. Clark Chair of Christian Philosophy at Manhattanville University, presented the honoree and read a poem by Arslan dedicated to Artsakh.   

On occasion of the Armenian Culture Month in October, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, announced that in recognition of Arslan’s literary, academic, and public contributions, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I awarded her the St. Mesrob Mashtots Medal. The Prelate read the English translation of the Patriarchal Encyclical, then pinned the medal on Arslan’s chest. In his message, the Catholicos highlighted:

“The literary and scholarly accomplishments you have fulfilled over many years are an eloquent testimony to your unwavering fidelity to your ancestral roots, that you have devoted your God-given talents and abilities to shedding light on the hidden and genuine layers of the Armenian people’s history, and that you continue to do so,” the encyclical reads. “Among many works and translations of your authorship, your book Skylark Farm is a condensed story and, at the same time, an ‘ever-tolling bell tower’ of the epic odyssey experienced by the myriad of scattered Armenian families.” 

Following the awarding of the medal and Arslan’s expression of gratitude, the ceremony concluded with a reception for the attendees.